I.

EXTENDED ABSTRACT
The baths in xxxx exhibits the achievements of the past on materials and construction technologies. Those structures and
technological properties of their materials have to be investigated in detail in this regard, for establishing conservation studies and
compatible repair works. The study involves preliminary analysis on the materials of a xth century late xxxxbath, namely “xxx”,
used by the xxxx community in xxxxx, xxx.
xxx representative materials samples from different locations were examined in order to define their performance properties and
function in structure:
− From warm room’ s walls: x brick mortar and x brick sample
− From hot room’ s walls: x plaster, 1 mortar, x brick sample
− From hot room’ s dome: x brick mortar and x stone sample
− From water storage’ s wall: x brick sample
Representative materials are collected in minimum amounts and from places which ready or close to detach in order to give
minimum damage.
x laboratory tests were carried out by a group of xstudents and the process took approximately xmonths. The laboratory tests were
composed of basic physical, physicomechanical, and mechanical properties analyses together with compositional properties and
raw materials analyses are specifically as following:
− For main physical properties: Density, porosity and water vapour permeability
− For main mechanical properties: Uni-axial compressive strength
− For main physicomechanical properties: Ultrasonic pulse velocity and modulus of elasticity
− For compositional analyses: Binder-aggregate ratio and particle size distribution
− For raw materials analyses: Pozzolanic activity and XRD analysis
− For salt content analyses: spot tests and electrical conductivity
The results of tests reveal properties, problems and causes of problems of building materials such as:

− The historic materials exhibited high levels of water vapour permeability which has vital importance for a bath structure
for long term durability. The most porous material xxxx) , the plaster nomenclatured as xxxxx from hot room’ s wall, is
one of the most water vapour permeable materials.

− The brick, mortar and plaster samples were found to be lime-based having pozzolanic additives. According to results, two
plasters from hot room’ s wall (xxx and xxxx) have the two highest pozzolanic materials ratio also have good modulus of
elasticity values and are sound according to ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements.
− XRD results proved that all plasters are limebased.

− The granite and limestone were used in wall and dome masonry.
− According to particle size distribution analysis, the percentage of very fine aggregates (lower than xxxx) of plasters and
mortars of hot room xxx) is higher than the mortars in the warm room xxxx). On the other hand, for the percentage of
very coarse aggregates (xxxx) the results are vice versa, the percentage of very coarse aggregates of warm room xxxx) is
higher than the mortars and plasters of hot xxxx).

− The very high soluble salt content in plaster and mortar samples showed the presence of salt problem and biological
activities triggered with rising damp and rainwater penetration. The presence of phosphate signalled the need for
protection of the historical site from sheep herd grazing. The roof and periphery of the building is covered with macro
plants. Due to these reasons, further analyses supported with in-situ non destructive analysis and determination of macro-
micro plants on the building and on the close periphery are needed in order to plan necessary maintenance strategy.
Keywords: historical bath structure, materials conservation, compatibility of materials, performance properties, compositional
properties