An integrated methodology for salt damage assessment and remediation: The case of San Jeronimo Monastery (Granada, Spain)

An integrated methodology for salt damage assessment and remediation: The case of San Jeronimo Monastery (Granada, Spain)

Ruiz-Agudo, E.
Lubelli, B.
Sawdy, A.
Van Hees, R.
Price, C.
Rodriguez-Navarro, C.

Architecture

RMIT en Media Studies

2010-07-20

San Jeronimo Monastery (Granada, Spain) was selected as a case study for the investigation of the effect of indoor environmental conditions on salt weathering and for on-site testing of a remediation treatment using crystallization inhibitors on account of the extreme salt damage affecting both the building stone, a biomicritic limestone, calcarenite and wall paintings. A methodology combining several analysis techniques, phenomenological observations, salt and moisture analysis, environmental monitoring and thermodynamic simulations, was adopted in order to study the salt damage problems affecting this building. Within the collected samples, the majority of salts were found to be magnesium sulphate in the form of either hexahydrite or epsomite, depending on the climate conditions, together with minor amounts of gypsum, nitrates and chlorides. Comparison of empirical observations with thermodynamic simulations of the salt mixture behaviour clearly showed that salt-induced damage events take place during the seasonal changes from spring to summer and winter to spring. An aqueous solution of an organic phosphonate, which in laboratory experiments was found to be an effective inhibitor of magnesium sulphate crystallization, was sprayed over a selected test area of unpainted stonework at the site. Preliminary results seem to indicate that after the application of the treatment both the amount of efflorescence and ongoing damage to the stone support is reduced. However, long-term monitoring of the future condition of the test area is needed to confirm whether indeed this treatment is appropriate and effective in reducing salt damage at this case study site. The outcome of this study extends beyond the particular problems at San Jeronimo Monastery, as it demonstrates a methodological approach for the study and evaluation of salt weathering problems affecting cultural heritage.

salt damage
crystallization inhibitors
environmental monitoring
thermodynamic simulations

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:87d9af65-568f-40fb-86f3-2ad9b0a77ad5

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-010-0661-9

Springer

1866-6299

Environmental Earth Sciences, 63, 2011

Institutional Repository

journal article

(c) 2010 The Author(s)
Springer