Weathering phenomena, rock physical properties and long-term restoration intervention: a case study from the St. Johannis Chapel of Lütgenrode (Lower Saxony, Germany)

Abstract Small historical churches in rural villages are mainly functional buildings, lacking spectacular architectural or ornamental features. This is also true for the St. Johannis Chapel Lütgenrode near Göttingen (Lower Saxony, Germany), which dates back to 13th century. The use of ca. 10 different natural building stones (Triassic sandstone and limestone, Holocene fresh water carbonate), scattered roof tiles bricks result a highly heterogeneous character chapel’s ascending walls. In addition, various repairs over last centuries, using inadequate materials, amplified damages produced critical stability problems, particular at southern wall. Here, suitability dimensional evaluated construction replacement purposes. A semi-quantitative distribution lithotypes was performed, weathering forms were mapped detail. On-site analyses (micro-drilling resistance, Schmidt hammer rebound test, capillary absorption) provide data on deterioration state main lithologies. petrophysical show that stratigraphically comparable exhibit technical characteristics behavior. All serve characterize set plan future restoration work. amount needed work has been estimated be approximately 435,000–550,000 EUR. Because local church authorities evaluate significance based frequency its use, secular would able save chapel, but then political leaders have act quickly.