16 research outputs found
Multi-Analysis Characterisation of a Vernacular House in Doha (Qatar): Petrography and Petrophysics of its Construction Materials
This study characterises the original construction materials (building stones and mortars)
of a collapsed two-storey colonnaded structure in the Ismail Mandani house, located in the old city
centre of Doha (Qatar). Results were drawn based on interpretation and integration of historical,
in situ observations and analytical data. The mortars and stones were characterised following
a multidisciplinary approach, combining macroscopic observation with petrographic microscopy,
mineralogical analysis (X-ray diffraction) and elemental analysis (handheld X-ray fluorescence) of
samples. Moreover, hydric properties, ultrasonic pulse velocity and colour of representative samples
of the house were studied. The results revealed the use of two types of stones and three different types
of gypsum mortars. The original construction materials came from nearby coastal stones. Gypsum
of the most used mortar had a calcination temperature between 120 and 160 âŠC and its colour was
produced by lumps with higher Fe content. The materialsâ effective porosity and water absorption
were high, and their ultrasonic pulse velocity was low. These petrophysical results indicated they
had low quality for construction purposes. The composition and colour of the original construction
materials were quantified, which will allow the reproduction of their aesthetic characteristics and
improvement of their quality in future reconstruction works
Bullet impacts and built heritage damage 1640â1939
© 2018, The Author(s). Conflict damage to heritage has been thrust into the global spotlight during recent conflict in the Middle East. While the use of social media has heightened and enhanced public awareness of this âcultural terrorismâ, the occurrence of this type of vandalism is not new. In fact, as this study demonstrates, evidence of the active targeting of sites, as well as collateral damage when heritage is caught in crossfire, is widely visible around Europe and further afield. Using a variety of case studies ranging from the 1640s to the 1930s, we illustrate and quantify the changing impact of ballistics on heritage buildings as weaponry and ammunition have increased in both energy and energy density potential. In the first instance, this study highlights the increasing threats to heritage in conflict areas. Second, it argues for the pressing need to quantify and map damage to the stonework in order to respond to these challenges