Article
Geography, Physical
Erwan Roussel, Franck Vautier, Olivier Voldoire, Marie-Francoise Andre, JoAnn Cassar, Gilles Fronteau, Bruno Phalip, Celine Thomachot-Schneider, Jean-Pierre Toumazet
Summary: The study conducted photogrammetry, on-site tests, and analyses on Maltese fortifications affected by salt weathering to quantify limestone loss over the past half-millennium. It identified two-rate weathering in Globigerina Limestone, with Franka subtype resisting atmospheric aggression significantly better than Soil subtype. Coralline Limestone also showed good resistance, with identified factors including water uptake capacity and cohesiveness between different limestones.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marzouk Mohamed Aly Abdelhamid, B. G. Mousa, Hassan Waqas, Mohamed Abdelghany Elkotb, Sayed M. Eldin, Iqra Munir, Rashid Ali, Ahmed M. Galal
Summary: This research investigates the deterioration of limestone rocks due to thermal quenching and salt crystallization weathering tests and predicts their long-term durability. The results show that cyclic salt crystallization deteriorates the physico-mechanical characteristics of limestone more strongly than thermal quenching cycles. The degradation rate differs for various limestone specimens under different weathering processes.
Article
Engineering, Geological
C. M. Belfiore, C. Calabro, S. A. Ruffolo, M. Ricca, A. Torok, A. Pezzino, M. F. La Russa
Summary: This research investigated four types of limestone used in the historic city centre of Ortygia in Syracuse, and compared their durability in outdoor environments. The results highlight the close relationship between the specific damage of the stone and its compositional, textural, physical and mechanical characteristics. The findings provide insights into the maintenance and preservation of historic buildings made of limestone.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mustafa Yavuz Celik, Ozhan Ozkan
Summary: This study investigated the durability of three low-porous beige-cream marbles using a salt crystallization test. The results showed that these marbles exhibited excellent resistance to salt crystallization.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zita Papay, Nikoletta Rozgonyi-Boissinot, Akos Torok
Summary: The durability of highly porous limestones was tested through salt crystallization and freeze-thaw cycles, comparing consolidated and untreated samples. The study found that the tensile strength of limestone significantly increased after consolidation, with the crucial factor being the modification of the pore structure.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lino Bianco
Summary: This paper presents a study on the geochemistry, mineralogy, and textural properties of the Lower Globigerina Limestone Member in the Maltese archipelago, revealing higher non-carbonate and clay content in limestone of inferior quality. The analyses provide insights into the fabric of the matrix and the physico-mechanical bonding present in the limestone, which have implications for its deterioration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Germinario, Chiaki T. Oguchi
Summary: This study focuses on the deterioration of stone in underground cultural heritage and geoheritage. It investigates the relationship between salt weathering and the properties of the rock and the environmental setting. The study uses Oya-ishi, a well-known building stone in Japan, as the material of study. It analyzes the effects of water and seasonal microclimate fluctuations on salt stability and crystallization, which ultimately lead to stone damage. The findings can help predict the severity of salt weathering and resulting stone damage.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Hongjie Lin, Sergio D. N. Lourenco
Summary: The study found that hydrophobized sands degrade under elevated temperature and prolonged water immersion, with varying levels of stability among different coatings. Increasing the concentration of hydrophobizing compounds can minimize degradation during cyclic wetting-drying processes. Freezing-thawing has a negligible effect on hydrophobicity.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
M. R. Sakr, M. T. Bassuoni
Summary: The study adopted a combined testing approach, investigating concrete concurrently under accelerated PSA and carbonation to identify potential performance improvement and risks. Thermal, mineralogical, and microscopy analyses elucidated the complex degradation processes in concrete under the dual exposure of accelerated PSA and carbonation.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Chentout, P. Vazquez, C. Thomachot-Schneider, A. Guillaneuf, B. Alloul, D. Belhai
Summary: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential weathering of three different varieties of Algerian limestones by comparing standard durability tests with adapted tests. Non-destructive measurements and strain gauges were used to assess the effects of thermal shock, salt crystallization, and freeze-thaw tests on the stones. The results showed that limestones with the same porosity but different microstructure behaved differently, and the residual strain was considered the main parameter affecting the stone's deterioration.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Eri Yamakita, Shigeharu Moriya, Satoru Nakashima
