The effects of dosage and production process on the mechanical and physical properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) mortars are well-extended in restoration works presently. However, there is still a lack of standardization on their dosage methodology. Thus, seven types of mortar were fabricated and five factors which have an influence on their properties have been studied, in particular the water-binder ratio, the mold material, the aggregate size and type and the different curing conditions. Furthermore, an advanced mechanical characterization has been performed on these mortars, including the measurement of the fracture energy. Finally, some empirical equations for determining the relationships between these mechanical properties were proposed, which could be helpful when simulating the numerical models of historical constructions.