Ricerc@Sapienza

Mortar quality is a fundamental parameter to take into account when studying the structural behavior of masonry, especially under seis− mic actions. Separation between the leaves of rubble masonry can occur, inducing the partial or total collapse of the construction. A good quality mortar is essential to delay/prevent the separation of leaves, but often, especially in ancient building with a cultural value, mor− tars have low binder capabilities.

The paper presents an experimental study on mortar samples taken from historic and monumental buildings damaged or collapsed following the seismic events in Central Italy (2016-2017). Sixty-one samples were analysed via a set of diagnostic investigations to characterize the mortar and correlate it with the performance of the masonry.

Plaster and mortar samples from Arslantepe (Turkey) hold potential to provide unique information about the lime production and adhibition during the Late Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE). A multi-analytical approach including polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been applied to characterize mortar samples from temple C and elite residences dated back to the late Chalcolithic 3–4 (3800–3400 BCE).