Physical–Mechanical and Mineralogical Properties of Fired Bricks of the Archaeological Site of Harran, Turkey (original) (raw)
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Journal of Cultural Heritage xxx , 2019
The work shows the results of a multi-analytical study performed on twenty-nine brick samples taken from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Turkey). Hagia Sophia, one of the most important historical buildings in the world, has a very complex construction history. This complexity is also reflected in the materials that were used for its construction. The main purpose of this work is to verify whether there are any compo-sitional differences in the bricks used in different historical periods, but also to understand the reasons for any compositional differences between one period and another. The samples were studied by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), coupled with a new approach, based on the micro-chemical EDS analysis used to obtain information on the clay fraction of the matrix. The study showed that, most probably, the differences between the bricks belonging to the different construction phases are due to the composition of the clays used for their preparation.
Physico-chemical and mineralogical study of ancient mortars used in Harran area (Turkey
Advances in Concrete Construction, 2017
Very limited studies have been accomplished concerning the historical structures around Harran area. Collected mortar samples from the historic structures in the area were tested to explore their mechanical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Mortar samples from three different points of each historical structure were taken and specified in accordance with the related standards taking into consideration their mechanical, chemical and mineralogical properties. By means of SEM-EDX the presence of organic fibres and calcite, quartz, plagioclase and muscovite minerals has been examined. Additionally, by means of XRF analysis, oxide (SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3) percentages of mortar ingredients have been specified, also. According to the test results obtained, it was confirmed that the mortars had densities ranging between 1.51-2.10 g/cm 3 , porosity values ranging between 8.89-35.38% and compressive strengths ranging between 5.02-5.90 MPa. Specimen HU, which has the highest durability and lowest water absorption and porosity, was the mortar taken from the most intact building in the mosque complex. This result is most likely due to the very little fine aggregate content of HU. In contrast, HUC mortars with a small amount of fine particles and brick contents yielded slightly lower compressive strengths. The interesting point of this study is the mineralogical analysis results and especially the presence of ettringite in these historic mortars linked to the use of pozzolanic materials. Survival of these historic structures in Harran Area through centuries of use and, also, having been subjected to many earthquakes can probably be explained by these properties of the mortars.
Material Characterization of Byzantine Period Brick Masonry Walls Revealed in Istanbul (Turkey)
Periodica Polytechnica Civil Engineering, 2016
In this study, the characteristics of mortars and bricks used in the walls of the historical building, which were revealed during the subway station construction excavations, probably belonged to religious place, have been investigated. Results of the analyses indicated that the mortars are hydraulic but they have a low compressive strength and a high porosity. The bricks whatever used as masonry unit or aggregate were produced from calcium rich clay at a firing temperature of 850−900°C, they are of low apparent density, high porosity and relatively high compressive strength, and also show pozzolanic activity.
Iraqi geological journal, 2022
In this research, some engineering properties were studied for samples of fire clay bricks, which were selected from the study area, Dilbat or Tel al-Deylam, which dates back to the Middle Babylonian era 1500-600 BC in the southern part of the province of Babylon within the Al-Kifl district. The samples taken were subjected to many Engineering tests , which is the ratio of porosity, compressibility, density and ultrasound examination (Vp,Vs), from which each of Young's modulus, Poisson's modulus, Bulk modulus, Shear modulus was extracted, where the average porosity (23.06) which ranges (27.30-18.53), density (1.09) ranges (1.52-0.89), water absorption (20.86) ranges (26.17-15.94), compressibility (5.10) ranges (9.96-3.31), Vp (1053) ranges (2410-350),Vs (737.1) ranges (1687-245), Young's modulus (1.89) ranges (8.82-0.11), Poisson's modulus (0.013) ranges (0.013-0.013), Bulk modulus (1.89) ranges (8.82-0.11), Shear modulus (0.92) ranges (4.32-0.05).
