The Detachment Physical Weathering Form Group Affecting Stone Building Materials at The Archaeological Site of Sabratha, Northwest Libya

A comprehensive analysis of the Archaeological Site of Sabratha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Libya, reveals that nine primary physical weathering forms—belonging to the 'detachment group'—are significantly affecting its stone monuments. These weathering processes, ranging from non-visible damage (0 degrees) to moderate damage (3 degrees), are primarily driven by diurnal and seasonal temperature variations, relative humidity fluctuations, salt crystallization, moisture content, and water exposure. The study employed a methodology based on the classification system developed by Fitzner and Heinrichs (2002, 2004), which includes fifteen individual weathering forms. To visualize damage distribution, contour maps were created for each form, alongside linear and progressive damage indices. The findings underscore the urgent need for government institutions to prioritize the preservation of Sabratha's built heritage, given the severity and extent of the observed weathering damages.

Shushan, I. F., Akhmyra, S. B., & Minas, H. A. (2019). The Detachment Physical Weathering Form Group Affecting Stone Building Materials at The Archaeological Site of Sabratha, Northwest Libya. مجلة علوم البحار والتقنيات البيئية, 5(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.59743/jmset.v5i1.70