Abstract:

Longmen Grottoes were carved in the carbonate rocks, which are severely eroded by water, and condensation water disease is the nonignorable problem. Qianxi Temple is a typical cave of Longmen Grottoes which have being suffered by the condensation water. The quantitative collection test of condensation water is an important tool to evaluate condensation water disease and to analysis the condensation water formation mechanism. The condensation rate and the amount of condensation water were determined by a special experimental facility at the site of Qianxi Temple in 2010. The tests mainly included the calibration test of the experimental facility and the quantification test of condensation water. From the calibration test, the curvilinear relationship between testing time and the error of the experimental facility was obtained; the condensation rate was derived by the quantification collection test at the different periods.The results reveal that the experimental error and testing time could be fitted into the linear relationship. In 2010, the amount of condensation water is 200.68 kg at Qianxi Temple, which is a considerable amount; the condensation rate is the fastest in morning and the slowest at evening. The annual amount of condensation water fluctuated from 2006 to 2010 according to the analysis of previous research achievements, for the amount of condensation water varied with the annual climate change. Since 2008, the amount of condensation water has increased. The condensation rate of the Dazu Carved Stone which is located in the south is the fastest, and the Yungang Grottoes in the north is the slowest, and the Longmen Grottoes is situated between the this difference corresponds to the grottoes respective geographical position and the climatic conditions.

Key words: condensation water, calibration test, quantitative collection test, Longmen Grottoes