Architectural Ceramics

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Author: Hans-Jürgen Schwarz
English Translation by Sandra Leithäuser
Back to Decay Pattern

Abstract[edit]

Typical deterioration patterns for architectural ceramics are discussed and explained.


Decay patterns of architectural ceramics[edit]

Deterioration of brickwork

Salt-induced damage to bricks is very common.


Glazed architectural ceramics

The glaze on building ceramics prevents the transport of moisture and salts. Often however, the glaze shows "crazing" (a fine network of fissures or cracks) allowing moisture transport through it. And therefore, if salts are present, they will crystallize around these fissures as well as below the glazing around them, leading to its spalling.


Some examples of salt-contaminated architectural ceramics that show the damage induced are shown here:

Flaking[edit]

Powdering[edit]

Efflorescence[edit]

Literature[edit]