Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yang Wu, Jian Shen, Jianchao Zhang, Bingjian Zhang
Summary: Water plays an important role in the deterioration of rocks, especially in humid areas. A study on a century-old stone house in southeastern China found that the main type of deterioration was detachment, with some areas experiencing a decrease in surface hardness of over 50%. This decay was partly caused by condensation on the inner walls of the stone house during the rainy season. It is recommended to take rainproof measures and maintain good air circulation when building with tuff in such humid environments.
Article
Geography, Physical
Timothy Baxter, Martin Coombes, Heather Viles
Summary: Marine organisms, such as seaweed, have both positive and negative effects on the breakdown of rocks and engineering materials. This study investigated the influence of seaweed cover on the deterioration of mortar made with natural cement. The results showed that seaweed cover reduced temperature variations, leading to a slower breakdown process. However, it had no significant impact on the surface hardness of the mortar samples, while significant differences were observed in surface roughness and pulse velocity, indicating less surface and subsurface breakdown in seaweed-covered samples. This study provides empirical evidence of the bioprotective potential of seaweed in maritime heritage restoration.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Bergomi, Valeria Comite, Vittoria Guglielmi, Mattia Borelli, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Roberto Bonomi, Concetta Pironti, Maria Ricciardi, Antonio Proto, Carlo Mariani, Paola Fermo
Summary: In this study, the microclimatic conditions and air quality inside the Santuario della Beata Vergine dei Miracoli in Saronno (VA) were monitored. The results showed that despite lower indoor pollutant concentrations compared to the outdoor values, the microclimatic conditions often did not meet the regulations and standards in Italy.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Anna M. Palermo, Antonio Gentile, Giuseppe Pellegrino
Summary: Recent years have witnessed a rapid growth in the use of digital media for cultural heritage archiving, with CD-R becoming a popular tool for document preservation. However, studies have shown that CD-Rs are prone to biological deterioration by airborne fungi, highlighting the need for proper storage conditions and regular monitoring of environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity. Efforts should also be made to periodically clean optical media to prevent fungal colonization and material loss.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mustafa Yavuz Celik, Murat Sert
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different salt types and concentrations on the pore size distribution of Doger tuff through laboratory tests. The results showed that salt types and concentrations play a crucial role in both salt uptake and pore size distribution.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sergio Sanchez-Moral, Valme Jurado, Angel Fernandez-Cortes, Soledad Cuezva, Tamara Martin-Pozas, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Pimentel, Roberto Ontanon, Cesareo Saiz-Jimenez
Summary: Airborne microorganisms can pose significant conservation challenges in caves with Paleolithic art. Understanding cave aerodynamics is crucial for assessing and controlling the origin of airborne fungi. Ventilation during winter plays a critical role in increasing Basidiomycota spores in cave air, while Ascomycota spores are prevalent in unventilated areas, often associated with insects and bats in the cave. The combination of aerobiological and microclimate data is essential for evaluating external climatic influences and developing effective conservation strategies for cultural heritage in cave environments.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ignacio Diaz-Arellano, Manuel Zarzo, Fernando-Juan Garcia-Diego, Angel Perles
Summary: Monitoring and controlling indoor thermo-hygrometric conditions is crucial for preserving cultural heritage. The European standard EN 15757:2010 provides a procedure to assess seasonal humidity and temperature patterns for effective preventive conservation. In a case study at the Archaeological Museum of l'Almoina, Valencia, corrective measures were proposed based on temperature analysis from 27 data-loggers and discussion according to the standard.
