| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration Studies

Authors:
Abdelmegeed, M.(*), Khalaf, M. & Reffaat, M.
Conservation dept, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum Univ., Fayoum, Egypt.

Abstract:
Archaeological monuments of Saqqara region are affected by cracking, weathering and man-made actions that have resulted in different types of deterioration in the long run. Accordingly historical masonry tombs in Saqqara require a full characterization of the materials used for their construction, before any restoration proces-ses. The assessment of the mechanical and physical characteristics of the building materials is based on visual observation, sampling of the building materials used and laboratory testing of the samples (bulk density, porosity, water absorption, optical microscope, pol-arizing microscope (PM), XRD, SEM, compressive strength, …etc.). The present study is concerned with the restoration and recons-truction of a masonry tomb in Saqqara (Tomb of Queen Khenut), which over the years suffered significant damage due to various deterioration actions. Limestone used in the construction of historical buildings in Saqqara is classified as carbonates and salts with carbonate fragments stone. The stone is composed of carbonate cuttings; each of them is broclastic limemud stone to weak stone. This structure generally presents heterogeneous granular texture; with a very rare matrix and low cementation level between the internal components, causing a fair development of intergranular porosity. The values of bulk density are ranging from 2.22 to 2.33 gm/cm3. Otherwise, the results of porosity reveal remarkable differences between the different samples. Also the stone has low compressive strength values (The uniaxial compressive strength values varied from 96 to 104 Kg/cm2), due to the defects in its internal structure and decaying products. Finally, a damage description was carried out to identify the decaying forms. It is the basis for the quantitative rating of limestone damage by means of damage forms and products. Limestone in Queen Khenut's Tomb exhibits the need for restoration and preservation procedures.

Keywords:
Masonry tombs Deterioration Weathering action Man-made action XRD Optical microscope

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