Experiments with Lime Mortars containing Charcoal and Ashes
We encountered a number of cases in the published archaeological studies where ashes and charcoal were used as aggregates in ancient lime mixtures. These mixtures were tested in a small number of experiments, and this paper presents the results. Our tests confirmed that charcoal retains moisture and...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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EXARC
2022-02-01
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| Series: | EXARC Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://exarc.net/ark:/88735/10627 |
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| Summary: | We encountered a number of cases in the published archaeological studies where ashes and charcoal were used as aggregates in ancient lime mixtures. These mixtures were tested in a small number of experiments, and this paper presents the results. Our tests confirmed that charcoal retains moisture and can be used to help mortars retain water. It does not, however, increase a mortar's ability to retain moisture to the same degree that crushed ceramic does. Charcoal should be an additive to a mortar and not its sole aggregate, as it is brittle and the mortar produced would be weak. Mixtures of ash with lime seem to work best when spread on a single layer. When the ash is a small part of a mortar, it does not affect its behaviour significantly. The addition of ash does not increase the ability of lime mortars to retain water. Powdered ceramics also limit the effect of ash on lime. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research into these materials and mixtures. |
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| ISSN: | 2212-8956 |