DETERIORATION OF THE BUILDING STONE OF THE THERMAL BATHS IN THE WEST OF CAESAREA OF MAURETANIA (CHERCHELL, ALGERIA)

Abla Brahmi, Messaoud Hamiane, Kamel Bouzetine

Abstract


Inroduction. The thermal baths located in the western part of ancient Caesarea Mauretaniae, dating from the late second century AD, were constructed using a combination of flat bricks and blocks made from stones of various lithologies, nearly 90 % of which are calcarenite. This study aims to assess the state of conseration of this stone used in one of the most significant thermal structures within the built heritage of Cherchell. Methods. The investigation involved determining the physico-mechanical properties of selected samples, collecting rainwater, and recording in situ thermo-hygrometric parameters. Sound and weathered surfaces were characterised using polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results. Field observations reveal advanced deterioration of the calcarenite, manifested by the formation of black crusts, alveolization, granular disintegration, and superficial salt efflorescences. Physico-chemical analyses confirm the presence of marine-derived salts, as well as deposits associated with atmospheric pollution. The combined dataset indicates that the deterioration dynamics of the calcarenite are driven by marine salt inputs and atmospheric pollutants, whose effects are amplified by local climatic conditions. These interacting factors account for the accelerated degradation processes observed within the studied thermal structures.

Keywords


West Cherchell thermal baths; calcarenite; alteration; sea salts; atmospheric pollution

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References


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