Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Building stones used in the architectural heritage of Morelia (México): quarries location, rock durability and stone compatibility in the monument

  • Thematic Issue
  • Published:
Environmental Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Four different rocks have been used in the architectural heritage of Morelia city (Michoacán state, México). Piedra Vieja (PV) is the original building rock whilst Tlalpujahua, Cointzio and Jabalina stones (TL, CO and JA, respectively) are the replacement varieties used in the restoration works during the last decades. All of them correspond to rhyolitic ignimbrites quarried close to Morelia. The new varieties were selected exclusively after aesthetical similarity, and no petrophysical criterion was considered. In this paper, a deep analysis of the weathering process of these rocks during wet–dry and salt crystallization cycles is carried out. Rock decay is defined in terms of linearity and homogeneity: JA and TL show nonlinear decay mode and heterogeneous behaviours, whilst samples of CO and PV weather after linear and homogeneous modes. Moreover, each rock variety shows different decay patterns, such as differential erosion (PV and TL), fractures (TL), scaling (JA) and granular disintegration (CO). All these obtained results are discussed according to: (1) petrographic factors; (2) hydric and mechanical properties; and (3) the partial effective pressures reached inside the porous system of each rock during salt crystallization. Finally, a review about the quality of previously published durability estimators is carried out. In general terms, results reveal that theoretical estimators best fit the visual weathering suffered by the rocks than its mass loss. Concluding this paper, a petrophysical and aesthetical evaluation of the compatibility between both original and replacement building stones used in the architectural heritage of Morelia is carried out in order to offer technical recommendations for future restoration works. CO ignimbrite offers the highest chromatic compatibility with the original building rock (PV), but its durability is extraordinarily low and consequently its use is not recommended. JA and TL are advisable replacement stones, although from a petrophysical point of view, TL results the most convenient. These results highlight the importance of carrying out the selection of building stones for restoration works according to petrophysical criteria, instead of using exclusively an aesthetic valuation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alonso E, Martínez L (2003) The role of environmental sulfur on degradation of ignimbrites of the Cathedral in Morelia, Mexico. Build Environ 38:861–867

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andriani G, Walsh N (2003) Fabric, porosity and water permeability of calcarenites from Apulia (SE Italy) used as building and ornamental stone. Bull Eng Geol Environ 62(1):77–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Angeli M, Bigas JP, Menéndez B, Hébert R, David C (2006) Influence of capillary properties and evaporation on salt weathering of sedimentary rocks. In: Fort R, Alvarez de Buergo M, Gomez-Heras M, Vezquez-Calvo C (eds) Heritage, weathering and conservation. Taylor & Francis/Balkema, Leiden, pp 253–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Angeli M, Bigas JP, Benavente D, Menéndez B, Hébert R, David C (2007) Salt crystallization in pores: quantification and estimation of damage. Environ Geol 52:205–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benavente D, García-del-Cura MA, Fort R, Ordóñez S (2004) Durability estimation of porous building stones from pore structure and strength. Eng Geol 74:113–127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cardenes V, Mateos FJ, Fernández-Lorenzo S (2014) Analysis of the correlations between freeze–thaw and salt crystallization tests. Environ Earth Sci 71:1123–1134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen TC, Yeung MR, Mori N (2004) Effect of water saturation on deterioration of welded tuff due to freeze–thaw action. Cold Reg Sci Technol 38:127–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cisneros-Máximo G (2015) Estudio geológico-geomorfológico de los volcanes Tetillas-Quinceo. Propuesta de cartografía Jerárquica. Maestría en geografía. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras; Universidad Nacional autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán

    Google Scholar 

  • Columbu S, Gioncada A, Lezzerini M, Marchi M (2014) Hydric dilatation of ignimbritic stones used in the church of Santa Maria di Otti (Oschiri, northern Sardinia, Italy). Ital J Geosci 133(1):149–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corona-Chávez P, Mennella L, Salgado-Soto Z, Garduño-Monroy VH (2000) Carta geológico-minera de la hoja Angangueo, escala 1: 50000, con notas explicativas. Consejo de Recursos Minerales-Secofi, México

    Google Scholar 

  • De la Teja G (2000) Carta geológico-minera de la hoja El Oro, escala 1: 50000, con notas explicativas. Consejo de Recursos Minerales-Secofi, México

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Benedetto C, Cappelletti P, Favaro M, Graziano SF, Langella A, Calcaterra D, Colella A (2015) Porosity as key factor in the durability of two historical building stones: neapolitan Yellow Tuff and Vicenza Stone. Eng Geol 193:310–319

