The quantification of physico-mechanical properties and durability of onyx-travertines from Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ecuador

Onyx-travertines from Sinincay, Ecuador, exhibit significant variation in durability and mechanical strength depending on their sedimentary structure. Research reveals that laminated facies are more vulnerable to accelerated aging tests than cryptolaminated ones, with salt crystallization (S-C) being the most severe test, followed by freeze-thaw (F-T), acid attack (A-A), and thermal shock (T-S). The orientation of lamination also influences mechanical strength, with normal-to-lamination specimens showing the lowest values. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analyses further elucidate weathering patterns and deterioration mechanisms, providing insights into the material's behavior under different environmental stresses. This study highlights the importance of standardized durability tests in heritage stone research, offering a case study for Ecuador and globally significant World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca.

Romero Bastidas, M., Aguirre Ullauri, M. d. C., Ramírez Bustamante, J., Vargas Vallejo, M., & Castillo Carchipulla, E. (2022). The quantification of physico-mechanical properties and durability of onyx-travertines from Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ecuador. Heritage Science, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00826-y