ترميم المبانى الآثرية المشيدة بالطوب اللبن: قصر أمنمحات الثالث بتل بسطة نموذجًا RESTORATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUD-BRICK BUILDINGS: PALACE OF AMENEMHAT III AT TELL BASTA A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Due to the weakness of the mud brick, the heterogeneity of its components, and its strong influence by physicochemical factors of damage, because attention, is often paid to the stone buildings and neglects mud brick buildings, which are almost being documented and then buried again during excavations. Mud brick buildings are an integral part of the civilized development that man has achieved in the field of building through the different eras of history. Thus, mud brick conservation is one of the most important processes carried out in that field. Before the restoration of some mud brick buildings in the Tell Basta area, many tests and analyzes carried out to identify the building materials, such as analysis using X-ray diffraction, examination using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an EDX. In addition to conducting a number of field experiments for the manufacture of mud brick units suitable for the restoration of archaeological buildings in situ. Measurement of mechanical properties of mud brick samples is essential before restoring the muddy buildings in accordance with international charters regulating this matter. I participated with a team from the Department of Restoration of the Antiquities of Lower Egypt at –then– the Supreme Council of Antiquities in a project to restore the mud-bricks of Amenemhat III Palace. It was a part of a comprehensive program to develop the archaeological area at Tell Basta, and turn it into an open museum to increase tourism attraction and contribute to increasing the national income.