Abstract:
Climatic and environmental conditions are often very severe for
construction materials, namely in the presence of high humidity or in direct
contact with water. However, some historical buildings currently are in very good
condition due to careful construction and/or accurate materials selection and
probably to a specific construction technology. This article presents the results of
historical mortars characterization from two monuments: the Santa Marta Fortress
in Cascais, near the Atlantic coast, and the Defence Wall of Lisbon town, in which
lime mortars were used under severe environmental conditions. Historical
buildings are important fingerprints of the history and culture of a region and its
communities. The understanding of old mortar composition, based on integrated
physico-chemical techniques, plays a fundamental role in the preservation of
cultural heritage, allowing for information about the used materials, their
performance in its environment, and the development of adequate and compatible
materials for conservation.
