Physical-mechanical characterization of hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime based mortars for a French porous limestone

TL;DR

This study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime mortars made from the same French limestone as Tuffeau to determine compatibility for conservation and construction.

Contribution

It introduces criteria for selecting lime-based mortars compatible with Tuffeau limestone, emphasizing the use of the same parent material for improved compatibility.

Findings

Water transfer properties of mortars are similar to Tuffeau

Mechanical behavior of mortars aligns with original limestone

Guidelines for using compatible mortars in conservation

Abstract

The focus of the study presented in this paper is to provide reliable criteria that can be used to estimate the degree of compatibility between the French limestone tuffeau and mortar. It is suggested through this study to use the same parent material (i.e., tuffeau) as mortar. The mortar used in this study is composed of non-hydraulic (hydrated) lime or hydraulic lime and aggregates obtained from fragments and powder of the tuffeau stone. Water transfer properties and mechanical behaviour of the mortars are evaluated and compared with the original stone Tuffeau. Based on these studies, some key guidelines are provided such that a mortar that is compatible with properties of Tuffeau and can be prepared and used as construction material of monuments and maintenance purposes.