Puzzolanic materials for restoration of earthen architecture

Research reveals that ancient civilizations, including those at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), employed lime as a stabilizing agent in earthen architecture to enhance mechanical strength and resistance against weathering. Traces of lime, combined with earth, were found in walls and mud coatings at Paquimé, demonstrating its historical application for durability. This finding underscores the potential of puzzolanic materials—lime-based compounds that react chemically with earth—to improve the longevity of traditional construction techniques. The study highlights a less-studied but critical aspect of ancient engineering, offering insights that could inform modern restoration practices for earthen structures worldwide.

(Ed.). (2014). Puzzolanic materials for restoration of earthen architecture. Earthen Architecture: Past, Present and Future, 191–196. https://doi.org/10.1201/b17392-33