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This paper presents a novel concept for significantly enhancing the strength and durability of ancient closed-box tombs. These tombs hold significant philosophical values, and their architecture serves as a valuable data source, providing insights into the cultural stage of the society in which it was constructed. Throughout medieval and modern times, clay bricks remained a prevalent material for tomb construction due to their affordability and design flexibility. However, these structures currently face neglect and weakening, requiring imperative intervention of protection to prevent them from potential deterioration or extinction. The key objective of this research is to explore the potential use of graphene oxide (GO), a novel nanomaterial, as a treatment method to enhance the durability of mud brick tombs in Aswan, Egypt. Samples of mud bricks were examined and characterized using various techniques, including SEM-EDX, TEM, PLM, XRF, XRD, and mechanical properties analysis. The results indicated that GO nanomaterials significantly improve the mechanical properties of mud brick tombs, allowing them to resist more compressive loading and ultimately resulting in more durable and long-lasting structures. By using these innovative materials, effective restoration and preservation of these ancient structures for future generations could be viable. This research has the potential to revolutionize the preservation of closed-box tombs, ensuring these historical landmarks stand longer the test of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qurh is an early Islamic city located in the al-Ula governorate, northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It dates to the Umayyad dynasty during the 1st/7th C AD and continued until the Abbasid era during the 6th/12th C AD. The city of Qurh occupies a strategic location on the Syrian pilgrimage route, on the bank of Wadi al-Qura, one of the most important sources that provided the city with abundant quantities of water for drinking and agriculture. The city contains a large number of buildings and various archaeological remains, some of which have been excavated and the rest, which constitutes the largest part of the city, is still under the sand. Since the main building material in Qurh is mud brick, the city's architectural structures are subject to deterioration and collapse. Mud brick is one of our ancestor’s precious legacies; however, they face changing factors of deterioration from harsh weather, which caused mud brick decay and mechanical properties reduction which need to be urgently consolidated. To our knowledge, it is the first report on the application of Calcium Hydroxide Nanoparticles Ca(OH)2. for the consolidation of mud brick deteriorated the archaeological city of Qurh in al-Ula. Nowadays, nanotechnology provides advanced concepts and new materials for the protection of mud bricks. In this study, a novel method for the consolidation of mud brick was proposed with Calcium hydroxide Nanoparticles Ca(OH)2. Mud brick was investigated, characterized by using different techniques and methods, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX), Polarized Microscopy (PLM), X-ray Folrences (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that Calcium hydroxide Nanoparticles have enhanced the surfaces of mud bricks. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the historical and architectural value of the city of Qurh, develop a plan to conserve the heritage buildings in the city, and treatment of mud bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel concept for significantly enhancing the strength and durability of ancient closed-box tombs. These tombs hold significant philosophical values, and their architecture serves as a valuable data source, providing insights into the cultural stage of the society in which it was constructed. Throughout medieval and modern times, clay bricks remained a prevalent material for tomb construction due to their affordability and design flexibility. However, these structures currently face neglect and weakening, requiring imperative intervention of protection to prevent them from potential deterioration or extinction. The key objective of this research is to explore the potential use of graphene oxide (GO), a novel nanomaterial, as a treatment method to enhance the durability of mud brick tombs in Aswan, Egypt. Samples of mud bricks were examined and characterized using various techniques, including SEM-EDX, TEM, PLM, XRF, XRD, and mechanical properties analysis. The results indicated that GO nanomaterials significantly improve the mechanical properties of mud brick tombs, allowing them to resist more compressive loading and ultimately resulting in more durable and long-lasting structures. By using these innovative materials, effective restoration and preservation of these ancient structures for future generations could be viable. This research has the potential to revolutionize the preservation of closed-box tombs, ensuring these historical landmarks stand longer the test of time.

