Study for the determination of the pathologies in the constituent materials of the Milagros Aqueduct (Mérida)

The conservation of this prime example of national and historical heritage requires a methodology that should be based firmly on modern scientific analysis. In recent years research has moved away from informality and irregularity, and evolved towards the standardization of multidisciplinary techniques. Therefore, any intervention on a historical object should continue to respect developments in scientific methodology and, in doing so, preserve the physical integrity of the object together with its cultural and historical significance. The project has been divided up into five parts. INTROMAC and Fundación Labein (Labein Foundation) have developed phase three: "The material and structural investigation of the Milagros Aqueduct in relation to weathering and appropriate treatments". The building materials of the Milagros Aqueduct in Mérida have been classified according to deterioration, i.e. the characterization of mineralogical, petrographical, petrophysical and petrochemical properties of monument materials. The stony materials are granite in origin. The joint mortars of both stone and brick masonries are lime-based with siliceous aggregates (both with a ratio of 1:3). Roman concrete is a lime mortar with diorite aggregates, with a ratio of 1:1. There are two types of bricks; the original Roman bricks of the aqueduct and replacement bricks from later times.