Technical Note: Alterations in the stone masonry of the Capitol Room of Sevilla City Hall

Abstract

The main aim of this work has been to determine the causes of stone loss (small particles and one larger piece) and mortar loss in the coffered vault of the Capitol Room in the City Hall of Seville. The analyses and assays carried out during the course of this research have revealed that this masonry comprises a covering of oil paints over mortar-stucco of calcite, quartz, gypsum,and lead white with linseed oil when the walls were not covered. In addition, it was confirmed that the installation of air-conditioning caused a change in the humidity and temperature in the vault, aggravated by the elimination of the cross-ventilation that the structure had since it was built. The combination of these two circumstances likely triggered the pathology in the masonry.

Keywords

• stone masonry
• coverings
• hygrothermal conditions
• damages