Effect of vegetable and synthetic fibers on mechanical performance and durability of Metakaolin-based mortars

The use of vegetable fibers has regained interest in different fields. In fact, fibers may represent an alternative to traditional fibers incorporated in building materials, such as polypropylene fibers. Sustainable development requires the adoption of ecofriendly and natural materials. In this approach, using vegetable fibers as reinforcement for cementitious materials represents an interesting option for concrete industry. Thus, this article studies mechanical performances and transfer properties of cementitious mortars reinforced with vegetable fibers. The used fibers were Dis (DS), Alfa (AF), Date palm (DP) and Hemp (HE). They were subjected to prior treatment with calcium hydroxide. The results show that reinforced mortars with vegetable fibers represent a better deformation capacity than the control mortar without fibers; the best bending strength was recorded for hemp and date palm mortars; the addition of vegetable fibers leads to thermal conductivity decrease by 15% for a content of 0.1%. However, greater carbonation depths were recorded for vegetable fibers based mixes. These findings, for us, are promising for the use of vegetable fibers in cementitious materials.     

Aging of Lime Putty: Effects on Traditional Lime Mortar Carbonation

The influence of storing slaked lime under water for extended periods of time (i.e., aging) on Ca(OH)₂ crystal morphology, texture, and carbonation evolution of various lime mortars has been studied by the combined use of X-ray diffractometry, phenolphthalein tests, porosity measurements, electron microscopy, and ultrasonic wave propagation analyses. Mortars prepared using traditional aged lime putties (up to 14 years storage under water) show rapid, extensive carbonation, resulting in porosity reduction and ultrasonic speed increase. The aged hydrated lime mortar carbonation reaction (i.e., Ca(OH)₂+ CO₂= CaCO₃+ H₂O) follows a complex diffusive path, resulting in periodic calcite precipitation as Liesegang rings. In this case, binder:aggregate ratios >1:4 result in crack development. Nonaged commercial hydrated lime mortars show slower carbonation and need a higher binder:aggregate ratio (1:3). The carbonation of nonaged lime mortars follows a normal diffusion-limited continuous path progressing from the mortar sample surface toward the core. Differences between aged and nonaged lime mortar carbonation evolution are explained considering Ca(OH)₂ crystal shape changes (from prisms to platelike crystals) and size reduction that occurs on aging of lime putty. Implications of these results on historic building conservation using traditional lime mortars are discussed.     

The Adhesion Properties of Mortars in Relation with Microstructure

The interaction between masonry units and mortar is a crucial factor for the quality of a wall. The most important factor is the adhesion between bricks and mortar in order to construct a masonry wall with adequate strength, good impermeability, and durability. In this work mortars were produced with various cement/lime/aggregates ratio. The adhesion properties of the mortars with clay bricks were tested with a simplified tensile/tear testing measurement. In order to investigate the adhesion properties in relation with microstructure the mortars were characterized with X-ray diffraction and were further investigated with scanning electron microscopy and stereoscopy. It was found that adhesion is favored by the formation of a Si–Al matrix with a low Ca content in the brick/mortar interface and the formation of fine Ca–Al–Si phases which can penetrate into the brick.     

The effect of various slaked limes on the microstructure of a lime-cement-sand mortar

The present work aims to provide a better understanding of the effect of both the proportions and the characteristics of slaked lime on the microstructure of a lime-cement-sand mortar. Cement (CPA CEM I 52.5) has been replaced by various categories of slaked lime chosen for the diversity of their physico-chemical characteristics.Cement has been replaced by lime in proportions varying between 0 to 10% of the total binder mass. With very few exceptions, mortars were produced by maintaining the quantity of water constant.Experimental results show that it is necessary to have a high lime substitution percentage to influence the microstructure of the mortar, except in the case of a lime containing magnesium hydroxide or calcic lime featuring sizeable specific surface area.The influence of the nature of the substituted lime on the development of the microstructure in the matrix has been examined by SEM observations of the mortar micro porosity.     

Addition of cement to lime-based mortars: Effect on pore structure and vapor transport

The main focus of this work is to determine the effect of cement addition, a common practice in many restorations, on the pore structure of lime-based mortars. A second target is to establish correlations between microstructure and water vapor transport across the mortar, which is a key characteristic of building decay. In order to achieve these objectives, we prepared a set of mortars consisting of air-hardening lime with a progressively increasing cement content, as well as a mortar containing hydraulic lime. Several different techniques, most notably mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy in the backscatter mode, were used to investigate the pore structure. The results from these procedures led to the conclusion that porosity and pore size are progressively reduced as cement content increases. Moreover, an excellent correlation between pore radius parameter and the vapor diffusion coefficient was established. Hydraulic lime mortar exhibited textural parameters and diffusivity values halfway between those of the different lime/cement mixes studied.     

