The influence of aggregate texture, morphology and grading on the carbonation of non-hydraulic (aerial) lime-based mortars
The influence of aggregate texture, morphology and grading on the carbonation of non-hydraulic (aerial) lime-based mortars
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (October 2013) 46 (4): 507-520
- aggregate
- cement materials
- characterization
- construction materials
- density
- durability
- hydraulics
- lime
- mathematical models
- mechanical properties
- microstructure
- ornamental materials
- permeability
- physical properties
- physicochemical properties
- porosity
- siliceous composition
- soil mechanics
- strength
- textures
- TGA data
- X-ray diffraction data
- mortar
This paper reports on investigations of the influence of the texture, morphology and grading of fine aggregates on the microstructure and macroscopic properties of aerial lime-based mortars. To understand the role of the aggregate in the outcome of the carbonation process, mortars set with two aggregates were cured for 2 years under standard conditions and studied at different time intervals by means of textural and mineralogical analyses and hygric and physical-mechanical tests. Both the initial and further development of the mortar properties are strongly influenced by compositional and textural differences induced by the type of aggregate used. Results show that a calcareous aggregate with continuous grading, consisting of sub-angular grains with a rough surface, induced better textural and physical-mechanical properties than a siliceous aggregate, with polished surface grains and less continuous grading. The use of a calcareous aggregate also provided compositional continuity between the binder and aggregate, apparently promoting further improvement in carbonation and physical-mechanical properties. Further work to quantify this influence is recommended.