Characterisation of 20th Century Cementitious Materials from Selected Cultural Heritage Structures in Slovenia

Materials (Basel). 2023 Sep 14;16(18):6206. doi: 10.3390/ma16186206.

Abstract

This paper deals with the characterisation of cementitious materials from selected cultural heritage structures in Slovenia. The mineralogical-petrographic compositions of an aggregate, a type of binder and secondary minerals were studied via electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The porosity and pore network were determined using a mercury porosimeter. The results show that the aggregate of the samples was highly diverse, ranging from limestone, dolomite, quartz, feldspar and mica. The binder of the investigated samples was cementitious; either ordinary Portland cement was used, or ordinary Portland cement blended with ground granulated blast furnace slag was used. Some samples consisted of cement-lime binders. The investigated examples entailing cement materials for their construction contribute to a better understanding of the technology used to prepare historical cementitious and cement-lime mixtures.

Keywords: 20th century; cementitious materials; cultural heritage; historical concrete.