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Calcareous deposits are one of the most common alterations that archaeological ceramics can exhibit, and they can damage their artistic and historical values. For this reason, it becomes necessary to remove these deposits. However, there is no agreement in the conservation field about the conditions of the cleaning treatments. Moreover, little has been studied about the consequences that archaeological ceramics might suffer. The main purpose of this research is to study the efficacy and safety of several cleaning treatments that are or can be used in archaeological ceramics. To this aim, it was necessary, in first place, elaborating ceramic specimens, simulating archaeological ones, and artificially growing calcareous deposits on their surface. Afterwards, effective and little damaging cleaning treatments based on the immersion of the elaborated ceramics on acid products were developed. Acetic and nitric acid solutions were prepared at the minimum concentration and applied during the minimum time to be effective. Ceramic specimens were elaborated with a commercial red clay simulating archaeological ceramics to avoid trials on real cultural objects. The mineralogical composition of the ceramics was studied by X-ray powder diffraction to establish if changes occurred after the carbonation process and after the cleaning treatments, and thermogravimetric analysis allowed to quantify the calcium carbonate content in every step of the process and to determine the efficacy and safety of such cleaning treatments. According to the results obtained so far, the acid treatments (acetic and nitric acid) were both effective in the removal of the deposits and did not modify the initial mineralogical composition of the ceramic specimens. Besides, no significant differences among them were detected regarding their efficacy.
Águeda Sáenz-Martínez; Marta Pérez-Estébanez; Margarita San Andrés; Mónica Alvarez de Buergo; Rafael Fort. Efficacy of acid treatments used in archaeological ceramics for the removal of calcareous deposits. The European Physical Journal Plus 2021, 136, 1 -16.
AMA StyleÁgueda Sáenz-Martínez, Marta Pérez-Estébanez, Margarita San Andrés, Mónica Alvarez de Buergo, Rafael Fort. Efficacy of acid treatments used in archaeological ceramics for the removal of calcareous deposits. The European Physical Journal Plus. 2021; 136 (8):1-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleÁgueda Sáenz-Martínez; Marta Pérez-Estébanez; Margarita San Andrés; Mónica Alvarez de Buergo; Rafael Fort. 2021. "Efficacy of acid treatments used in archaeological ceramics for the removal of calcareous deposits." The European Physical Journal Plus 136, no. 8: 1-16.
Pilar Mata-Tutor; Catherine Villoria-Rojas; Nicholas Márquez-Grant; Mónica Alvarez de Buergo Ballester; Natalia Pérez-Ema; María Benito-Sánchez. Measuring dimensional and morphological heat alterations of dismemberment-related toolmarks with an optical roughness metre. International Journal of Legal Medicine 2021, 1 -14.
AMA StylePilar Mata-Tutor, Catherine Villoria-Rojas, Nicholas Márquez-Grant, Mónica Alvarez de Buergo Ballester, Natalia Pérez-Ema, María Benito-Sánchez. Measuring dimensional and morphological heat alterations of dismemberment-related toolmarks with an optical roughness metre. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 2021; ():1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StylePilar Mata-Tutor; Catherine Villoria-Rojas; Nicholas Márquez-Grant; Mónica Alvarez de Buergo Ballester; Natalia Pérez-Ema; María Benito-Sánchez. 2021. "Measuring dimensional and morphological heat alterations of dismemberment-related toolmarks with an optical roughness metre." International Journal of Legal Medicine , no. : 1-14.
Jorge Feijoo; Duygu Ergenç; Rafael Fort; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo. Addition of ferrocyanide-based compounds to repairing joint lime mortars as a protective method for porous building materials against sodium chloride damage. Materials and Structures 2021, 54, 1 -20.
AMA StyleJorge Feijoo, Duygu Ergenç, Rafael Fort, Mónica Álvarez de Buergo. Addition of ferrocyanide-based compounds to repairing joint lime mortars as a protective method for porous building materials against sodium chloride damage. Materials and Structures. 2021; 54 (1):1-20.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Feijoo; Duygu Ergenç; Rafael Fort; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo. 2021. "Addition of ferrocyanide-based compounds to repairing joint lime mortars as a protective method for porous building materials against sodium chloride damage." Materials and Structures 54, no. 1: 1-20.
