Archaeological Buildings Research Articles

Exploring airborne fungal contaminations and air quality pollution in nine ancient stone temples, Surin, Thailand.

This study provided crucial insights into the concentrations of airborne fungi, environmental parameters, and atmospheric pollution in Thailand's ancient stone temples. Airborne fungi were identified based on morphological characteristics. Airborne fungi, meteorological parameters, and atmospheric pollutants concurrently assessed during each sampling event, evaluating indoor/outdoor ratio. Prevalent genera included Penicillium (14.36%), Aspergillus (10.94%), Cladosporium (10.74%), Rhizopus (6.31%), and Fusarium (5.90%), with an average fungi concentration of 4884.46 ± 724.79CFU/m3. Eighteen fungal species out of the 64 airborne fungi identified were well-known serious pathogenic agents, contributing not only to structural deterioration but also to human health. Significant variations were observed between indoor and outdoor environments and across diverse landscapes, particularly for PM10 (ranging from 43.47 to 121.31µg/m3) and PM2.5 (ranging from 29.59 to 89.60µg/m3), with intensive incense burning identified as a prominent source of indoor atmospheric pollution. Historical temples, particularly situated in urban areas, were identified as significant reservoirs of airborne fungi. Correlations between meteorological parameters and pollutants revealed strong associations. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis elucidated distinct patterns in airborne fungal concentrations and contaminations. This study analyzed environmental factors, pollutants, airborne fungi, and geographical variations from July 2020 to March 2021. Understanding prevalent genera, airborne fungi concentrations, pathogenic species, biodeterioration, and environmental dynamics provided strategies for improving indoor air quality and mitigating airborne fungal contamination in archaeological buildings worldwide.

Archaeological buildings and standards of their reuse suiting the civilized value of place and economic value of time: a case study of Old Ibb City

Archaeological buildings and standards of their reuse suiting the civilized value of place and economic value of time: a case study of Old Ibb City

STRATIGRAPHIC UNITS INSIDE HERITAGE BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL: A NOVEL APPROACH FOR THE REPRESENTATION OF BUILDING ARCHAEOLOGY

Abstract. The paper discusses the representation of Stratigraphic Units (SUs) and the communication of Building Archaeology analysis in three dimensions within the context of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM). The author propose a methodological approach to incorporate 2D Building Archaeology analysis into the HBIM environment, aiming to support experts involved in research and restoration phases. Moving from 2D to 3D graphics in Building Archaeology introduces challenges in describing the third dimension of SUs, particularly regarding thickness and the relationship between different wall layers. In conclusion, the paper suggests the creation of a new category of HBIM called Building Archaeology Informative Modelling (BAIM), which aims to address the specific requirements of representing Building Archaeology in three dimensions.

The environmental factors affecting the archaeological buildings in Egypt, “IV deterioration by synergistic marine effects”

This paper investigates the marine effects that affect Qait Bey Fortress in Alexandria—Egypt. It presents the results of scientific studies and examinations to evaluate the deterioration conditions that affected archaeological buildings in the marine environment. In Alexandria, many monumental sites and stone buildings have suffered from many aggressive factors of deterioration (mechanical, chemical, and biological), which have caused great harmful appearances and threatened to eradicate them. These effects include the chemical actions resulting from seawater and marine aerosol and the mechanical actions of water waves. (Qait Bey Fortress), as a case study, was periodically investigated by many scientific techniques over five years to check its decay conditions and to define the most suitable conservation approaches and non-destructive methods for preservation. Different techniques and examinations were carried out to evaluate the current deterioration state of the fortress. For example, XRD analysis and PM investigation were used to study the mineralogical compositions, lithotype, and petrographic characteristics of the stone samples. SEM was used to investigate the morphological features of the same samples. AAS was also used for studying the chemical constituents of seawater samples. In addition, microbiological investigations were conducted to evaluate the colored hard crusts that affected the stone surfaces in the fortress. Our results proved that severe deterioration factors influenced the fortress by collaborating with chemical, mechanical, and biological mechanisms. These mechanisms caused several manifestations, such as abrasion and attrition, crystallizing of salt species, mortar desegregation, pitting and minerals’ honeycomb (Alveolar), color changes, in addition to the accumulation of black and colored biogenic hard crusts composed of numerous tightly adjoining pits of several centimeters. Crusts, such as yellow to bluish green, resulted from P. aeruginosa and granular appearance having brownish ting in the center resulted from P. clacis. In addition, other pigmented features resulted from Bacillus firmus and Bacillus atrophaeus. The presence of some black and dark color crusts was attributed to the growth of some fungal species, such as A. niger, A. phoenicis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata.

