A Multi-Analytical Approach to the Characterisation of the Biocalcarenite from “Cádiz Roman Theatre” (Andalusia - SW Spain)

ABSTRACT

The main aim of this research is to characterise fresh stone and to highlight how its physical properties change as a result of natural ageing. For this purpose, naturally weathered and freshly cut samples, proceeding from the monument, were analysed. The results obtained allow us to better understand the behaviour of the material in relation to deterioration processes in view of a possible restoration or maintenance intervention. As a result of the characterisation study, two local sedimentary stones were employed for the construction of the Roman Theatre. The mineralogical observations and the petrographic study showed that the two lithotypes come from different quarry extraction sites. Finally, from the comparison between freshly cut and naturally aged samples it has been proven that as the material is altered, the predisposition to water absorption increases, due to the change in the porosity and consequently the mechanical resistance on the surface and in depth decreases.

KEYWORDS:

• biocalcarenite, weathering
• Cadiz Roman Theatre
• chemical analysis
• mineralogical-petrographic analysis
• non-destructive tests
• Ostionera stone
• total porosity

Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by the Spanish Government MAT2017-84228-R (MINECO/AEI//FEDER,UE) and PID2020- 115843RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. This work has been co-financed by the European Union under the 2014-2020 ERDF Operational Programme and by the Department of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge, and Universities of the Regional Government of Andalusia. Project reference: FEDER-UCA18- 106613. Giada M.C. Gemelli would also like to thank the Spanish Government for her predoctoral grants (PRE2018-085799). The authors would like to thank UGEA-PHAM, SCiCYT Laboratories of Universidad de Cádiz, CITIUS of Universidad de Sevilla, Rafael Zarzuela, Francisco Alarcón-Castellano and the Cádiz Roman Theatre staff for their collaboration.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2023.2196517

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación [MAT2017-84228-R]; Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades [FEDER-UCA18- 106613]; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades [PRE2018-085799].