| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration Studies

Authors:
Afifi, H. ¹ & Gad, K. <sup>4

1</sup> Conservation dept., Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt
² Assistant director of archaeological restoration, Arab Contractors Company, Egypt.

Abstract:
Artificial stones as plasterwork and rendering in Mohamed Ali Family period are an important component that has been widely used in construction procedures, to implement decorative elements or as a mortar for the facades of historical buildings. Therefore, this study aimed to document, diagnose and identify the components of artificial stones in the external facades of the old headquarters building of Al-Azhar Sheikhdom in Cairo, which it dates back to the nineteenth century. Moreover, the study also aimed to evaluate the condition of the artificial stones in order to choose the appropriate materials and methods for treatment and maintenance. AutoCAD program was used to document the sectors and facades of the building. Portable Digital Optical Microscope, Polarizing Microscope, Morphological Examination with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) were used. Results showed that the binder material is Portland cement, crushed limestone as aggregate material with coarse sand were used. Moreover, the results showed different forms of deterioration and damage aspects as: disi-ntegration, separation and cracks, which require intervention for treatment

Keywords:
Al-Azhar Sheikhdom Artificial stones Stucco SEM pXRF XRD

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