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Bab Agnaou gate, Marrakech, Morocco: characterization of original building material and commentary on their state of conservation

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Bab Agnaou is the most ancient gate sculpted in stone during the Almohad era (twelfth century). The petrographic and mineralogical studies were carried out in order to characterize the original materials of construction. So the ashlar is a calcareous mudstone, whereas the mortar is one with lime binder. The characterization of the ashlar’s degradation state, based on the mapping of the gate, permitted to highlight the evolution, the extension and the relation between the different weathering forms. Thus it proved to be possible to distinguish the weathering forms related to architecture and the provision of the blocks, from those related to infiltration of water.

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Acknowledgements

This study received the financial support of the Integrated Action n 186/04/R/E carried out within the framework of the Morocco-Spanish university cooperation. The authors are anxious to thank the delegation of the Ministry of Culture in Marrakech for its assistance. They are also grateful to the other members of the G.E.R.M.H. for their contribution to the project.

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Correspondence to K. Benzzi.

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Benzzi, K., Tanouti, B., Bouabdelli, M. et al. Bab Agnaou gate, Marrakech, Morocco: characterization of original building material and commentary on their state of conservation. Environ Geol 51, 275–282 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0325-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0325-y

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