B. J. Smith

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A note on the characteristics and possible origins of desert varnishes from Southeast Morocco. A reply to comments by R. I. Dorn

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (1989)

B. J. Smith W. Brian Whalley

Abstract This reply to Dorn (1989) argues that a biotic origin is not the only way in which desert varnishes may be formed. It is suggested that a variety of initial conditions may result in similar end products. It is agreed that the dissimilar views of the authors may result from their different philosophies concerning the classification of Mn/Fe varnishes.

Desert (philosophy)

10.1002/esp.3290140208

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Citations (4)

Diagnosing decay: the value of medical analogy in understanding the weathering of building stones

Geological Society London Special Publications (2007)

B. J. Smith Richard Přikryl

Abstract This paper represents the first element of the introduction to this volume, and as such investigates its principal underlying rationale; namely the importance of accurate diagnosis of stone decay in the formulation of effective conservation strategies. It does this by exploring ways in which perceived similarities between stone decay and human disease have influenced attitudes towards conservation, and how refinements within medical diagnostic strategies can inform future condition assessments of building stones. In doing so, it identifies the importance of looking beyond obvious symptoms to the isolation of the fundamental causes of decay and the factors that control them. These controls are strongly conditioned by accumulated stresses within the stonework. In many buildings these are the product of a complex history involving exposure to a variety of environmental conditions and successive human intervention. Only by understanding these memory effects is it possible to explain current decay phenomena, attempt any prediction of future behaviour or recommend appropriate intervention. The concept of appropriateness is further developed through an examination of the TNM (Tumours, Nodes and Metastases) Staging System for cancer diagnosis. This holistic scheme embodies a progressive approach to diagnosis that begins with a clinical assessment based on how the patient presents, and leads on to more detailed pathological investigations involving sampling, testing and analysis. The scheme also requires an assessment of the certainty of the diagnosis and proposed treatments must be viewed in terms of a cost benefit analysis. A modified version of this staging system has already been developed for use in the physical assessment of buildings. It is suggested that the next stage in its development, and that of any other condition assessment procedure that deals solely with the fabric of a building, is the inclusion of a value-based appraisal of its cultural significance.

Value (mathematics)

10.1144/gsl.sp.2007.271.01.01

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Citations (41)

Surface change and decay of sandstone samples exposed to a polluted urban atmosphere over a six-year period: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Building and Environment (2003)

Alice V. Turkington Éric Martin Heather Viles B. J. Smith

10.1016/s0360-1323(03)00077-5

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Citations (46)

Exploitation of inherited weakness in fire-damaged building sandstone: the ‘fatiguing’ of ‘shocked’ stone

Engineering Geology (2009)

S. McCabe B. J. Smith Patricia Warke

Efflorescence

Spall

10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.06.003

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Citations (58)

Limestone weathering in contemporary arid environments: a case study from southern Tunisia

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (2000)

B. J. Smith Patricia Warke Cherith Moses

Weathering features are described from a meteorologically arid area in southern Tunisia. Active weathering is concentrated in topographic lows (pits and pans) that concentrate available moisture and are associated with endolithic and epilithic algae responsible for algal boring, plucking and etching of the limestone substrate. Deposits of gypsum have concentrated through evaporation within hollows and occur as isolated patches of tabular crystals indicating an additional weathering agent characteristic of arid environments. The active development of a complex microkarst and associated salt weathering are combining to destroy linear karstic features such as rillenkarren, widespread case-hardening and in places patches of iron- and manganese-rich rock varnishes. The complexity of active and inherited weathering features belies the perceived simplicity and lack of weathering opportunities associated with aridity. Instead it focuses on the need to consider the nature of microclimatic conditions at the rock/air interface especially when seeking to define desert weathering environments. It also highlights the difficulties of interpreting polygenetic landforms and the importance of microscale studies for identifying the impact of contemporary climatic conditions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

10.1002/1096-9837(200011)25:12<1343::aid-esp142>3.3.co;2-u

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Citations (1)

BUILDING STONE DECAY IN A ‘CLEAN’ ENVIRONMENT: WESTERN NORTHERN IRELAND

Elsevier eBooks (1991)

B. J. Smith W. Brian Whalley Róisín Magee

Mainland

10.1016/b978-0-7506-0237-2.50061-7

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Citations (0)

A Pressure-Membrane Technique to Prepare Clay Samples for X-ray Diffraction Analysis: RESEARCH METHOD PAPER

Journal of Sedimentary Research (1995)

J.J. McAlister B. J. Smith

Source

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Citations (0)

An holistic approach to the assessment of stone decay: Bonamargy Friary, Northern Ireland

Geological Society London Special Publications (2007)

S. McCabe B. J. Smith Patricia Warke

Abstract Decay mapping and condition assessment have proved to be useful tools in understanding stone decay and identification of remedial action. In this paper an holistic strategy is taken to the study of façade decay at the medieval Bonamargy Friary, on the north Antrim coast, Northern Ireland. After lithology and decay forms are mapped, interrelationships between decay form, stone type and environment are identified and quantified. This is accomplished through analysis of the spatial association of decay forms, and is used to inform our understanding of decay processes and environmental and lithological controls on those processes. This approach is combined with the application of the UAS (‘Unit’, ‘Area’, ‘Spread’) staging system developed by Warke et al. that is based upon a ‘whole-building’ approach to the assessment of stone condition, the spread to decay and a staged approach to conservation intervention. The case study demonstrates how the combination of these approaches improves our understanding of the factors that control stone decay whilst providing a clearer understanding of the cumulative impact of combined decay mechanisms.

10.1144/gsl.sp.2007.271.01.09

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Citations (15)

Salt-weathering simulations under hot desert conditions: agents of enlightenment or perpetuators of preconceptions?

Geomorphology (2004)

B. J. Smith Patricia Warke J. P. McGreevy H.L. Kane

Soil production function

Replicate

10.1016/j.geomorph.2004.03.015

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Citations (75)

Modelling the rapid retreat of building sandstones: a case study from a polluted maritime environment

Geological Society London Special Publications (2002)

B. J. Smith Alice V. Turkington Patricia Warke Muhammed Basheer J.J. McAlister

Abstract Sandstones are widely used as building stones throughout NW Europe. Unlike limestone, sandstones tend to experience episodic and sometimes rapid surface retreat associated with the action of salts and often leading to the development of hollows/caverns in the stone. The unpredictability of these decay dynamics can present significant problems when planning conservation strategies. Consequently, successful conservation requires a better understanding of the factors that trigger decay and determine the subsequent decay pathway. An overview of results from previous studies provided the basis for simulation experiments aimed at identifying the factors that (a) initiate decay and (b) permit the continuance of salt weathering despite rapid loss of surface material. These simulation studies involve investigation of changes in micro-environmental conditions as surface hollows develop and examination of salt weathering dynamics within such hollows. These data combined with knowledge gained from previous work have allowed the refinement of a conceptual model of rapid sandstone retreat. In this model decay is linked to the establishment of positive feedback conditions through interactions between factors such as porosity, permeability, mineralogy and their effect on salt penetration.

10.1144/gsl.sp.2002.205.01.25

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Citations (50)