Chemical-mineralogical features and physical properties of archaeological adobe. The evidence from Tell Zurghul/Nigin (Dhi Qar, Iraq)

Analysis of the chemical, mineralogical, hydric, and mechanical properties of earthen mudbricks and plasters from Tell Zurghul/Nigin (Southern Iraq), associated with archaeological buildings dated to the 5th and 3rd millennium BCE. Mudbrick structures are susceptible to rapid deterioration when subjected to environmental conditions and other degradation factors. A comprehensive understanding of the materials used in buildings and their inherent properties is essential for identifying optimal conservation methods for archaeological earthen structures. The study explores construction techniques within a diachronic framework, also considering the geological context and availability of local raw materials, and evaluates the characteristics of mudbricks, including their resistance and durability against weathering, through mineralogical and chemical analyses, and hydric and mechanical tests. Dataset related to the CIVIS3i-European project: EnEAp - Endangered Earthen Architecture. New Challenges in the Conservation and Restoration Practices of Archaeological Earthen Masonries in Western Asia (2022-EnEAp-231; PI: Luca Volpi) funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement N°101034324. The Dataset contains all raw data pertaining to the chemical, mineralogical, petrographic, mechanical and hydric properties of mudbrick samples from the site of Tell Zurghul/Nigin (Dhi Qar province, Iraq), analysed as part of the EnEAp project: Climate: authors' elaboration of climatic data (T Min/Max; RH 9am/6pm; Rainfall) for three reference Years (2001, 2011, 2021) for the site spot (archaeological site of Tell Zurghul/Nigin, South Iraq); 31°22'36.06"N; 46°29'36.24"E). Climatic data were sourced from the WorldClim database (https://worldclim.org/) and plotted using the software QGIS to collect climatic data on the specific site spot. Photo: raw images of samples with scale bar and ID number on the top right. Characterization: colour, mineralogical, chemical and petrographic raw data. Mechanical properties: Scotch Tape Test and Surface Hardness Test raw data. Hydric properties: imbibition time and contact angle test, rain resistance test raw data and photos.