Experimental Replication of a Roman lime plaster floor

Abstract eng:
Roman lime plaster floor, pavimentum, opus signinum, nucleus or pavimentum babaricum are synonyms for a composition flooring made of lime mortar with crushed bricks and ceramics. These pavements were used in a variety of types in all Roman buildings. Today we can determine the composition of these lime plasters with help of specific methods, but there is a lack of knowledge about the production technologies and their effects on the mortar properties. Based on scientific studies of original examples and literature research, possible recipes for replication tests were developed. These theoretical recipes should be reviewed practically. The practical tests, based on quicklime and original Roman bricks, focused on the preparation including the production of the brick chippings and powder, and the mixing of the hot lime mortars. A main focus of the experimental work was the aftercare of the test plates. The testing plates were macroscopically and microscopically compared with examples of original Roman lime plaster floors through cut samples and thin sections. Although many questions remain open, it is now possible to draw conclusions about the actual Roman building technology of how to make a lime plaster floor. The goal was to increase the understanding of historical mortar compositions and building technique as a base for the development of adequate and compatible materials for the conservation of Roman lime plaster floors in the future.

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