IDENTIFICATION OF MORTAR COMPONENTS USED IN JAHANGIR’S QUADRANGLE LAHORE FORT, LAHORE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Built environment is a valuable asset and portrays the cultures and norms that evolved through ages. Because of its unmatched historic value, the Lahore Fort Lahore has been declared as protected and significant building in the World Heritage List since 1981 and hence being protected by UNESCO. It has also been noted that improper conservation techniques has resulted in damage to the structures and craftsmanship. So, in order to save our time and money, it is mandatory to analyze the original material to know its constituents as well as the application techniques A study was conducted to examine the materials used in the Mughal-era structure, Jahangir’s Quadrangle, at Lahore Fort, Lahore. Both invasive and non-invasive techniques were applied to explore the constituents of original mortar sample. Analysis through X-Ray Diffraction and Petrographic studies of the mortar samples of Jahangir’s Quadrangle identified mortar components as burnt lime and fine Ravi sand. Disilicates were also detected in the mortar. It was also explored through investigation that the Kankar found in the area near Lahore consisted of lime and sandy clay with other impurities in the ratio of 70% and 30%. The presence of impurities in the mortar is vital to provide it with appropriate bonding strength naturally. In addition to the natural, the other causes of deterioration of materials found in Jahangir’s Quadrangle were through the polluted environment due to the emissions of SO₃, NO₃, CO₂ and fluorides in the dust due to vehicles. After various analytical techniques, the conservation mortar composition was determined to be a mix of sand, fine kankar, and coarse kankar in a ratio of 1:1.5:1.5. 

Keywords:  Environment, Cultures, X-Ray Diffraction, UNESCO, Jahangir’s Quadrangle,  World Heritage