Abstract

This study explores the degradation of construction materials used in Oraby Tabia (OT) buildings through a series of chemical, physical, mechanical, and microbial analyses. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed surface deterioration attributed to environmental factors. Chemical characteristics were assessed via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, aiding in the selection of materials for potential conversion. Physical testing demonstrated that bricks had a higher absorption rate (11.8%) compared to rocks (5.1%), while exhibiting lower porosity and saturation factors. Mechanical property evaluations indicated significant variability linked to the sample locations. Microbial analysis revealed the highest bacterial load on wood surfaces, with E. coli and Bacillus sp. detected across all samples. Notably, Clostridium sp. was exclusively identified on wood, indicating the necessity for targeted treatments to mitigate microbial degradation. These findings underscore the importance of material selection and preservation in the conservation of architectural integrity.

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