Article
Archaeology
Kristian Fabbri, Anna Bonora
Summary: The conservation of historic buildings and cultural heritage faces challenges globally, with microclimate playing a crucial role. Research has shown a close relationship between microclimate and risk assessment for cultural heritage protection, leading to the development of the HMR and PRD risk indices.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2021)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Ignacio Diaz-Arellano, Manuel Zarzo, Cristina Aransay, Sara Gonzalez de Aspuru Hidalgo, Jaime Laborda, Angel Perles
Summary: The quality and quantity of thermo-hygrometric data are crucial for assessing microclimate conditions in spaces where artifacts are preserved. However, many small and medium-sized museums lack sufficient historical data, making it difficult to evaluate microclimatic conditions. This paper proposes a method for reconstructing historical thermo-hygrometric data using multivariate statistical methods, allowing museums to restore their datasets for further analysis and application of preventive conservation guidelines.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Ricciardi, Concetta Pironti, Oriana Motta, Rosa Fiorillo, Federica Camin, Antonio Faggiano, Antonio Proto
Summary: This study analyzed the efflorescences present in the frescos of S. Pietro a Corte in Salerno, Italy, and identified potassium nitrate as the main component, possibly formed due to sewage water permeation on the walls of the monumental complex.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Ferrarese, Davide Bertoni, Alessio Golzio, Claudia Pelosi, Alessandro Re, Luca Lanteri
Summary: This work presents the results of a microclimatic analysis in the church of San Panfilo in Tornimparte, Italy's Abruzzo region. The aim was to investigate the microclimate inside the church for the organization of fresco restoration. Measurements of relative humidity and temperature were conducted inside and outside the church, and additional physical quantities were computed from the data. The discussion of the results identified potential risks to the preservation of the frescoes and revealed the historic climate inside the church.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vicente Bayarri, Alfredo Prada, Francisco Garcia
Summary: By integrating geomatics remote sensing technologies, this study provides a comprehensive 3D mapping of the Altamira Cave in Spain, including cave interior and exterior topography as well as nearby discontinuities and karst features. The use of ground penetrating radar confirms the fluid exchange between the cave's interior and exterior, highlighting its significance for site conservation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vicente Bayarri, Elena Castillo, Sergio Ripoll, Miguel A. Sebastian
Summary: This research presents a geomatics workflow that integrates hyperspectral remote sensing, photogrammetry, and traditional topographic techniques for the management and study of rock art. Hyperspectral imaging is proven to be an efficient tool for the recognition of figures, coloring matter, and state of conservation of such valuable art.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vicente Bayarri, Alfredo Prada, Francisco Garcia, Lucia M. Diaz-Gonzalez, Carmen De Las Heras, Elena Castillo, Pilar Fatas
Summary: Rock art, made with mineral and organic substances, provides evidence of our ancient past. While it is fragile, measures must be taken to preserve it as a valuable cultural heritage. Remote-sensing technologies and GIS can help generate detailed documentation of caves and their environment, assisting in the research and conservation of cave art.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Inaki Vazquez-de la Fuente, Nagore Prieto-Taboada, Estibaliz Lama, David Cristobal, Rosa Garcia-Arrona, Gorka Arana, Juan Manuel Madariaga
Summary: Soluble salt analysis is crucial for evaluating the conservation status of built heritage. However, current European norms only include a few anions, undervalue cations, and do not require simultaneous analysis. This study demonstrates that quantitative analysis of anions and cations is crucial for understanding the conservation status of historical buildings undergoing conservation work. Ionic chromatographic system was developed to analyze anions, cations, and carbonate/bicarbonate simultaneously, and was applied to examine brick and mortar samples in Punta Begon & SIM;a Galleries.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Germinario, Siegfried Siegesmund, Lara Maritan, Claudio Mazzoli
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2017)
Article
Archaeology
Luigi Germinario, Arturo Zara, Lara Maritan, Jacopo Bonetto, John M. Hanchar, Raffaele Sassi, Siegfried Siegesmund, Claudio Mazzoli
GEOARCHAEOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Archaeology
Luigi Germinario, John M. Hanchar, Raffaele Sassi, Lara Maritan, Roberto Cossio, Alessandro Borghi, Claudio Mazzoli
GEOARCHAEOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Germinario, Siegfried Siegesmund, Lara Maritan, Klaus Simon, Claudio Mazzoli
Article
Engineering, Geological
Luigi Germinario, Akos Torok
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Luigi Germinario, Akos Torok
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Germinario, Chiaki T. Oguchi, Yasuhiko Tamura, Sohyun Ahn, Momoko Ogawa
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Germinario, Lorena C. Giannossa, Marco Lezzerini, Annarosa Mangone, Claudio Mazzoli, Stefano Pagnotta, Marcello Spampinato, Alfonso Zoleo, Giacomo Eramo
