Monitoring Shock and Vibration during the Transportation of Paintings

David Saunders
Technical Bulletin Volume 19, 1998

Abstract

The rationale for logging the shock and vibration experienced by a painting in a packing case is discussed. Shock/vibration records for a variety of typical journeys by air-ride truck in the UK, by air-ride truck and ferry, and air-ride truck and flight are presented and discussed. Shock/vibration records for loggers attached to the case and to the frame of a painting (less vibration) are compared, as are records for a large and a small painting (more vibration) on similar journeys.

Some of the highest vibration levels were recorded in airport cargo areas, while carrying large cases up steps, and while 'hand-carrying' small cases which in fact travelled on trolleys and in ordinary vehicles rather than air-ride ones on their journeys. 'Typical' vibration ranges for a wide range of transport situations are described.

Keywords 

paintings, shock, transporting, UK, vibration

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To cite this article we suggest using

Saunders, D. 'Monitoring Shock and Vibration during the Transportation of Paintings'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 19, pp 64–73.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/saunders1998

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