Microbial Effects on Rock Decay in Archaeological Buildings of the Puuc Highway in Yucatan, Mexico

Title: Microbial Effects on Rock Decay in Archaeological Buildings of the Puuc Highway in Yucatan, Mexico
Author(s): H. A. Videla, L. Maldonado, S. G. de Saravia, P. S. Guiamet, L. K. Herrera Quintero
Paper category : conference
Book title: Second International RILEM Workshop on Microbial Impact on Building Materials
Editor(s): M. Ribas Silva
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 2912143845
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 19 - 28
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 15
Language: English

Abstract: The Puuc highway is located at the Northwest area of Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico and put together relevant archaeological sites of the late classic and terminal classic period (600-1000 AD) of the Mayan architecture. The sites chosen for this study were: Labna, Sayil, Kabah and Uxmal.
In all cases the buildings are constructed with limestone, a typical rock of the region.
An assessment of microorganisms revealed contamination with cyanobacteria, fungi and heterotrophic bacteria. SEM and EDX analyses showed deterioration of limestone by microbial agents. Powdered and discolored rocks were also evident by visual survey.
Limestone decay was mainly developed through the biosolubilization of several components of the rock structure.
Experimental data on weathering of limestone as well as on its porosity and chemical composition are also included in this paper.

Online publication: 2004-06-25
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00