Diagnosis and Conservation of Stone

Objectives

At the end of this UC the student must have acquired knowledge and skills that allow to:

correctly diagnose the state of conservation of the stone materials used in works of built Cultural Heritage, as well as in statuary, both with regard to the materials applied therein and with regard to the underlying structures

understand the specificities of the materials used, in particular with regard to their genesis and evolution over time, with or without anthropic action

understand the phenomena that cause the degradation of these works, in order to avoid or minimize their action in the future, from a perspective of Preventive Conservation

define the premises that could serve as a basis for future interventions

General characterization

Code

7417

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Nuno Gonçalo Figueiredo de Freitas Leal

Hours

Weekly - 5

Total - 70

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge about Mineralogy and Geology, previously acquired at UC "Principles of Mineralogy and Geology" (2nd year of the LCR).


Bibliography

Available soon

Teaching method

Lectures:

  1. Oral presentation, accompanied by images, about the various themes included in the program.

Practical classes:

  1. Observation and characterization of samples of stone materials (natural and artificial stone) and visit to real cases.
  2. Anomaly mapping.
  3. Use (analysis) of geological charts and their explanatory news.
  4. Includes evaluation.

Evaluation method

  1. Project: Group work, with oral presentation (60%);
  2. 3 mini-tests (10% each);
  3. Participation during theoretical and practical classes, including written reports (10%)

Subject matter

Introduction. Organization of the UC and evaluation methods.

Most used materials in Built Cultural Heritage and in statuary, in Portugal.

Physical-chemical characteristics of stony materials.

Factors conditioning Degradation.

Mechanisms of Degradation.

Degradation and Pathology. Types of Anomalies.

Stone as a building material. History and evolution of stone constructions. Construction systems and structural components. Stone Work: from the quarry to the monument.

The stone in sculptures: from conception to the place of exhibition.

Anomalies and damage to stone buildings. Mechanisms of degradation, both material and structural.

Mortars (artificial stones). Constitution and requirements, function of the type of application.

Inspection (and diagnosis) of monuments and stone sculptures. Registration methods for documentation and analysis. Destructive and non-destructive characterization tests.

Marmorites in wall and floor coverings of buildings. Composition, degradation, diagnosis and conservation.

Pretended of stone and artificial stones in old buildings. Diversity, compositions, degradation, diagnosis and conservation

Plaster-based coatings on walls and ceilings of old buildings. Smooth coatings, molded on bench and molded in situ. Composition, degradation, diagnosis and conservation.

Experimental evaluation of natural and artificial stone in cultural heritage.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: