Bab Agnaou gate, Marrakech, Morocco: characterization of original building material and commentary on their state of conservation

Bab Agnaou is the most ancient gate sculpted in stone during the Almohad era (twelfth century). The petrographic and mineralogical studies were carried out in order to characterize the original materials of construction. So the ashlar is a calcareous mudstone, whereas the mortar is one with lime binder. The characterization of the ashlar’s degradation state, based on the mapping of the gate, permitted to highlight the evolution, the extension and the relation between the different weathering forms. Thus it proved to be possible to distinguish the weathering forms related to architecture and the provision of the blocks, from those related to infiltration of water.     

Assessment of weathering damage on the Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri, Ulsan, Republic of Korea

The Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri in the area of Ulsan Metropolitan City in the southeastern part of the Republic of Korea represent outstanding cultural property of the country. The rock carvings—discovered about 40 years ago—provide valuable information on the life of the ancient people of different periods. In 1973, the petroglyphs were designated Korean National Treasure. Apparently, the petroglyphs have suffered damage from weathering such as loss of stone material, current detachment of stone material and deposits on the stone surface. The protection of this masterpiece of historic rock carving has become an important concern in the country. Geoscientific studies were carried out, targeted to stone analysis and to characterization and rating of weathering damage. The diagnostic studies combined laboratory analysis of representative unweathered and weathered stone material and in situ investigation by means of profile measurements at the carvings, mapping of weathering forms, ultrasonic measurements and rebound hardness measurements. Methodology and results of the material and damage diagnosis are presented. The results on type and extent of damage in combination with deduced risk prognosis reveal a considerable threat to the historical site of Cheonjeon-ri due to weathering and they indicate the need of intervention for monument preservation.     

Diagnosis of weathering damage on rock-cut monuments in Petra, Jordan

Studies of many years—combining in situ investigation and laboratory analysis—have provided comprehensive information on weathering damage on the rock-cut monuments in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. These rock-cut monuments represent outstanding world heritage. Many hundred monuments were carved by the Nabataeans from bedrock about 2000 years ago. The awareness of increasing weathering damage on the monuments has resulted in international efforts towards their preservation. The damage diagnosis has addressed the complex mutual relationships between stone types, stone properties, monument exposure regimes, environmental influences, weathering phenomena, development and extent of weathering damage and weathering progression. The rocks were classified lithostratigraphically and petrographically. Results on weathering forms, weathering profiles and weathering products obtained from monument mapping, in situ measurements and laboratory studies revealed a complex diversity of weathering phemomena with respect to type and intensity. Damage categories and damage indices were used to create a reproducible quantitative rating of weathering damage. Detailed results on weathering forms allowed the characterization and quantification of weathering progression including weathering prognoses. Stone properties and states of weathering damage were jointly considered for the rating of the rocks’ susceptibility to weathering. The systematic evaluation of weathering damage and monument exposure regimes can enhance the assessment of weathering factors and processes.     

Quantification of salt weathering in porous stones using an experimental continuous partial immersion method

In this study, an experimental salt weathering simulation and porous stone durability classification are proposed. There are many laboratory tests that quantify durability against salt crystallisation weathering action. These are usually based on the total immersion of samples into a saline solution, which is not representative of the salt weathering mechanism. An experimental test based on partial immersion is suggested. This is a comparable study of weight loss and degradation of visual appearance due to salt crystallisation using, on the one hand, a standard durability test (UNE), and, on the other, the proposed durability test. The weight loss and visual appearance in our test is comparable to the degradation of building stone. The differences between weight loss data in both tests depend on the petrophysical properties: porous media and degree of coherence.

From this testing, a new durability classification as a function of dry weight loss in the partial immersion test is proposed. Four divisions of different types of materials can be made in this classification, which quantifies salt weathering action mainly in environments and mild climatic conditions.     

衢州古城墙通仙门不同岩性岩石砌块相对风化速度研究

岩石的长期风化作用会造成岩石表面的剥落,这将导致石质文物产生无可挽回的破坏。为了更好地保护它们,需要开展在相同风化环境下岩石风化剥落深度和相对风化速度及其与不同岩性关系的研究。本文以衢州古城墙通仙门的多块岩石砌块为研究对象,利用自制的测量仪器,对不同岩性岩石砌块风化剥落深度和风化速度进行了研究; 通过分析量测结果得出凝灰岩、砂岩、砾岩、含砾砂岩和粉砂岩相对灰岩的风化速度分别为0.005～0.059mm a-1、0.032～0.097mm a-1、0.004～0.058mm a-1、0.021～0.033mm a-1 和0.015mm a-1。研究结果表明:在相同的风化环境之中不同岩石砌块的风化速度从大到小排序为V砂岩V凝灰岩V含砾砂岩 V砾岩V粉砂岩V灰岩,即岩石抗风化能力从强到弱为:灰岩粉砂岩砾岩含砾砂岩凝灰岩砂岩。由此,为石质文物的长期保护以及制定相关的保护措施提供了重要的理论依据。     