Summary: The study shows that mosses do not have a major physical weathering effect on limestone, and there are organic polysaccharides containing sulfur and nitrogen at the boundary between moss and limestone, which may help bind mosses to rocks.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Rachel Douglas-Jones
Summary: This article ethnographically examines the process of testing a new consolidant's efficacy and explores the temporal tensions between laboratory control and heritage practitioners' values. It illustrates the importance of time in laboratory control and highlights the suspicion towards controlled experimental conditions in the field of heritage. Ultimately, it shows that the project of fixing stone in time means intervening on heritage futures.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Imane Elkhaldi, Emmanuel Roziere, Philippe Turcry, Ahmed Loukili
Summary: This article aims to define an effective global warming potential criterion by calculating CO2 emissions and conducting durability performance tests for qualifying concrete mixtures. It also aims to understand the parameters that influence the duration of corrosion initiation and propagation in concretes exposed to carbonation-induced corrosion. An experimental study was conducted to assess carbonation resistance and electrical resistivity of concretes made with multi-composite cements and to understand the relationship between these properties and cement composition. The presented model allows prediction of the service life of the concrete cover based on material data, environmental parameters, and minimum cover. It was found that the reactive CaO content of cements influences the carbonation rate of concrete, and there is a correlation between electrical resistivity and GGBS (ground-granulated blast furnace slag) content. The model can be used to compare the studied cements based on CO2 emission/service life ratios.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Supriya Mahesh Patil, A. K. Kasthurba, Mahesh V. Patil
Summary: The Deccan volcanic provenance (DVP) spans over 2.5 million km3 in the Indian subcontinent, with basalt being the predominant stone used in construction. Despite the durability of basalt, signs of weathering have been found on historical monuments, indicating deterioration due to air pollution and climatic changes. Laboratory tests and in situ investigations have been conducted to study the weathering pattern and behavior of basalt, revealing variations in properties at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucile Gentaz, Mandana Saheb, Aurelie Verney-Carron, Loryelle Sessegolo, Anne Chabas, Nicolas Nuns, Laurent Remusat, Adriana Gonzalez-Cano, Chloe Fourdrin, Jean-Didier Mertz
Summary: Limestone has been extensively used in ancient structures due to its accessibility and prevalence in landscapes. Urban pollutants can alter limestone, with syngenite being identified as a reactive phase in altered samples. Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes were used to study water transfer and reactive areas, showing that syngenite reacts preferentially with water vapor.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Nevin Aly, Ayman Hamed, Ahmed Abd El-A
PERIODICA POLYTECHNICA-CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
R. Fort, D. Ergenc, N. Aly, M. Alvarez de Buergo, S. Hemeda
Summary: Over time, carbonated components in lime-based mortars dissolve and recrystallise, favoring self-healing capacity but potentially interfering with chemical and physical analysis. A multi-technique approach was used to investigate ancient mortars at the Kom el-Dikka site, revealing the presence of different mortars and explaining isotopic composition variations.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Rovella, Nevin Aly, Valeria Comite, Luciana Randazzo, Paola Fermo, Donatella Barca, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Mauro Francesco La Russa
Summary: This study focused on the impact of air pollution on archaeological buildings in Historic Cairo, with an emphasis on the chemical composition of black crusts and their correlation with air pollution sources. The research identified vehicular traffic and industrial activities as the main polluting sources affecting the conservation of the studied sites. By comparing with previous studies, important insights were gained into the primary and secondary sources of pollution contributing to sulphation processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ahmad K. Abd El Aal, Mohamed K. Salah, Nevin Aly
Summary: The study evaluates tufa rocks exposed at Kurkur Oasis, finding that they are primarily composed of calcite and exhibit heterogeneous petrophysical and elastic properties, with major geomechanical differences limiting their use as building stones.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jorge Feijoo, Duygu Ergenc, Rafael Fort, Monica Alvarez de Buergo
Summary: The introduction of ferrocyanide can protect mortar from salt damage, improve carbonation and surface adhesion, and remove chlorides from surrounding materials.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Agueda Saenz-Martinez, Marta Perez-Estebanez, Margarita San Andres, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Rafael Fort
Summary: The study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of cleaning treatments for archaeological ceramics, and results show that both acetic acid and nitric acid treatments are effective in removing calcareous deposits without altering the mineral composition of the ceramic specimens.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Maria J. Varas-Muriel, Rafael Fort, Miguel Gomez-Heras
