by Illampas, R. and Ioannou, I.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents experimental results for the characterization of masonry materials from the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Apsinthiotissa in Cyprus. Stone samples obtained from the monument were subjected to laboratory tests to determine their apparent density, capillary absorption coefficient and compressive strength. Furthermore, XRD analysis of stone, brick and fractionated mortar samples was performed to inves-tigate the materials’ mineralogy. Micro-destructive drilling tests and non-destructive rebound hammer and Karsten tube absorption tests were also undertaken in situ aiming to enrich the database of information re-garding the properties of the stones and bricks. The experimental data point towards the use of locally sourced building stones and mortar aggregates. The use of lime-based mortars with additions for improving their setting properties and for imparting hydraulicity to the composites was identified. The properties of the bricks were found to be influenced by their composition and variable degree of deterioration. The study is a contri-bution to systematic efforts for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Cyprus in the context of the peace-building process supported by the United Nations and the European Union.
