Material Properties of Lime Mortars Used in the Architectural Heritage of the Joseon Dynasty

Research reveals that lime mortars from three Joseon Dynasty sites—Munsusanseong Fortress, Namhansanseong Fortress, and Godeung-dong lime-barrier tomb—exhibit characteristics of Sammulhoe, a traditional mixture of lime, sand, and clay minerals. While primarily composed of air-setting lime, samples from Namhansanseong and Godeung-dong show minor hydraulic properties, likely due to dolomite inclusion. The study also confirms the presence of brick and tile particles (Waseol), aligning with historical records of Joseon-era construction techniques. To uncover these insights, scientists conducted comprehensive analyses, including physical property assessments, microscopy (optical and SEM-EDS), XRD, WD-XRF, and TGA, providing a scientific foundation for understanding traditional Korean architectural materials.

Im, H. U., Lee, S. O., & Chung, G. Y. (2025). Material Properties of Lime Mortars Used in the Architectural Heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. Heritage, 8(2), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8020082