ABSTRACT
In the case of calcareous stones the material, due to calcite leaching, increases its porosity and decreases its mechanical characteristics. In this sector the products actually applied for stone conservation present some drawbacks and they can not fully satisfy the achievement of their safeguard. In fact, restorers involved in monument conservation have an extreme caution to use synthetic products for consolidating or protecting stone surfaces. Monumental stone decay is a consequence of the weathering action of several physical, chemical and biological factors, which induces a progressive dissolution of the mineral matrix. The objective of the project is to develop and validate, a methodology for monumental stones conservation based on bioinduced calcite precipitation methodology. This aim will be achieved by evaluating in laboratory and outdoor conditions, the stone efficiency of the treatment based on the use of specific bio-inducing macromolecules solutions, pre-absorbed by stone materials, and able to induce new calcite precipitation inside their porosity.
