Influence of humidity and temperature on the deterioration of the building stones

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of humidity and temperature on the deterioration of the building stones of the Imedghassen Mausoleum located in Batna, Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermo-hygro buttons were used to control the microclimate of the monument (humidity and temperature).

Findings

The obtained results on the variations in temperature, humidity and also the dew point enabled the confirmation of the relationship between these factors and the origin of the stone deterioration and the degradation state of the monument.

Research limitations/implications

Scientific research approach in this work is to find a relationship between the factors of degradation and the state of conservation of the monument, using, for the first time, thermos-hygro buttons in situ to follow with great precision the microclimate.

Practical implications

These results can be extrapolated to all new and old houses having the same environment.

Social implications

The use of thermo-hygro buttons as an in-situ logger that can monitor and control humidity and temperature (microclimate) is of great importance for the preservation of cultural heritage monuments.

Originality/value

Thermo-hygro buttons are used for the first time to monitor and control the temperature and humidity on site. Their use makes a great contribution in the field of control degradation of building materials by moisture and temperature.

Citation

Messaoud, H. and Cherifa, A. (2017), "Influence of humidity and temperature on the deterioration of the building stones", Facilities, Vol. 35 No. 11/12, pp. 590-600. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-06-2016-0068