The physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of masonry mortars from Alhambra Palace (Spain) in reference to their earthquake resistance

Research reveals that the earthquake resistance of the historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, can be attributed to its unique masonry mortars. These ancient lime-based mortars, known as Al-Andalus mortars, exhibit high mechanical strength due to their chemical composition, which includes significant amounts of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. This finding suggests that the hydraulicity and cementation indices of these mortars play a crucial role in enhancing structural resilience against seismic activity. The study employed scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analyses on eight mortar types to identify minerals such as calcite, gypsum, quartz, muscovite, and organic fibers. Chemical analyses further corroborated the relationship between mineral content and mechanical strength, providing insights into the durability of historic structures built with these mortars.

Binici, H., & Kapur, S. (2016). The physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of masonry mortars from Alhambra Palace (Spain) in reference to their earthquake resistance. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 5(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2015.10.003