Aerial lime-based mortars blended with a pozzolanic additive and different admixtures: A mineralogical, textural and physical-mechanical study

This work deals with the effects of a lightweight aggregate, plus water-retaining and a water-reducing agents on the hardened properties of mortars in which the aerial lime is replaced by a 10% and 20% metakaolin content. The influence of different binder-to-sand ratios (1:3,1:4,1:6,1:9 by weight) is also investigated here. A tight relationship between metakaolin content and mortar physical-mechanical properties (compressive strength and pore system) has been found. This study is especially helpful for the establishment of the adequate proportions of additives and admixtures to be used in aerial lime mortars designed for restoration works. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.