Air lime mortars: What else do we need to know to apply them in conservation and rehabilitation interventions? A review

Air lime mortars were used in construction since immemorial times until at least the beginning of the 20th century. This material may tell the history of construction, in large parts of the world, as perhaps no other may. To retrieve the lost knowledge of air lime mortars preparation techniques and application methodologies, many scientific studies were carried out, beginning with the analysis of old mortars and the study of old treatises and continuing with research about new air lime mortars. In spite of all those efforts and of the evidences that lime mortars are the most adequate for the conservation of old buildings, their use in conservation interventions is still rare. What is lacking in knowledge in order to make it possible their generalized use? And what is lacking in action? (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.