Three-dimensional image analysis, deterioration evaluation and scientific conservation treatment of the Daechiri dinosaur trackways in Haman Country, Korea

The Daechiri dinosaur trackways in Haman Country need overall improvement in respect of conservation environment because physicochemical deterioration is serious by more than two move and unsuitable conservation treatment. The scientific conservation treatment was carried out based on material characteristics, three-dimensional image analysis and quantitative deterioration evaluation of the damaged dinosaur trackways. The dinosaur tracksways, object of the conservation treatment, occur in shale appearing purple and grayish-green alternated bed. Also, they are classified as specimens of two omithopod and one sauropod. As a result of deterioration evaluation, main factors were physical deterioration such as hair cracks and bursting cracks and secondary damage by the past repair materials. In particular, plaster used as the past repair material passed through the surface and inside of fossils and caused efflorescence. But it was identified that the efflorescence material was desalted by distilled water impregnation in about two weeks. Accordingly, scientific conservation treatment was carried out based on preliminary investigation for stable conservation of the Dinosaur Tracks fossils. Overall precesses were sequentially proceeded by dismantling, removal of the past repair materials, cleaning and desalting by the impregnation method, preliminary joining, making of molding cast, restoration, joining and filling, and treatment of anti-swelling agent and consolidant. This study will contribute to set up an integrated conservation system and for establishing the future-oriented customized conservation treatment.