Experimental definition of microclimatic conditions based on water transfer and porous media properties for the conservation of prehistoric constructions: Cueva Pintada at Galdar,Gran Canaria,Spain |
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Authors: | D Benavente J C Cañaveras S Cuezva L Laiz S Sanchez-Moral |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra y el Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. 99, 03080 Alicante, Spain;(2) Laboratorio de Petrología Aplicada, Unidad Asociada CSIC-UA, Alicante, Spain;(3) Departamento de Geología, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain;(4) Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain |
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Abstract: | Microclimatic parameters and natural materials were studied in order to assess conservation of the cave complex at Galdar,
Gran Canaria. Based on the microclimatic data, experimental simulations were carried out to quantify water retention capacity
and water vapour transport kinetics under continuously changing extreme temperatures and relative humidity values. The behaviour
of natural construction materials is greatly influenced by changes in thermo-hygrometric conditions and is linked to pore
structure. The host rock has a complex porous media: high porosity and polymodal pore size distribution, where the smallest
pores contribute to water condensation, whilst large pores lead to high water absorption rates. The axial compressive strength
of the host-rock decreases between 30 and 70% at water saturation. Stuccos covering cave wall paintings are formed by clay
minerals, mainly smectites. These clay minerals cover a large specific surface area, which leads to a high capacity for water
condensation and retention. It is also shown that neither water condensation nor vapour transport are noticeably modified
by the presence of stucco on the host-rock when rapid, highly variable changes occur in environmental conditions if large
shrinkage cracks are present. Results show that safe threshold microclimatic conditions can be found below 75% RH in the natural
temperature range and that slight variations in temperature and relative humidity do not modify durability properties. |
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Keywords: | Stone decay Pyroclastic rocks Environmental management Heritage conservation Water transport properties Pore structure Canary Islands |
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