Measuring the water capacity and transfer properties of fresh mortar

The water transport properties of fresh mortar are determined using three experimental techniques which are common in soil science but new in this field of application: permeameter tests, suction tests and pressure plate tests. A description of the phase relations of mortars during drainage (moisture-loss) leads to an expression of the water retention curve as a function of the water content using Van Genuchten's equation. The permeability curve is then derived from a single point measurement and a relation between permeability and water retention. Important differences between lime and cement mortars are expressed in terms of their residual water content and the slope of the water retention curve. These differences are found to be intrinsically related to the particle size distribution of the binder used.