Constructional characteristics and restoration aspects of historic earth block structures

Earth structures constitute a great part of European Monumental Heritage and are closely related to the wider historic, socio-economic and environmental aspects of each region. In this paper, a methodology is presented regarding the analysis of the constructional materials and techniques of historic earth block structures situated in Northern Greece, as well as the design and testing of compatible repair materials for their restoration. A series of laboratory tests were performed, in order to define the physico-mechanical and chemical characteristics of the historic materials (earth blocks, structural mortars, renders-plasters). After the evaluation of the results compatible repair materials based on earth were designed, manufactured and tested.