Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-sh8wx Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-20T12:21:11.130Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Salt and Humidity Impact on Porous Stone Masonries in Marine Environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

A. Moropoulou
Affiliation:
National Technical University of Athens, Department of Chemical Engineering, Section of Materials Science and Engineering, Heroon Polytechniou, 9, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
P. Theoulakis
Affiliation:
National Technical University of Athens, Department of Chemical Engineering, Section of Materials Science and Engineering, Heroon Polytechniou, 9, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
T. Tsiourva
Affiliation:
National Technical University of Athens, Department of Chemical Engineering, Section of Materials Science and Engineering, Heroon Polytechniou, 9, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
C. Kourteli
Affiliation:
National Technical University of Athens, Department of Chemical Engineering, Section of Materials Science and Engineering, Heroon Polytechniou, 9, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
K. Labropoulos
Affiliation:
National Technical University of Athens, Department of Chemical Engineering, Section of Materials Science and Engineering, Heroon Polytechniou, 9, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
Get access

Abstract

The decay processes in monuments, considered as interaction between building materials and environmental factors, presents a specific interest in the case of marine environment (Mediterranean), in mild climatic conditions An extended monument, like the Medieval Fortress of Rhodes could be a characteristic example. It is constructed by a susceptible to salt decay biocalcareous porous stone which suffers mainly from salt crystallisation and hard carbonate crusts formation.

The research program has been developed on walls of different typologies, according to their position and exposure orientation to various environmental factors, and specifically concerning humidity sources as capillary rise via ground and marine salt spray. Stone samples from different positions along the fortress, at various heights and depths on the walls, significant of the main decay patterns (alveolar, carbonate crust and mixed), underwent physical and chemical examination.

Humidity and soluble salts' concentration measurements by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Ionic Chromatography and specific conductivity allow the assessment of their distribution patterns on the masonries.

Hence from the correlation between environmental factors and the material properties, directions for a conservation plan might be derived.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Biscontin, G., Driussi, G., Indagini sull’ umidita di risalita a Venezia, Recuperare, 33, 7882, (1988).Google Scholar
2. Rosvall, J, Air pollution and conservatiozn Durability of Building Materials, Elsevier, 5, 209-37, (1988).Google Scholar
3. Torraca, G, Physicochemical deteriorationof porous rigid building materials. Notes for a general modeZ in IR mattone di Venezia, Proc. of Conference, October, 95144 (Venice, 1979).Google Scholar
4. Biscontin, G., Ganzerla, R., Lenarda, M., Michelon, G., Valle, A., Indagini sui fenomeni di risalita capillare nelle murature di Venezia, in IR mattone di Venezia, Proc. of Conference, October 33–65 (Venice, 1982).Google Scholar
5. Arnold, A. Salt weathering on monuments; in The conservation of monuments in the Mediterranean Basin Proc. of the 1st International Symposium, June 3158 (Bath,1989).Google Scholar
6. Wikler, E.M., Stone: Properties, Durabillity in Man's Environment; 2nd edn., Spring-Verlag (Wien, 1975).Google Scholar
7. Stambolov, T., Van Asperen de Boer, J.R.J., The deterioration and Conservation of Porous Building Materials in Monuments 2nd edn, ICCROM (Rome, 1976).Google Scholar
8. Bakolas, A., Biscontin, G., Moropoulou, A., Zendri, E., Materials and Structures in press.Google Scholar
9. Moropoulou, A., Theoulakis, P., Conditions causing destructive NaCI crystallization into the porous sandstone building material of the Medieval City of Rhodes Second International Symposium for the Conservation of Monuments in the Mediterranean Basin, Nov. 493499 (Geneva, 1991).Google Scholar
10. Moropoulou, A., Theoulakis, P., Chrysophakis, T., Atmospheric Environment, in press.Google Scholar
11. Theoulakis, P., Moropoulou, A., Mechanism of Deterioration of Sandstone of Medieval City and the Castle of Rhodes! Proceedings of the VIth International Congress on Deterioration and Conservation of Stone, Sept. 86-96, (Torun 1988).Google Scholar
12. Moropoulou, A., Theoulakis, P., Environmental manegement of historic complexes or cities: a new conservation strategy, Proceedings, International Congress on the Conservation of stone and other materials, UNESCO-Rilem edn., 845852 (Paris, 1993).Google Scholar