Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Dynamics (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Environmental Dynamics

Advisor/Mentor

Paradise, Thomas R.

Committee Member

Tullis, Jason A.

Second Committee Member

Davidson, Fiona M.

Keywords

Travertine; Cultural Heritage; Rome; Deterioration

Abstract

Travertine limestone has formed the resilient backbone of Roman architecture for over two millennia and across several cultural periods. This study identified the leading causes of travertine decay in Rome across Ancient, Baroque, and Fascist periods in order to efficiently prioritize conservation and restoration efforts across the city. The methodology developed here can then be utilized in other urban settings. Rome’s iconic landmarks such as the Flavian Amphitheater, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Spanish Steps all owe their existence to this local limestone. High rates of urbanization now dictate how architectural travertine interacts with its surrounding environments and landscapes. Grand avenues oriented in the same cardinal directions as the prevailing, seasonal winds have been found to exacerbate mechanical and chemical weathering and erosion of this calcareous building and cladding material. Conversely, narrow medieval and baroque streets hinder sunlight access and increase shadowfall – facilitating the growth of biodeteriorators such as cyanobacteria and lichens. Increased vehicle ownership and public transportation produces abundant exhaust fumes that bind to travertine producing an unsightly black crust called scialbatura.

This research analyzed how environmental factors and driving agents interacted and affected travertine deterioration by employing nondestructive field methods, thematic cartography, and geographical information systems (GIS) to identify sites most likely to have the highest rates of weathering, recession, and erosion. No single parameter was solely responsible, but rather the relationships between an increased surface porosity (a leading factor), prevailing winds, urbanization, and cultural norms were evident within this vital project.

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