Definition
A workable masonry or repair material made from lime, sand, and water; traditional air-hardening formulations harden mainly through carbonation.
Composition and hardening
Lime mortar consists of a binder and fine aggregate. This entry focuses on traditional air-hardening lime mortar, distinguishing it from systems that gain hydraulic properties through the addition of pozzolans.
Continuing uses
Modern cement mortar has not completely displaced it. Restoring historic buildings requires consideration of the strength of the original masonry, vapor permeability, and material compatibility; substitutes cannot be selected on strength alone. The dates indicate ancient use confirmed by the sources in this review, rather than the earliest invention.
Principles and impact
Problems solved
- Fills masonry joints, binds bricks and stone, and accommodates the moisture and deformation conditions of historic building materials.
Principles
- Lime acts as the binder, while sand provides the granular framework.
- Traditional air-hardening lime mortar gradually hardens by reacting with carbon dioxide in the surrounding environment.
Improvements
Not recorded
Significance
- Established a long-lived approach to masonry and conservation materials that is still used to suit historic brickwork and stonework.
History and applications
People
Not recorded
Organizations
Not recorded
Events
Not recorded
Applications
Brick and stone masonry、Repointing and repair of historic buildings
Limitations
- Hardening of air-hardening formulations depends on environmental conditions, and they are not universally suitable for underwater use.
- Repair materials that are too hard or have incompatible vapor permeability can damage historic masonry.
Upstream and downstream relations
Upstream
Sources: Lime plaster cover of the dead 12,000 years agoMortar, Unsung Hero of History
Downstream
No direct downstream relations recorded