TERMITES, THEIR ROLE IN THE DAMAGED MUD BUILDINGS, AND PREVENTION METHODS: APPLICATION ON THE RUINS OF THE WHITE MONASTERY, SOHAG, EGYPT

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Conservation dept., Faculty of Archaeology, South Valley Univ., Qena, Egypt.

2 Plant Protection dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag Univ., Sohag, Egypt.

Abstract

Termites cause deterioration to archaeological buildings. They usually dig tunnels under
foundations, causing soil loosening. They attack mud-brick and mortar to get hay pured that is
found out, causing cracks in buildings. Because some Egyptian archaeological buildings were
constructed from mud-bricks, termites cause them decay and deterioration. Therefore, the
current study covers the ruins of the White monastery’s mud buildings in Sohag. It makes use
of XRD, XRF, EDX, SEM. Mineral Petrography study have also been the work of analysis
chromatograph. It illustrates the mechanical deterioration by termites and the ways that
provide an appropriate environment for the growth of some kinds of fungi and bacteria. In
addition, methods of treating mud-brick and preventing termites, fungi and bacteria are proposed.

Keywords