Nanotechnology applications to improve the mechanical properties of lime mortars in archaeological building

Nanotechnology applications to improve the mechanical properties of lime mortars in archaeological building

Digitize the Architectural Heritage in Egypt to Overcome the Repercussions of COVID-19

The world has faced a lot of unprecedented economic and social repercussions in its modern history. For instance, the spread of many diseases such as Covid-19, wars, and climate change. That led to stagnation in many sectors of development. As a result of these events, the governments tended to mitigate the impact of these repercussions by exploiting new technological tools and techniques, such as extended reality, digital marketing, and website development. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the tourism sector around the world in the last 3 years. And whereas Egypt owns a third of the world's monuments, which represent the architectural legacies spread over large and multiple areas. From this point of view, this study discusses how to combine these monuments in an integrated project through digitizing architectural heritage on a website that works with modern technology techniques, especially extended reality technology to promote the tourism sector in Egypt, hence increasing the national income. On the other hand, this study also aimed to formulate a hypothetical vision of how to preserve, document, develop and invest in all archaeological buildings at the lowest possible cost, help to immerse yourself in it either completely or partially, query, and identify its elements and components textually, audibly, visually, and sensually. To achieve the study objectives, four steps were undertaken. First, the selection of a case study and virtual documentation of architectural heritage; second, a practical experiment was implemented using the extended reality technology; third, a questionnaire was conducted for the users of the experiment; and fourth, an evaluation by statistical analysis was implemented. From these four steps, a map of Egypt for architectural heritage was carried out. This map not only helps to revitalize the tourism sector but also enhances electronic documentation, and the restoration, and rehabilitation process of the monuments. Hence, preserving the cultural heritage of Egypt.

Investigating Nineteenth-Century change at Kirkliston Parish Church

This article presents the results of an in-depth investigation of post-medieval Kirkliston parish church (Edinburgh), using an interdisciplinary buildings archaeology approach. Despite a wealth of existing scholarship on Scotland’s churches, the archaeological investigation of parish churches has been somewhat limited, and narratives tend to be predisposed towards the medieval. The 19th century in particular has rarely been engaged with in church archaeology, even though the period saw significant social and religious change, and transformational developments in church buildings. Visual and stratigraphic analysis, combined with comprehensive documentary research, uncovered new evidence and layers of meaning for three separate phases of change during the 19th century that fundamentally shaped the present church. The results demonstrate the strengths of an archaeological approach and highlight the value of studying all phases of a church’s development. At a time when many of Scotland’s churches face redundancy, closure, or dereliction, this research emphasizes their high archaeological value and research potential.

THE FIRST ARCHAEOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LATE ROMAN PERIOD BRICKS IN THE DNIESTER RIVER BASIN IN COMPARISON WITH EARLY MEDIEVAL MATERIAL

The paper presents the results on archaeometric characterization of a test sample of building materials from the settlements of the Late Roman period Komariv and Buzovytsia-1 in the middle course of the Dniester river. The parameters of raw material and technology of bricks from the two sites are compared and the first reconstruction of features of operational chains are offered. Also, the first comparison of the Late Roman period materials with same-function artifacts of the Middle Ages (Old Rus’ Culture) has been made. The development of petrographic and geochemical classification of archaeological building ceramics from the sites of the Central and South-West Ukraine was started.

THE CAESAREA GERMANICIA (?) OF ARCHEOGEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

