• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.317-338
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• 2022

Physicochemical characteristics and evaluation were studied by subdividing the concretes, bricks and earth pipes on the site of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty, known as modern architecture, into three periods. Concretes showed similar specific gravity and absorption ratio, and large amounts of aggregates, quartz, feldspar, calcite and portlandite were detected. Porosity of the 1907 bricks were higher than those of 1910 and 1950 bricks. All earthen pipe is similar, but the earlier one was found to be more dense. Bricks and earthen pipes are dark red to brown in color within many cracks and pores, but the matrix of the earthen pipe is relatively homogeneous. Quartz, feldspar and hematite are detected in bricks, and mullite is confirmed with quartz and feldspar in earthen pipes, so it is interpreted that the materials have a firing temperature about 1,000 to 1,100℃. Concretes showed similar CaO content, but brick and earthen pipe had low SiO₂ and high Al₂O₃ in the 1907 specimen. However, the materials have high genetic homogeneity based on similar geochemical behaviors. Ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness of the concrete foundation differed due to the residual state, but indicated relatively weak physical properties. Converting the unconfined compressive strength, the 1st extended area had the highest mean values of 45.30 and 46.33 kgf/cm², and the 2nd extended area showed the lowest mean values (20.05 and 24.76 kgf/cm²). In particular, the low CaO content and absorption ratio, the higher ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness. It seems that the concrete used in the constructions of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty had similar mixing characteristics and relatively constant specifications for each year. It is interpreted that the bricks and earthen pipes were through a similar manufacturing process using almost the same raw materials.