Staletá Praha 28, 2/2012, 137-148 | DOI: 10.56112/sp.2012.2.09

Research on mortars from Judith Bridge in Prague

Petr Kuneš

NPÚ, ústřední pracoviště

This article briefly summarises the results of laboratory research on mortars samples from Judith Bridge, which were taken from its remains at Křižovnické square, Prague 1 during rescue excavations in 2011. Considering the lack of comparative research on mortars from early medieval buildings in Prague, this research aimed to characterise and document the samples and their mutual comparison within different constructional elements of the bridge, i.e. the rubble masonry core, the bridge deck and the paving. Composition of the mortars is discussed; their macro and microscopic structure; mechanic characteristics and other basic properties. Specific attention is paid to the mortar binder as the most important factor of its quality. The results are compared with the published results of the mortar analysis from the core of Charles Bridge.

Keywords: Prague - Judith Bridge - archaeological excavation - building construction and technology - building materials - historic mortars - laboratory analysis

Grants and funding:

Práce vznikla v rámci plnění výzkumného cíle NPÚ "Technologie a materiály" financovaného z institucionální podpory Ministerstva kultury na dlouhodobý koncepční rozvoj výzkumné organizace.

Published: December 15, 2012