Characterization procedure for ancient mortars' restoration: The plasters of the Cavallerizza courtyard in the Ducal Palace in Mantua (Italy)

The problem of the characterisation of ancient mortars and plasters for restoration purposes is discussed and a methodology is proposed starting from the physical separation of the binder from aggregates. The procedure was applied to the plasters of the Ducal Palace in Mantua [Mantova] (Cavallerizza courtyard, XVI cent.): the results show the suitability of the proposed methodology for the determination of the plasters' nature, microstructure and even original formulation.