Study of rehabilitation mortars: Construction of a knowledge correlation matrix

Abstract In old building rehabilitation practices, the gathering of full knowledge on used mortars is the most difficult task due to their complexity and variability. At the same time, this necessity of knowledge is critical, since the rehabilitation work must guarantee physical, chemical and mechanical compatibility between former and restoration mortars, not relinquishing aesthetic details. However, the characterization of old mortars can be a very complex process, since it involves different techniques and potentially controversial outcomes. In this work, several mortars were prepared and characterized, in order to improve knowledge that will facilitate the further choice of a suitable material to replace any old mortar. Analytical techniques like XRD and DTA/TGA were used in the determinations of chemical compositions, and physical properties determinations (apparent density, open porosity, compression strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus) were important to understand the mechanical behaviour and durability and to relate it with the prepared formulations composition.