Cocciopesto and Pozzolana

When preparing a mortar or concrete it may be necessary to add coadjuvants of the setting reaction (technically called carbonation).

These substances intervene in the chemical phenomena that determine the hardening giving different characteristics to the preparation.

For example, let's look at two of these adjuncts:

Il Cocciopesto

Cocciopesto is nothing but a mortar (often of lime) that contains powdered baked clay deriving from the crushing of bricks (bricks and tiles).

A compound is created that has hydraulic capacities (that is, it catches even in the absence of air) and a good waterproofing capacity.

These properties have been known since ancient times (Phoenicians) and its use was perfected by the Romans (Opus signinum speaks of it Vitruvius) and was used for the realization of internal and external paving, the creation of cisterns and aqueducts and also for plastering.

It was widely used for example in Venice along with its noble variant (marmorino) which uses instead of marble dust.

Its implementation involves the application of several layers that are beaten to further compact the surface and enhance its characteristics. The granulometric dimension of the powder is reduced in the various layers.

Cocciopesto is by nature a pinkish color, deriving from the red of brick and the white of lime.

For this it is also used without the need for a final painting.