Macroscopical morphology of deterioration of the stone in the cathedral of Guadíx/Spain

Abstract

The main factors of deterioration that affect the Cathedral of Guadíx are of a natural origin, basically thermic and hydraulic, due to its great oscillations in temperature in Summer, the frequency of frosts in Winter and the rains. The lithotypes employed are mainly calcarenite of mean porosite and slightly more compact limestones from the quarries in the area, and marbles. The corresponding deterioration mechanisms are those of differential thermic dilatations caused by thermic jumps, especially in the more compact stones, those of increase in volume in capillaries and interstices, especially by freezing, and those of dissolution. The most serious deterioration indicators are fissures and spalling that affect the most carved elements and which have taken the greater part of the most aerated elements such as the pinnacles to a state to ruin.