A case study about the experimental works on the production of repair mortars to be used in the restoration of Anemas Dungeons

In this paper, the experimental studies conducted to produce repair mortars with local materials for the restoration of Anemas Dungeons located in Ayvansaray-Halic site of Istanbul Land Walls were explained and the results were evaluated. Before these studies, characterization studies of original mortar samples collected from the structure were conducted in detail, then the repair mortar samples were produced in laboratory conditions according to the material type determined as binder, aggregate and the determined ratios in the origins. Together with the physical and mechanical properties of the mortars produced in the laboratory conditions, also properties of their internal structure were determined with experimental studies. After, an evaluation of the test results are promising, the repair mortar was produced in situ conditions and applied to an appropriate wall of Anemas Dungeons for pilot study. At the end of approximately 1 year, a sample was collected from this wall and the internal structure and physical properties of this sample was determined by the laboratory tests. After all, the results of experimental studies conducted to the original mortar samples and the repair mortar samples produced in situ conditions were compared. As a result of general evaluation, it is been seen that the repair mortars produced with local materials are compatible with original mortars in the scope of color, texture and durability against the atmospheric conditions.   Key words: Anemas dungeons, repair mortars, historical buildings, experimental methods.