Bond-strength performance of hydraulic lime and natural cement mortared sandstone masonry

Flexural bond strength is an important performance characteristic of masonry structures yet there is no guidance for lime-mortared stonework in design codes of practice. This study investigates the bond strength of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) and natural cement mortared sandstone masonry. To this end, the flexural bond strength of masonry couplets, built with mortars of three hydraulic strengths and one natural cement and having a water-content adjusted to achieve a similar consistency, was measured with the bond wrench test. Practical mortar compositions and natural curing conditions were used within the experimental programme. Bond strength was found to be directly related to binder hydraulicity and sandstone pre-wetting time - a positive effect in the case of the former and a negative influence in the case of the latter. Pre-wetting time, however, had a greater influence on the feebly hydraulic lime binder (NHL 2) than on the moderately (NHL 3.5) and eminently hydraulic (NHL 5) lime binders. The results presented will assist in improving our knowledge of lime mortared sandstone masonry and in the development of design guidance. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.