Characterization of Mortars from the Byzantine Basilicas in Side Archaeological Site, Türkiye

This study focuses on the characterization of mortar samples from a large Byzantine Basilica dating back to 5th/6th century CE and a smaller Basilica from late Byzantine period in Side, Türkiye. Samples were collected from various parts of the remains and investigated for their basic physical, physico-mechanical and compositional properties to gather essential information to be used in conservation/restoration interventions of the basilicas. For the determination of the basic physical and physico-mechanical properties density and porosity tests, ultrasonic velocity measurements were conducted. The characterization of the binder and aggregates were performed by petrographic analyses of thin sections and XRPD analyses. Mortars were treated with dilute HCl acid solution for the estimation of the binder/aggregate ratios. Particle size distribution of acid insoluble aggregates was evaluated by sieve analyses. Pozzolanic activity tests were carried out on the finer aggregates. Mortar samples were found to have relatively low density and high porosity. Binder is observed to be pure lime in all samples with high percentages of acid soluble parts. Aggregates of the samples were observed to be composed of mainly limestone and siliceous rock fragments. Use of crushed brick was observed in some of the mortar samples. Fine aggregates of mortars were found to have comparatively good pozzolanicity.