ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Fires are one of the frequent anthropogenic hazards for Cultural Heritage, these events occur usually during armed conflicts or may be due to poor maintenance of electric net or gas pipeline systems. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of three limestones submitted to heat effects at 300 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 750 °C in order to evaluate the effects of the temperature generated from a fire in the monuments. The thermal tests have been studied on fresh samples of limestone from Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz, Spain), Puerto de Santa Maria (Cadiz, Spain) and Pedrera (Seville, Spain). Specimens from the three quarries show color changes from 400 °C, meanwhile the highest temperature (750 °C) produce mineralogical and textural changes due to the presence of portlandite, which is accompanied by fractures, fissures and high loss of weight.