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrari L, Garduño VH, Pasquaré G, Tibaldi A (1994) Volcanic and tectonic evolution of central México: oligocene to present. Geofis Int 33(1):91–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Garduño-Monroy VH, Arreygue-Rocha E, Israde-Alcántara I, Rodríguez-Torres G (2001) Efectos de las fallas asociadas a sobreexplotación de acuíferos y la presencia de fallas potencialmente sísmicas en Morelia, Michoacán, México. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas 18(1):37–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Gómez-Vasconcelos MG, Garduño-Monroy VH, Macías JL, Layer PW, Benowitz JA (2015) The Sierra de Mil Cumbres, Michoacán, México: transitional volcanism between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 301:128–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graue B, Siegesmund S, Middendorf B (2011) Quality assessment of replacement stones for the Cologne Cathedral: mineralogical and petrophysical requirements. Environ Earth Sci 63:1799–1822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffith AA (1924) Theory of rupture. In: Proceedings of 1st international congress of applied mechanics. Delft, pp 55–63

  • Julia F, Vladimir L, Sergey R, David Z (2014) Effects of hydrothermal alterations on physical and mechanical properties of rocks in the Kuril–Kamchatka Island Arc. Eng Geol 183:80–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korkanç M (2013) Deterioration of different stones used in historical buildings within Nigde province, Cappadocia. Constr Build Mater 48:789–803

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • La Iglesia A, González V, López-Acevedo V, Viedma C (1997) Salt crystallization in porous construction materials I. Estimation of crystallization pressure. J Cryst Growth 177(1–2):111–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • La Russa MF, Ruffolo SA, Rovella N, Belfiore CM, Pogliani P, Pelosi C, Andaloro M, Crisci GM (2014) Cappadocian ignimbrite cave churches: stone degradation and conservation strategies. Periodico di Mineralogia 83(2):187–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Leventis A, Verganelakis DA, Halse MR, Webber JB, Strange JH (2000) Capillary imbibition and pore characterization in cement pastes. Transp Porous Media 39:143–157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • López-Doncel R, Wedekind W, Dohrmann R, Siegesmund S (2013) Moisture expansion associated to secondary porosity: an example of the Loseros Tuff of Guanajuato, Mexico. Envorin Earth Sci 69:1189–1201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • López-Doncel R, Wedekind W, Leiser T, Molina-Maldonado S, Velasco-Sánchez A, Dohrmann R, Kral A, Wittenborn A, Aguillón-Robles A, Siegesmund S (2016) Salt bursting tests on volcanic tuff rocks from Mexico. Environ Earth Sci 69:1189–1201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • López-Moreno A, Sepúlveda-Sánchez JD, Alonso Guzmán EM, Le Borgne S (2014) Calcium carbonate precipitation by heterotrophic bacteria isolated from biofilms forme don deteriorated ignimbrite Stones: influence of calcium on EPS production and biofilm formation by these isolates. Biofouling 30(5):547–560

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madsen FT, Müller-Vonmoos M (1989) The swelling behaviour of clays. Appl Clay Sci 4:143–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Martínez J, Benavente D, García-del-Cura MA (2011) Spatial attenuation: the most sensitive ultrasonic parameter for detecting petrographic features and decay processes in carbonate rocks. Eng Geol 119:84–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Martínez J, Benavente D, Gómez-Heras M, Marco-Castaño L, García-del-Cura MA (2013) Non-linear decay of building stones turing freeze–thaw weathering processes. Constr Build Mater 38:443–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mod’d BK, Howarth RJ, Bland CH (1996) Rapid prediction of building research establishment limestone durability class from porosity and saturation. Q J Eng Geol 29:285–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morales-Gámez M, Corona-Chávez P (2006) Geotecnia y problemática de extracción en los bancos de rocas ornamentales de la región de Tlalpujahua. Revista de Investigación de la Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. 43:113–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Ordóñez S, Fort R, García del Cura MA (1997) Pore size distribution and the durability of a porous limestone. Q J Eng Geol 30:221–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ostrooumov M (2009) A Raman IR and XRD análisis of the deterioration on historical monuments: case study from Mexico. Spectrochimica Acta Part A 73:498–504

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ostroumov M, Garduño-Monroy VH, Carreón-Nieto H, Lozano-Santa Cruz R (2003) Mineralogía y geoquímica de los procesos de degradación en monumentos históricos: primer acercamiento a un caso mexicano (Morelia, Michoacán). Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas 20(3):223–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Özbek A (2014) Investigation of the effect of wetting–drying and freezing–thawing cycles on some physical and mechanical properties of selected ignimbrites. Bull Eng Geol Environ 73:595–609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Özvan A, Dinçer I, Akin M, Oyan V, Tapan M (2015) Experimental studies on ignimbrite and the effect of lichens and capillarity on the deterioration of Seljuk Gravestones. Eng Geol 185:81–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Penide J, Quintero F, Riveiro A, Sánchez-Castillo A, Comesaña R, del Val J, Lusquiños F, Pou J (2013) Removal of graffiti from quarry stone by high power Diode laser. Opt Lasers Eng 51:364–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira D, Marker B (2016) The value of original natural stone in the context of architectural heritage. Geosciences 6:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pradal E, Robin C (1994) Long-lived magmatic phases at Los Azufres volcanic center, Mexico. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 63:201–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson BA (1991) The durability of porous stones. Stone Ind 26(10):22–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez-Navarro C, Dohene E (1999) Salt weathering: influence of evaporite rate, supersaturation and crystallisation pattern. Earth Surf Proc Land 23(3):191–209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rozenbaum O, Barbanson L, Muller F, Bruand A (2008) Significance of a combined approach for replacement stones in the heritage buildings’ conservation frame. C.R. Geoscience 340:345–355

