Principal decay patterns on Venetian monuments

In most Venetian monuments studied, the stone decay was ascribed to the transformation of calcium carbonate into calcium sulphate. This phenomenon is commonly observed elsewhere and has been pointed out by many authors. In order to explain why different forms of decay are present on a building facade, samples were taken from different areas of many monuments. Analytical results were related to different forms of decay, defined respectively as white washing, dirt accumulation and dirt wetting. A simplified model of stone decay is presented and its validity tested on several Venetian monuments. Results showed that the features visible on stone surfaces corresponded to different degrees of deterioration. Sulphate formation is greatest in the black dendrite-shaped crusts, which are generally formed at the interface between the white washing areas and the sheltered ones, which were defined as dirt wetting area. The decay forms of the most common lithotypes used in Venetian monuments were also studied. Results obtained showed that in compact limestone, gypsum formation affects the stone only on the surface. In contrast, on marble a different mechanism of decay takes place: the decohesion of calcite crystals, due to thermal changes, favours the penetration of sulphuric acid solution into intergranular spaces, thus causing the transformation of calcium carbonate into calcium sulphate, not only on the surface, but also inside the marble.