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. 2023 Sep 14;16(18):6206.
doi: 10.3390/ma16186206.

Characterisation of 20th Century Cementitious Materials from Selected Cultural Heritage Structures in Slovenia

Mateja Golež  1 , Vesna Zalar Serjun  1 , Mateja Štefančič  1 , Darja Rant  1 , Sabina Dolenec  1
Affiliations

Characterisation of 20th Century Cementitious Materials from Selected Cultural Heritage Structures in Slovenia

Mateja Golež et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

This paper deals with the characterisation of cementitious materials from selected cultural heritage structures in Slovenia. The mineralogical-petrographic compositions of an aggregate, a type of binder and secondary minerals were studied via electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The porosity and pore network were determined using a mercury porosimeter. The results show that the aggregate of the samples was highly diverse, ranging from limestone, dolomite, quartz, feldspar and mica. The binder of the investigated samples was cementitious; either ordinary Portland cement was used, or ordinary Portland cement blended with ground granulated blast furnace slag was used. Some samples consisted of cement-lime binders. The investigated examples entailing cement materials for their construction contribute to a better understanding of the technology used to prepare historical cementitious and cement-lime mixtures.

Keywords: 20th century; cementitious materials; cultural heritage; historical concrete.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Locations of historical structures where samples of cementitious material were taken. (b) Investigated cementitious material samples with fresh fracture lines and polished ground joints (M—sample, L—layer, SL—single layer, DL—double layer, TL—triple layer, C—concrete, S—stone).
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Mapping analysis of sample M6 with heterogeneous composition of aggregate. (b) Mapping analysis of sample M9 with homogeneous composition of aggregate.
Figure 3
Figure 3
SEM/BSE micro-images of historical cementitious material samples with heterogeneous composition of clinker remnants and GGBFS.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Field emission scanning electron microscopy of carbonation and hydration processes (M4) and recrystallisation of crystals (M9) of historical cementitious materials.
Figure 4
Figure 4
XRD patterns of single-layer samples M5, M6 and M9.
Figure 6
Figure 6
(a) Pore size distribution for the cement-lime mortar M4/L2; (b) cement render (M20/L1).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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