Lime-pozzolana mortars in Roman catacombs: composition, structures and restoration

Analyses of microsamples collected from Roman catacombs and samples of lime-pozzolana mortars hardened in the laboratory display higher contents in carbonated binder than other subaerial Roman monuments. The measured environmental data inside the Saint Callistus and Domitilla catacombs show a constant temperature of 15-17 °C, a high CO₂ content (1700 to 3500 ppm) and a relative humidity close to 100%. These conditions and particularly the high CO₂ concentration speed-up the lime calcitization roughly by 500% and reduce the cationic diffusion to form hydrous calcium aluminosilicates. The structure of Roman catacomb mortars shows (i) coarser aggregates and thicker beds on the inside, (ii) thin, smoothed, light and fine-grained external surfaces with low content of aggregates and (iii) paintings and frescoes on the outside. The observed high porosity of the mortars can be attributed to cracking after drying linked with the high binder content. Hardened lime lumps inside the binder denote low water/mortar ratios for slaking. The aggregate tephra pyroclasts rich in aluminosilicate phases with accessorial amounts of Ba, Sr, Rb, Cu and Pb were analysed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and also by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) to identify the size and distribution of porosity. Results support procedures using local materials, special mortars and classic techniques for restoration purposes in hypogeal backgrounds.     

硅灰改性水泥/石灰砂浆微观结构的研究

以水泥和石灰为胶凝材料,中细砂为集料,再掺加有机聚合物流化剂制成水泥/石灰砂浆,水泥/石灰砂浆中添加外加剂的文献资料很少,通常是有关水泥砂浆的研究.本实验用硅灰取代10%(质量分数)的普通硅酸盐水泥,水泥、石灰和砂子的质量比为3:1:12,外加有机聚合物对砂浆改性,利用扫描电子显微镜、能谱仪和压汞仪对浆体进行微观分析.分析结果显示,由于硅灰的加入,浆体内部水化产物在早期先以Ⅲ型C-S-H凝胶的形式出现,随后,Ⅲ型和I型的C-S-H凝胶以并存的形式在水化后期出现;正如预期的那样,试样的总的孔隙率也比没加硅灰前有了大幅度的下降,而抗压强度的提高在水化后期才表现出来.     

Surface treatments of subdenier monofilament polypropylene fibers to optimize their reinforcing efficiency in cementitious composites

The surface properties of polypropylene (PP) fibers have an important effect on their reinforcing efficiency in cementitious composites. Two new methods of modifying the surface of subdenier monofilament polypropylene fibers were introduced, as well as the performances of the fiber‐reinforced mortar. The results show that the surface modification improved the mechanical performance of the fiber‐reinforced mortars, such as compressive strength and flexural strength, and the reinforcing efficiency depends on the adopted method. The enhanced interfacial bonding between treated fibers and the cementitious matrix, compared with that of unmodified fibers, was investigated using scanning electronic microscopy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2637–2641, 2004     

Microscopy of historic mortars—a review

Mortars with mud, gypsum and lime as binder have, since ancient times, been used for very different applications. The characterisation of these historic mortars was until 1970-1980 mostly based on traditional wet chemical analyses but the interpretation of these results is difficult and often impossible without a good knowledge of the nature of the different mortar components. More recently developed mortar characterisation schemes have optical microscopy as a first step in identifying the aggregates, of the various mineral additions (latent hydraulic), binder type, binder-related particles and in describing the pore structure. Optical microscopy is also a valuable aid for damage diagnosis of degraded historic mortars and for the study of the interfacial zone, the bonding and possible reaction rims between aggregates, bricks or stone and the mortar. Automated image analysis techniques or manual point-count/linear traverse methods can be used to determine mix proportions, binder/aggregate ratio, aggregate size distribution and air void system.     

Effect of maturation time on the fresh and hardened properties of an air lime mortar

The restoration and maintenance of old renders is one of the key aspects of correct rehabilitation practice. The ideal course of action is to replace the damaged material by a material with compatible characteristics. This work aims to analyze the effect of the maturation process on hardened state characteristics of hydrated powder lime mortars. The rheological characterization shows an air lime mortar thickening behaviour with the length of the test. The different mixes were subjected to a maturation process consisting on keeping them in the fresh state, covered with water, isolated from CO₂, during seven days. The specimens and applications were prepared both with the non-matured and the matured mortars. Maturation seems to influence the hardened state characteristics causing a decrease in the capillary values, and an increase on the mechanical strength, which are more evident for mortars with higher binder contents.     

