Historic Mortar Production in the First Millennium A.D. New Results from Archaeology and Scientific Dating

Author(s): Sophie Hueglin (1) (2)
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 71st RILEM Annual Week & ICACMS 2017,Chennai,India, 3rd -8th September 2017
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam
Ravindra Gettu
Radhakrishna G. Pillai
Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN: 978-2-35158-196-4
ISBN: 978-2-35158-190-2 (Set)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9:
Publisher: Published by RILEM Publications S.A.R.L.
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 634-639
Total Pages: 6
Language : English

Abstract: Historic building materials and construction technologies of European Roman and medieval
sites are currently in the focus of (re-)investigations that aim to understand them in the
context of social and environmental processes. Stone building and the use of mortar play an
important part in the architecture of these periods and also in the built heritage of today.
Accompanied by new scientific methods to date mortar – radiocarbon and OSL (optically
stimulated luminescence) – these investigations are not only leading to a new chronology, but
also to unexpected insights into material sources and production methods. Between the
Roman period and the early and later middle ages, significant changes can be observed,
which reflect working conditions and resource situations.
Work migration, pioneer situation and environment adaptation seem to have been the main
drivers for technology transformations. This is the result of a case study across Europe that
looks at the adoption of mechanical mortar mixing in early medieval stone building. Taking
mortar as an example, it can be demonstrated that the choice of building material and
production method in architecture reflects social structures as well as the natural
environment. These insights can help to anticipate or even provoke changes in building
material and construction methods today.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00