High Temperature Effects on Global Heritage Stone Resources: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Throughout history, natural stone has been a crucial building material due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Today, it continues to be a valuable resource, representing both a cultural heritage asset and a significant economic material. However, the increasing frequency of heat waves and fires driven by climate change poses a growing threat to stone building materials. This paper reviews the scientific attention given to the effects of high temperatures on Global Heritage Stone Resources (GHSRs), an international classification designed to enhance the recognition and status of building stones. Through a systematic SCOPUS search with refined filtering criteria, the study aims to quantify the existing research on these heritage stones. The search applied the standardized lithotype terms from GHSR publications to ensure consistency, followed by the exclusion of irrelevant terms when identified. Additionally, a relevance filter was applied to restrict the number of articles per lithotype and ensure that only the most pertinent studies were considered. Key findings from the literature reveal that exposure to high temperatures (ranging from 200 °C to 900 °C) significantly affected the studied GHSRs, leading to thermal micro-fissuring, increased porosity, and changes in water absorption, which compromise the mechanical properties of the stones. Moreover, these conditions can result in irreversible chemical transformations, exacerbating the deterioration of cultural heritage assets. The study emphasizes the critical need for research to better understand how these stone materials behave when exposed to high temperatures. It also provides a relevant framework for future investigations aimed at predicting and mitigating the effects of external threats such as fires.