Project
A landmark of Bonifacio, the ramparts have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1929. As the most visited town in Corsica, these walls have been impacted by time and heavy tourist traffic. To preserve this iconic site, the municipality launched a major restoration program beginning in February 2022, scheduled to span 10 years. The first phase was completed in May 2023.
Restoration Project
A section of the ramparts was restored with technical support from Vicat in designing custom mortar formulations for stone masonry reinforcement, jointing, and finishing renders.
Mortar Formulations
Stone masonry and reinforcement mortar
Mix: 420 kg/m³ (20% PROMPT natural cement)
100 L Bonifacio sand + pumice sand
35 kg NHL 5 lime + 7 kg PROMPT + air-entraining agent
Render and jointing mortar
Mix: 400 kg/m³ (15% PROMPT natural cement)
100 L Bonifacio sand + pumice sand
35 kg NHL 5 lime + 5.5 kg PROMPT + air-entraining agent
Finishing render mortar
Mix: 300 kg/m³ (10% PROMPT natural cement)
130 L Bonifacio sand + pumice sand
35 kg NHL 5 lime + 3.5 kg PROMPT + air-entraining agent
A first section of the ramparts has been successfully restored, enhancing both structural performance and visual authenticity while ensuring long-term protection against marine exposure and weathering.
Key Information
Project timeline: First phase delivered in May 2023
Stakeholders
Client
Municipality of Bonifacio
Project Management
Pierre-Antoine Gatier Agency (ACMH)
Contractor
SARL Les Frères Piacentini
