Authenticity of Foundation and Proactive Conservation of the Central Tower of Bayon Temple Under a Changing Climate in Angkor, Cambodia

Abstract

Soil and foundation are recognized as important factors in general building construction but not as heritage. They have easily changed or modified without discussion of the special characteristics of the authenticity. The present paper introduces the authenticity of the foundation of heritage structure and the character defining elements of the authenticity of the foundation are discussed. Heavy rain sometimes has caused failures of soil structures in Angkor. The slope of Baphuon temple had failed in 1943 and the embankment of the west moat of Angkor Wat failed in 1997 because of heavy rains. The temple structures in Angkor stand on sandy fill and often with steep slopes, which failed due to heavy rain. The tall central tower of Bayon stands upon thick manmade fill by a direct shallow foundation without special supporting elements. The sandy soil used for the platform mound was found to have very strong strength in dry conditions, but weakened in wet conditions. The global warming could potentially bring heavy rain with long duration and is anticipated to weakening the soils which might result in damages and failures of heritage structures. For the sustainable conservation, the preventive measures, and observational method are being prepared to avoid any damage and failure by heavy and long rain in Angkor.