Summary: Heating historic buildings affects indoor air temperature and humidity, and local heating systems are preferred for historic interiors to achieve high levels of occupant comfort while ensuring conservation. For example, the Santa Formas Chapel in Alcala de Henares, Spain, installed radiant floor heating that effectively ensured maximum occupant comfort without impacting the historical mural paintings. Future conservation efforts will require changes in system operation to avoid disturbances in the indoor microclimate.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
David Benavente, Rafael Fort, Miguel Gomez-Heras
Summary: The study combines various parameters to estimate UCS for different carbonate sedimentary rock types, finding that mineralogical composition and texture significantly affect the results, with Leeb hardness being the most significant variable in the fitted regressions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Vazquez, David Benavente, David Montiel, Miguel Gomez-Heras
Summary: Fire is a major decay agent of rocks and can cause immediate catastrophic effects as well as long-term weathering processes. This study compares mineralogical changes in crystalline rocks during heating using XPS and different XRD techniques. The results show the significance of mineral transformations and bulk mechanical damage at high temperatures.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Gamil M. S. Abdullah, Ahmed Abd El Aal, Ahmed E. Radwan, Talha Qadri, Nevin Aly
Summary: The slake durability of carbonate rocks, influenced by mineralogical composition and strength, was tested through drying and wetting cycles. Results showed significant loss in mechanical properties after four cycles, especially in unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The study highlights the importance of understanding and accurately calculating the degradation behavior of carbonate rocks for engineering applications, and suggests further research into the effect of slaking fluid on limestone durability.
Article
Archaeology
Laura Lopez-Gonzalez, Miguel Gomez-Heras, Raquel Otero-Ortiz De Cosca, Soledad Garcia-Morales, Rafael Fort
Summary: Moisture is a key factor in building stone decay, especially rain penetration. This study examines the impact of pilasters and tower buttresses on the wetting dynamics of a historic building during a rain spell. Using electrical resistivity methods and GIS mapping, the research demonstrates how building features can modify moisture dynamics and increase anisotropy. The findings highlight the importance of time mapping and GIS in data interpretation.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alejandra Sanchez-Roda, Belen Oliva-Urcia, Miguel Gomez-Heras
Summary: This study applied magnetic susceptibility to assess the impacts of wildfires. The laboratory results showed that magnetic susceptibility increased with temperature, particularly for samples heated to 600 degrees C and above. In situ measurements revealed spatial variation in magnetic susceptibility related to fire behavior. Destructive analysis confirmed the presence of minerals like hematite and magnetite. Overall, magnetic susceptibility proved to be a simple and fast method for evaluating the impacts of wildfires.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pablo Yeste-Lizan, Miguel Gomez-Heras, Manuel Garcia-Rodriguez, Raul Perez-Lopez, Luis Carcavilla, Jose A. Ortega-Becerril
Summary: This paper examines the impact of wildfires on climbing areas and identifies potential safety issues, such as rock falls and damage to climbing equipment. The study uses non-destructive techniques and identifies thermal breakdown and mineralogical changes as the main effects of wildfires on rocks. The research also highlights the cultural significance of iconic climbing routes and the consequences of their destruction.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Miguel Gomez-Heras, Silvia Gonzalez Soutelo, Raquel Castelo Ruano, Laura Garcia Juan
Summary: This paper reviews the accessibility resources of the Italian segment of the Via Francigena and compares them to other initiatives on European Cultural Routes. The analysis reveals that current accessibility efforts primarily focus on physical accessibility, while cognitive and sensory accessibility receive less attention. The paper proposes using the thermal heritage in the Val d'Orcia section of Tuscany, Italy, as a promising site for developing accessible experiences.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Isabel Mota-Lopez, Rafael Fort, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Antonio Pizzo
Summary: This research aims to analyze the characteristics of granitic rocks used in the Roman amphitheater in Emerita Augusta. Petrographic, geochemical, and physical and mechanical analyses were conducted to determine the mineralogical, textural, geochemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the rocks. The study shows that the porosity of the rocks influences their mechanical properties. The analysis of the samples also allows for the identification of the types of granite used and the assessment of their acceptable conservation state.
RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI
(2022)
