Author

CIZER, Ö.; VAN BALEN, K.; VAN GEMERT, D.
K. U. Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering

Abstract

Hardening reactions in cement-lime mortars containing 30, 50 and 70 % by wt. of lime as a cement replacement are studied under dry, moist and managed curing conditions. The consequences on the mechanical properties and on the porosity of the mortars are discussed. These mortars indicate a combined hardening reaction which is a combination of cement hydration and lime carbonation. Under dry and moist conditions the cement hydration initially proceeds faster than carbonation reaction which evolves gradually. Only the degree of these two reactions is influenced by the moisture content. Hydration reactions are favoured under moist conditions while the carbonation reaction is enhanced under dry conditions. Competition between hydration and carbonation takes place only under managed curing conditions where carbonation leads to decalcification of the hydrated phases without negatively affecting the strength development of the mortars. The studied mortars indicate higher porosity, lower strength and reasonable plastic behaviour when compared to cement mortar.

Key words
lime, cement, mortar, carbonation, hydration