Investigative Insights into Construction Materials of Oraby Tabia, Egypt: Addressing Durability Challenges through Multidimensional Analysis
Mohammed Hamid (Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Egypt), Yosr Elsayed (Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Egypt), Sayed Hemeda (Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Egypt)
Abstract
This study explores the degradation of construction materials used in Oraby Tabia (OT) buildings through a series of chemical, physical, mechanical, and microbial analyses. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed surface deterioration attributed to environmental factors. Chemical characteristics were assessed via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Physical testing demonstrated that bricks had lower compressive strength than standard requirements. Microbial analysis identified fungal and bacterial growth contributing to material decay. The study proposes evidence-based recommendations for material selection and preservation strategies to enhance durability of construction in similar environmental conditions.