Influence of the mineralogical composition on the properties of adobe blocks from Aveiro, Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Costa, CS (Author) Other; Rocha, F (Author) Other; Varum, H (Author) FEUP; Velosa, A (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Clay Minerals

Vol. 48

Pages: 749-758

ISSN: 0009-8558

Publisher: Walter De Gruyter

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-354

DOI: 10.1180/claymin.2013.048.5.07

Abstract (EN): Earth materials have been used in the form of adobe or rammed products for the construction of load-bearing walls in buildings. In Portugal, the adobe has been used predominantly on the central coast, particularly in the Aveiro district. Although many old adobe buildings in Aveiro have been abandoned, some of them can be refurbished with minor maintenance and repair works. Representative samples from typical adobe blocks, from various constructions in the region were collected and characterized for their mineralogical composition, particle size, aggregate content, water uptake, durability and strength. These basic properties provide a basis for the development of adequate interventions, preserving the characteristics of the buildings. This study compares the main characteristics of adobes from two different locations (Anadia and Murtosa). The most important differences between the two groups of adobes are the particle size distribution, the mineralogical composition, the water absorption and the mechanical and durability properties. The study improved the knowledge of the traditional construction methods and will enable decisions for rehabilitation of adobe buildings to be made. Knowledge of the main characteristics of adobes allows those participating in the rehabilitation process to obtain the basis for the rehabilitation and conservation of old buildings.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10