In the last decades, many researchers investigated the relation between environmental pollution and the degradation phenomena on the built heritage, because of their rapid increase and growing harmfulness. Consequently, the identification of the main pollution sources has become essential to define mitigation actions against degradation and alteration phenomena of the stone materials. In this way, the present paper is focused on the study of the effect of air pollution on archaeological buildings in Historic Cairo. A multi-methodological approach was used to obtain information about the chemical composition of examined black crusts and to clarify their correlation with the air pollution, specifically the heavy metals and the carbonaceous fraction, their main sources, and their impact on the state of conservation of the studied sites. All specimens were characterized by polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Probe Micro Analyser coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EPMA-EDS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The study conducted on heavy metals and carbonaceous fraction showed that the greatest contribution of the accumulation of pollutants is attributable to vehicular traffic and industrial activities, the main polluting sources in Cairo city. Furthermore, the comparison with other studies conducted on the carbonaceous fraction in the black crusts coming from both European and non-European cities, has allowed to discriminate the contribution of the primary and secondary polluting sources. Finally, the correlation of the data obtained on the heavy metals and the carbonaceous fraction allowed to formulate important hypothesis about the processes of sulphation.
Natalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Luciana Randazzo; Paola Fermo; Donatella Barca; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt). Science of The Total Environment 2020, 764, 142905 .
AMA StyleNatalia Rovella, Nevin Aly, Valeria Comite, Luciana Randazzo, Paola Fermo, Donatella Barca, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Mauro Francesco La Russa. The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt). Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 764 ():142905.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Luciana Randazzo; Paola Fermo; Donatella Barca; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt)." Science of The Total Environment 764, no. : 142905.
In this paper the effect of the application of four kinds of polymer dispersions containing nanoparticles, used as protectives, on two type of carbonatic lithotypes, White Noto and Comiso stone, is reported. The study was conducted by analysing the contribution of each component of the system. After the structural characterization of the coating itself, the performance of those colloidal systems has been studied upon application on the calcarenites, preferring non-invasive techniques and microdestructive techniques. Effect of the nanoparticles presence on hydrorepellency and roughness of the stone surface and on chromatic changes has also been considered. The tests conducted have proven that although some of the formulations present some issues for their usage on White Noto stone, all four formulations induce an effective waterproofing action on Comiso stones, even in presence of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles.
Vincenzo Renda; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Maria Luisa Saladino; Eugenio Caponetti. Assessment of protection treatments for carbonatic stone using nanocomposite coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings 2020, 141, 105515 .
AMA StyleVincenzo Renda, Monica Alvarez De Buergo, Maria Luisa Saladino, Eugenio Caponetti. Assessment of protection treatments for carbonatic stone using nanocomposite coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings. 2020; 141 ():105515.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Renda; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Maria Luisa Saladino; Eugenio Caponetti. 2020. "Assessment of protection treatments for carbonatic stone using nanocomposite coatings." Progress in Organic Coatings 141, no. : 105515.
This study examines the deterioration of geomaterials used throughout history that today may be found lying on the ocean floor. Submerged archaeological sites including cargoes from shipwrecks or ancient city ruins have been a topic of interest from a perspective of in situ musealization, as a way of making underwater cultural heritage accessible to the public. In an experimental study conducted at an underwater archaeological site in the Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain), we subjected two types of marble (Carrara and Macael) to three conditions to which submerged archaeological objects are often exposed: full exposure to the water column, natural processes of burial and unearthing, or permanent burial. After an 18-month study period, the factor found to mostly affect these materials was their biological colonization. This factor was assessed by estimating total surface biocover and the rate of surface biocolonization, and also through the identification of skeletons and associated alteration forms by light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biofouling and bioerosion were the main causes of biodeterioration and dependent on the position of the marble specimens in the seawater. The response of both materials was similar, though dolomite crystals in the Carrara marble acted as a protective barrier against actively penetrating microorganisms. These investigations have allowed the study of tracers left by epilithic encrusting organisms and endolithic bioeroders on marbles intentionally exposed to seawater, providing new insights to the understanding of the biodeterioration processes occurring in cultural heritage stones, with significant implications when they are part of underwater archaeological remains.
