Contribution of clayey-calcareous silicite to the mechanical properties of structural mortared rubble masonry of medieval Charles Bridge in Prague (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Gothic fill masonry of the arches and pillars of the Charles Bridge in Prague (Czech Republic) can be characterised as structural mortared rubble masonry (MRM). The mortar, a mixture of hydraulic lime binder and fine-grained filler (river sand), fastens together larger pieces of natural stone, which are a porous fine-grained clayey-calcareous silicite.

Keywords

• mortared rubble masonry
• hydraulic lime mortar
• silicite
• mechanical properties