An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Additives Used to Improving the Properties of Completing Mortars of Archaeological Stone Statues with an Application on Rams Road in Luxor- Egypt

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the used additives in improving the properties of completing mortars of archaeological stone statues with an application on Rams road in Luxor, Egypt. Stone samples were taken from these statues, analyzed by X-ray diffraction and examined by Polarizing and scanning electron microscope, soil and groundwater samples were also taken to determine their components. The stone was found to be Nubian sandstone, the soil type was found to be sandy soil, and the soil contained halite due to the presence of groundwater at the site which has a high salinity. An experimental study has been done to evaluate additives to improve the properties of the completion mortar, the materials are: Addibond 65, primal AC33, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) , clay and fired bricks powder . The physical and mechanical properties were measured to choose the best mortar. The mortar A (Lime + Sand+ White cement + Limestone powder + addibond 65) (1:3 :1:1 : 15%) is the best one which had achieved the best values in physical and mechanical properties before and after artificial aging.