Beatriz Cámara; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo; Manuel Bethencourt; Tomás Fernández-Montblanc; Mauro F. La Russa; Michela Ricca; Rafael Fort. Biodeterioration of marble in an underwater environment. Science of The Total Environment 2017, 609, 109 -122.
AMA StyleBeatriz Cámara, Mónica Álvarez de Buergo, Manuel Bethencourt, Tomás Fernández-Montblanc, Mauro F. La Russa, Michela Ricca, Rafael Fort. Biodeterioration of marble in an underwater environment. Science of The Total Environment. 2017; 609 ():109-122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Cámara; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo; Manuel Bethencourt; Tomás Fernández-Montblanc; Mauro F. La Russa; Michela Ricca; Rafael Fort. 2017. "Biodeterioration of marble in an underwater environment." Science of The Total Environment 609, no. : 109-122.
Air pollution induces the development of black crusts on the surface of built heritage materials. Black layers on the limestone used on an emblematic Madrilenian building dating from the early twentieth century, mainly built up in the 20 years lapsing between two façade cleaning operations, was studied with POM and SEM-EDS. Particulate matter deposited on surfaces in the same period was analyzed with XRD and IC. Climate change in the environs was also studied and façade coloring patterns were compared. Since black crust and settled dust composition, as well as façade soling intensity, were found to be closely related to the surrounding environment, both are proposed as environment and climate change markers. These are considerations, moreover, that must be addressed when designing conservation strategies. Domestic heating systems and vehicle traffic were identified as the two main sources of pollution throughout the period studied in the target area, where the temperature steadily rose and relative humidity declined. The progressive replacement of coal with gas oil in domestic heating boilers and the proliferation of vehicles with diesel engines have mostly determined the evolution of the pollutants emitted. The color of façade soiling, in turn, has been primarily conditioned by the typology of the particles deposited on the limestone surface, declining humidity and the passage of time.
Elena Mercedes Perez-Monserrat; Maria Jose Varas-Muriel; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Rafael Fort. Black Layers of Decay and Color Patterns on Heritage Limestone as Markers of Environmental Change. Geosciences 2016, 6, 4 .
AMA StyleElena Mercedes Perez-Monserrat, Maria Jose Varas-Muriel, Monica Alvarez De Buergo, Rafael Fort. Black Layers of Decay and Color Patterns on Heritage Limestone as Markers of Environmental Change. Geosciences. 2016; 6 (1):4.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Mercedes Perez-Monserrat; Maria Jose Varas-Muriel; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Rafael Fort. 2016. "Black Layers of Decay and Color Patterns on Heritage Limestone as Markers of Environmental Change." Geosciences 6, no. 1: 4.
The current study aims to analyse the conservation state of the Sassi of Matera site (Southern Italy), a place inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993 (the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera) and recently awarded 2019 European Capital of Culture. Furthermore, the article considers the influence of some of the causative factors controlling the Matera building conservation state, paying particular attention to the site microclimatic conditions such as the insolation and winds. We studied this subject through a new methodology that makes a combined use both of stone decay data gained from the extensive field assessments of the visible weathering forms catalogued in an ad hoc questionnaire and GIS advanced spatial analysis techniques such as Map Algebra and Kernel Density Estimation. The research puts into evidence that the Sassi of Matera shows a fair state of conservation that is conditioned by the wind/rain actions and sun exposure. Besides, just the already well known facts that the surfaces facing north seem to be most influenced by the wind/rain actions; and that, on the contrary, the decay of the walls facing south seems to be guided mainly from the sun exposure, put into evidence the importance of locating the intensities of the decays in any urban tissue or any site in order to plan conservation interventions and prioritize actions and the usefulness of the spatial analysis techniques and data processing.
