New applications of lasers to architecture and civil engineering: laser remediation of sandstone contaminated with microbial growth and bryophyte

Watson, I. A. , You, A., Oon, S. W. and Stewart-Tull, D. E.S. (1996) New applications of lasers to architecture and civil engineering: laser remediation of sandstone contaminated with microbial growth and bryophyte. Review of Laser Engineering, 24(2), pp. 165-173. (doi: 10.2184/lsj.24.165)

Abstract

CO₂ and Nd:YAG lasers were used to clean carboniferous and blonde sandstone which were contaminated with pollution, microbial growth and bryophyte. The effect of translation velocity was investigated to find the optimum value for cleaning. Analysis of the stone, after laser treatment and 15 month's exposure to the Glaswegian climate, indicated that no growth, recontamination or effects of pollution had occurred for some settings of the laser parameters. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was used to quantify the efficacy of laser remediation by analysing the chemical composition of the stone's surface in the treated and untreated regions after laser treatment. The aluminium content of the sample was found to give the most sensitive measure of the CO₂ laser cleaning efficiency.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Watson, Dr Ian and Stewart-Tull, Prof Duncan
• Authors: Watson, I. A., You, A., Oon, S. W., and Stewart-Tull, D. E.S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Review of Laser Engineering
• Publisher: Laser Society of Japan
• ISSN: 0387-0200