A study of the ancient mortars in the north tower of Pamplona's San Cernin church

• Published in: Cement and concrete research Vol. 30; no. 9; pp. 1413 - 1419
• Main Authors: Alvarez, J.I, Navarro, I, Martı́n, A, Garcı́a Casado, P.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Ltd 2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Aggregate; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; CaCO 3; Characterization; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Mortar; Properties and performance tests of mortar and hardened concrete; Thermal analysis; Europe; Spain; Characterization; Mortar; Thermal analysis; Aggregate; CaCO 3; Mineralogical analysis; Particle size distribution; Church; Chemical analysis; Morphological analysis; Classification; Old building; Limestone; Aggregate(materials)
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/S0008-8846(00)00325-2

Different ancient mortar samples of Pamplona's San Cernin church have been analyzed to characterize their binder and aggregate fractions. A complete characterization has been carried out including chemical (rapid approximate analysis, soluble salts and trace elements, using traditional chemical procedures, ionic chromatography and spectrophotometry techniques), mineralogical–petrographic, (structural characterization and X-ray diffraction) and thermal studies (simultaneous differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis). These studies have established that a type of lime mortar with silica aggregate was employed in the building of the tower. Three different classes of this type of mortar and their approximate original composition have been determined. Recommendations about the employment of new materials in a possible restoration are given.