Decay and Conservation Studies of Building Mortars and Stones

Dear Colleagues,

The roadmap of our common history and cultural identity follows a vast number of built monuments and historical sites of incalculable value, their importance going well beyond the local community where they are inserted. This Special Issue of Heritage deals with mortars (including plasters, renders and concrete) and stones related to this tangible heritage such as buildings, works of art, historical artifacts and objects of cultural value, as well as the natural heritage generated by the geological structures that are the source of raw materials for these structures and objects. Decay and conservation studies on mortars and stones thus becomes an important knowledge area, where a range of key multidisciplinary players become involved in not only trying to improve the understanding of degradation factors and mechanisms, but also in advancing the state-of-the-art in the field of science for the protection of these materials.

In this sense, we encourage the submission of any contributions related to mortars and stone decay and conservation studies by the wider community of researchers, managers and practitioners who are concerned with cultural heritage structures and objects.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the study and characterisation of damage phenomena (chemical physical, biological, natural, anthropogenic), methods of research (including in situ and nondestructive testing), monitoring, simulation, modelling, new and improved technologies, materials and treatments, climate impact, case-studies, research projects, digitalisation and documentation.

Understanding the nature and behaviour of materials is essential to ensure the protection of our cultural heritage.

Prof. Dr. João Pedro Veiga
Guest Editor

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