Stone line profiles: Importance in geochemical exploration

In vast tropical rain forest areas, weathering profiles are commonly characterized by a “stone line” overlain by a brown-yellow loose-clay horizon. Concordant with the topographic surface, such a stone line may be traced continuously over considerable distances. It is typically composed of coarse fragments of lithorelics, debris of laterite as Fe-oxides nodules, corroded quartz, gibbsitic aggregates, …, embedded in a clayey matrix. These materials cover the saprolitic weathering profile which is typically a few tens of metres thick.The origin of stone lines has given rise to much controversy and are still widely misunderstood. A broad range of processes, allochthonist or autochthonist, have been put forward in the literature. The findings in this paper conclude that these weathering profiles result from chemical leaching and differential movement between the matrix and the coarse fragments which accumulate by downward migration. Accumulation takes place at the lower limit of rain water impregnation and forms the stone line, whereas leaching and homogenization of fine material occur throughout the upper water-impregnated horizon. Although the materials of the loose-clay horizon and of the stone are extensively altered, the relics are chemically rather well recognizable.According to the above hypothesis, stone line weathering profiles should thus be mostly residual. The main aspects of geochemical dispersion processes of some stone line profiles in Gabon are presented as examples. These show that:

1. (a) The vertical redistribution of some major elements in the profiles, accumulation (Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, SiO₂) or leaching (K₂O, MgO, CaO, SiO₂,..) are different from the bedrock composition;

2. (b) In some situations, it is possible to characterize the bedrock by using groups of trace elements such as V, Ni,.. for basic rocks or Ba, Sr,.. for gneisses for instance; the contrasts obtained can be smoothed in comparison with results from deeper in the profile.

3. (c) The persistence of geochemical anomalies arising from mineralization, throughout the weathering profile, up to the main sampling media, the surface soil. A “mushroom” dispersion pattern can be recognized where the foot of the mushroom corresponds to the element dispersion pattern can be recognized where the foot of the mushroom corresponds to the element dispersion in the saprolite and the bedrock, with the top of the mushroom being partly in the stone line and partly in the loose clay horizon.

Such a dispersion pattern has two consequences on exploration: (1) the spreading out of the surficial signal favoring the identification of anomalies during follow-up on a relatively wide spaced grid; and (2) at the same time, a reduction of the extension of the signals by dilution and leaching according to the weathering process; therefore, relatively low anomaly contents must be taken into account in exploration.Thus, anomalies arising from stone line profiles tend to be well-dispersed, but of weak magnitude, and represent in situ transfer from the parent rock.     

Algal and fungal diversity on various dimension stone substrata in the Saale/Unstrut region

Physical, chemical and biogenic weathering considerably threatens all historic stone monuments. Microorganisms, though inconspicuous, are key players of stone surface colonization and penetration. This study highlights eukaryotic microbial communities on dimension stone surfaces from two representative monuments of the “cultural landscape corridor” in the Saale–Unstrut area. The historical buildings were erected from local Triassic limestone and sandstone and are prone to various deteriorative mechanisms. Generally, trebouxiophyceaen algae and ascomycete fungi dominate among the latter dematiaceous fungi and lichen fungi are abundant. Inside the stone substratum, ascomycetes, mosses and even large soil organisms (tardigrades) are present. This may be taken as a hint for the formation of pores with large radii, which are “risk indicators” for progressive weathering and degradation of the rock matrix.     

成都金堂李家梁子M23号墓石棺构件矿物组成及风化机理研究

成都金堂李家梁子M23号墓出土的汉朝石棺存在表面粉化、剥落等病害现象,急需保护修复。现场调查表明,该石质文物风化病害主要表现为裂隙状风化、页片状风化、粒状风化、粉末状风化等。本文借助X射线衍射(XRD)、偏光显微镜、扫描电镜等对金堂石质文物进行了微观成分及结构分析。结果表明,文物材质为红色砂岩,其碎屑物主要为石英、钠长石、岩屑和少量云母,胶结物以钙质为主,含少量的炭质及泥质。该砂岩产生风化病害的主要原因是钙质胶结物的溶解流失及泥质胶结物遇水的崩解,同时还受岩屑、长石类碎屑风化蚀变的影响。该研究可为石棺的后期保护修复工作提供基础科学数据。     

