Preserving Sunken Granite with Olive Oil for Sustainable Underwater Museums

Authors

Ahmed Gelany, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Asmaa Ibrahim, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Omnia Mohamed, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Somaya Mabrouk, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Rahma Alaraby, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Shahd AbdAlmajeed, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Wessam Turkey, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Nada Shokr, High Institute for Restoration of Antiquities and Art CollectionsFollow
Usama Konbr, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta 31733, EgyptFollow

DOI

10.70259/engJER.2024.861847

Abstract

This study addresses the crucial role of heritage preservation in sustainable urban development, as emphasized by the Egyptian National Agenda 2030. Focusing on the challenges of preserving sunken ancient Egyptian granite monuments in Aboukir Bay, this study investigates the potential of olive oil, a natural, bio-based material, as a sustainable in-situ preservative. Granite samples treated with olive oil were subjected to simulated marine conditions and evaluated using compression teas sts, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results demonstrated that olive oil effectively inhibited water absorption and biocolonization, mimicking the lotus effect, and increased the fracture loading of granite samples by approximately 14%. This enhanced resistance to mechanical stress and degradation reinforces olive oil's potential as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, in-situ preservation method. By contributing to the sustainable development of underwater museums and the preservation of cultural heritage for tourism and education, this research directly supports the Egyptian National Agenda 2030's goals of responsible cultural asset stewardship and sustainable economic growth through cultural tourism.

Recommended Citation

Gelany, Ahmed; Ibrahim, Asmaa; Mohamed, Omnia; Mabrouk, Somaya; Alaraby, Rahma; AbdAlmajeed, Shahd; Turkey, Wessam; Shokr, Nada; and Konbr, Usama (2024) "Preserving Sunken Granite with Olive Oil for Sustainable Underwater Museums," Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8: Iss. 6, Article 2.
DOI: 10.70259/engJER.2024.861847
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss6/2