Geoenvironmental investigation of Sahure’s pyramid, Abusir archeological site, Giza, Egypt

Abstract Abusir is the name of an elaborate burial area in Egypt, dotted with 19 pyramids and other temples, stretching on western side Nile from south Giza Plateau to northern rim Saqqara. It seems have been created as resting site for Pharaohs dated 2494 2345 BC. The Abusir, originally spoken Busiri, means “Temple Osiris”. Over time, has become so popular because more than 60 villages now carry this name, but only one archaeological site. This paper focused its most important area, Sahure's pyramid, since it Egypt’s little-known heavily damaged treasures. Field laboratory studies carried out investigate understand durability problems construction materials leading results that confirmed impact geoenvironmental conditions pyramid's architectural, structural, engineering stability. Moreover, showed mineralogical content was intrinsic problem due presence swellable (expansive) clays, which are considered responsible pyramid decay damage. In addition external factors such effect temperature variations, rain, pollutants, wind, earthquakes their interactions building material defects. Finally, revealed a new discovery basaltic mortar first trial green concrete manufacturing Egyptian Old Kingdom, Fifth Dynasty.