Abstract
Mortar coatings applied to historic buildings and artwork must be compatible with the pre-existing materials, thus contributing with both the restoration and preservation of heritage without affecting its architectonic value. Lime mortars consisting of fine aggregate ratio of 1:3 are softer than cement mortars and therefore more adequate for restoration. The performance and durability of the conventional lime mortar can be further improved in order to reduce the number of interventions. The addition of fine residues can contribute to this goal as they fill the pores of the hardened mortar. The residue of porcelain tile polishing (RPP) is a fine material and can be added to the mortar partially replacing the fine aggregate. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of the addition of RPP on the fresh and hardened states of the lime mortar. Contents from 5 to 30 wt% of RPP were investigated and the properties of the corresponding mortars were compared to those of the conventional mortar. In the fresh state, consistency, density, water retention and air content were measured. Rectangular samples of each mortar composition were then dried and aged during 90 days to analyze the mechanical strength and adherence. All tests are standardized by ABNT. The results revealed that mortars containing RPP depicted higher density and compactness as a consequence of the reduction in the air content. Mortars with RPP contents between 10 and 20% showed enhanced properties in the hardened state compared to the RPP-free mortar, including better retraction behavior, higher mechanical and adherence strength. The addition of RPP, partially replacing the fine aggregate in lime mortar, resulted in mortar compositions with improved overall behavior for restoration, and possibly longer durability, thus contributing to the architectural restoration and preservation of historical heritage with fewer interventions.
Keywords:
lime mortar; restoration; porcelain tile polishing residue
