SCANNELL, SARAH1; LAWRENCE, MIKE2; WALKER, PETE3

1) Mrs, University of Bath, Architecture and Civil Engineering, S.Scannell@bath.ac.uk

2) Dr., University of Bath, Architecture and Civil Engineering, M.Lawrence@bath.ac.uk

3) Prof., University of Bath, Architecture and Civil Engineering, P.Walker@bath.ac.uk

Preliminary studies have been undertaken to assess the impact of limestone aggregate characteristics on the compressive/flexural strengths of air lime mortar. A number of Binder/Aggregate (B/Ag) ratios were used (1:2, 1:3, 1:4), at curing times of 14 and 28 days. It has been confirmed that different types of limestone can yield higher mortar compressive strengths when compared with the use of silicate aggregate. Some results were found to differ from previous research, despite having the same binder and aggregates, at the same B/Ag ratio and curing times. One key difference is the particle size distribution of the respective aggregates, and further studies will seek to establish the significance. Flexural strength results appear to be unaffected by aggregate type.

Keywords: compressive strength, particle size distribution, calcitic aggregate, air lime, limestone