Evolution of the microstructure of lime based mortars and influence on the mechanical behaviour: The role of the aggregates

A relationship between the mechanical properties and the porous structure was also established: large volumes in the range of macropores tend to reduce the mechanical strength while gel pores, related with the presence of hydraulic compounds, are generally linked to an increase in strength. Overall, the assessment of the microstructure indicates that the packing density and the shape of the aggregates are the dominant parameters influencing the pore size distribution of macropores; however, the mineralogy and related characteristics also have an important impact on capillary porosity.