Mathematical simulations on historical buildings: firmness and additional possibilities from an archaeometric perspective

Increasing attention has been recently paid to the investigation on the deterioration of cultural heritage structures using mathematical modelling techniques. Simulation activities, as well as laboratory analyses refer, in almost all cases, to historical-archaeological buildings mainly made of natural stone materials, mortars and bricks. In the present work, however, the focus is shifted to a material that constitutes the majority of the 20th century constructions which have already become or will become cultural heritage: concrete. Contrary to the archaeometrician's knowledge of commonly studied architectural materials, we do not really know the physical-chemical long-term behaviour of structures made of cement. It is therefore necessary to extend the period of observation of the degradation phenomena affecting concrete. Such action can be done by combining ageing or acceleration experiments in the laboratory with mathematical simulations. Modelling therefore makes it possible to solve the time problem, to accurately predict the progress of the events but also to include variables which would otherwise be difficult to calculate. The archaeometrical implications of a recent study focused on the mathematical modelling of the phenomenon of carbonation of a cement substrate are presented. A new line of research is also introduced. It will involve the study of the effectiveness of salt inhibitors, produced from bio-derivatives through green chemistry processes, in controlling salt crystallisation in cement mixtures.