Quantitative evaluation of stability changes in historical stone bridges in Kagoshima,Japan, by weathering

This study deals with a weathering problem of historic arch stone bridges built of welded tuff about 150 years ago in Kagoshima, Japan. Based on a detailed comprehensive weathering evaluation we previously carried out, the way in which the weathering affects the structural stability of the bridges is quantitatively evaluated herein by using a distinct element method (DEM).The suitability of this method of analysis was confirmed through a comparison of the numerical analysis results with the in situ load testing data. The analysis results show that when considering the stability of a stone bridge, the slide safety factor and eccentric safety factor are more important than the compressive safety factor. That is, the types of possible failure include sliding and openings between arch blocks. In 150 years of weathering, the shear stress in the arch ring generally increased about 20%. The eccentric safety factor decreased about 9%, from 4.35 to 3.97, and the slide safety factor decreased about 20%, from 8.02 to 6.46. Deflections at the arch crown increased about two times, from 0.60 to 1.28 mm. Despite these changes, the stone bridges are considered to be still in a good condition after 150 years of weathering.     

Effect of thermal stress,condensation and freezing–thawing action on the degradation of stones on the Castle of Chambord,France

This work consists in estimating the role of climatic conditions in the degradation of two French limestones, tuffeau and Richemont stone, used in the construction and the restoration of the Castle of Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, France. Meteorological data, air temperature, air relative humidity and rainfall were statistically analysed in combination with stone data from thermal–humidity sensors inserted into the walls. The climatic conditions of the surrounding area were described to assess their role in enhancing the degradation of the stones through three weathering processes: thermal stress, condensation and freezing–thawing. The damage risks due to the weathering processes were taken into account not only through the bulk effects on the stone surfaces, but also their effects were extended to investigate the damage that occurs within the porous structure of the stone. Field observations showed that the main patterns of degradation affecting the stones of the castle are biological colonization and stone detachment in the form of stone spalling and exfoliation. The results of the analysis show that there is no risk of damage to the stones due to thermal stress. Moreover, the two stones experience similar overall trends against freezing–thawing processes. Finally, this study clearly highlights the important role of condensation in the degradation of the stones of the castle.     

The role of saline solution properties on porous limestone salt weathering by magnesium and sodium sulfates

Saline solution properties, viscosity in particular, are shown to be critical in salt weathering associated with sodium and magnesium sulfate crystallization in porous limestone. The crystallization of sodium and magnesium sulfate within a porous limestone has been studied at a macro- and microscale using different techniques, including mercury intrusion porosimetry, environmental scanning microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. Such analysis enabled the visualization of the crystallization process in situ, and at high magnification, yielding critical information as to where and how salts crystallize. Sodium sulfate decahydrate (mirabilite) tends to crystallize in large pores as euhedral micron-sized crystals formed at low supersaturation near to the surface of the stone. In contrast, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (epsomite) tends to precipitate as anhedral wax-like aggregates formed at high supersaturation and distributed homogeneously throughout the stone pore system filling large and small pores. While the former crystallization behavior resulted in scale formation, the latter led to crack development throughout the bulk stone. Ultimately, the contrasting weathering behavior of the two sulfates is explained by considering differences in flow dynamics of solutions within porous materials that are mainly connected with the higher viscosity of magnesium sulfate saturated solution (7.27 cP) when compared with sodium sulfate saturated solution (1.83 cP). On the basis of such results, new ways to tackle salt weathering, particularly in the field of cultural heritage conservation, are discussed.     

Chemical weathering and gully erosion causing land degradation in a complex river basin of Eastern India: an integrated field,analytical and artificial intelligence approach

Hot and humid subtropical plateau regions are susceptible to land degradation in the form of weathering and gully erosion. Here, we investigate chemical weathering, gully erosion and cohesiveness through field-based measurements with a view to understand the controlling factors of potential land degradation, in complex river basin of the Chotanagpur plateau region in Eastern India. The layers of controlling factors of gully erosion were developed and prioritized considering boosted regression tree (BRT), alternative decision tree (ADT), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and random forest (RF) algorithms in the R software, and the results of these methods were also validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The spectroscopic analysis was carried out of collected soil samples to measure the degree of chemical weathering and cohesiveness. Furthermore, the climatic elements like temperature and rainfall were also considered for estimating the chemical weathering. The results of the gully erosion models (i.e., BRT, ADT, PSO and RF) show remarkable accuracy with ROC values of 0.93, 0.89, 0.91 and 0.84, respectively. An advanced decision tree model was integrated with the results of degree of chemical weathering and cohesiveness in geographical information system platform. The land degradation map developed from this approach shows that 10.53% of the study area is highly affected, whereas 17.36% area is moderately affected and the rest of the 73.85% area is less affected by land degradation. Our results provide essential information for policy makers in adopting measures for minimizing and controlling the land degradation. Our novel approach is significant to assess land degradation to a large scale.

