A research program was developed to investigate relative properties of three mortars containing lime-replacement additives compared to the properties of four traditional portland cement-lime mortars used in masonry construction. Plastic and hardened properties were determined using standard ASTM test methods. The test program indicates that, although the three lime-replacement mortars have comparable compressive strengths to portland cement-lime mortars, they have significantly different water retention and air content percentages and, as tested, the lime-replacement mortars do not meet specification requirements of either ASTM or ICBO. In addition, masonry walls constructed with the three lime-replacement mortars studied in this program were less resistant to water penetration than walls constructed with portland cement-lime mortars. It is suggested that ASTM specifications and test methods currently under development consider the essential properties of water retention, air content, and water penetration resistance in addition to compressive strength for acceptance of lime-replacement materials.
Injection of grout into cracks may be used as a form of repair following a damaging event or as a means to strengthen multi-wythe masonry, enhancing composite action between the wythes. An experimental program has been conducted to evaluate grouting procedures, the suitability of different types of cementitious grouts for injection, and the effect of grout injection on structural behavior.
Over 30 separate mixes utilizing various cementitious components, aggregates, admixtures and different water/cement ratios have been evaluated. A standardized series of evaluation tests have been used to compare injectability, mix stability, and grout properties for each of the mixes. These grouts possess properties similar to the masonry being repaired, and would be available for widespread use as a material for masonry repair. An additional contribution of this research has been the application of nondestructive techniques as a means of measuring quality of the injection process.
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