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith BJ, Gomez-Heras M, McCabe S (2008) Understanding the decay of stone-built cultural heritage. Prog Phys Geog 32(4):439–461

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith BJ, Gomez-Heras M, Viles HA (2010) Underlying issues on the selection, use and conservation of building limestone. London: geological Society. Spec Publ 331:1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Topal T, Doyuran V (1998) Analyses of deterioration of the Cappadocian tuff, Turkey. Environ Geol 34:5–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Topal T, Sözmen B (2003) Deterioration mechanisms of tuffs in Midas monument. Eng Geol 68:201–223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ulusoy M (2007) Different igneous masonry blocks and salt crystal weathering rates in the architecture of historical city of Konya. Build Environ 42:3014–3024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNE-EN 12370 (1999) Natural stone test methods. Determination of resistance to salt crystallisation. European Committee for Standarization, Madrid

  • UNE-EN 1925 (1999) Natural stone test method. Determination of water absorption coefficient by capillarity. European Committee for Standarization, Madrid

  • UNE-EN 1926 (2007) Natural stone test methods. Determination of uniaxial compressive strength. European Committee for Standarization, Madrid

  • UNE-EN (1936) Natural stone test method. Determination of real density and apparent density and of total and open porosity. European Committee for Standarization, Madrid

  • Urosevic M, Sebastián E, Cardell C (2013) An experimental study on the influence of surface finishing on the weathering of a building low-porous limestone in coastal environments. Eng Geol 154:131–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vergès-Belmin V (2010) Deterioration of stone in monuments. In: Schrefler B, Delage P (eds) Environmental geomechanics. ISTE Ltd, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedekind W, López-Doncel R, Dohrmann R, Kocher M, Siegesmund S (2013) Weathering of volcanic tuff rocks caused by moisture expansion. Environ Earth Sci 69:1203–1224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wellman HW, Wilson AT (1965) Salt weathering, a neglected geological erosive agent in coastal and arid environments. Nature 205:1097–1098

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yavuz AB (2012) Durability assessment of the Alacti tuff (Izmir) in western Turkey. Environ Earth Sci 67:1909–1925

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yavuz AB, Akal C, Türk N, Çolak M, Tanyu BF (2015) Investigation of discrepancy between tuff used as building stones in historical and modern buildings in western Turkey. Constr Build Mater 93:439–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu S, Oguchi CT (2010) Role of pore size distribution in salt uptake, damage, and predicting salt susceptibility of eight types of Japanese building stones. Eng Geol 115:226–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zedef V, Kocak K, Doyen A, Ozsen H, Kekec B (2007) Effect of salt crystallization on stones of historical building and monuments, Konya, Central Turkey. Build Environ 42:1453–1457

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain

    J. Martínez-Martínez

  2. Spanish Geological Survey (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, IGME), Madrid, Spain

    J. Martínez-Martínez

  3. Unidad Morelia, Geociencias, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Mexico

    A. Pola

  4. Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - Campus Morelia, Morelia, Mexico

    L. García-Sánchez, L. S. Osorio Ocampo & J. L. Macías Vázquez

  5. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico

    G. Reyes Agustin

  6. Laboratorio de Arqueometría del Occidente-Centro INAH Michoacán, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Morelia, Mexico

    J. Robles-Camacho

Authors
  1. J. Martínez-Martínez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Pola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. L. García-Sánchez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. G. Reyes Agustin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. L. S. Osorio Ocampo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. J. L. Macías Vázquez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. J. Robles-Camacho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Martínez-Martínez.

Additional information

This article is part of a Topical Collection in Environmental Earth Sciences on “Stone in the Architectural Heritage: from quarry to monuments – environment, exploitation, properties and durability”, guest edited by Siegfried Siegesmund, Luís Sousa, and Rubén Alfonso López-Doncel.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Martínez-Martínez, J., Pola, A., García-Sánchez, L. et al. Building stones used in the architectural heritage of Morelia (México): quarries location, rock durability and stone compatibility in the monument. Environ Earth Sci 77, 167 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7340-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7340-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation