Abstract:
The Mirante da Quinta da Azeda, in Setúbal (Portugal), is a peculiar observation tower
built in the early 20th century, and one of the first examples in which reinforced concrete was applied
in Portugal. It has an unusual architectural configuration, displaying elements of great slenderness. In
the scope of the CemRestore research project - Mortars for the conservation of early 20th century
buildings: compatibility and sustainability, several mortar and concrete samples were collected from
this structure and were characterized using a combination of mineralogical, microstructural, physical,
and mechanical techniques, including XRD, petrography, SEM-EDS, open porosity, capillarity
coefficient, compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse testing. In this paper, the main characterization
results are presented and discussed. The results show that all structural and decorative samples are
made with Portland cement, while one rendering mortar is lime-based. The sand is mostly siliceous
whereas pebbles and crushed limestone can be found as coarse aggregates in concrete samples. This
characterisation allows broadening the scientific knowledge about the materials of that period used in
Portugal, also enabling the establishment of the requirements to be met by mortars and concrete to
be used in the repair of this distinct structure.