Characterization and repair measures of the medieval building materials of a Hispanic–Islamic construction

This paper focuses on the physical–chemical and mechanical characterization of the building materials of a precious damaged structure, the Salares tower, a Hispanic–Islamic medieval construction located in the South of Spain, an active seismic area. An exhaustive description of the materials has been obtained, enriching the knowledge on historical construction materials. Sophisticated laboratory tests (XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, Micro-Raman spectroscopy, DTA and TG) have provided crucial complementary data to use together with traditional laboratory procedures, especially when the damage processes are the main concern. The experimental investigation has allowed a better understanding of the remote origin and of the failure mechanisms of this damaged structure. On the basis of these results, the most adequate repair materials are selected.

► The building materials of a damaged masonry ancient construction are characterized.
► The knowledge on historical construction techniques is enriched.
► Sophisticated and traditional laboratory tests have been used.
► From the experimental results, the restoration materials are proposed.
► Damage processes and the state of decay are determined.