Mortars for Consolidation and Repointing of Natural Stone Masonry

摘要

Over the last ten years, it became more and more evident that natural stone masonry can only be restored satisfactorily by utilizing lime mortars. Lime mortars are, after all, the original substance used, and it is obvious that it is not only aesthetically but also from technical point of view advantageous to utilize materials similar to the original in restoration. Technical advantages include high flexibility and water permeability as well as their relatively low strength. These characteristics guarantee durability and compatibility in natural stone masonry. Even though these advantages should be obvious, especially when considering the century-ling durability. Of historical lime mortars, cement mortars were predominantly used after the discovery of Portland cement in the middle of the last century. This, however, oftentimes led to the need of restoring these restorations after only a few decades.