This paper focuses on the study of earth-based building techniques from the pre-Columbian site of la Joya in Mexico, which use soils containing a high proportion of fine fraction (loam and clay) stabilized with bitumen, a combination considered inadequate by modern building standards. Experimental mud bricks were manufactured emulating the ancient technique representative of the construction in that region by using the raw earth of the archaeological zone mixed with additives of different nature. The bricks' cohesion was analysed by submitting them to mechanical stresses in compression mode. The effect of the inherent heterogeneity of hand-made bricks, along with the effect of the additive concentration on their mechanical behaviour, is discussed. Techniques such as determination of particle size, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and total inorganic carbon-organic carbon were implemented for quantitative and qualitative measurement of the soil characteristics. Results indicate that synthetic additives provide better cohesion. Fracture analysis was monitored in real time by using acoustic emission technique in order to understand the mechanisms of failure. The main result is that the pre-Columbian recipe improves the mechanical performance of mud bricks, a knowledge important both for the conservation of the archaeological heritage architecture as well as for modern construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zephyrus is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research aims to study the characteristics and technique of mural painting at the tomb of Amenemhat (No. 340), assessment of its current conservation state, moreover select and apply the most suitable materials and methods to conservation. The characterization of the mural paintings in the studied tomb was carried out using different techniques including visual examination, portable USB-Digital microscope; polarizing light microscope; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive x-ray analysis system (SEM-EDS); x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In order to select the optimal materials for consolidation and completion processes, an experimental study was carried out using various methods including visual examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and colorimetric measurements. The results indicated that the ancient Egyptian artist used the traditional technique (tempera) which is used inside the rock tombs for preparing the wall paintings at the tomb of Amenemhat (No. 340). The mural paintings in the tomb are suffering from the influence of many indigenous and exogenous deterioration factors. The results of experimental tests demonstrated that the product of Klucel G 1% has high efficiency in the consolidation of the weak painting layer. Also; the product of Bio Estel has high efficiency in the consolidation of fragile mud plaster layers. Moreover, the data clarified that the mortar (1) which consists of 0.5 rough yellow sand, 0.5 fine yellow sand, 3 light mud, 1 heba bowder, 0.5 burned clay, 1 straw, 3 gm Tobsin N and distilled water it's a suitable for filling gaps and cracks in the mural paintings. Finally, treatment procedures were successfully performed using pre-consolidation, mechanical cleaning, re-adhesion of partly det-ached and flaking layers, consolidation, filling gaps and missing parts and cracks injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2014 excavation season, 6 mud brick samples were taken from different Neolithic layers of the Eastern mound of Çatalhöyük (C14 cal. 7100-5950 BC). For characterization of mud bricks, we carried out the following archaeometric techniques and analysis; hydrometer, atterberg limits, loss on ignition, deal with acid and sieve analysis, petrographic analysis (thin/thick sections, Stereo and Polarizing Microscope observations), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). This methodology were performed for the first time in this study on mud bricks at Çatalhöyük. According to results of this study, the chemical content of materials used in the mud bricks, the type/ratio of the binder, the particle size distribution, the effect of water content on volume change and soil consistency, as well as the type/ratio of the additives and filling materials could be determined. The results shed light as a reference point for the further mudbrick studies of the prehistoric period in Anatolia. As an interdisciplinary study, one of the goals of this research was to determine the chemical contents and physical properties of earthen building materials of Çatalhöyük to be able to make the same adobe mixtures for conservation activities. By using these compositions during the conservation treatments, original composition and characteristics of restoration mortars will not have been changed and physical stresses on original materials will be prevented. Carried out in conjunction with the Konya Basin Paleoenvironments Project (KOPAL), the source of raw materials, binder and tempering agent used in each building from different layers were determined. The results of this study revealing clearly that the raw materials used for making mud bricks were derived from local resources nearby settlement. At the same time, the binders and additives were added to the raw materials in 4 different layers (VIA-IX layers) not only have been in each layer, but also in different buildings of the same layer have been changed (samples 1-2: buidings 80-76 and samples 3-4: buildings 7-11) in order to produce more robust and durable mud bricks. The results proved that in the early layers of Çatalhöyük (layer IX/6800-6700 BC) only clay (muscovite) and organic additives (straw) were used for manufacture of mud bricks. But in VIII layer (6700-6600 BC) they were used two type of clay (kaolinit+muscovite). In VIl Layer (6600-6500 BC) gypsum were added to mud bricks for the first time as binder. In VIA Layer (6500-6400 BC) firstly gypsum and slacked lime were used together and then only the slacked lime were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tell el-Amarna is situated in middle Egypt and is the location of the New Kingdom city of Akhetaten, founded by Akhenaten in c. 1347 BCE as the cult home for the Aten. Occupied only briefly, it is our most complete example of an ancient Egyptian city, at which a contemporaneous urban landscape of cult and ceremonial buildings, palaces, houses, cemeteries, and public spaces has been exposed. It is an invaluable source for the study of both Akhenaten’s reign and of ancient Egyptian urbanism. The site has an extensive excavation history, and work continues there today.

