Search

Browse

• Communities
• Authors
• Year
• Titles
• Subjects

My Space

• Login

Physico-chemical characterization of mortars as a tool in studying specific hydraulic components: Application to the study of ancient Naxos aqueduct

Maravelaki Pagona, Galanos A., Doganis I., Kallithrakas-Kontos Nikolaos

Full record

---

Summary

Mortars and plasters from the ancient aqueduct on the island of Naxos, Greece, were studied with regard to mineralogical andchemical composition, grain size distribution, raw materials and hydraulic properties, in order to assess their characteristicsand design compatible repair mortars. The authentic materials contained lime, crushed-brick, siliceous and calcitic aggregates,in different proportions according to mortar type. Crushed-bricks fired at low temperatures and lightweight volcanic aggregatescontained amorphous phases, which upon reaction with lime yielded hydraulic components capable of protecting the constructionfrom the continuous presence of water. Hydraulic calcium silicate/aluminate hydrates, the proportions and the perfect packingof the raw materials, along with the diligent application justify the longevity and durability of the studied samples. Thehydraulic properties of samples were pointed out through (a) the well-established CO2/H2O ratio derived from the thermogravimetric analysis and (b) by introducing two powerful indices issued from the chemical analysis,namely CaOhydr and soluble SiO2 hydr. These indices improved the clustering of hydraulic mortars and provided better correlation between mortars, plasters andtheir binders. By comparing grain size distribution and hydraulicity indices it was possible to distinguish among the constructionphases. Based on this study, repair mortars were formulated by hydraulic lime, siliceous sand, calcareous and crushed-brickaggregates, with the optimal water content, ensuring optimum workability and compatible appearance with the authentic ones.

Services