Novo: Argamassas em Monumentos Históricos contribuições para a preservação do Património Cultural Edificado. Inicial: Cimentos e Argamassas em Monumentos Históricos: contribuições para a preservação do Património Cultural Edificado

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Mortars from the Palace of Knossos in Crete, Greece: A Multi-Analytical Approach

Publication . Carvalho, Fernanda; Sousa, Pedro; Leal, Nuno; Simão, J.; Kavoulaki, Elissavet; Lima, M.M.R.A.; Silva, Teresa; Águas, Hugo; Padeletti, Giuseppina

ABSTRACT: The study of building materials constituting cultural heritage is fundamental to understand their characteristics and predict their behavior. When considering materials from archaeological sites, their characterization can provide not only relevant information for a broader understanding of the site and its importance and significance but can also increase knowledge about ancient materials and their performance. The Palace of Knossos is a very important archaeological site in the European history context, and its preservation benefits from the characterization of the constituent materials. Samples of mortars from this monument were collected under the scope of the H2020 HERACLES project, where a multi-analytical approach was chosen using established protocols for the different sample typologies. Instrumental techniques such as optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were used for the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of these mortar samples. The results indicate that the majority are lime mortars, both aerial and hydraulic, but gypsum-based mortars were also identified. Differences in the chemical composition of the samples in distinct areas of the monument allowed us to reflect on the variety of materials used in the construction of the Palace of Knossos.

2022-01Journal article

Open access

Historical lime-based flooring mortars from the Church of Santa Maria de Alcobaça monastery (12th century), Portugal: A multi-analytical approach

Publication . Carvalho, Fernanda; Nunes, A.; Pagará, A.; Costeira, I.; Silva, Teresa; Lima, M.M.R.A.; Veiga, JP

ABSTRACT: The Monastery of Alcobaça houses in reserve the ceramic tiles that adorned the floor of the church's apse. These tiles were removed during rehabilitation works and many preserve part of their original fixing mortars. A comprehensive analysis of 21 samples was conducted using a multi-analytical approach (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, μ-Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and colorimetry). Results suggest compositional variations in the samples from the back and sides of the ceramic tiles; however, the mineralogy and general characteristics of the aggregates remained consistent between the samples and are coherent with the local geology, suggesting a shared historical origin.

2024-03Journal article

Open access