Enhancing Mud Brick Sustainability Using Nanomaterials for Restoration Adobe Enclosure of Dendera Temple, Qena, Egypt

Abstract

The adobe enclosure of Dendera temple is one of the most important remaining archaeological clay in ancient Egyptian temples. Field observations indicated significant preservation problems, primarily resulting from swelling caused by water absorption and humidity fluctuations, which compromised the structural and aesthetic integrity of the adobe enclosure of the temple. This study focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of two different classes of nanomaterial (calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) - silicon dioxide (SiO 2 )) in resisting swelling, which occurs as a result of the exposure of mud brick to the effects of moisture and salts. To achieve this objective, nanomaterial enhanced mud brick specimens were prepared, and then subjected to artificial weathering experiment ((15) cycles of salt crystallization). A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the deteriorated mud brick specimens using X-ray diffraction for mineralogical analysis, stereomicroscope, polarized light microscope (PLM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanomaterial enhanced mud brick efficacy was assessed before and after being subjected to the artificial ageing cycles by evaluation of physical properties (bulk density, water absorption, porosity), Atterberg limits test (liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI)), examination of the internal structure by SEM and compressive strength resistance. The results of the study showed that adding nanomaterials reduced the ability of clay minerals to interact with water contaminated with salt, as the samples treated with Nano lime recorded a plasticity rate of 27%, with a decrease rate of 40.65% compared to the untreated specimens, and achieved a resistance rate to swelling pressure of 3.6 MPa. The specimens treated with Nano silica recorded a plasticity rate of 26%, with a decrease rate of 42.85% compared to the untreated specimens, and achieved a resistance rate to swelling pressure of 3.8 MPa.