Durability of traditional plasters with respect to blast furnace slag-based plaster

Blast furnace slag is a residue of steel production. It is a latent hydraulic binder and is normally used to improve the durability of concrete and mortars. Slag could be also used as rendering mortar for masonry and old buildings. Today, cement and hydraulic lime are the most popular hydraulic binders used to make plasters. They are characterised by a low durability when exposed to the action of chemical and physical agents.The aim of this study was to provide a comparison between the physical-mechanical properties of some renders made with ordinary Portland cement, hydraulic lime, or slag. Furthermore, an investigation was carried out to analyse mortar resistance to several aggressive conditions like acid attack, freezing and thawing cycles, abrasion, sulphate aggression, cycles in ultraviolet screening device, and salt diffusion. The specimens, after chemical attack, have been characterised from the chemical-physical [specific surface according to the BET (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller) method], crystal-chemical (X-ray diffraction, XRD), and morphological (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) points of view.     

Study of rehabilitation mortars: Construction of a knowledge correlation matrix

In old building rehabilitation practices, the gathering of full knowledge on used mortars is the most difficult task due to their complexity and variability. At the same time, this necessity of knowledge is critical, since the rehabilitation work must guarantee physical, chemical and mechanical compatibility between former and restoration mortars, not relinquishing aesthetic details. However, the characterization of old mortars can be a very complex process, since it involves different techniques and potentially controversial outcomes.In this work, several mortars were prepared and characterized, in order to improve knowledge that will facilitate the further choice of a suitable material to replace any old mortar. Analytical techniques like XRD and DTA/TGA were used in the determinations of chemical compositions, and physical properties determinations (apparent density, open porosity, compression strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus) were important to understand the mechanical behaviour and durability and to relate it with the prepared formulations composition.     

Physico-chemical study of Cretan ancient mortars

Mortars from monuments of various periods in Crete, from Minoan up to now, have been studied (concerning mineralogical and chemical composition, grain size distribution, raw materials, tensile strength) in order to assess their durability in a marine and humid environment. The lime technology and raw materials, irrespective of the various historic periods, diversify the final composites into mortars, such as: (a) lime, (b) hydraulic lime, (c) lime with crushed brick, and (d) lime with pozzolanic material. These present binders in quantities ranging from 22% (pozzolanic mortars) to 29% (lime mortars). Hydraulic compounds, such as calcium silicate/aluminate hydrates, and tensile strength are higher in the pozzolanic mortars followed by crushed brick lime, hydraulic lime, and lime mortars. High quantities of water-soluble salts identified in the lime mortars indicate their risk of disintegration. A calculation procedure is presented herein, based on the combination of mineralogical and chemical analyses that allows the determination of the binder/aggregate proportion.     

A study of the adhesion between hydraulic mortars and concrete

Knowledge of the adhesion properties of materials is necessary for many applications. When one has to cover a wall or a concrete pavement with mortar, it is necessary to pay attention to the adhesion between the two materials, otherwise one can have some problems such as the delamination of the two materials after application. We present here a study of the adhesion between hydraulic mortars and concrete. Mortars with permeability-reducing admixtures were used. This type of mortar is used to reduce the possibility of water infiltration in construction. Mortars should be impermeable but this should not affect the adhesion. To measure the adhesion, we used the pull-off test. The results show a decrease in the adhesion strength with increasing permeability-reducing admixture dosage, except for one of the admixtures used. We believe that this result is a consequence of the decrease in porosity caused by the use of a more waterproofing admixture and that a higher dosage contributes to the increase of admixture at the interface. To confirm this, we performed a microscopic analysis of the failure surfaces of the mortars. The decrease in porosity was well seen in this analysis. However, this characteristic of mortars is not the only one that affects adhesion. The composition of the admixture is very important as we found different adhesion strengths, for similar porosity, with different admixtures.     

Mechanical and adhesion properties of polymer-modified cement mortars in relation with their microstructure

In this study, cement mortars were modified with a commercial polymer admixture. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the polymer content on the mechanical and adhesion properties of the mortars and to relate these properties with mortars’ microstructure. A series of mortars were produced with various polymer/cement/water/aggregate ratios. The adhesion properties of the mortars to clay bricks were tested with a simplified tensile testing measurement. The microstructure of mortars, as well as interfaces, were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was found that with high polymer content, large size hardened particles are formed, reducing the compressive strength of the mortars. Polymer addition enhances the adhesion between the mortar and brick. The mortar microstructure at the interface affects the adhesion properties and the mode of failure.     

