Migration of water and salt in confined archaeological complexes: comprehensive investigation below the third courtyard of the Prague Castle

0585701 - ÚTAM 2025 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Weiss, T. - Válek, Jan - Slížková, Zuzana - Slavík, M. - Náhunková, Pavla - Mareš, J. - Kozlovcev, Petr
Migration of water and salt in confined archaeological complexes: comprehensive investigation below the third courtyard of the Prague Castle.
International Journal of Architectural Heritage. (2024). ISSN 1558-3058. E-ISSN 1558-3066
R&D Projects: GA TA ČR(CZ) TL03000603
Institutional support: RVO:68378297
Keywords : confined archaeological complexes * conservation strategies * masonry degradation * moisture content * preservation * salt efflorescence * sheltering
OECD category: Materials engineering
Impact factor: 2.4, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2024.2341048

Archaeological complexes and open-air museums must navigate the delicate balance between their societal role and preserving the displayed heritage. Sheltering from atmospheric hazards is a common preservation strategy, yet it introduces new degradation challenges. This study focuses on the persistent material deterioration, heightened moisture content, and salt efflorescence observed in protected excavations beneath Prague Castle’s third courtyard. The objective is to identify and analyse primary sources and pathways of water infiltration, comprehend complex interactions with masonry, and propose conservation strategies to mitigate the degradation. Through detailed field observations, using various moisture sensors, hydrochemical and salt analyses, rainwater emerges as the primary source of damp masonry and the transporting agent of salt-forming ions. Two penetration mechanisms were observed: ingress through perimeter walls and capillary rise where groundwater is present. Evaluation of moisture measurement methods underscores the superiority of the microwave method for historic masonry and the uranine-probe method’s efficacy for capillary water detection. Addressing water infiltration and salt accumulation challenges, we recommend preventive measures: (i) prevent water infiltration, seepage, and ingress; (ii) reduce salt concentrations; and (iii) stabilise site climate to mitigate salt crystallisation transitions. These recommendations extend beyond the study site, offering valuable insights for
similar confined archaeological complexes.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0353402