Simultaneous desalination and consolidation treatment through the application of electrokinetic techniques

Abstract

The vast majority of building materials that are heavily affected by salts require desalination and subsequent consolidation treatments. This double intervention entails a risk associated with the loss of material due to continuous contact with the affected surface. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an electrokinetic process of simultaneous desalination-consolidation of two types of stones (dolostone and limestone). The results show that it is possible to reduce the salts up to percentages of 100% and at the same time to fill the pores and fractures with insoluble compounds compatible with the materials to be treated, such as calcium-magnesium carbonates.