Soluble Salt Migration in the Composite Masonry of the Ming Dynasty Kangling Tomb, the Ming Tombs, Beijing

Salt weathering in the Ming Dynasty Kangling Tomb's composite masonry, particularly at the junctions between dense limestone and porous grey bricks, is driven by moisture movement and evaporation gradients. This study reveals that salt accumulation and recrystallization at these interfaces lead to visible efflorescence, granular disintegration, and color changes, highlighting the role of material heterogeneity in directing salt migration. The research combines surface mapping, photographic documentation, and literature review to identify patterns and mechanisms of salt transport, offering critical insights for conservation planning at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ming Tombs.

Zhang, S., & Tedeschi, C. (2026). Soluble Salt Migration in the Composite Masonry of the Ming Dynasty Kangling Tomb, the Ming Tombs, Beijing. Periodica Polytechnica Civil Engineering, 70(3), 1037–1045. https://doi.org/10.3311/ppci.44904