Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of microclimate for salts crystallization control and artworks conservation

Abstract Many deterioration processes are linked to unsuitable microclimatic condition in cultural buildings. One of the most diffused processes is soluble salts crystallization that can be accelerated in masonry structures within specific microclimatic values for different chemical compounds. In this paper, microclimate and efflorescence diffusion were monitored over a one-year period in the Crypt of the Cathedral of Lecce (South Italy). This allowed to relate the microclimate with the efflorescence variation over time. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was then developed to detail the thermo-hygrometric parameters and airflow patterns responsible for salts crystallization and artworks deterioration. Two main conditions were reproduced; one to simulate the current microclimate, which simulations showed to be inadequate for conservation, and the other to search for a more appropriate solution. In both cases, summer and winter conditions were simulated and compared to find a microclimate able to ensure more suitable thermo-hygrometric intervals required by the constituting artworks materials. The results helped to suggest actions to improve maintenance of the Crypt.

[1]  Hl Henk Schellen.  Heating monumental churches : indoor climate and preservation of cultural heritage , 2002 .

[2]  Hazim B. Awbi,et al.  Computational Fluid Dynamics in Ventilation Design REHVA Guidebook No 10 , 2007 .

[3]  D. D’Agostino.  Moisture dynamics in an historical masonry structure: The Cathedral of Lecce (South Italy) , 2013 .

[4]  Antonia Moropoulou,et al.  Salt-induced decay in calcareous stone monuments and buildings in a marine environment in SW France , 2003 .

[5]  Clifford Price,et al.  Predicting environmental conditions to minimise salt damage at the Tower of London: a comparison of two approaches , 2007 .

[6]  Zhang Lin,et al.  Validation of a CFD Model for Research into Stratum Ventilation , 2006 .

[7]  Dario Camuffo,et al.  Microclimate for Cultural Heritage , 1998 .

[8]  Qingyan Chen.  COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT k-ε MODELS FOR INDOOR AIR FLOW COMPUTATIONS , 1995 .

[9]  A. Arnold,et al.  Monitoring Wall Paintings Affected by Soluble Salts , 1991 .

[10]  Adriana Bernardi,et al.  Condensation on ancient stained glass windows and efficiency of protective glazing systems: two French case studies, Sainte-Chapelle (Paris) and Saint-Urbain Basilica (Troyes) , 2006 .

[11]  Fernando-Juan García-Diego,et al.  Microclimate monitoring by multivariate statistical control: The renaissance frescoes of the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain) , 2010 .

[12]  C. Price,et al.  Salt damage at Cleeve Abbey, England: Part I: a comparison of theoretical predictions and practical observations , 2005 .

[13]  Giovanni Leucci,et al.  Insights into the Buried Archaeological Remains at the Duomo of Lecce (Italy) Using Ground‐penetrating Radar Surveys , 2012 .

[14]  Derek Dunn-Rankin,et al.  Measurement and prediction of indoor air flow in a model room , 2003 .

[15]  P Brimblecombe,et al.  The indoor environment of a modern museum building, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich, UK. , 1999, Indoor air.

[16]  Peter V. Nielsen,et al.  CFD and ventilation research. , 2011, Indoor air.

[17]  Ario Ceccotti,et al.  The contribution of numerical simulation for the diagnosis of the conservation of art objects: Application to Antonio Santucci's armillary sphere of the 16th century , 2007 .

[18]  Giuseppe Grazzini,et al.  Numerical simulation of ancient natural ventilation systems of historical buildings. A case study in Palermo , 2009 .

[19]  Chris T. Kiranoudis,et al.  Mathematical modeling of environmental conditions inside historical buildings. The case of the archaeological museum of Athens , 2000 .

[20]  Adriana Bernardi,et al.  Microclimate inside a semi-confined environment: Valuation of suitability for the conservation of heritage materials , 2010 .

[21]  W. D. Hoff,et al.  Water Transport in Brick, Stone and Concrete , 2002 .

[22]  Carlo Giavarini,et al.  CFD modeling for the conservation of the Gilded Vault Hall in the Domus Aurea , 2004 .

[23]  C. Price,et al.  Salt damage at Cleeve Abbey, England. Part II: seasonal variability of salt distribution and implications for sampling strategies , 2005 .