Restoration techniques using 1930’s Portland cements at Porte de l’Est in the Roman city-wall of Aventicum, Switzerland

Author(s): Christophe Gosselin, Noé Terrapon
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 5th Historic Mortars Conference
Editor(s): José Ignacio Álvarez, José María Fernández, Íńigo Navarro, Adrián Durán, Rafael Sirera
ISBN: 978-2-35158-221-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-222-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 848-861
Total Pages: 14
Language : English

Abstract: Historic masonries using hydraulic cements were extensively used for construction and restoration at the turn of the 20th century. Different cements such as Roman (or natural) cements, natural Portland cements or dolomitic cements, were used according to their local availability and the choice or experience of architects and workers. The Roman city Aventicum (now Avenches) was built at the beginning of the 1st century AD. Unique in Switzerland and classified as of national importance, the Roman wall of Aventicum was built during the second half of the 1st century AD. 5.5 kilometres long, this vast perimeter crowned the capital of the Helvetians and showed the power of Rome. Subsequent to a large campaign of archaeological and restoration works initiated from 1845, the Porte de l’Est, one of the four original main entrances of the city, was restored in the 1930s with the construction of a protection wall above the Roman vestiges. The walls were made of artificial and joined stones composed of concrete and finishing mortar imitating local natural stones. This study presents first the technological details of the artificial stones made of different natural Portland cements. Although the cements differ in the sulfate content, the microscopy exams show very good compatibility properties within the successive layers with a strong interface and no internal sulfate reaction leading to degradation.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00