Deterioration of stone materials in the Angkor monuments, Cambodia

The Angkor monuments in Cambodia are built mainly of sandstone and laterite . This paper mainly describes the deterioration of sandstone blocks. The sa ndstone in the monuments can be classified into three types based on the co lour, texture, chemical composition and constituent mineral; grey to yellow ish brown sandstone, red sandstone and greenish greywacke. The deterioratio n is distinct in grey to yellowish brown sandstone because of its low compr essive strength, high porosity, well developed bedding, and constituent min erals susceptible to alteration such as feldspar and biotite. The main caus es of deterioration identified are chemical weathering, efflorescence relat ed to bat guano, and biodeterioration by the growth of trees, algae and lic hens. An water supply is also indispensable for deterioration. (C) 1999 Els evier Science B.V. All rights reserved.