UPDATE: A groundbreaking review study from researchers at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Türkiye has just been released, shedding light on the critical materials used in historical structures. This urgent research, titled “Materials Characterization of Historical Structures: A Review“, addresses the pressing need for effective preservation techniques by analyzing the properties of various building materials.
The survival of our cultural heritage is at stake. The findings emphasize that understanding materials such as limestone, granite, and various types of mortars is essential for ensuring these historical structures endure for future generations. However, challenges remain in selecting the right methods for material characterization, which can hinder restoration efforts.
This comprehensive study, authored by Mertcan Demirel, Alican Topsakal, and Muhammet Gökhan Altun, synthesizes existing research to identify effective analytical techniques. It highlights the strengths and limitations of several methods, aiming to guide researchers in their material selection processes. The study scrutinizes four core categories of characterization techniques critical for evaluating the integrity of historical buildings.
Physical and Thermal Property Analysis techniques, such as Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), are utilized to determine porosity and water permeability. For instance, research on mortars from Amaiur Castle identified two main pore size distributions of 0.01–1 μm and 1–10 μm. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) assesses thermal resistance, revealing that calcite decomposes at temperatures between 600–900 °C, causing a mass loss of 20%–40% due to CO2 emission.
The study also explores Chemical Property Analysis techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). These methods are essential for determining mineral composition and elemental content, such as identifying high concentrations of lead and zinc in the black crusts of Seville Cathedral.
Moreover, Mechanical Property Analysis focuses on non-destructive methods like Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Schmidt hammer tests, which allow for assessing structural integrity without damaging the historical sites. This is crucial for preserving these irreplaceable structures while evaluating their mechanical performance.
Visualization techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Infrared Thermography (IRT), are also discussed. These methods help identify hidden defects and visualize material morphology, ensuring a thorough understanding of the physical state of historical structures.
The review validates the effectiveness of these techniques through extensive studies on benchmarks, including Roman-period structures in Portugal and 11th–14th century buildings in Spain. The combined application of multiple methods creates a more reliable dataset, paving the way for cost-effective and scientifically sound restoration projects.
As the preservation of cultural heritage becomes increasingly urgent, this research offers a timely resource for engineers, architects, and conservationists. The authors have provided a clear pathway for enhancing restoration methodologies, ensuring that our historical landmarks can be maintained for generations to come.
For further details, access the full paper here: Materials Characterization of Historical Structures: A Review.
