Influence of mortar water content and workability on the mechanical behaviour of lime mortar masonry
Citation:
A. Costigan and S. Pavia , Influence of mortar water content and workability on the mechanical behaviour of lime mortar masonry, BCRI Bridge Infrastructure Concrete Research Ireland, University College Cork, September 2010 , Ni Nuallain, Walsh, West, Cannon, Caprani, McCabe, 2010, 449 - 456Download Item:
Abstract:
Water content affects mortar properties and the quality of the resultant masonry,
however, it is often subjectively determined by the mason by assessing workability.
This lack of explicit methodology and data, can lead to lack of mortar consistency and
field performance, adversely affecting full uptake of lime mortars into mainstream
technology. The aim of this research is to assist develop consistent lime mortars of
high quality, that would improve the strength and durability of masonry. To this aim,
the paper investigates the compressive, flexural and bond strength of clay brick
masonry bound with natural hydraulic lime mortar (NHL2), at variable water contents
delivering different workabilities. The results evidenced that increasing the water
content by 1% yields a 5mm increase in initial flow (from 165 to 170mm). It was
found that this water increment significantly increases the mortar?s compressive
strength simultaneously reducing its flexural strength, but it does not increase stiffness
under compression. It was also evidenced that the 1% water increment significantly
enhances the masonry?s compressive, bond and flexural strengths. From these, it was
concluded that mixing NHL2 mortars to produce a 170mm initial flow will result in a
consistently adequate strength and mechanical behaviour for mortar and masonry.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/paviashttp://people.tcd.ie/costiga
Description:
PUBLISHEDUniversity College Cork
Author: COSTIGAN, ADRIAN; PAVIA, SARA
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BCRI Bridge Infrastructure Concrete Research IrelandType of material:
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