Carbonate stone : chemical behavior, durability, and conservation /

"All stone deteriorates and disappears.... The problems have rapidly become more alarming as the world has become industrialized and polluted." Gauri (research engineer, United Catalysts) and Bandyopadhyay (emeritus, Univ. of Louisville) thoroughly examine this stone's physical and chemical properties. Their book is not easily read, as it is laced with detailed formulas, graphs, and diagrams; its value lies in the authors' "mathematical correlation by ... which ... properties can be determined without subjecting the rock to testing by engineering techniques." Professionals can now estimate stone properties in situ without destructive measures. The 11 chapters provide a well-rounded understanding of carbonate rock, its noncarbonated minerals and its fractures and joints, as well as effects from weathering and pollution. International case studies pepper the text, and black-and-white illustrations show the harmful effects of fossil fuels. The book culminates with conservation, since the "chemical decay of carbonate monuments is ... a phenomenon of the twentieth century." Carbonate Stone is an analytical companion to Martin E. Weaver's Conserving Buildings (CH, May'93). Written for students in conservation technology, it is also a major contribution to the field of conservation despite heavy technical language. One unique feature is that laboratory data is not included but can be found on a Web site. Appendixes; glossary. Graduate students; faculty; professionals. L. B. Sickels-Taves; Eastern Michigan University