Petrographic characterization and durability of carbonate stones used in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in northeastern Italy

Research reveals that the petrographic and textural properties of carbonate stones significantly influence their durability, with porosity emerging as a critical factor in predicting decay rates under environmental stressors. Eleven limestone varieties, including Vicenza Stone (Nanto and Costozza), Verona Stone (Red and Brown), Asiago Stone (Pink and White), Chiampo Stone (Ondagata and Paglierino), Istria Stone (Orsera), Aurisina Stone, Botticino Stone, and Carrara marble (as a reference), were analyzed. Accelerated aging tests simulating freeze-thaw cycles and salt crystallization demonstrated that these properties strongly affect deterioration rates in northeastern Italy's built environment. Understanding these characteristics is essential for predicting stone decay in response to local environmental conditions.

Salvini, S., Coletti, C., Maritan, L., Massironi, M., Pieropan, A., Spiess, R., & Mazzoli, C. (2023). Petrographic characterization and durability of carbonate stones used in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in northeastern Italy. Environmental Earth Sciences, 82(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10732-y