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Natural Science in Archaeology

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278 11 Build<strong>in</strong>g, Monumental, and Statuary Materials<br />

Fig. 11.10 Weather<strong>in</strong>g of sandstone blocks<br />

Roman builders developed a good knowledge of the diverse properties of these<br />

deposits concern<strong>in</strong>g their durability. Early construction utilized weakly durable,<br />

soft or vitric, tuffs. As time progressed, Roman builders quarried specific tuffs for<br />

specific structural elements. Lighter weight material was selected for upper stories<br />

supported by robust material <strong>in</strong> pillars re<strong>in</strong>forced with travert<strong>in</strong>e. S<strong>in</strong>ce tuffs, <strong>in</strong><br />

general, are not durable build<strong>in</strong>g stones, the Romans preserved them with protective<br />

stucco, travert<strong>in</strong>e, and marble coat<strong>in</strong>gs (Jackson et al. 2005).

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