Analysis of Mortar Used in Sheesh Mahal Pond in Lahore Fort, Pakistan

A qualitative, quantitative, mechanical and instrumental techniques of analysis of Mortar used in the Pond of the Sheesh Mahal, of Lahore Fort constructed during the period of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan (1630-1658) was carried out. Petrographic studies and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of mortar samples showed that mortar was a variable mixture of burnt lime, some Phillosilicates and fine Ravi Sand. It was found that kankar of the area near Lahore contains 70% CaCO3 and 30% clay with sand and other impurities. The analysis of existing mortar revealed the ratio between sand, fine kankar and coarse kankar on average as 1.0:1.3:1.5.