Methods used for the characterization of ancient mortars vary according to the information required and the aim of the conservation work. Simple analytical methods are adequate for matching the properties of conservation mortars with those of ancient masonry. When ancient mortars and traditional forms of construction are to be used in the identification of original and subsequent parts of historic buildings, further detailed analyses may be required.Sophisticated analytical techniques are not, however, sufficient by themselves, and all kinds of information regarding the mortars and the physical evidence derived from the building should be considered. Advanced scientific investigation enables us to understand both ancient techniques and associated processes of deterioration. The present research deals with the mortars of a fifteenth-century building in Istanbul. Mortar and plaster samples were characterized by a combination of simple and sophisticated methods. By comparing the results of the simple tests with those of the more sophisticated, it has been shown that, for the purposes of architectural conservation, utilization of the simple methods alone, wiU provide adequate information.
The material defined as 'artificial stone', frequently used on the façades of the late 19th and early 20th century buildings, is a mixture of binder, aggregate and other additives and may either be applied directly as a coating on wall surfaces or precast in moulds and then attached to façades as decorative architectural elements (1). One of the effects of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century was a tendency to standardize architectural production, which in turn moved away from time-consuming and costly traditional techniques in search of those in accordance with the dynamic social, economic and cultural structure of the period. One of the resulting solutions was the rapidly mass-produced artificial stones that replaced the traditional stone masonry.The aim of this research is to evaluate the use of artificial stone on the exterior façades of buildings dated to turn of the last century in terms of architecture and conservation science, focusing on the classification of their constituent binders and aggregates. The experiments, conducted according to related national and international standards based on research programs recommended for similar mortar and plaster samples in literature, enabled the determination of the physical, raw material and mineralogical characteristics of the samples. Results indicate that all the binders have hydraulic quality, some being artificial cements and/or natural water limes and others being fat limes, mixed with mostly artificial pozzolanic additives. The identification of calcium sulphate enabled the classification cements as opposed to limes. Compared to mortars and concretes, the aggregates are smaller in size and usually lighter in colour, such as white sand, and crushed marble and lime stone. The use of fibrous aggregates as well as artificial pozzolanic aggregates with hydraulic binders including cements, on the other hand, may indicate the continuity of tradition and/or distrust in these new materials.
During the clearance, excavations and conservation of the Land walls of Constantinople in 1992-93 at the Porta Romanus (Topkapi) some original details of the Theodosian construction techniques and the subsequent repairs were found. It was seen that the structural system of the outer wall which supports the parapet walk and the battlement had been altered during the Late Byzantine era. It was also affirmed that the inner and the outer terrace had been used as a burial ground and ceramic pipes for the water supply system of the moat and stone culverts for the disposal of the ground water of the inner terrace were found.
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