Adobe Ii: Factors Affecting the Durability of Adobe Structures

Adobe samples from three structures of historic interest in the state of Arizona in the southwestern United States were analyzed to determine their mineral assemblages, particle size distributions, soluble salt contents, and porosities. These analyses were accompanied by microscopic observations of polished sections and thin sections. These data were correlated with the weathering observed and it was found that soluble salt action was primarily responsible for the deterioration of the adobe from one of the sites. The nature of the particle size distribution has contributed to the rapid deterioration of the adobe from a second site. The adobe from a third site was found to be well consolidated due to the presence of large amounts of calcite.