The remains unearthed in the Dulkadiroğlu district, one of the central districts of Kahramanmaraş, are thought to belong to Caesarea Germanicia, which was founded in the Roman Period. Research and excavations carried out by the Kahramanmaraş Museum and us in the region have revealed that the spread of archaeological cultural remains is more than 150 hectares. Although the concentration of Roman Period cultural remains in the research and excavations was remarkable, the discovery of Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Period ceramic pieces indicates an uninterrupted settlement in the research area for centuries. However, as can be seen in the images, the dense residential texture in the region is one of the biggest obstacles to archaeological research and excavations. Because, in order to carry out archaeological excavations of the identified structures, expropriations are required. However, the expropriation period covers an average of 2-4 years, which makes it difficult to conduct scientific research. Archeogeophysical methods provide information about the location, depth, and dimensions of the archaeological remains by applying them from the surface, without causing any damage to the archaeological remains sought. In this context, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) measurements were carried out to determine the quality of the mosaic-based structure on 445 layout, which were previously unearthed through illegal excavations in 2019, and the parcels on which it extends. GPR was carried out along 6 profiles. The obtained results were compared both with each other and with the existing surface conditions, and GPR depth maps were created. When the GPR depth sections were examined, 4 important reflections were found. It has been interpreted that 3 of these reflections belong to the archaeological building remains and 1 of them originates from a metal material (pipe). It was determined that the depth of the archaeological remains identified in the GPR sections started at a depth of approximately 20 cm. As a result of the excavation, it was seen that the reflections determined in the GPR sections belonged to the wall remains and metal pipe. As a result of archaeological excavations, it was determined that the GPR reflections belong to the remains of the walls of the Villa Rustica of the Early Byzantine Period or a Roman bath, as well as a metal pipe. In the measurements of the ground radar, it was determined that other walls cut the building walls in parallel. As a result of archaeological excavations, it was understood that these walls were made of rubble stone with mud additives. It was discovered during archaeological excavations and was discovered in the 11th-13th centuries AD. One of the ceramic fragments indicates that this structure was used again in the Middle Byzantine Period.

Assessing Critical Criteria for Historical Archeological Buildings in Iraq

-This research was conducted to identify and evaluate the relative importance of the criteria in an archaeological building. Open and closed questionnaires were used and interviews with experts and specialists from many ministries and governorates were conducted to identify the most important criteria. The aim determines what factors influence historic archaeological building success, and which criteria should be used to determine the best response. The data were analyzed with the SPSS V25 program using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method to determine the relative importance of the considered 15 variables. RII allows the identification of the most important criteria based on responses from participants, and it is a useful tool for prioritizing indicators rated on Likert-type scales. The data were analyzed using a formula from a previous study's relative index analysis method. Providing information or a database of historic old buildings ranked first with RII = 92%, and providing information on the changes taking place in old buildings ranked second with RII = 88%.

Salt Weathering Impact on Archaeological Buildings in Al- Ahsa Governorate Saudi Arabia

Salt Weathering Impact on Archaeological Buildings in Al- Ahsa Governorate Saudi Arabia

The Evolution of Sensing Device for the Detection of Histamine and other Biogenic Amines

This paper aims at investigating the major water harvesting schemes that were in the archeological buildings in Jordan, established by different ancient civilizations and the traditional techniques that were used by our grandparents in their traditional houses..

Data-driven conservation actions of heritage places curated with HBIM

Digital surveying tools provide a highly accurate geometric representation of cultural heritage sites in the form of point cloud data. With the recent advances in interoperability between point cloud data and Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital heritage researchers have introduced the Heritage/Historic Information Modelling (HBIM) notion to the field. As heritage data require safeguarding strategies to ensure their sustainability, the process is closely tied to conservation actions in the architectural conservation field. Focusing on the intersection of the ongoing trends in HBIM research and the global needs for heritage conservation actions, this paper tackles methodological pipelines for the data-driven management of archaeological heritage places. It illustrates how HBIM discourse could be beneficial for easing value-based decision-making in the conservation process. It introduces digital data-driven conservation actions by implementing a novel methodology for ancient building remains in Erythrae archaeological site (Turkey). The research ranges from a) surveying the in-situ remains and surrounding stones of the Heroon remains with digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning to b) designing a database system for building archaeology. The workflow offers high geometric fidelity and management of non-geometric heritage data by testing out the suitability and feasibility for the study of material culture and the physical assessment of archaeological building remains. This methodology is a fully data-enriched NURBS-based (non-uniform rational basis spline) three-dimensional (3D) model—which is integrated and operational in the BIM environment— for the holistic conservation process. Using a state-of-the-art digital heritage approach can be applied from raw data (initial stages) to decision-making about an archaeological heritage site (final stages). In conclusion, the paper offers a method for data-driven conservation actions, and given its methodological framework, it lends itself particularly well to HBIM-related solutions for building archaeology.

Water harvesting in Archeological buildings in Jordan

This paper aims at investigating the major water harvesting schemes that were in the archeological buildings in Jordan, established by different ancient civilizations and the traditional techniques that were used by our grandparents in their traditional houses..

