Reproducing Archaeological Bricks from Qasr Touila: A Comparative Study of Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Clay-based building materials, particularly mud bricks, are among the main materials used in traditional and archaeological architecture. Their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties are influenced by the composition of the raw materials and by environmental factors that contribute to their deterioration over time. This study examined archaeological brick samples from the site of Qasr Touila and compared them with laboratory-manufactured samples prepared to simulate the original material. The aim was to evaluate the extent to which the manufactured samples could reproduce the characteristics of the archaeological bricks. The chemical composition of the samples was determined by X-ray analysis, and their surface features were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The investigated properties included released gas volume (VCO₂), carbonate content (CO₃), compressive strength, bulk density, and water absorption. The data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results revealed significant differences among the studied samples in VCO₂, CO₃, and bulk density (P ≤ 0.05), while compressive strength and water absorption showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between VCO₂ and CO₃ (r = 0.714) and a positive correlation between VCO₂ and bulk density (r = 0.670). Overall, the manufactured samples showed values close to those of the archaeological bricks, indicating that they were largely successful in reproducing their principal physical and mechanical properties, despite some differences related to mineral composition and internal structure.