Mechanical characterization and reinforcement of the adobe material of the Chellah archaeological site

Sana Simou,Mohammed Tajayout,Nacer Akkouri,Mohammed Lamrani,Abderrahmane Nounah,Khadija Baba,A Akhssas,E Cherkaoui,A Lahmili,K Baba,L Ouadif,M Khamar,M Menzhi,L Bahi,F Benradi,A Nounah

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202015003022

Abstract

The evaluation of historical buildings has always posed significant challenges due to the difficulties associated with the characterization of complex geometries, the variability of the properties of building materials and the actual state of damage to these structures. This challenge is even more complex when it concerns historical adobe masonry buildings, because earthen masonry has a high variability and rapid deterioration over time if it is not properly maintained. In the context of the previous, it was important to provide information to support intervention projects in historic centres. This research involves the experimental analysis of the adobe material collected from the Chellah archaeological site (Rabat-Morocco), in order to study the mechanical behaviour of this material as well as that reinforced by wood shaving. A series of mechanical tests carried out, which include compressive and tensile strength on the adobe material and the mixture adobe/wood fibre in different proportions. The improvement of the mechanical properties of the reinforced adobe, led us to a SEM study, which was carried out on the surface of the test specimens to examine the morphology and observe the interfaces of the adobe/wood mixture, as well as the state of dispersion of the fibres in the adobe mixture.

Highlights

Monuments and historical remains built of adobe material show that this material can persist for centuries[1]
By comparing the results obtained during the first compression test on the adobe material Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable. with those obtained on the adobe with the wood shaving Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable., it is quite clear that there is a significant improvement in the compressive strength
This research paper is in the interest of providing information on the mechanical and physical characterization and reinforcement techniques of the adobe material of the archaeological site Chellah (RabatMorocco)

Summary

Introduction

Monuments and historical remains built of adobe material show that this material can persist for centuries[1]. As with the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Rabat (Morocco), Chellah is one of the most historically significant monuments, this site being the melting pot of several civilizations that have played a major role (7th-6th century BC)[2], including the Marinid who left traces of Islamic architecture through the Medersa site built by the adobe construction technique [3]. The adobe material is composed of adequate proportions of gravel, sand, silt, clay, and water, and it is produced by beating and compacting soil in a formwork[4]. The improvement of the soil using a stabilizer and an appropriate reinforcement material, natural or artificial, improves its durability and its compressive strength, the latter increases considerably by adding fibres[7]. The most commonly used natural stabilizers are jute, sisal, straw, rice husk, sugar cane bagasse[8], and soluble silanes or siloxanes, isocyanates, lime, cement, plaster, basalt pumice [9] are among the most frequently used

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Results

Conclusion