Diachronic and Synchronic Analysis for Knowledge Creation: Architectural Representation Geared to XR Building Archaeology (Claudius-Anio Novus Aqueduct in Tor Fiscale, the Appia Antica Archaeological Park)

This study summarises research progress to identify appropriate quality methodologies for representing, interpreting, and modelling complex contexts such as the Claudian Aqueduct in the Appian Way Archaeological Park. The goal is to intrinsically integrate (embed) geometric survey (Laser scanning and photogrammetric) with the materials and construction techniques (Stratigraphic Units—SU), semantic models in order to support the design with a better understanding of the artefact considered, and also to give indications that can be implemented in the future in a continuous cognitive process. Volume stratigraphic units in the form of architectural drawings, heritage building information modelling (HBIM) and extended reality (XR) environments have been oriented to comparative analyses based on the research case study’s complex morphology. Analysis of geometries’ intersection, construction techniques and materials open up new cognitive scenarios, self-feeding a progressive knowledge and making different studies correlatable, avoiding diaspora or incommunicability. Finally, an extended reality (XR) platform aims to enhance tangible and intangible values through new human-computer interaction and information sharing levels.

Geotechnical modelling and subsurface analysis of complex underground structures using PLAXIS 3D

In this study, analysis of complicated underground structure of Horemheb tomb (KV57) at Luxor, Egypt by using the software PLAXIS 3D is adopted and the deformation that occurs in the body of the underground structure after applied the failure load detected; the failure loads are obtained from the series of laboratory tests. Then, the structure is modelled by using finite element code to perform accurate three-dimensional analysis of deformation and stability in complex geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics. These underground monumental structures have been analyzed by finite element method FEM to obtain the deformation that accrued into the structure and so beneath of the surface and calculated the effective stress, shear stress and horizontal displacements. In order to modeling requires the soil parameters obtained from laboratorial tests. In the analysis elastic–plastic Mohr–Coulomb model is used as material model. It involves five parameters namely, Young’s Modulus (E) and poison’s ratio (ν) for soil elasticity, friction angle (φ) and cohesion (c) for soil plasticity. To set up the boundary condition, the standard fixities option is used. As a result a full fixity at the base and free condition at the horizontal side of geometry are generated. Numerical Engineering analysis for Horemheb tomb (KV57) in the valley of kings at the west bank of Luxor was carried out through the following four main steps: (1) Evaluation of surrounding rocks (marl limestone and marl shale) by experimental research and Roclab program to obtain the Hoek Brown and Mohr- Coulomb fit classification criterion and rock mass standards in particular the global strength and deformation coefficient. Also to specify the main characteristics of the Esna Shale using different methods such as swelling test, swelling potential, swelling pressure, in addition, discussion of the role of the expansive Esna Shale in the deterioration of archaeological buildings and sites. (2) Quantitative and qualitative estimates of the relevant factors affecting the stability of the tomb, especially overloading, fixed, geographic, and dynamic. (3) Integrated 3D geotechnical modeling of the cemetery environment for stress and displacement analysis and identification of volumetric strains and plastic points using advanced symbols and programs such as PLAXIS 3D. (4) The rapeutic and retrofit policies and techniques and the fixed monitoring and control systems needed to strengthen and stabilize the cemetery, where the rock mass classification refers to the rock mass where KV57 is excavated and it is poor rocks. The mechanical behavior of the rocks is simulated by assuming a foundational model to soften the elastic stress of the flexible plastic that captures fragile failure and the mechanisms of progressive substrate failure. In addition, rock pillar treatments and ground support strategies are discussed. This article represents the second phase of the numerical analysis of KV57 using PLAXIS 3D.

Rereading The Wife’s Lament with Dido of Carthage: The Husband and the Herheard

The Old English poem in The Exeter Book titled The Wife’s Lament is about longing and loneliness; the woman speaking in the poem longs for her absent husband who has sent her to live in a “cave under an oak tree”. The husband’s attitude toward his wife is a major point of controversy among commentators on the poem: has he sent her there as a punishment or for her protection? This essay argues that he loves her and seeks to protect her in his absence. The argument supporting this view addresses the following three topics: the reason he must leave and his brooding silence preceding that departure, the culture of warrior oaths, and the nature of the “cave” where the speaker is located. The first two discussions assess and reframe previous scholarship, while the discussion of the speaker’s location introduces a new area of research, the archaeology of early medieval rock-cut buildings. Finding that the poet might imagine the Wife inhabiting such a constructed building invites us to think about her, her husband, the poem, and even the Exeter Book itself within a new and interesting real-world context.

