Adobe mineralogy: characterization of adobes from around the world

A mineralogical survey of adobes from several historic and archaeological earthen structures in different parts of the world was undertaken to evaluate the variability in durability and resistance to weathering. The mineral composition (including clay type and quantity) and overall particle size distribution was determined for each sample. A study of the effectiveness of two chemical consolidants (an alkoxysilane and an isocyanate) on the adobe samples was also performed. Preliminary results indicate that variation in clay mineralogy and grain size distribution play significant roles in the success or failure of chemical consolidation.