Estimation of the Age of Architectural Heritage Objects by Microstructural Changes of Calcite in Lime Mortars of Ancient Brickwork and Masonry

Determining the age of ancient architectural and cultural monuments is a significant scientific problem. An approach based on transformation portlandite into calcite subsequent recrystallization considered, which allows for estimating relative brickworks local groups historic buildings results diffraction studies powder samples carbonate mortars measurements with known age. This article presents study lime brickwork. Under natural conditions, process takes from 100 to 200 years. The rate this influenced by temperature, humidity, peculiarities interaction carbon dioxide contained in air, etc. Examples show that completely transformed masonry 18th century not found older mortars. It was determined after calcite, an increase degree observed, manifests itself patterns broadening peak hkl 104. In detailed study, estimate width at half maximum (FWHM) associated crystallinity effective. actual data are given, higher than younger ones. fact makes it possible indirectly determine brickwork various heritage, especially relevant objects use northern provinces Byzantine Oecumene other periods cultures.