Methodology Study of the Decay Forms of the stone materials at São Jorge Castle (Lisbon, Portugal)

The characterization of natural stone, its forms of degradation and the mechanisms that cause them is essential in the diagnosis of the conservation status of any monument. A correct methodology in a conservation and restoration work preliminary phase allows an optimization of the intervention, as well as in the later monitoring phase.
The main goal of this work is to present an optimized practical methodology for the evaluation of stone materials condition when applied in cultural heritage objects. In order to show the advantages of the use of such methodology, a case study - the Castle of São Jorge (Lisbon, Portugal) - is presented. Early characterization of the materials, knowledge of previous interventions, the choice of the correct stone materials and the dialogue with all the players involved in the project were crucial to the success of the intervention in the monument.