Soluble salts are a principal agent of decay of porous building materials. The crystallization of soluble salts can cause characteristic pitting, powdering and exfoliation of surfaces. This is particularly damaging to decorated masonry surfaces and sculpture on buildings.

It is essential to reveal the fundamental mechanisms leading to salt damage, to identify the key parameters controlling the process, and to use this knowledge for the development of new methods for repair and maintenance.

This conference addresses the problems of salt-induced decay on buildings and sculptures from a scientific and as well as a practical perspective. Restoration and conservation techniques for salt contaminated structures and objects are also in focus. The conference provides a forum forpractitioners and scientists to present and discuss recent findings within the field.