     

Time-dependent atmospheric degradation of building stone in a polluting environment

Weathered facing stone of Durham Cathedral is undergoing a program of progressive replacement. The durability characteristics of the original stone and the replacement stone are examined, and those factors that are responsible for atmospheric weathering are discussed. Results of a field survey into relative weathering rates in the Durham area using local gravestones also are reported.     

油气藏信息系统(OGRIS)及其在油气成藏条件时空配置研究中的应用

在介绍地理信息系统（ＧＩＳ）技术及其特点的基础上,提出了建立油气藏系统（ＯＧＲＩＳ）,并探索采用ＯＧＲＩＳ技术进行油气藏成藏条件时空配置的综合研究。以鄂尔多斯盆地下古生界风化壳型气藏为例,介绍了基于ＧＩＳ的油气藏信息系统的建立方法,通过ＯＧＲＩＳ的多源信息复合分析与空间分析技术,对鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系气藏形成条件的时空配置及其对油气富集控制规律进行了初步研究,结果表明在主成藏期气藏生储盖组合与构造沉     

GIS技术在地质灾害信息系统中的应用

GIS技术的产生是计算机技术和信息化发展的共同产物。是管理和研究空间数据的技术系统。可以迅速地获取满足应用需要的信息,能以地图、图形或数据的形式表示处理的结果。论文介绍了GIS技术的应用现状,建立基于GIS技术的地质灾害信息系统的必要性,讨论了基于GIS技术应用在地质灾害信息系统的主要功能及系统结构,并就建立地质灾害数据库和建立地质灾害模型做了初步探讨。对于全面掌握一定范围内可能产生的自然灾害的分布,预测和预报可能产生的工程地质灾害,对地质灾害的防御和处理,最终保障社会的安全有着极为重要的作用。由客观世界到信息化世界的认识和抽象过程以及由信息世界返回客观世界的利用改造过程的发展和转化,创造了良好的条件和环境。     

Evaluation of weathering-resistance classes in clastic rocks on the example of Polish sandstones

The scope of the paper is an attempt at the identification of the weathering-resistance classes within clastic rocks by means of analysis of capillary pressure saturation curves. The porosimetric parameters corresponding to the cementing character and the grains’ mineralogical content are very important features of stone building materials, because of the weathering processes. The analysed rocks were Polish sandstones and muddy sandstones used for building purposes, collected from different geological units of Poland (i.e. Sudety Mts. Carpathian Mts. and Holy Cross Mts.) The results indicate the usefulness of sandstone materials for building purposes. They could also be used in conservation procedures and for the reconstruction of existing buildings and monuments. Basing on the parameterisation, with the van Genuchten function, of cumulative capillary pressure saturation curves, it was possible to distinguish four groups of the sampled rocks. The lithological features and weathering sustainability within the groups are quite uniform, what allow identifying the weathering resistance classes. Taking into account the complicated nature of all the factors influencing weathering processes, it is supposed that the presented parameterisation could be a useful tool for weathering-resistance classification of clastic rocks. The classification could be useful in building industry and in conservation of historical stone monuments.     

The occurrence of gypsum in the scaling of stones at the Castle of Chambord (France)

The main cause of degradation in tuffeau, a soft siliceous and clayey limestone extensively used in the construction of the castles of the Loire Valley in France, is scaling. The most damaging form of weathering is spalling. Over time, a plaque several centimetres in thickness gradually forms under the stone surface and eventually falls away, leaving the resulting new surface powdered. Hypotheses regarding the initiation and development of such degradation have not yet met scientific consensus. The objective of the present paper is to improve existing knowledge of scaling degradation by analysing in situ samples representing different stages of the same degradation process. The analysis of the stones at the Castle of Chambord, revealed the presence of gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), mainly located in cracks parallel to the stone surface. This gypsum was then studied in terms of its crystal morphology and distribution with depth. For comparison purposes, another form of scaling identified at the Castle of Chambord but rarely studied, flaking, was also examined. A first attempt at explaining the origin and formation of the observed gypsum in both scaling processes was conducted by interacting and comparing the characterisation results with historical and environmental data.     

