Historic buildings in Cremona are characterized by the almost exclusive use of earthen mortars, also for plasters. The use of earthen mortars was a conscious choice and the masonry structures are of very good quality. The thickness of the walls is considerable, at least four heads of bricks, their tissue is regular from the front to the back of the wall. Their resistance to compression has shown results similar to those of walls of the same period constructed with lime based mortar. Preliminary data of the archaeometric study reveal the compositional and microstructural complexity of the earthen mortars. The properties of some clay minerals to absorb water may be useful in many respects in a climate where the relative humidity is high. The empirical knowledge would allow the exploitation of a country resource.
Earthen mortars in Cremona: characterization and first hypothesis of dating
RICCARDI, MARIA PIA;TARANTINO, SERENA CHIARA
2014-01-01
Abstract
Historic buildings in Cremona are characterized by the almost exclusive use of earthen mortars, also for plasters. The use of earthen mortars was a conscious choice and the masonry structures are of very good quality. The thickness of the walls is considerable, at least four heads of bricks, their tissue is regular from the front to the back of the wall. Their resistance to compression has shown results similar to those of walls of the same period constructed with lime based mortar. Preliminary data of the archaeometric study reveal the compositional and microstructural complexity of the earthen mortars. The properties of some clay minerals to absorb water may be useful in many respects in a climate where the relative humidity is high. The empirical knowledge would allow the exploitation of a country resource.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
