Preventive conservation for sustainable development by non-destructive analysis in cultural heritage buildings. Thermographic study in the columns of the Patio de los Leones de la Alhambra, Granada (Spain)

The exposure of architectural heritage to environmental conditions has a significant impact on its degradation process. This research has focused on the analysis of the thermographic study done on the marble columns of the Patio de Los Leones de la Alhambra in Granada (Spain). Determination of the differences in the state of the surface and its deterioration has been possible due to the study of the conditions in previous periods and the exposure to the current weather conditions. The results verify that the differences in temperature on the surface of the columns respond to changes in insolation and direction of sunlight. This study aims to improve knowledge in the evolution of the state of conservation/deterioration of the marble columns, and will allow the implementation of predictive models of behaviour of the material in the future. This is key to set the strategies of conservation and sustainable tourist policies development to contribute to the socio-economic growth of our cities.