Occurrence of native selenium in Yutangba and its environmental implications

Rare native Se has been discovered in Yutangba, Enshi City, Hubei Province, China, where a sudden incidence of Se poisoning occurred in the early 1960s. It was first found in a small area where native Se was produced on a large scale and was diverse in forms due to different formation mechanisms. Genetically, native Se can be divided into 3 categories: the primary native Se occurring in carbonaceous-siliceous rocks and tiny Se crystals formed in cracks of rocks during tectonic activities; micro-Se crystals formed in the weathering processes of Se-rich rocks; and larger Se crystals derived from natural burning of stone coal on the subsurface of abandoned stone coal spoils. The different forms of native Se found in Yutangba demonstrate that Se can be activated, transformed, remobilized and enriched at special sites such as in the unsaturated-subsurface zone or in the saturated zone. This discovery of native Se has not only resolved a long-standing controversial question on modes of occurrence of Se, which has puzzled many researchers in China, but has provided new possible evidence for the pathogenic explanation of the sudden prevalence of Se poisoning in Yutangba. The research results also have important implications for studying the mineralogy, ore geochemistry and environmental geochemistry of Se.     

Damage phenomenon and petrophysical properties of sandstones at the Phnom Bakheng Temple (Angkor,Cambodia): first investigations and possible conservation measures

Sandstones, clay in the form of bricks and laterite are the building materials used by the Khmer to construct the imposing and magnificent temples in Southeast Asia. Many of these monuments suffer from fracturing, sanding, contour scaling, crust formation and salt weathering. The affinity to weathering is closely connected to the type of material. Two sandstone types classified as feldspathic arenite and quartz arenite of Angkor as well as two arkosic sandstones from Thailand are described and investigated in this study. Important petrophysical properties determined for the different sandstones consist of hydric expansion, thermal expansion, pore radii distribution and ultrasonic velocity. Different investigations such as capillary water uptake, surface hardness, hygroscopic water sorption, and salt resistance tests were undertaken in the laboratory to characterize the various rock types. Observations and quantified damage mapping were done onsite at the Phnom Bakheng Temple. Contour scaling in the form of weathering crusts is one of the main deterioration features observable at the Angkor monuments. Comparisons are made between the building stone, the crust material from the Phnom Bakheng Temple and fresh stone material used for restoration. Significant differences in hydric and especially in thermal expansion of the crust and sandstone have been determined. The results seem to indicate that extensional processes occur, which can be considered a force for detachment (i.e., contour scaling, flaking). In an experimental trial, the hydric and thermal expansion of the weathering crust and the building stone was significantly reduced by using a weak acid for the crust and a swelling inhibitor for the original building stone.     

Changing climate, changing process: implications for salt transportation and weathering within building sandstones in the UK

Salt weathering is a crucial process that brings about a change in stone, from the scale of landscapes to stone outcrops and natural building stone façades. It is acknowledged that salt weathering is controlled by fluctuations in temperature and moisture, where repeated oscillations in these parameters can cause re-crystallisation, hydration/de-hydration of salts, bringing about stone surface loss in the form of, for example, granular disaggregation, scaling, and multiple flaking. However, this ‘traditional’ view of how salt weathering proceeds may need to be re-evaluated in the light of current and future climatic trends. Indeed, there is considerable scope for the investigation of consequences of climate change on geomorphological processes in general. Building on contemporary research on the ‘deep wetting’ of natural building stones, it is proposed that (as stone may be wetter for longer), ion diffusion may become a more prominent mechanism for the mixing of molecular constituents, and a shift in focus from physical damage to chemical change is suggested. Data from ion diffusion cell experiments are presented for three different sandstone types, demonstrating that salts may diffuse through porous stone relatively rapidly (in comparison to, for example, dense concrete). Pore water from stones undergoing diffusion experiments was extracted and analysed. Factors controlling ion diffusion relating to ‘time of wetness’ within stones are discussed, (continued saturation, connectivity of pores, mineralogy, behaviour of salts, sedimentary structure), and potential changes in system dynamics as a result of climate change are addressed. System inputs may change in terms of increased moisture input, translating into a greater depth of wetting front. Salts are likely to be ‘stored’ differently in stones, with salt being in solution for longer periods (during prolonged winter wetness). This has myriad implications in terms of the movement of ions by diffusion and the potential for chemical change in the stone (especially in more mobile constituents), leading to a weakening of the stone matrix/grain boundary cementing. The ‘output’ may be mobilisation and precipitation of elements leading to, for example, uneven cementing in the stone. This reduced strength of the stone, or compromised ability of the stone to absorb stress, is likely to make crystallisation a more efficacious mechanism of decay when it does occur. Thus, a delay in the onset of crystallisation while stonework is wet does not preclude exaggerated or accelerated material loss when it finally happens.