Estimation of the Age of Architectural Heritage Objects by Microstructural Changes of Calcite in Lime Mortars of Ancient Brickwork and Masonry

Abstract

Determining the age of ancient architectural and cultural monuments is a significant scientific problem. An approach based on the transformation of portlandite into calcite and subsequent recrystallization of calcite is considered, which allows for estimating the relative age of ancient brickworks for local groups of historic buildings based on the results of diffraction studies of powder samples of carbonate mortars and measurements of samples with a known age. This article presents the results of the study of lime mortars of ancient brickwork. Under natural conditions, the process of transformation of portlandite into calcite takes from 100 to 200 years. The rate of this process is influenced by temperature, humidity, peculiarities of interaction with carbon dioxide contained in the air, etc. Examples show that portlandite is completely transformed into calcite in masonry mortars of the 18th century and that portlandite is not found in older mortars. It was determined that after the transformation of portlandite into calcite, an increase in the degree of recrystallization of calcite is observed, which manifests itself in powder diffraction patterns in the relative broadening of the diffraction peak of calcite hkl 104. In a detailed study, an estimate of the peak width at half maximum (FWHM) associated with the degree of crystallinity is effective. The actual data are given, which show that in older lime mortars the degree of recrystallization of calcite is higher than in younger ones. This fact makes it possible to indirectly determine the relative age of brickwork and masonry of various buildings of architectural heritage, which is especially relevant for the objects with the use of lime mortars of the northern provinces of the Byzantine Oecumene and other periods of various cultures.

Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Lime Pastes and Mortars for Use in Restoration

“…Vitruvius was one of the first authors to write about the use of lime; in his treatise, he describes the selection process of the best limestone and the considerations to be taken during calcination and hydration until the paste is obtained and it can be used as a mortar [11]. Its use was widespread due to its easy production process since it was obtained from the calcination of carbonate rocks [12]. The lime production process has evolved a lot over time, thanks to the studies carried out by L. Vicat in the 19th century and the subsequent development of technology, which has allowed us to find different types of quality lime available today.…”