Evaluation of the Expansive Esna Shale and Its Role in the Deterioration of Heritage Buildings at West Bank of Luxor

Abstract

The heritage buildings at the west bank of Luxor were affected by expansive Esna shale differentially from site to others. The role of expansive Esna shale was evaluated by using X-ray diffraction spectra (particle size, strain), X-ray fluorescence, basic soil properties test, swelling test, soil classification, and unconfined compression test. Three different samples were examined to determine the expansive role in the deterioration of heritage sites. The expansive is high, according to: (a) Soil classification based on plasticity index, (b) Classification chart based on the liquid limit and plastic index, (c) Classification chart based on clay content and activity, (d) Soil classification, and (e) Swelling pressure which determines the safety factor. In addition, expansive classification assesses that Esna shale Formation is one of environmental hazards characterized by damage role near Nile flood and irrigation area and characterized by deterioration role in heritage sites far from Nile flood and irrigation area. This paper refers to evaluation as a main process of integrated conservation approach.

Advanced Monitoring and Conservation Strategies for Wall Paintings Impacted by Microbiological Degradation and Clay Minerals at Al-Qurna, Thebes West Bank (Luxor)

“…The availability of requisite moisture can potentially amplify the risk, posing a significant threat to the structural integrity of the tombs and the preservation of the invaluable artifacts they house. This underscores the critical need for comprehensive mineralogical assessments in such contexts as a tool of monitoring on the mineralogical scale beside other efforts of geological studies classifiyng lithologic units of Esna shale [64,65] and long-term monitoring of geological factors controlling the evolution of Theban tombs stability [66,67] preferably the none destructive techniques [68] as much as possible. In conclusion, the integrity of the wall paintings in Al-Qurna is intricately connected to its geological context, which includes the coexistence of the robust Thebes Limestone Formation and the relatively delicate Esna Shale Formation that underlies it.…”

Rock Mechanical Laboratory Testing of Thebes Limestone Formation (Member I), Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

“…This debris has caused a rise of the ground surface of up to 10 m in some areas within the KV [14,33].Conversely, the upper Esna Shale Formation is only visible at the entrance to the KV and in some of the deepest tombs, such as KV20, KV17, and KV7 [9]. The upper members of the Esna Shale Formation are water-sensitive rock units (i.e., high contents of smectite and illite) [21,34]. Outside of the KV, the Esna Shale Formation is the origin of most of the soils in both banks of the Nile River at Luxor.…”

Geotechnical Hazards and Environmental Changes Threatening the Sphinx Avenue and the Project of Luxor: Open Museum

“…Samples were invested by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to identify the type of soils and textures of soils at the central laboratory of South Valley University [15,16]. Basic properties of foundation soils, Modified Proctor test and classified of soils were used for determinating the expansive soil and its role in the deterioration of the heritage sites [17][18][19], basic properties test carryout at environmental and construction studies laboratory, The High Institute of Engineering and Technology, Luxor, Egypt.…”