Physical, chemical and pozzolanic properties of bricks of X-X zone of Karacahisar castle, Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the similar and different properties of historic bricks used in X-X zone of old Byzantium Castle Karacahisar Castle and according this knowledge to provide a reference for the bricks which will be used for the restoration here in the future. In order to perform this research, physical, pozzolanic and chemical analyses were carried out to structural adobe bricks. According to the analysis, it was found that water absorption percentage by weight under atmospheric pressure is between 11,825,3%, apparent porosity and water absorption by volume percent is between 22,238,2%. Apparent density of bricks is between 1,51-1,89 gr/cm(3) and real density is between 2,37-2,61 gr/cm(3). According to the ignition loss analysis, the CaCO3 content percent is between 1-19,4 % and the bricks do not have good pozzolanic properties.