Fabrizio Terenzio Gizzi; Maria Sileo; Marilisa Biscione; Maria Danese; Monica Alvarez de Buergo. The conservation state of the Sassi of Matera site (Southern Italy) and its correlation with the environmental conditions analysed through spatial analysis techniques. Journal of Cultural Heritage 2015, 17, 61 -74.
AMA StyleFabrizio Terenzio Gizzi, Maria Sileo, Marilisa Biscione, Maria Danese, Monica Alvarez de Buergo. The conservation state of the Sassi of Matera site (Southern Italy) and its correlation with the environmental conditions analysed through spatial analysis techniques. Journal of Cultural Heritage. 2015; 17 ():61-74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFabrizio Terenzio Gizzi; Maria Sileo; Marilisa Biscione; Maria Danese; Monica Alvarez de Buergo. 2015. "The conservation state of the Sassi of Matera site (Southern Italy) and its correlation with the environmental conditions analysed through spatial analysis techniques." Journal of Cultural Heritage 17, no. : 61-74.
Several types of granite found in two architectural heritage monuments were assessed with two non-destructive, portable techniques: Schmidt hammer rebound and ultrasound velocity (Vp). Similar assessments were conducted on the rock from which the granite was originally quarried for comparison. The results obtained, which revealed the existence of a direct correlation, constitute a useful indication of decay, particularly if the approximate dates of construction are known. And conversely, if they are not, such stone assessments may provide a rough estimate of when the structure was built. Both of these convenient, portable and non-destructive techniques may be used as reliable indicators of the degree of stone decay.
Rafael Fort; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Elena M. Perez-Monserrat. Non-destructive testing for the assessment of granite decay in heritage structures compared to quarry stone. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 2013, 61, 296 -305.
AMA StyleRafael Fort, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Elena M. Perez-Monserrat. Non-destructive testing for the assessment of granite decay in heritage structures compared to quarry stone. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2013; 61 ():296-305.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRafael Fort; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Elena M. Perez-Monserrat. 2013. "Non-destructive testing for the assessment of granite decay in heritage structures compared to quarry stone." International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 61, no. : 296-305.
M. Alvarez De Buergo; Rafael Fort; Miguel Gomez-Heras. Contributions of scanning electron microscopy to the assessment of the effectiveness of stone conservation treatments. Scanning 2004, 26, 41 -47.
AMA StyleM. Alvarez De Buergo, Rafael Fort, Miguel Gomez-Heras. Contributions of scanning electron microscopy to the assessment of the effectiveness of stone conservation treatments. Scanning. 2004; 26 (1):41-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Alvarez De Buergo; Rafael Fort; Miguel Gomez-Heras. 2004. "Contributions of scanning electron microscopy to the assessment of the effectiveness of stone conservation treatments." Scanning 26, no. 1: 41-47.
The ochre patina that covers the limestone façades of Palacio de Nuevo Baztán is composed of calcite, clay minerals, gypsum, quartz, potassium feldspar, alongside traces of calcium oxalates, calcium phosphates, iron oxides and hydroxides. It is a polistratified film, rich in Ca, Si, Al and P, as well as Mg, K, Fe and Cl. Results obtained indicate that the origin of the patina lies in a treatment applied on the stone in the past, consisting of a mixture of lime, gypsum, milk-derived compounds and inorganic earth pigments. This film has protected the stone on which it was applied, and should be preserved in any further stages of intervention on the stone façades.
M.Alvarez de Buergo; R.Fort González. Protective patinas applied on stony façades of historical buildings in the past. Construction and Building Materials 2002, 17, 83 -89.
AMA StyleM.Alvarez de Buergo, R.Fort González. Protective patinas applied on stony façades of historical buildings in the past. Construction and Building Materials. 2002; 17 (2):83-89.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.Alvarez de Buergo; R.Fort González. 2002. "Protective patinas applied on stony façades of historical buildings in the past." Construction and Building Materials 17, no. 2: 83-89.