Sticky rice mortar

2014.08.19.104149 Great Wall Badaling

Sticky rice mortar is a traditional building material used in ancient Chinese architecture. It is a type of mortar that incorporates sticky rice as a key ingredient, which contributes to its unique properties and durability.

History

Sticky rice mortar dates back to the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) and was widely used during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD). It was employed in the construction of various significant structures, including the Great Wall of China and numerous pagodas and temples.

Composition

The primary components of sticky rice mortar are:

• Sticky rice: The glutinous nature of sticky rice provides the mortar with its adhesive properties.
• Lime: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the mortar's strength.
• Water: Used to mix the ingredients into a workable paste.

Properties

Sticky rice mortar is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to weathering. The incorporation of sticky rice enhances the mortar's ability to bond with bricks and stones, making it more resilient to earthquakes and other natural forces. Studies have shown that sticky rice mortar has superior mechanical properties compared to traditional lime mortar.

Applications

Sticky rice mortar was primarily used in the construction of:

• City walls
• Bridges
• Tombs
• Palaces

Significance

The use of sticky rice mortar is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by modern scientific analysis, which has revealed the presence of amylopectin, a component of sticky rice, that contributes to the mortar's strength and longevity.

Conservation

Efforts to preserve ancient structures built with sticky rice mortar involve careful restoration techniques that respect the original materials and methods. Modern conservationists study the composition and properties of sticky rice mortar to develop compatible restoration materials.

See also

• Great Wall of China
• Chinese architecture
• Masonry
• Tang dynasty
• Ming dynasty