Recent discoveries from pre-Roman and Roman archaeological sites in the Maghreb reveal the use of unbaked earth in local architecture. This article reviews Algerian data through a historiographical investigation, focused mainly on excavation reports and archives. A provisional list is presented of the discoveries belonging to domestic buildings and military architecture. It is observed that the attitude of excavators at the beginning of the twentieth century regarding unbaked earth construction was quite negative. This in part explains the small number of attestations of earth architecture from Algeria in antiquity.

The temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak (Luxor) experienced over 1,500 years of construction, destruction, renovation, and expansion. Here we provide a detailed survey of the current understanding of the temple’s chronological development, based primarily on published excavation reports, as well as interpretive articles and recent discoveries at the site.

Copyright of Al Malweah for Archaeological & Historical Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Made from a mixture of silt, clay, sand, and straw formed into regular molded units, unfired mud-bricks were the primary construction material employed in ancient Egypt—being quite literally the most basic of building blocks for all levels of domestic structures, from simple one-room buildings to lavishly decorated palace complexes, as well as administrative and storage structures, and even early phases of temples. Modern methods of mud-brick fabrication accord with ancient evidence, suggesting that the production of unfired mud-brick has remained a stable technology through the millennia. Ancient evidence concerning mud-brick not only illuminates mud-brick production organization, but also highlights the symbolic significance of bricks in religious contexts, especially relating to birth and death.

Earth is considered as the cheapest material readily available for construction in rural areas of Asia, South America to Africa. The main reasons for the popularity of adobe can be summarized as follows: (a) local material is available everywhere; (b) a high level of skill and technology is not required for the production of adobe bricks and constructions; (c) repair and maintenance of adobe structures do not require specialized labor; and (d) inherent properties of earth make it an efficient heat and sound insulating material. Despite these numerous merits, adobe houses are prone to damage under seismic vibrations and they are susceptible to water. In this study, the solutions for seismic performance improvement of new adobe walls have been examined. To improve the performance of walls, two resolutions have been tested to improve properties of the block and mortar. For this purpose, blocks have been enhanced by natural additives (such as palm fiber, rice husk, wood chips and straw) with various percentages 0/3%, 0/6% and 0/9% in weight. The bricks were made in size of 22 × 22 × 7 cm (face × bed × end), and their mechanical properties have been examined. The best reinforced block, by best compressive strength and its durability against water is selected. Natural fibers have been used for a long time in many developing countries in cement composites and earth blocks because of their availability and low cost. However, the use of mud bricks for structural elements of buildings is the subject to an assessment of its mechanical properties, the investigation of which constitutes the aim of this paper. This study presents an experimental investigation on mud brick wall under axial compression. The average compressive strength of bricks is 4.73 MPa. To determine the performance of straw additives in mortar, mortar used to build walls is considered in two forms: non-reinforced mortar and reinforced with straw fibers and their mechanical properties have been measured. Then six walls in sizes 120 × 22 × 22 cm were made ​​with two different kinds of mortar and bricks (simple wall and reinforced wall). Walls were put under diagonal compressive axial load in order to evaluate type of cracks, ultimate load capacities, deformability, and energy absorption characteristics. Cracks and their depth in samples with reinforced mortar were reduced. The ultimate strength of conventional walls and the walls with reinforced mortar were 16.6 and 22.77 kN that shows an increase of 37% in the ultimate load level. The energy absorbed by the typical walls and reinforced walls were respectively, 268.16 and 573.02 Joules, which shows an increase of 1.14 percent in energy absorption. Final displacement for ordinary walls and reinforced walls were respectively 23.1 and 32.96 mm that shows a final increase of 43 percent. Test results showed that straw additives can be used as reinforcing material in mortar of mud brick walls with better economical and the structural efficiency.

