The use of lime as a binder in masonry lining mortars plays an important role in its conservation and durability. Knowledge of the mechanical characteristics of pre-existing and restoration mortars is essential in order to guarantee the compatibility between them and for avoiding the appearance of pathologies. The paper mainly focuses on the study of the mechanical performance of lime-based mortars to be applied in rehabilitation works in old buildings. Four types of mortars were tested with very similar workability, based on lime putty, aerial lime, and hydraulic lime. Sand and crushed rock powder were used as aggregates. Compressive and flexural strengths of the mortars were determined, as well as their ultrasonic pulse velocity. Furthermore, specific tests were carried out to characterize the performance of the mortar when used as a binder for plasters and coatings, such as the development of cracking, superficial water absorption under low pressure, and pull-off strength. According to the results obtained, mortars with lime putty showed better mechanical properties, while those with aerial lime had better behavior regarding water absorption under pressure. Despite that, it was generally possible to verify the adequacy of the studied mortars to be used in the rehabilitation of masonry elements.
Coatings and plasters are an integral part of masonry cladding, having a fundamental protective and aesthetic function. They are exposed to numerous aggressive actions, which produce their degradation over time. The utilization of lime, as a binder in masonry lining mortars, plays an important role in their durability and conservation. The objective of this work is to analyze the fresh and durability properties of lime-based mortars for their application in the restoration of old buildings. Four different kinds of mortars were studied with similar workability, using as binders lime putty, aerial lime, and hydraulic lime. The aggregates used consisted of sand and crushed rock powder. As fresh properties, the consistency (by using the flow table) and water retentivity were determined. With respect to durability-related properties, water absorption by capillarity and by immersion, drying kinetics, and carbonation depth were studied. Bulk density and porosity of the mortars were also obtained. Mortars with lime putty showed higher global porosity and water absorption by immersion, while aerial lime mortars presented lower porosity and higher water absorption by capillarity. Finally, the durability performance of all the studied lime mortars was overall adequate for being applied as masonry coatings in the restoration of old buildings.
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