Optimization of cutting processes in archaeological sites

Cutting processes in archaeological sites are critical operations which can irreparably damage precious artefacts. The damage can consist either of irregular and wide cutting grooves and of chemical deterioration triggered by flushing liquids. Therefore, an holistic approach to the optimisation of cutting operations is an important issue which requires an accurate knowledge of the ancient base materials and theoretical models which permit to manage the interaction between artefacts and cutting tools. According to this framework, the results of the chemical analyses and of the mechanical tests performed on the concrete constituting an ancient Greek Gymnasium are firstly reported in this paper. Then, an essential mechanical model of the cutting process is proposed. It relies on an energy parameter, the "cutting strength", which must be the target of optimisations and can be easily post-calculated starting from data collected on site. Finally, an empirical model for the tool wear is also proposed. © 2008 Taylor & Francis Group, London.