Abstract
Salt-induced deterioration of architectural heritage is accelerated drastically in marine environments. This paper investigates the deterioration mechanism of the Shore Temple using various analytical techniques. Deteriorated and pristine stone samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), thin section studies, and SEM in order to understand the deterioration mechanism. The meteorological and micro-climatic conditions of Shore Temple in the tropical Indian climate were studied, as they have played a vital role in the deterioration of the stone matrix. The sides of the temple that face the sea as well as the upper part of the temple show intense alveolarization and the stone variety was petrologically identified as “garnetiferous hornblende biotite granite”. The evaluation of results in terms of the efficacy of ethyl silicate consolidation of stone after desalination is very difficult due to continuous sea sprays. The compatible lime rendering evidenced in the shelter area and then scientifically examined during this study may be applied as a protective layer to safeguard and conserve the lone Pallava edifice on the seashore from deterioration in tropical and hygric saline conditions.
Highlights
Salt weathering is commonly noticed as one of the major factors in the deterioration of historical architecture, archaeological structures, and archaeological objects [1,2]
Precipitation, and fluctuation in relative humidity are influencing climatic conditions that directly affect the salt weathering in porous building materials [4]
At Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, it was observed that salt reduction from the stone surface is only temporary, and necessary conservation measures must be initiated instantly before the salt content is replenished due to a continuous spray of sea salts
Summary
Salt weathering is commonly noticed as one of the major factors in the deterioration of historical architecture, archaeological structures, and archaeological objects [1,2]. Higher precipitation and wind-driven rain may result in deeper penetration of sea salts in ancient structures that cause hygric expansion with accompanying stress [3]. Precipitation, and fluctuation in relative humidity are influencing climatic conditions that directly affect the salt weathering in porous building materials [4]. Salt weathering has long been known in porous materials [5] through the creation of physical stress from the crystallization of salts in pores [6,7]. Salts can damage stone and other building materials through a range of other mechanisms like differential thermal expansion, osmotic swelling of clays, crystallization pressure, hydration pressure, and enhanced wet/dry cycles caused by deliquescent salts [8,9,10]. Salt weathering refers to weathering generated by soluble and insoluble salts (such as in this study) and the weathering of salt [11]
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