Fire Effects on Heritage Stone: Temperature Thresholds and Assessment

Stone, a traditionally fire-resistant building material, is vulnerable to fire damage, as evidenced by fires at Notre Dame and the Turin Chapel. This document explores fire-induced deterioration mechanisms in stone, including thermal decomposition, microstructural damage, and thermal shock effects, highlighting critical temperature thresholds for different stone types. It also provides engineering guidance for post-fire structural assessment, emphasising the importance of prevention and evidence-based decision-making in fire risk assessment and restoration planning. Fire exposure causes irreversible damage to stone, particularly when temperatures exceed 600°C. This threshold leads to significant mass loss and strength reduction, necessitating element replacement. Post-fire assessment requires specialised expertise, including non-destructive testing, to determine the extent of damage and inform restoration strategies. Available at: https://www.fireriskheritage.net/?p=7902 Professional web resource providing research-based technical guidance on fire safety in cultural heritage, originally published at FireRiskHeritage.net.