Influence of admixtures on the cracking sensitivity of mortar layers applied to a mineral substrate

► Original device for studying the sensitivity to cracking of mortars applied on a mineral substrate. ► Mortars use different nature of admixtures (cellulose ethers, latex and air-entraining agent). ► There is an optimum of polymer content for which mechanical properties of the mortar are maximal. ► Up to the optimum of polymer content, cracking sensitivity is related to flexural strength and flexural modulus. ► From the optimum of polymer content only the flexural toughness is relevant.