Methodology and validation of a hot hydrochloric acid attack for the characterization of ancient mortars

Abstract

A method for the analysis of the chemical composition of ancient mortars is proposed. The use of the hot hydrochloric acid attack to carry out a separation of the binder and the aggregate is discussed. Different types of mortars of Pamplona Cathedral are analyzed. Traditional chemical methods and atomic emission spectroscopy are employed. The mineralogical studies are carried out using X-ray diffraction. Statistical methods are employed in order to establish a comparison between the different attacks.