Hot Mixed Lime and Traditional Mortars: A Practical Guide to Their Use in Conservation and Repair

by Nigel Copsey

Overview

Traditional mortars are eminently workable, effectively porous, economic in use and appropriately durable. Used in buildings for thousands of years, these materials are ideal for repair and conservation work. Unlike cement or modern hydraulic lime, their routine use would make a significant contribution in the struggle against climate change. However, despite the 1975 'lime revival' there remains a deficit in research into the most-used traditional mortars. This book seeks to redress the balance. Drawing upon historic literature, material science and industry case studies, topics covered include: a historical overview of traditional mortars; slaking and mixing hot mixed lime mortars; the essentials of pozzolans, aggregates and lime tempering; plasters, lime washes and sheltercoats, and finally, the revival of interest in the use of like-for-like and compatible mortars.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785005558
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	02/22/2019
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	7.52(w) x 9.46(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Nigel Copsey began his career as a dry-stone waller, before training as a stonemason and carver. He has since worked in the conservation industry across the UK, the USA and Andalusia, specializing as a consultant and practitioner on major repair projects for historic buildings. An accredited conservator-restorer, he is a leading advocate for the routine use of hot mixed lime and traditional earth-lime mortars, working with Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland and international partners in the delivery of training and education. Nigel is a Research Associate of the Department of Archaeology, University of York.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Chapter 1 Why We Should Use Traditional Mortars and a Brief History of Their Demise 8

Chapter 2 Earth and Earth-Lime Mortars 16

Chapter 3 Hot-Mixed Lime Mortars - Slaking and Mixing 48

Chapter 4 Hot-Mixed Lime Mortars - Mortar Proportions 72

Chapter 5 Pozzolans, Aggregates and Lime Tempering 85

Chapter 6 Plasters, Limewashes and Sheltercoats 96

Chapter 7 Hot Lime Grouts and Concretes 112

Chapter 8 The Problem with Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHLs) 118

Chapter 9 Functional Behaviour of Traditional Lime Mortar - David Wiggins 137

Chapter 10 Hot-Mixing for the Twenty-First Century 148

Bibliography 169

Index 175