Technical studies for the restoration of the Immaculate Conception monument, Seville

Abstract

In 2010, the Immaculate Conception monument in Seville was completely restored to resolve several pathologies, including extensive material loss requiring stone replacement. The technical study presented in this work was undertaken to find a similar stone to the original in the monument and to assess the effect of two treatments (a consolidant and a water repellent). The first step was a petrographic study of the two types of stone slated for intervention and of rocks from local quarries in Alicante (cited in sources as the origin) to identify the best suited for replacing losses. Once we identified the two stones for use, treated specimens from the quarry and the monument were studied to determine changes in several physical properties to verify whether the treatments were effective.