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Surface weathering characteristics and degree of Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana at Dazu Rock Carvings, China

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Abstract

Study on the weathering characteristics of Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana at Dazu Rock Carvings is the first step of scientific conservation. Based on the in-depth investigation on the weathering characteristics of Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana, the weathering degree was measured and evaluated by means of the in-situ non-destructive surface hardness test and ultrasonic test. The results reveal that the weathering types of Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana consist of granular disintegration, salt efflorescence, scaling, blistering, cracking, missing parts, biological colonization, and water seepage. The weathering degree of the head and foot of the statues are higher than that of the chest and abdomen in the horizontal direction, and the weathering degree of the upper parts of the statues and the ground area are higher than that between them in the vertical direction. The results of surface hardness and ultrasonic velocity are in close accordance with the weathering degree of the statues. Sedimentary and structural characteristics of sandstone lay a material foundation for various weathering characteristics and degree. The research results pave the way for condition assessment, intervention decision-making, and preventative conservation of the studied statues.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Sichuan and Chongqing Grottoes protection demonstration project (Dazu Rock Carving Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana and Small Fowan statues conservation and restoration project) undertaken by the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, as well as by the basic scientific research service fee of the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage (2016-JBKY-06). The authors would also like to thank Huili Chen, Tao Yang, Xingzhou Liang, Junjie Zhang, Yuantao Li, and Ziyi Wang for their kind assistance during the field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Disaster and Environment in Western China, the Ministry of Education of China, and School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Lanzhou University, No. 222, Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China

    Jingke Zhang & Junpeng Huang

  2. Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China

    Junpeng Huang

  3. Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, Beijing, 100029, China

    Jianhui Liu, Li Li & Mingshen Shao

  4. Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, 402360, China

    Siwei Jiang

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  1. Jingke Zhang
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  2. Junpeng Huang
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  3. Jianhui Liu
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  4. Siwei Jiang
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  5. Li Li
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  6. Mingshen Shao
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Correspondence to Jingke Zhang.

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Zhang, J., Huang, J., Liu, J. et al. Surface weathering characteristics and degree of Niche of Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana at Dazu Rock Carvings, China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78, 3891–3899 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1424-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1424-1

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