Investigation of the technology of historic mortars

Abstract

Historical evidence on the use of mortars to meet several needs has existed for millennia. With reference to the characteristic historical periods of the city of Rhodes, mortar sampling was performed on historical constructions, masonry and architectural surfaces. In the present work the different mortar technologies are investigated aiming to answer questions regarding their finality, i.e. whether their differences arise mainly from the various historical periods of construction or from the purposes they had to serve, imparting to the mortars the properties required by their function in the structure. Mineralogical, chemical, physical and mechanical investigations have been performed on characteristic samples after gradation. The exponentially declining function of the ratio CO 2/H 2O structurally bound to the CO 2 content shows a continuous evolution of the kinetics governing the various mechanisms of carbonation of the binder or the formation of hydraulic components during setting, hardening and ageing of the mortars. The grouping of mortars in well-distinct ‘hydraulic levels’ is ascribed to the physico-chemical cohesion and adhesion bonds developed at the matrix and matrix/aggregate interfaces, respectively, allowing for the mortars to either bear continuous stresses and strains as joint mortars or provide compact impermeable renderings which harden even more on contact with water. Hence, parameters determining the diversification of the resulting mortar/matrix types concern the raw materials employed as binding materials and the production processing.