The mortars of Coliemore harbour: comparison with other 19th century mortars of harbours and fortifications in Dublin Bay
Citation:
J. Craig, S. Pavia, The mortars of Coliemore harbour: comparison with other 19th century mortars of harbours and fortifications in Dublin Bay, C O N F. I N T. S U R L A C H A U X (CIC-2023), Université Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, 01 - 03 mars 2023, Ibnoussina, 2023Download Item:
Abstract:
This paper investigates the mortars used to build Coliemore harbour in 1869:
their materials, sources, technology and current condition. It compares their composition with
other Dublin harbours and fortifications in Dublin Bay including Howth harbour (1813); Dún
Laoghaire harbour (1817-1842) and Martello towers (early 19th century). All the mortars were
made with eminently hydraulic limes and local sand. The original binders of Coliemore and
Dún Laoghaire and the Martello towers are similar, consisting of carbonated lime and
cementing hydrates with abundant iron oxides and opaques. However, the Howth harbour
mortars are different: their binder, an eminently-hydraulic Lias lime, largely consists of
cementing hydrates with scarce iron oxides and some calcium silicates (pyroxene).
Coliemore harbour was built with local granite quarried in the Dalkey hill, bound with mortars
made with hydraulic lime and local sand. The harbour fabric is in good condition, and several
generations of hydraulic mortars are evident. Their physical properties are comparable to other
eminently hydraulic mixes made hydraulic lime, Roman cement and Portland cement. Despite
their strong exposure, the mortars remain cohesive, with absorption/porosity comparable to
other eminently hydraulic materials. Occasionally, biodeterioration is strong, blocking pores,
hence some porosity values are slightly underestimated. Modal percentages indicate
proportions of 2: 1 (sand: binder), consistent with traditional and historic mortars. Siliceous
sand consisting of granite and quartz predominate, and limestone generally accounts for 15-
20% of the total sand.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/pavias
Author: Pavia, Sara
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