新旧水泥砂浆界面粘结性能试验研究

在荷载和环境因素作用下,混凝土结构产生不同程度的劣化。为了保证结构的安全性和耐久性,需要对损伤水泥基材料进行修复。基体的含水饱和度、界面粗糙度、修补砂浆的水灰比以及试件的养护条件都会影响修补砂浆与基体间的粘结强度。选取四种含水饱和度(0%、30%、70%、100%)的旧砂浆作为基体,浇筑水灰比为0.4和0.6的新砂浆,试件密封养护28 d,剪切试验结果表明:当新砂浆水灰比为0.6,旧砂浆含水饱和度按照70%、30%、100%、0%的顺序变化时,界面的剪切强度逐渐减小;当新砂浆水灰比为0.4,旧砂浆含水饱和度按照30%、0%、70%、100%的顺序变化时,界面的剪切强度逐渐减小。同时发现,新砂浆水灰比为0.4时的界面剪切强度普遍大于水灰比为0.6的数值。通过切槽法改变旧砂浆的界面粗糙度,然后浇筑水灰比为0.6的新砂浆,试件标准养护。剪切试验结果表明:当旧砂浆界面粗糙时,界面间的剪切强度是旧砂浆光滑时的1.26倍。选取两种含水饱和度(0%、100%)的旧砂浆作为基体,浇筑水灰比为0.4和0.6的新砂浆,分别进行标准养护和密封养护,剪切试验结果表明:在旧砂浆含水饱和度和新砂浆水灰比相同的情况下,标准养护下的界面剪切强度明显大于密封养护下的界面剪切强度。     

Pore structure in mortars applied on restoration: Effect on properties relevant to decay of granite buildings

Since mortars play a key role in buildings decay, their suitable choice is critical to the success of restoration projects. The focus of this paper is to characterise the pore structures of a set of mortars and correlate them with mechanical properties and vapour permeability, which are relevant to the decay of granite buildings. Water vapour transport was tested by means of a simple set-up developed in our laboratory. A good correlation was found between total porosity and the two parameters tested: strength and vapour diffusivity. Pore size distribution also showed a strong influence on diffusivity. A mix based on cement with a high sand proportion was considered as the most suitable for granite building restoration because it showed good mechanical properties and low free calcium content. A negative aspect was that this mix exhibited significantly lower vapour permeability than mortar containing lime; this could be explained by the smaller radius of its pores.     

Occurrence of thaumasite in gypsum lime mortars for restoration

For restoration purposes, it is essential to have compatible mortars for historic masonry built originally with gypsum mortars. For that reason, gypsum lime mortars with high weathering resistance were developed. Due to the added hydraulic components and carbonate components of the used limes of these mortars, the occurrence of thaumasite can take place. Different mortar mixtures with variable binder contents, using lime with differing amounts of hydraulic components, were prepared and stored under two contrasting curing conditions. Over 90 days of curing, these mortars were investigated using physical-mechanical and chemical-mineralogical techniques. The results have shown that the potential for the growth of thaumasite depends on the composition of the raw materials, especially of the lime. In gypsum lime mortars which were used for restoration purposes, small amounts of thaumasite were also detected, but these small amounts of thaumasite do not reduce mechanical properties. This assumption was confirmed by investigations of gypsum lime mortars, which were exposed outdoors for 13 years.     

Opal-A rich additives used in ancient lime mortars

Ancient stone and brick masonry mortars from three monuments in Konya, Central Anatolia dated to the Anatolian Selçuk Period (12th and 13th centuries AD) were examined for their raw material composition and durability characteristics to understand some characteristics of medieval mortar technology.Optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR and TGA analyses revealed that the mortars contained high percentage of lime binder totally carbonated into micritic calcite. Coarse and medium aggregates were mainly composed of sandstone and metamorphic rock fragments, quartz, feldspar and mica minerals. Opal-A was found in considerable amounts in the fine aggregates, likely not derived from the coarser ones but added separately. Pozzolanic activity of the fine aggregates was determined by conductometric measurements. Their ability to form C-S-H was observed by treating them with saturated Ca(OH)₂ solution.Bulk density and total porosity measurements showed that the mortars were highly porous due to the use of high amount of lime. On the other hand, they possessed sufficient mechanical strength. Mechanical properties were determined by point load tests and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. They were expressed as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and modulus of elasticity (E_mod) in MPa.The results were also discussed in terms of durability characteristics of the mortars. They were expressed with the use of uniaxial compressive strengths in dry and wet states, and total porosity values. The mortars were considered to have high durability to wetting and drying cycles but had poor durability to the crystallization of water-soluble salts.     

Pore structure and mechanical properties of cement-lime mortars

Studies focusing on materials used in Cultural Heritage conservation projects are becoming increasingly important. In this paper, the pore structure and mechanical properties of lime-cement mortars are evaluated in order to analyze their potential use, because this kind of mortar could reduce the disadvantages presented by both lime-based mortars and cement-based mortars. The microstructure of these blended mortars is studied taking into account porosity, pore size distribution and surface fractal dimension. Compressive and flexural strengths are discussed as a function of several parameters: curing time, binder composition and B/Ag (Binder/aggregate) ratio. The mechanical strength versus the deformation of the material is also evaluated, by analysis of Young's modulus, as well as the elastic and plastic zones. Unlike cement-based mortars, blended mortars with a high percentage of lime present a large plastic zone, which could be useful in the service-life of these mortars as a result of their ability to absorb strains caused by wall movements.