70867 - Diagnostics and degradation of ceramic and stone materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired knowledge of the properties of the main natural stone materials (stones) and artificial ones (mortars, plasters, earthenware and ancient ceramics), the causes and mechanisms of degradation of stone materials used for works in arts. In particular, the student will be able to:

1 - know the characteristics and resistance to degradation of the main natural stones used for the creation of works of arts;

2 - distinguish and classify causes and manifestations of physical, chemical and biological degradation of stone materials;

3 - know the properties and degradation problems of mortars, plasters, stucco, architectural earthenware and ceramic materials used in the archaeological and architectural fields;

4 - apply the UNI 11182 regulations in construction site activities.

Course contents

Main natural stone materials (e.g. marble, limestone, granite, tuff) and their main mineral-petrographic and physical-mechanical characteristics that motivate their widespread use in Cultural Heritage.

Artificial stone materials (mortars, plasters, bricks, ceramics) and their main mineral-petrographic characteristics: from the selection of raw materials, to production processes, to the specific use.

Alteration and Degradation of artificial stone “False stone” used in rationalist architecture.

Description of the main types of degradation of natural and artificial stone materials, in a subaerial environment. Classification of the forms of degradation according to Normal 1/88 and UNI 11182-2006 standards, ICOMOS glossary. Insights into some degradation morphologies: sulphation processes and related products such as black crusts and saline efflorescences.

Application of mineralogical-petrographic analytical methods for the study and specific characterization of alteration and degradation forms, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry on solids, electron microscopy, including environmental ESEM, infrared spectroscopy FT-IR, thermal analysis, through practical experiences and numerous applications of the aforementioned analytical methodologies, with the presentation of specific case studies.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material and the Slides used as support during the lessons will be available on the Unibo Virtual platform.

Amoroso G., Trattato di Scienza della Conservazione dei Monumenti, Alinea Ed., 2006.

Artioli G., Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage: an Introduction to the Application of Materials Science to Archaeometry and Conservation Science, Oxford University press, 2010.

Borrelli E., Conservation of Architectural Heritage, Historic Structures and Materials, ICCROM eds., 1999.

Caneva G. et al., La Biologia Vegetale per i Beni Culturali – Vol. I. Biodeterioramento e Conservazione, Nardini Ed., 2007.

Des Barker B. et al., Conservation Science: Heritage Materials, Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry Ed., 2006.

Grillini G.C., Tipologie di malte e di conglomerati cementizi: utilizzo strutturale e non strutturale, in “Il cantiere di restauro dell’architettura moderna - Teoria e prassi”, ASSORESTAURO, Nardini Editore, 2018. ISBN:978-88-404-2044-8

Grillini G.C., Le finiture delle superfici laterizie nell'edilizia storica padana: intonaci, scialbature, sagramature, in “RecuperoeConservazione_Magazine 170” Speciale Intonaci Storici, ReC_Editrice, 2022.

Hodges H., Artifacts. Duckworth London, ISBN 978-0715623169, 2009.

ICOMOS-ISCS, Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns, 2008.

Ingham J.P., Geomaterials under the microscope, Academic Press, 2013.

Matteini M. e Moles A., Scienza e restauro: metodi di indagine, Nardini Ed., 1984.

NORMAL 1/88 – Alterazioni Macroscopiche dei Materiali Lapidei – Lessico – CNR MI-ICR Roma, 1988.

NORMA UNI 11182:2006 BENI CULTURALI - Materiali lapidei naturali ed artificiali - Descrizione della forma di alterazione – Termini e definizioni, 2006.

Orton C. et al., Pottery in archaeology, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 798-0-521-44597-9, 1993.

Pecchioni E., Fratini F., Cantisani E., Le malte antiche e moderne: tra tradizione ed innovazione, Patron Editore Bologna,2008.

Pecchioni E., Fratini F., Cantisani E., Atlante delle malte antiche in sezione sottile al microscopio ottico, Kermesquaderni, Nardini Editore, 2014.

Tiano P., Pardini C., Le patine - Genesi, significato, conservazione – Workshop promosso da Mauro Matteini, Kermesquaderni, Nardini Editore, 2005.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, practical exercises, and visits to monuments and historic buildings where the forms of degradation are described and mapped.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this training activity requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and to participate in Modules 3 and 4 of specific training on safety and health in places of study.

Indications on the dates and methods of attendance of the training modules mentioned above can be found in the appropriate section of the course website.

Assessment methods

Final oral exam on the topics covered during the course and practical exam with the production of a thesis or Power Point on the identification of degradation morphologies in a historical and/or religious building.

Teaching tools

PC, laptop and digital projector for Power Point presentations and viewing of images and videos to be used during practical exercises on the recognition of degradation patterns. Rock samples at the mesoscopic scale and thin-section samples of artificial rocks and stones to be observed using a polarized transmitted light optical microscope.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Valdrè

See the website of Gian Carlo Grillini

See the website of Gian Carlo Grillini