Mortars in old buildings and masonry conservation: a historical and practical treatise

Abstract

This thesis examines the subject of mortar, with the aim of presenting information that will assist in the repair of historic masonry structures. A historical examination of two primary mortar ingredients, lime and cement, together with a discussion of other ingredients, establishes a basis for further scientific study. Analysis of observed case studies yields hypotheses on mortar behavior. A survey of published literature discloses much information about creep, a vital element of mortar behavior. However, because in most of the previous research the creep measurements were made on brickwork or blockwork piers, an experimental program was devised, to measure the shrinkage and creep in mortars alone, using a range of seven mortar mixes. Some of the findings of D. Lenczner and A. M. Neville have been confirmed, and considerable additional information concerning creep and shrinkage in mortars has been obtained. Results indicate that-the, quantity of, lime in a mortar is related to shrinkage and creep «*the richer the mortar is in lime, the higher the values for creep and the lower the values for shrinkage. The laboratory data can aid in the future selection of the proper mortar for repairs to masonry buildings.