Summary: This study presents the petrographic and chemical characterization of the frescoes in the Church of San Panfilo in Tornimparte (AQ, Italy) by Saturnino Gatti, providing important insights for conservators, restorers, and art historians. The analysis revealed the materials and techniques used by Gatti, as well as the stratigraphy and painting phases, contributing to the understanding of Italian fresco painting and the art history of the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei Feng, Lu Yao, Chiara Cornelio, Rodrigo Gomila, Shengli Ma, Chaoqun Yang, Luigi Germinario, Claudio Mazzoli, Giulio Di Toro
Summary: Earthquakes often occur along faults where there is hot and pressurized water. Experimental studies show that the physical state of water (liquid, vapor, or supercritical) has an impact on the frictional resistance of faults. In this study, friction in gabbro faults with water in different states (vapor, liquid, and supercritical) was examined, and it was found that the friction behavior differs depending on the state of the water. The findings suggest that the formation of weak minerals, chemical bonding properties of water, and hydrodynamic lubrication could explain the weakening behavior of faults.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Simone Mineo, Luigi Germinario, Akos Torok, Giovanna Pappalardo
Summary: This paper focuses on using Infrared Thermography to study the cooling process of non-standard rock specimens and its relationship with porosity. The results show that porosity affects the cooling rate of rocks, with more porous rocks cooling faster.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Coletti, Ludovica Pia Cesareo, Jacopo Nava, Luigi Germinario, Lara Maritan, Matteo Massironi, Claudio Mazzoli
Summary: Tidal exchange, capillary rise, water condensation-evaporation cycles, and salt crystallization are the main causes of damage in historic brick buildings in Venice. This study analyzed twenty-three brick samples from the Santa Maria dei Servi Church to understand the composition and deterioration processes. The presence of carbonates and newly formed silicate phases indicated firing temperatures and production inconsistencies. Sulfates were identified as the main weathering products, with secondary phases occurring in bricks with higher vitrification levels.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Enrique Hernandez-Montes, Luisa Hdz-Gil, Chiara Coletti, Simone Dilaria, Luigi Germinario, Claudio Mazzoli
Summary: This work presents a methodology that combines in situ measurements with laboratory data to obtain a quantitative expression of the superficial deterioration of bricks affected by climatic conditions. The methodology considers factors such as relative humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, and peak sun hours per day to estimate the deterioration rate of brick facades over time. As a result, a new tool for the structural evaluation of brick walls is proposed.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Germinario, Chiara Coletti, Giampaolo Girardi, Lara Maritan, Nicola Praticelli, Raffaele Sassi, Jorgen Solstad, Claudio Mazzoli
Summary: An innovative experimental method has been developed for long-term monitoring of outdoor microclimate and material decay at cultural heritage sites, aiding in the formulation of new damage functions and models for climate-change risk assessment.
Article
Archaeology
Justin J. L. Kimball, Ruben With, Christian Lochsen Rodsrud
Summary: Micro-CT (μCT) has been increasingly used in the cultural heritage sector to understand past cultures and their materials. In the case of the Gjellestad ship from the Viking Age, μCT was used to document and conserve the deteriorated organic and metallic materials. A georeferencing system was developed to retain important stratigraphic and position information, allowing for spatial positioning using 3D GIS. The use of μCT has shown positive impact on the documentation, conservation, and reconstruction of cultural heritage.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2024)
Review
Archaeology
S. Sylaiou, P. Dafiotis, D. Koukopoulos, K. Koukoulis, R. Vital, A. Antoniou, Chr. Fidas
Summary: This manuscript discusses the growing importance of Extended Reality (XR) in art exhibitions. It explores the technologies used, design issues, evaluation metrics, and aims of XR exhibitions. The research focuses on the current types of technologies used, primary design considerations, and methods to enhance user experience. The paper also examines evaluation criteria and the use of virtual humans for increased engagement. Additionally, it thoroughly discusses parameters affecting user experience and offers suggestions for optimizing design and future directions.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2024)
Article
Archaeology
Carlo Battini, Umberto Ferretti, Giorgia De Angelis, Roberto Pierdicca, Marina Paolanti, Ramona Quattrini
Summary: This research presents a method for recognizing historical building elements using a deep learning system. By leveraging synthetic point clouds to generate 3D models, the proposed approach achieves high accuracy in the experiments conducted on a newly synthetic dataset.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2024)
Article
Archaeology
Jingwen Zhang, Tianlin Ren
Summary: In the era of digital information, metadata and ontology technology have promoted the management and utilization of museum collections. This study focused on ancient Chinese ceramics and proposed solutions for the shortcomings in their information management through metadata analysis and ontology construction. The structure of the ontology was visualized to provide a clearer understanding of ancient Chinese ceramics.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2024)