『Abstract
The Bulkugsa Dabotap pagoda was built in AD 761, and designated
as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1995. The ca.270 blocks
used in the construction of the pagoda consist mainly of white
grey alkali granite with medium-grained equi-granular texture
and small mialolitic cavities. Small quantities of biotite granite,
granodiorite, gabbroic and tuffaceous rocks were also used. Some
overlapping blocks are very damp. The pagoda body is inclined
toward the northeast owing to differential loading. Fractures
and artificial deterioration of the pagoda are not serious, but
the surfaces of blocks show exfoliations that indicate granular
decomposition of minerals. The supporting rocks and the round
handrail of the octagonal second floor are too weathered to be
treated and are being replaced. The roof stones on the first and
second floor are seriously damaged because there is no drainage
route for rainwater. The joints between blocks have fractures
that cross each other; they have been further damaged by inserting
concrete, cement mortar, rock fragments and iron plates. This
has accelerated discoloration and fractures. Widespread colonization
by algae, fungi, lichens and bryophytes has occurred on the margins
and surfaces roof stones of the pagoda. Chemical treatment will
be necessary to remove the vegetation cover.
Keywords: Dabotap pagoda; Alkali granite; weathering; Deterioration;
Conservation treatment』
Introduction
Materials and methods
Materials
Methods
Petrographical features
Geological and lithological features
Mineralogy and chemistry
Conservational diagnosis
Climatic conditions and structural instability
Physical weathering
Mineralogical and chemical weathering
Biological weathering
Discussion
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References