Evidence of deformation at the microscopic level in archaeological contexts is rather rare. To address the problem of identification of deformation structures, a series of experimental floors were prepared and studied by micromorphological analysis. Ethnographic samples of constructed floors and mud bricks were also used. Constructed floors and mud bricks from prehistoric sites were then reanalyzed in light of the experimental findings and compared with the ethnographic ones. Small‐scale debris and mud flows from archaeological contexts were also analyzed to identify microscopic deformation structures that could be compared with the rich available literature on such sediments. Microscopic deformation structures were identified in all types of samples: they included rotational and planar features, fold structures, boudins, and other squeezed features, shear planes, and water‐escape features. It appears that in some cases there is no clear difference between microscopic deformation features that develop in either geogenic or anthropogenic deposits. Furthermore, there is some overlap between deformation features produced by trampling and those in the formation of mud constructions that needs to be resolved with more experimental work. Nevertheless, trampling of water‐saturated sediment produces deformation features that, for the most part, are the result of compression and not shearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the first results of the comprehensive scientific research conducted on the Bulgar fortified settlement site in 2011. Samples for analysis were selected in the form of series of vertical columns from excavation walls. The species of trees used in the construction, the composition of the mud bricks and the bonding mortar, as well as the genesis of individual cultural layers have been identified. It has been found out that the settlement development and functioning had been reciprocating in nature: periods of intense habitation of its individual sections were followed by short stages of desolation. In all investigated soil columns with the cultural layers there are streaks consisting solely of phytoliths and cuticle casts. A possible explanation of the phenomenon may be that the plot was covered with layers of manure of significant length and capacity. This conclusion is debatable and requires further research.

The article presents the first results of the comprehensive scientific research conducted on the Bulgar fortified settlement site in 2011. Samples for analysis were selected in the form of series of vertical columns from excavation walls. The species of trees used in the construction, the composition of the mud bricks and the bonding mortar, as well as the genesis of individual cultural layers have been identified. It has been found out that the settlement development and functioning had been reciprocating in nature: periods of intense habitation of its individual sections were followed by short stages of desolation. In all investigated soil columns with the cultural layers there are streaks consisting solely of phytoliths and cuticle casts. A possible explanation of the phenomenon may be that the plot was covered with layers of manure of significant length and capacity. This conclusion is debatable and requires further research.

Copyright of Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia is the property of Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Earth as a constructional material – often combined with other naturally occurring or cultivated materials such as reed and straw, dried, compressed and employed in a variety ways – has been used since prehistoric times and is in continuing use across all inhabited continents. Widely available, affordable, recyclable and quintessentially sustainable, earth buildings have a proven track-record in diverse climates. Well suited for passive solar heating and cooling, and providing important benefits in indoor comfort conditions, their reduced energy consumption for constructional processes as well as in occupancy offers a wide range of environmental benefits, including significant reductions in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. There is a resurgence of interest in earth construction not simply as a heritage resource, whether archaeological sites, vernacular architecture or other, but as a material with an enhanced potential for use today. As such, it is the subject of extensive research both for the conservation of existing structures and realisation in new developments. This article traces the historic use and key typologies of earth construction, materials and conservation indicators, and provides examples of contemporary conservation practice and new construction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The unique characteristics of the Jericho area provide excellent opportunities for the proper valorisation and promotion of existing resources. The conservation project for some historical mud-brick buildings respects the principles of eco-sustainability and biocompatibility. The life-cycle of materials and renewable resources are of the utmost importance for both reflecting on the interaction between humans and the environment, and for attempting to safeguard the local cultural heritage even though it has been severely impoverished by the continuous geopolitical instability.

A mud brick functions as an element of masonry structures. Being an integral part of a wall mass, it must be understood structurally and chemically. The susceptibility of a mud brick to be affected by decay agents depends on the type of raw materials used, the methods of construction, location, the microclimatic conditions, the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the mud brick itself. In this research, mineralogical composition and granulometric distribution of ancient mud bricks were studied by using some scientific techniques such as XRD, SEM and electrical mechanical sieves, to determine the main components and characteristics, which will serve as reference for the contrivance of new mud bricks. In addition, special knowledge of the physical properties of historic mud bricks were defined by some scientific techniques to get some information about their properties, such as density, porosity, water absorption and shrinkage. Furthermore, all of those characteristics were studied in two groups of new mud bricks, to determine their properties. Finally, ourresults proved that the 6th category in the 1st group and the 10th category in the 2nd group are the most appropriate types for restoring and preserving the studied monument, due to their good physical properties, morphological appearances and their suitable characteristics.

