Microscopical study of ancient mortars from Tournai (Belgium)
Jan Elsen|Anne Brutsaert|Marianne Deckers|Raymond Brulet
Masonry mortars and used for flooring (4th–11th century AD) from excavations in the Cathedral at Tournai Belgium have been investigated as part of a broader study considering transition ancient cities Roman to late society transformation early middle ages. A selected set samples has characterised using combination chemical microscopical techniques. This characterisation enables us refine our knowledge mortar composition, original materials their provenance. The results these clearly indicate importance an optical microscopy thin sections first step chemical–mineralogical historic because complexity heterogeneity this composite material. Microprobe analysis on lime lumps proved be useful determine hydraulicity mortars.
Materials Characterization