Multi-technique characterization of ancient materials as part of an eco-renovation of historic centres, case of Cahors centre in France

Abstract In order to complete the in situ identification of the “demonstrator” (or model) buildings chosen in the framework of the European Regional Project SUDOE ENERPAT for the eco-renovation of heritage residential habitat in the historic centres of Cahors (France), Porto (Portugal) and Vitoria (Spain), a campaign of characterizations was carried out on the materials constituting the initial envelope. The results of the main measured material properties bricks, stones and lime plaster (taken from the envelope of the building in Cahors) are presented. The emphasis is on hygrothermal characterization. Structural characterizations are addressed as well as data on physicochemical and mechanical aspects. The results on the variations of the properties identified are discussed. The age, mineralogical composition, manufacturing process, moisture content and prevailing environmental conditions are all parameters that cause these variations and contribute to the state of preservation of ancient materials. The identified properties of the materials will serve as inputs to the software and models intended to characterize the behaviour of envelopes of ancient buildings. The first findings can help in the choices of treatment for these ancient materials. The proposed eco-renovation solutions can be appropriate for the preservation, of both the architectural heritage and the historic centres.

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