Türkiye'de Köy-Kent projesi yüzünden kırsal bölgelerde yaşayan nüfusta son zamanlarda artış görülmektedir. Bu bölgelerde yapılarda çok ağır olan kireç taşı kullanılmaktadır. Ancak bu malzeme depreme karşı yeterli dayanıma sahip değildir. Kerpiç üretiminde kullanılacak malzemelerin mekanik özelliklerini araştırmak için Çukurova Üniversitesinde bir çalışma yapılmıştır. Bu malzemeler; fibre, buğday sapı, strafor, pomza ve kildir. Kerpiç üretiminde atık malzemeler kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonunda fibre kerpicinin yapı üretiminde kullanımının ekonomi, enerji tasarrufu ve gelişmiş mekanik özellikleri gibi bir çok avantajı olduğu görülmüştür.

In the conservation of built heritage, earthen ruins rank as one of, if not the most, intractable of problems to be confronted. Lacking the very architectural devices originally in place to combat and control weathering, earthen ruins face rapid deterioration without constant remedial and preventive conservation. Often it is the enormous mass of many ancient earthen ruins that explain their persistence; however, even these will collapse over time from differential erosion, or eventually stabilize as formless lumps. The impossible demands of simultaneously preserving architectural form and fabric (materiality) challenge the archaeologist and conservation professional who attempt to manage both for temporary and permanent display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first aim of this paper is to provide an illustration of fabric survey, damage assessment, and structural consolidation of the mud brick structures of Al Ain, an oasis in the United Arab Emirates. The buildings mostly date to the turn of the last century and it was concluded that damage of such vernacular architecture is represented by thermal movement, structural cracks, leaning walls, granular disintegration, erosion and creation of preferential channels, and coving. Furthermore, damage caused by animals and by recent interventions was also surveyed. The second aim of the paper is to illustrate the structural consolidation of mud brick masomy by explaining the work undertaken in the mosque of Al Jahili (1891-1898). This includes eroded wall repair, window filling, repair of cracks with the stitching technique, wall top consolidation, and roof repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mud brick functions as an element of masonry structures. Being an integral part of a wall mass, it must be understood structurally and chemically. The susceptibility of a mud brick to be affected by decay agents depends on the type of raw materials used, the methods of construction, location, the microclimatic conditions, the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the mud brick itself. In this research, mineralogical composition and granulometric distribution of ancient mud bricks were studied by using some scientific techniques such as XRD, SEM and electrical mechanical sieves, to determine the main components and characteristics, which will serve as reference for the contrivance of new mud bricks. In addition, special knowledge of the physical properties of historic mud bricks were defined by some scientific techniques to get some information about their properties, such as density, porosity, water absorption and shrinkage. Furthermore, all of those characteristics were studied in two groups of new mud bricks, to determine their properties. Finally, our results proved that the 6th category in the 1st group and the 10th category in the 2nd group are the most appropriate types for restoring and preserving the studied monument, due to their good physical properties, morphological appearances and their suitable characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On Tuesday April 28, 2009 a report for BBC displayed an interview with a Palestinian citizen rebuilt his destroyed house with mud brick and mentioned that, it is a shame to live in a mud house at this age. The researcher was struck by this interview which led to work on this research. Due to the siege, the Palestinians lost the hope to reconstruct their destroyed homes, public buildings and infrastructure. Building with mud bricks as a thermal insulation and environmentally friendly method, works as a fire resistant, sound proof and can be entirely chemical free. It is cheaper; 80 m2 house made of cement would cost around 16,000 dollars at least, but a mud one with local materials cost just 3,000 dollars. Best of all, it can be made on site in any shape, color or size, made of a mixture of clay, mud, sand, and water mixed with a binding material such as rice husks or straw. Mud bricks fulfill the compressive strength and heat conductivity requirements. It also keeps indoor temperatures stationary during the summer and winter as a thermal insulation method. It is a traditional building material in much of the Middle East, India, North Africa and the majority of the Islamic cities buildings. Recently, there have been attempts to revive the use of mud brick through special projects such as those instigated by Hassan Fathy in Egypt, the beautiful Cob House on Mayne Island, Canada, etc. The mud bricks aim to save energy. The energy crisis experienced in the past have shifted the focus of the economical gain to energy saving. The research will display all the successful methods of building with mud bricks in order to extract different recommendations from it .this will be a guide for anyone who want to build his own house in a wonderful form, shape, style and colors. Besides