3D Modeling and Structural Monitoring of the Puka Pukara Archaeological Complex-Peru

Archaeological buildings are part of our national cultural heritage, have a legacy of historical significance, and are generators of economic benefits, due to tourist movements. Three-dimensional models have become a useful and significant tool for monitoring records, virtual reality, and structural analysis of architectural monuments. Aerial photogrammetry is the most employed method, it provides a complete model of the monument, incorporates a digital camera that can be used manually, placed on a drone, or on top of tripod instruments. Therefore, this method is versatile and can generate complete 3D models at the expense of longer processing times. This study proposes the 3D modeling and structural monitoring of the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara, to characterize the general state of damage of the monument, including inaccessible areas. The data generated from the area acquisition provided a thorough identification of the pathologies in the facades and walls. The results show highly deterministic 3D digital models that are then rigorously analyzed. The structural monitoring showed that the west wall and the east façade of the Puka Pukara enclosure show deterioration, cracks, deformations, and a high risk of decline, so emergency actions are recommended for their stabilization. The paper presented a single case study where a single 3D scanning technique was applied to the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara. The results generated by the methodology allowed complete digitization (exterior and interior) with a high level of detail of the structures, which can only be achieved by using one methodology (photogrammetry).

Spatial Organization Characteristics and Their Impact on Determining the Strategies for the Reconstruction of the Old City of Mosul (Legibility in the District of al-Jami' al-Nuri al-Kabir as a Model)

Nowadays, the old city of Mosul is witnessing large urban movements aiming at reconstructing the traditional city after the destruction it suffered during the war against ISIS. So to come up with suitable suggestions and solutions for the urban renewal of the city of Mosul in a way that maintains the morphology of the old city, and hence, preserving its urban and cultural legacy, This paper investigated the organizational aspects of Mosul’s old city, " al-Jami' al-Nuri al-Kabir " area in particular. As, the degree of legibility, area of integration, segregation and degrees of connectivity were determined using space syntax. The practical part of the study included the spatial system of the area, which was analyzed using ArcView 3.3 software. As a result, the research determined high integration, segregation, connectivity, weak control, degree of legibility of the city in general, and the factors affecting it. The research came out with a set of conclusions and recommendations that are recommended to be taken in the rehabilitation of the archaeological buildings and their neighborhood in the region. Where the research came out with a set of conclusions and recommendations that are recommended to be taken in the rehabilitation of the archaeological buildings and their neighborhood in the region. the research recommends studying the overall spatial structure of the city in order to give way for sound design judgments that help maintain the original physical aspects of the city and stop morphological alterations to the city.

Development and characterization of lime-based stucco for modern construction and restoration applications based on ancient stuccoes from the “El Cerrito” pyramid, Querétaro, Mexico

This work studied the physical-chemical characteristics of two lime-based stucco samples extracted from the “El Cerrito” archeological site in Querétaro, Mexico. Their compositional analyses are consistent with calcite, labradorite (clay mineral), sand size quartz and volcanic lithics, and organic compounds. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the use of micro and submicron natural fibers. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy semi-quantitative analysis (EDS-SEM) showed Al, Mg, Ca, C, Si, K, and O as the major element components. Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) quantitative analysis found Ca, Al, Fe, Mg, and K as the major components, and Ba, P, S, Sr, Mn, Cr, and V, as minor and trace elements that produce a compelling fingerprint. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that these stuccoes are formed by calcite and labradorite crystalline phases. These analyses were used to develop and reproduce a new stucco formulation that can be used to conserve and restore archeological buildings and as modern wall finishing. The new stucco is a heterogeneous mixture of calcium hydroxide, pozzolan (alunite-kaolinite), fine quartz sand, and volcanic lithics as an aggregate, and soluble and insoluble natural fibers obtained from nopal pads as additives. A step-by-step methodology to prepare and apply the newly formulated stucco in a modern house as a wall finishing is reported. Pozzolan, calcium hydroxide, and water react to produce the pozzolanic effect acting as a non-hydraulic cement, while calcium hydroxide reacts with the atmospheric CO2 to form calcium carbonate. Portlandite conversion to calcite and the pozzolanic effect to obtain labradorite were shown by X-ray analysis and high-resolution SEM images of the newly applied stucco.