During rainfall, which risk was reduced in Mesopotamian ziggurats via bitumen application above sun-dried bricks?

💡 Explanation

When rainfall occurred, bitumen acted as a waterproofing layer applied over sun-dried bricks because it prevented water ingress via capillary action. Therefore, rising damp penetration was prevented, rather than cracking, salt efflorescence, and wind erosion which are separate degradation processes addressed through construction methods.

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