different recommendations for the governmental institutions to encourage the citizens to reconstruct their homes by this method and construct models of mud houses to teach the citizens how to build their own homes? Finally, earthen structures are cheap, environmentally friendly and it is not a shame to live in a mud house but it is a global trend to preserve and to protect the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article provides an overview of the principal earthen building materials of Central Asia and the cultural aspects of a traditional architecture that incorporates an understanding daring back centuries. The work was started by focusing on sets of research questions, which also helped to structure the study: What are the manufacturing processes of materials in the area? Based on the analysis of materials, what suggestions can be made for a more appropriate conservation of the Central Asian built heritage? There is at present a large lacuna in the literature on Central Asian materials. The traditional processes of production and the traditional methods for repairing require proper documentation. The author interviewed several craftsmen to collect data on the traditional process of manufacturing earthen materials. The aim of interviewing local craftsmen through semi-structured interviews was to increase the scant information about the local, traditional techniques of construction and the materials employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper details the results of thermal testing carried out on three experimental buildings during the summer of 2007 and compares their performance with that predicted by using the CIBSE Admittance procedure. The buildings, one brick vencer, one mud brick and one of autoclaved aerated concrete wall panels were constructed by the author in Sydney, Australia. The field results were compared with the admittance procedure based on published design values for direct and diffuse radiation in Sydney. The results of this analysis confirm the relative performance of the three walling systems and provide a basis for understanding the thermal behaviour of these buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The geochemical and sedimentological compositions of mud brick from a feature called the Square Enclosure in the eastern desert necropolis of the ancient town site of El Hibeh, Egypt, were investigated along with surface sediments from the local Nile floodplain for the purpose of establishing possible sources of the mud brick. Geochemical examination was undertaken with a portable EDXRF spectrometer; a field portable sedimentological laboratory was used to collect grain size, mineralogy, and strength analysis data. Results of the analyses produced evidence of work organization relating to the construction of the Square Enclosure. This discovery is the first archaeological evidence of work organization from the mud brick of ancient Egyptian structures and provides a valuable contribution to our knowledge of ancient Egyptian work organizational practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reconsiders the mud-brick architecture of Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy (1900-1989), looking particularly at his two major (but, for different reasons, incomplete) projects for settlements at New Gourna (1945-1949), across the Nile from Luxor, and at New Baris (1965-1967), in the Kharga Oasis (or New Valley). This reconsideration is timely in two contexts: first, current interest in sustainable architecture and the potential of mud brick as a low-cost (or, as Fathy put it, a no-cost) solution for the housing needs of nonaffluent countries and, second, reflections from a position in postmodernity on modernism and the possibility that there are alternative modernisms besides the international modernism specific to Europe and North America. This leads to debates around modernism and tradition, and Fathy occupies a complex position in this regard. But his work also raises questions as to the production of space, not least in a fusion of design and building, and the handing over to local masons of key aspects of both. The key question, however, in which both of the above aspects figure, is whether Fathy's work, particularly his efforts to create whole settlements, constructs a traditional (and nationalist) alternative to modernism or (still as nationalism) an alternative modernism incorporating aspects of European modernism and articulating them in new ways. The question has wide implications for visual culture--art and design as well as architecture--as well as being a means to read Fathy's work within postcolonial and postmodern frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most of the buildings in the rural areas are made out of limestone, low quality traditional concrete brick and adobe. But these materials do not have sufficiently high compressive strengths. In the present research, an earthquake-resistant material with high compressive strength has been sought. To this end, the mechanical properties of certain combinations of fibrous waste materials and some stabilisers were investigated thoroughly and some concrete conclusions were drawn. It was concluded that the interface layers of fibrous materials increased the compressive strength and a certain geometrical shape of these layer materials gave the best results. The mix proposed satisfies the minimum compressive strength requirements of ASTM and Turkish Standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]