The use of methods for material characterisation, surface analysis techniques and atmospheric aggressiveness assessment in the study of the biodeterioration of two sites of the cultural heritage of the city of Medellin, Colombia

Title: The use of methods for material characterisation, surface analysis techniques and atmospheric aggressiveness assessment in the study of the biodeterioration of two sites of the cultural heritage of the city of Medellin, Colombia
Author(s): L . K. Herrera, C. E. Arroyave
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM International Conference on Microbial Impact on Building Materials
Editor(s): M. Ribas Silva
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-43-8
e-ISBN: 2351580184
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 13 - 23
Total Pages: 11
Nb references: 11
Language: English

Abstract: The churches of Veracruz and San Ignacio are two of the most typical sites of cultural heritage in the city of Medellin, Colombia.
The construction of Veracruz church started in 1682 and the façade was built with peridotite, an ultramafic rock containing more than 90 % iron and magnesium minerals.
The construction of San Ignacio began in 1803 and ended in 1930. The main material of its façade is chlorite, a hydrated silicate of magnesium and aluminum.
Microbial contaminants were studied by using microbiological techniques of isolation and culture complemented with optical and electron microscopy.
To assess microbial and atmospheric effects on the structural materials, energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used.
Atmospheric characteristics were studied by the evaluation of chloride, sulfur dioxide and particle deposition. Ionic chromatography was also used to determine the aggressiveness of the rain water.

Online publication: 2003-07-03
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580184.002