THERMAL ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF ANCIENT MORTARS FROM GOTHIC CHURCHES

The use of thermal analysis in studying ancient mortars in English cathedrals is explained. Thermal analysis can be used to investigate both mortar and stone in dated structures. Analysis of ancient mortars show that though recarbonated, they remain soft, yielding to structural deformations. The use of hard (cement mortar) in modem renovation can result in micro-cracking in the stone and subsequent chemical attack from the atmosphere. Contrary to the literature, data developed in the present study suggests that most medieval mortars have reached a near total state of recarbonation.