Investigation of the Binding Materials Properties and Assessment of Durability Issue in Fasil Ghibbi Palace in Gondar
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Date
2015-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Historical monuments are the precious signs of our past. They are non-replaceable
fragments of our cultural heritage and their future depends on our attitudes and actions
towards preserving them. Attitudes are undoubtedly changing in the ways we view our
cultural heritage and people are becoming more conscious of the unity of human values
and regard ancient monuments as a common heritage.
Conservation of ancient monuments is a process which will lead to the prolongation of
the life of cultural property for its utilization now and in the future. But, before practicing
conservation, one must have a broad understanding of the field itself. This is of course
to ensure that any action carried out during the conservation work is properly performed
and is in accord, not only with the building requirements, but is within the scope of
contemporary knowledge of the subject.
The appropriate selection of the binding materials during the construction of stone
bridges, palaces, churches, cathedrals restoration, and conservation of historical
monuments is essential at the time of intervention.
Today, these historical structures are in different physical state, some are in relatively
good condition, while many are in a deplorable state.
The purpose of this study is to identify the method of construction and analyze the
construction materials which were used in Royal palace construction in order to define
their characteristic properties, durability and to consider the properties of original
materials, thus enlightening the usability of them in repair of such buildings. For this
purpose, samples of the construction materials like binding mortar, which were used in
Fasil Ghibe Palace construction, were taken and Extracted in Ethiopian Geological
Survey Laboratory.
The type of binding material which was used during the construction of the Fasil Ghibbi
palace is identified as Lime (CaO) or by its local name Nora. And also the method of
construction was by stone masonry.
The major cause of deterioration of the Royal Palace is due to various reasons, some of
which are long life, lack of periodic maintenance, unchecked growth of trees, grass,
algae & mechanical impact on the wall surface by Visitors.
Key Words: Durability, Gondar, Heritage, Lime, Royal Palace
Investigation
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Keywords
Durability, Gondar, Heritage, Lime, Royal Palace