ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A novel methodology which integrates constructive brick masonry analysis, archaeometric characterization of materials, together with historical and architectural information has proved to be a suitable way of approach for decision making in conservation and restoration of complex historic buildings of the old town of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain). This contribution presents the results derived from a study undertaken through that methodology in two almost coeval historic buildings of the town: the Main College of St. Ildephonse of the University of Alcalá and the Antezana’s Hospital. Based on previous architectural analysis and taking advantage of rehabilitation works, a representative set of bricks and their associated mortars from different chronology and locations were sampled in both buildings. The set was characterized by using observation and analytical techniques, such as thin section polarized light microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetricDifferential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA). Resulting data from archaeometric characterization were cross referenced with historical data, which provides scientific evidence of a shared technology of brick masonry types used during late 15th and early 16th century construction in the two buildings.
