Evaluation of contamination below a 17^th century building in Cairo

This paper presents research work done as a part of an integrated plan for saving a building of great cultural interest. It is the only complete structure in the city of Cairo surviving from the 17th Century. The approach of the study is concerned with ground and groundwater contamination and their relation to the deterioration of the building. The research programme firstly included monitoring of the level of water table as well as chemical analysis of groundwater. Monitoring of groundwater (for 4 years) indicated that its level is far below the foundation level. Furthermore, chemical analysis indicated that the water contains moderate concentrations of harmful elements. Therefore building deterioration could not be ascribed to groundwater contamination. This led to geochemical investigation of soil samples. It was found that excessive, harmful soluble salts re present in the soil. Thus, the problem was diagnosed and attributed to contamination due to human activities, surface water and sewage leakage in the area. Preservation measures were then undertaken accordingly.

• 1 INTRODUCTION

• 2 SITE, GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY

• 3 BUILDING DESCRIPTION

• 4 CONSTRUCTION HISTORY

• 5 SUBSOIL CHARACTERISTICS

• 6 FOUNDATION CHARACTERISTICS

• 7 BUILDING CONDITION

• 8 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS

• 9 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL

• 10 CONCLUSIONS

• 11 REFERENCES