Development of a lime based grout for cracks repair in earthen constructions

• A grout based on hydraulic lime mortar for the cracks repair of earthen constructions was developed.
• A lime based grout for earthen material strengthening requires low water content, good water retention and low shrinkage.
• The lime based grout developed is adaptable to the strength properties of earthen substrate.
• Results showed a satisfactory performance concerning fresh and hardened mortar properties as well as injectability.
• Grouting, as isolated intervention, is not a viable repair method if a structure will be exposed to shear or tensile loads.

The study presents the results from the development of a grouting material based on hydrated lime with addition of pozzolana, which is referred to as hydraulic lime, suitable for the repair of cracks in a variety of earthen building techniques. The goal was to develop a material also compatible with earthen structures exposed to dynamic loads. The grouting mortar was designed to be adaptable in strength properties and at the same time to have sufficient robustness for preparation and use on the construction site. Results showed a satisfactory performance of the grout concerning fresh and hardened mortar properties as well as injectability.