Evolution of mechanical properties and drying shrinkage in lime-based and lime cement-based mortars with pure limestone aggregate

The study revealed that NHL5 (1:1.75) mortar exhibits, for 28 days in a 70 ± 5% RH chamber, better results from the point of view of strength and shrinkage. A NHL5 (1:1.75) mortar could be a good candidate to be used like a repair mortar due to its good response to the movements of the stones in the buildings and its higher strengths. However the shrinkage in a lime cement-based mortar as well as a pure lime-based mortar is high enough as to cause a decrease in their strength. This information is very useful for the design of repair mortars.