Abstract
The evaluation of the fire impact on building materials is of great scientific and socio-economic importance since fire can result in materials’ chemical and mechanical alterations, which leads to structural stability problems of historical and/or modern construction. This highly increases the cost of rehabilitation interventions. The case study of the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Varnakova is an example of the fire effect on both historical and newer stone masonries. The Varnakova Monastery is a typical 19th century monastic complex and, during its long history, it has undergone multiple reconstructions after major catastrophic events that have taken place due to its strategic geographical position and its financial and spiritual significance for the region. The last big-scale renovation of the Monastery was conducted between the years 1992 to 2014. However, in January 2017, a devastating fire destroyed the largest part of the monastic cells’ quarter. In this work, a diagnostic study of the different construction phases’ materials comprising the masonries of the monastery cells in their present state is presented. The examination of a series of samples through analytical techniques, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and total immersion tests, along with the use of non-destructive techniques in situ, such as Infra Red Thermography, Digital Microscopy, and Schmidt Hammer Rebound tests, shed light on the preservation state and on the decay of the diverse building materials. In addition, the impact of the fire on their properties was investigated. The results reveal the diversity of the materials used in the historical masonries throughout the centuries, while the combination of analytical and non-destructive techniques demonstrates the damages induced by the fire.
Highlights
In recent years, more research has focused on the effect of high temperatures on building materials [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16]
The results reveal the diversity of the materials used in the historical masonries throughout the centuries, while the combination of analytical and non-destructive techniques demonstrates the damages induced by the fire
Another important aspect to be explored is the variability of the fire impact parameters on the different lithotypes and parts of the masonry depending on the diverse temperatures, duration of the event, or other synergic factors
Summary
More research has focused on the effect of high temperatures on building materials [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16]. The assessment of the effect of high temperatures on the building materials of a structure, especially after a catastrophic event, such as a fire, is crucial in order to evaluate the safety level of its damaged state and plan appropriate repair measures [10]. Chemical analysis can reveal alterations in the composition of the material, which is connected to transformations that take place during the fire effect These alterations include oxidation, dehydration, de-hydroxylation, calcination, and other processes [6,14]. In an extent to the above discussion, the indirect consequences to the whole masonry need to be taken under consideration, during a diagnostic study Another important aspect to be explored is the variability of the fire impact parameters on the different lithotypes and parts of the masonry depending on the diverse temperatures, duration of the event, or other synergic factors (e.g., precedent defaults of a masonry block or an isolated stone). DDeeppiiccttiioonnoof fthtehMe oMnoanstaesrtyercyellcseilnlsitisnpirtessepnrtessetantte satfateter tahfetefirreth, we hfiirceh, iwndhiiccahteisntdhiecaetxetsertnhael, ethxteeirnntaelr,mtheediinattee,rmanedditahtee,inatnedrntahleminatseornnrayl.mTahseocnhruyr. cThh,easchinudrcicha,taesdi,nisdticoattheed,eiasstto. the east
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
