Geological, biological and physical-chemical studies for the conservation and restoration of the fountain in Weyler Square (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)

Abstract

This work presents the set of preliminary studies for the conservation and restoration of the fountain in plaza Weyler (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The working methodology is interdisciplinary and aims to identify and characterize the construction materials, along with the products generated in the alteration processes, to determine the mechanisms and causes of deterioration. Two marbles of different origins belonging to two construction phases of the aforementioned square, a traditional mortar of limestone and sand as mortar, calcareous concretions resulting from filtrations and biological colonization by microalgae have been identified. A method of non-invasive analysis has been used to determine the extent of certain pathologies. In this way, it will be possible to define a specific proposal of action to deal with the pathologies affecting this cultural asset.