Characterization of bricks Used in the External Casing of Roman Bath Walls" Gadara-Jordan
Mediterranean Archaeology and …, 2009
The use of subsoil materials have been used in buildings long time ago, for more than 10,000 years. This study investigates the different characteristics of brick units used in one of the Roman baths in Gadara archaeological site. This is achieved by studying the raw materials and the different technological measurements of brick units: shapes, dimensions and visual description. Moreover, it studies the construction techniques and deterioration problems, by using some scientific techniques and analytical procedures such as EDX for defining the elemental and chemical characteristics of brick samples, Polarizing microscope and XRD for studying the mineralogical components, in addition to the use of SEM that was used for studying the morphological characteristics of the samples. Furthermore, this study determines the different physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the collected samples according to different scientific techniques and standard tools such as digital camera, magnifying glass and mechanical sieves. The results of the study prove that the brick units are divided into two types cubit square and rectangular shapes which are used as external casing layers. They are characterized by homogeneous chemical characteristics and different visual appearances according to the firing degrees and firing conditions (oxidizing or reduction). On the other hand the differences of these physical properties play specific roles in the deterioration cycles, and their mechanisms affect the brick units. Finally, the study provides a definition of the effective methods, materials and preservation measurements for restoring and maintaining the investigated monument.
Bricks in historical buildings of Toledo City: characterisation and restoration
Materials Characterization, 2003
Two different types of ancient bricks (XII-XIVth centuries) collected from historical buildings of Toledo (Spain) were characterized by Optical Microscopy, SEM/EDS, Electron microprobe, XRD, DTA and 57 Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy. Physical properties such as water absorption and suction, porosity, density and compression strength were also determined. Several minerals found in the brick matrix, such as garnet, let us infer raw material sources; calcite, dolomite, illite and neo-formed gehlenite and diopside phases, on temperature reached in firing; secondary calcite, on first cooling scenarios; and manganese micro-nodules, on late pollution environments. XRD and DTA of original and re-fired samples supply information about firing temperatures. Additional data on firing conditions and type of the original clay are provided by the Mössbauer study. Physical properties of both types of bricks were compared and correlated with raw materials and fabric and firing technology employed. The physicochemical characterization of these bricks provides valuable data for restoration purposes to formulate new specific bricks using neighbouring raw materials.
Multi-method (XRF, FTIR, TGA) analysis of ancient bricks from Karabalgasun : A preliminary study
2020
Ancient ceramic artefacts attracted the attention of scientists as being a chronological indicator within the archaeological context; however, they can also provide information about the tech-nology and provenance. A series of brick samples from an ancient nomadic town at Karabalgasun (Mongolia) have been analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis in order to obtain information on the performance of the kilns used and on the technological skills of ancient pot-ters.
Characterization of bricks used in the external casing of Roman bath walls "Gedara-Jordan"
The use of sub-soil materials have been used in buildings long time ago, for more than 10,000 years. This study investigates the different characteristics of brick units used in one of the Roman baths in Gadara archaeological site. This is achieved by studying the raw materials and the different technological measurements of brick units: shapes, dimensions and visual description. Moreover, it studies the construction techniques and deterioration problems, by using some scientific techniques and analytical procedures such as EDX for defining the elemental and chemical characteristics of brick samples, Polarizing microscope and XRD for studying the mineralogical components, in addition to the use of SEM that was used for studying the morphological characteristics of the samples. Furthermore, this study determines the different physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the collected samples according to different scientific techniques and standard tools such as digital camera, magnifying glass and mechanical sieves. The results of the study prove that the brick units are divided into two types cubit square and rectangular shapes which are used as external casing layers. They are characterized by homogeneous chemical characteristics and different visual appearances according to the firing degrees and firing conditions (oxidizing or reduction). On the other hand the differences of these physical properties play specific roles in the deterioration cycles, and their mechanisms affect the brick units. Finally, the study provides a definition of the effective methods, materials and preservation measurements for restoring and maintaining the investigated monument.
Properties and Technology of the Crushed Brick Mortars of Hagia Sophia
1970
Within the framework of the collaboration between Princeton University, the National Technical University of Athens, and Bogazici University, the present work deals with material analyses of small samples taken from Hagia Sophia, a sixth century masonry edifice, in Istanbul, Turkey, coordinated with structural studies to provide insight to the structure's ability to withstand seismic loads. The present work is based on the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis performed both on the samples themselves and on their fractions after a physical separation. The results account for a possible technology of a pozzolanic mortar, where one part per volume lime was mixed with 3 parts of aggregate (crushed brick fragments, sea sand, and fine pozzolanic sand). However, up to now, analytical techniques cannot provide directly technology information, let alone on the physicochemical interactions among the constituents of historic walls, as in the case under study...