Initial Assessment of the Properties of Nopal Gum as a Possible Additive in the Conservation of Adobe Buildings

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30763/Intervencion.264.v1n25.43.2022

Keywords:

nopal gum, adobe, capillarity, strength, cohesion

Abstract

This research article exposes a possible application of the nopal gum (Opuntia ficus) variety as an additive to promote the durability of adobes, which may be used in the conservation of architectural heritage. This research was carried out in the Laboratory on Cubic Soil Specimens. While preparing the mixtures, different concentrations of previously dehydrated and powdered nopal gum were added. Through moisture retention, capillarity, and compressive strength analysis, the samples were evaluated, and the results found—also discussed here—show that adding nopal gum increases the compression strength of soil specimens and reduces capillarity. In fact, it was possible to maintain the cohesion of the particles in the soil samples during their exposure to humid environments. Having obtained such aptitude in the properties of said specimens makes this substance viable for its use in the conservation of adobe buildings.

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Author Biographies

Juana María Miranda Vidales, Facultad del Hábitat Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), México

Degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), Master in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the UASLP, Ph.D. in Science and Technology of Materials from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Spain. Full-time Research Professor at the Habitat Faculty of the UASLP. She is the author and co-author of more than 50 articles in national and international indexed journals. She has participated in congresses in Mexico and abroad, and has directed theses for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. She belongs to the National System of Researchers (SNI) of the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt, Mexico), level I.

Lilia Narváez Hernández, Facultad del Hábitat Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), México

Degree in Chemistry from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), Master in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (UASLP), Ph.D. in Science and Technology of Materials from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Spain. She is a Full-Time Research Professor at the Faculty of Habitat of the UASLP. She coordinates the Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Movable Cultural Assets of the Faculty of Habitat. She is the author of more than 30 articles in highly prestigious indexed and refereed journals. She has supervised bachelor’s, master's and doctoral theses. She has more than 40 participations in national and international conferences. She belongs to Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI) of the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt, Mexico), level I.

Josué Israel Moreno Fraga, Centro INAH Zacatecas, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), México

Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Movable Cultural Assets from the Faculty of Habitat of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP). He has worked on various conservation projects in archaeological zones (Teotihuacan, La Quemada, among others) and temples and monuments located in different communities in the states of Zacatecas and Guerrero. He currently holds the position of conservative restorer at the inah-Zacatecas Center.

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Additional Files

Published

2022-12-28

How to Cite

Miranda Vidales, J. M., Narváez Hernández, L., & Moreno Fraga, J. I. (2022). Initial Assessment of the Properties of Nopal Gum as a Possible Additive in the Conservation of Adobe Buildings. Intervención, 1(25), 159–199. https://doi.org/10.30763/Intervencion.264.v1n25.43.2022

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 25 (2022): enero-junio

Section

Research article

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