Publication
Title
Seasonality in moisture dynamics in the walls of the rock-cut churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia : implications for weathering
Author
Abstract
Moisture plays a key role in rock decay in the built and natural environments. Rock-cut sites are particularly vulnerable to moisture-related weathering as they are carved into rock outcrops and do not have impermeable foundations or roofs to retard the flow of moisture. To characterise the moisture dynamics and its influence on weathering of rock-cut sites, we undertook a moisture monitoring campaign using a non-destructive Microwave Moisture Measurement System (MMMS) at two monolithic rock-cut churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia. The results showed that the walls were more saturated at depth than on the surface during the wet season. This suggests that low surface temperature and higher moisture content at depth will lead to constant-rate drying and accumulation of salts on the surface of the walls during the wet season. In the dry season, there was higher saturation near the surface than at depth (falling-rate drying). High rock surface temperature during the dry season contributes to subsurface drying and accumulation of salts below the surface. This seasonally shifting moisture dynamics will lead to a complex and dynamic damage profile. This study highlights the significant wetting facilitated by a lack of impermeable roofs and foundations at rock-cut structures during rainy periods.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of architectural heritage : conservation, analysis, and restoration. - Philadelphia, Pa
Publication
Philadelphia : 2022
ISSN
1558-3058 [print]
1558-3066 [online]
DOI
10.1080/15583058.2022.2142699
Volume/pages
(2022) , 14 p.
ISI
000891877900001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
Art 
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.10.2023
Last edited 28.12.2023
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