BOFFILL, Y. 1; BLANCO, H.1; LOMBILLO, I.1; VILLEGAS, L.1; THOMAS, C. 2

1 University of Cantabria, GTED-UC, www.gted.unican.es, gted@unican.es

2 University of Cantabria, LADICIM-UC, www.ladicim.unican.es

Knowledge of the mechanical properties and strength of masonry structures is probably essential in all interventions developed in buildings. This can be assessed in different ways, one of these is through the use of phenomenological or empirical formulas in which it is necessary to know certain mechanical properties of the masonry components. In the case of mortar, due to the small thickness of the joints, it is very complex to obtain representative samples. The mortar characterization is difficult because of lack of information, as a result mortar characteristics are usually assumed with the uncertainties that entails.

The aim of the present study is to contribute to the mechanic characterization of lime mortars of historic buildings through the use of correlations with parameters obtained by non-destructive testing. For this purpose, 8 types of mortar were made using one kind of lime (CL90S), and different proportions of binder:aggregates (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:5). In addition, two types of aggregates were used, limestone and silica. More than 200 prismatic specimens of 40x40x160mm were made. These specimens were tested from a destructive way (flexural and compressive) at 28, 91 and 180 days of curing, and from a non-destructive way (ultrasound and micro-drilling). Furthermore, the influence of carbonation progress in these mortars was analysed.

Keywords: Lime mortars, limes, aggregates, carbonation, micro-drilling.