Author
SCHUEREMANS, L. and VAN BALEN, K. and CIZER, Ö. and JANSSENS, E. and SERRÉ,G.
K U Leuven, Civil Engineering Department
BROSENS, K.
Triconsult NV, Belgium
ELSEN, J.
K U Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Abstract
Mortars used for restoration must be highly compatible with historic materials in terms of physical, chemical and mechanical properties in order to assure the durability of masonry on the long term. Compatibility criteria are defined based on the original mortar characteristics but the efficiency and the performance of the repair mortar after application on masonry are not generally evaluated. From this perspective, historic mortars and repair mortars from 3 historic masonry structures were analyzed for their characterization. Compatibility of the repair mortars with the historic mortars is investigated in terms of chemical, mineralogical, and physical point of view. The efficiency of the analytical techniques used for the mortar characterization is discussed. A methodology and a flow-chart describing a basic approach for a mortar analysis is proposed taking into account the added values and the basic requirements from both practical and scientific point of view. This study will contribute to the existing knowledge on mortar analysis and will provide new insights on the assessment of the compatibility of the repair mortars.

Key words
compatibility, repair mortars, restoration, historic masonry