Volcanic tuff rocks as natural building stone in the cultural heritage of Mexico. Geological, geochemical and petrophysical studies with implementation to their deterioriation, conservation and restoration

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Siegfried Siegesmund
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 410414016

With the obtained information regarding the different petrographical and petrophysical characteristics of the studied volcanic tuff rocks it is possible to deduce which of these characteristics play an important role in the resistance or the susceptibility of the rock against the weathering. Additionally it is also possible to reconstruct the different climatic conditions applied on a particular tuff rock type and reproduce the decay of that in the rocks in the short- medium- and long-term.Experimental and systematical expansion and swelling pressure measurement under contrasting moisture conditions will allow us to deduce which tuff is more susceptible to decay under particular expansion and swellings pressure conditions.If the main causes of deterioration are known, it is possible to anticipate and predict what kind of rock is more susceptible to decay and therefore take the necessary measures for their maintenance and conservation.If the damage of the building stone in the construction is large and they need to be restored, it will be possible to take the necessary measures to reduce the expansion and swelling pressure and, if it is necessary to replace material, it will be possible to consult a catalog of different rocks that could be favorable according to their characteristics for replacement without altering or changing the historical value of heritage in Mexico.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants