Time evolution of the mechanical strength of lime mortars for the characterisation of ancient masonry

The knowledge of the mechanical properties of lime mortars is an important data for the evaluation of the masonry strength of heritage buildings. Nevertheless, the mechanical characterisation of sampled mortars is a challenging task due to the joint height or the state of preservation. Chemical analysis can give information about the binder, the aggregate origin, and eventually the binder/aggregate ratio. Thermal or chemical treatments allow the separation of the aggregate from the binder and the reconstruction of the grain size and distribution. Based on these information, new mortars were produced in order to evaluate the mechanical strength. The research explores the reproduction methods and curing timing as part of a wider research aimed at calibrating and comparing procedures for the characterisation of historic-masonry components and for the development of compatible repair materials.