The development of MDDS-COMPASS. Compatibility of plasters with salt loaded substrates

The use of expert systems in building practice and more specifically a system meant to mitigate the effects of decay and damage to buildings belonging to the cultural heritage is a quite recent development.MDDS, the Masonry Damage Diagnostic System, is an expert system developed for the diagnosis of damage to ancient masonry structures. The principles of this system, dating back to 1995, were used as a basis for a new system focusing attention on damage to plasters due to salts. This development took place in the framework of the EU COMPASS project. The project focused on salt damage to plasters in historic buildings. The main aim of the project was to provide end-users with guidelines for decision support, including diagnostic support and support in planning of interventions. The new System is called Monument Damage Diagnostic System.