The presented research is focused on the complex assessment of three different types of diatomaceous earth and evaluation of their ability for application as pozzolana active admixtures applicable in the concrete industry and the production of repair mortars applicable for historical masonry. The comprehensive experimental campaign comprised chemical, mineralogical, microstructural, and physical testing of raw materials, followed by the analyses and characterization of pozzolanic activity, rheology and heat evolution of fresh blended pastes, and testing of macrostructural and mechanical parameters of the hardened 28-days and 90-days samples. The obtained results gave evidence of the different behavior of researched diatomaceous earth when mixed with water and Portland cement. The differences in heat evolution, initial and final setting time, porosity, density, and mechanical parameters were identified based on chemical and phase composition, particle size, specific surface, and morphology of diatomaceous particles. Nevertheless, the researched mineral admixtures yielded a high strength activity index (92.9% to 113.6%), evinced their pozzolanic activity. Three fundamental factors were identified that affect diatomaceous earth's contribution to the mechanical strength of cement blends. These are the filler effect, the pertinent acceleration of OPC hydration, and the pozzolanic reaction of diatomite with Portland cement hydrates. The optimum replacement level of ordinary Portland cement by diatomaceous earth to give maximum long-term strength enhancement is about 10 wt.%., but it might be further enhanced based on the properties of pozzolan.

• Klíčová slova
• Portland cement substitution, diatomaceous earth, heat release, improvement of mechanical parameters, pozzolanic activity, rheology, strength activity index,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Rendering mortars with lightweight zeolite aggregates were designed and tested. The effect of the type of binder used was also researched. For the hardened mortars, macrostructural parameters, mechanical characteristics, hygric and thermal properties were assessed. Specific attention was paid to the analysis of the salt crystallization resistance of the developed rendering mortars. Quartz sand was fully replaced in the composition of mortars with zeolite gave materials with low density, high porosity, sufficient mechanical strength, high water vapor permeability and high water absorption coefficient, which are technical parameters required for repair rendering mortars as prescribed in the WTA directive 2-9-04/D and EN 998-1. Moreover, the zeolite enhanced mortars exhibit good thermal insulation performance and high sorption capacity. The examined rendering mortars were found to be well durable against salt crystallization, which supports their applicability in salt-laden masonry. Based on the compatibility of the repair materials with those originally used, the lime and natural hydraulic lime zeolite mortars can be used as rendering mortars for the repair of historical and heritage buildings. The cement-lime zeolite render is applicable for repair purposes only in the case of the renewal of masonry in which Portland cement-based materials were originally used.

• Klíčová slova
• cement-lime binder, hygrothermal performance, lightweight repair mortars, lime hydrate, mechanical resistance, natural hydraulic lime, salt crystallization, zeolite,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Three types of lightweight plasters for building repair were prepared and tested. The composition of plasters was designed in respect to their compatibility with materials used in the past in historical masonry. For the hardened plasters, detailed testing of microstructural and macrostructural parameters was realized together with the broad experimental campaign focused on the assessment of mechanical, hygric, and thermal properties. As the researched plasters should find use in salt-laden masonry, specific attention was paid to the testing of their durability against salt crystallization. The mechanical resistance, porosity, water vapor transmission properties, and water transport parameters of all the researched plasters safely met criteria of WTA directive 2-9-04/D and standard EN 998-1 imposed on repair mortars. Moreover, the tested materials were ranked as lightweight plasters and due to their low thermal conductivity they can be used for the improvement of thermal performance of repaired masonry. The salt crystallization test caused little or no damage of the plasters, which was due to their high porosity that provided free space for salt crystallization. The developed plasters can be recommended for application in repair of damp and salt masonry and due to their compatible composition also in historical, culture heritage buildings. The added value of plasters is also their good thermal insulation performance.

• Klíčová slova
• lightweight plasters, perlite, salt crystallization resistance, vapor permeability, water and salt transport properties,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In this paper, crushed lava granulate was used as full silica sand replacement in composition of repair mortars based on hydrated lime, natural hydraulic lime, or cement-lime binder. Lava granules were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size distribution of both silica and lava aggregates was assessed using standard sieve analysis. Hygrothermal function of the developed lightweight materials was characterized by the measurement of complete set of hygric, thermal, and structural parameters of the hardened mortar samples that were tested for both 28 days and 90 days cured specimens. As the repair mortars must also meet requirements on mechanical performance, their compressive strength, flexural strength, and dynamic Young's modulus were tested. The newly developed mortars composed of lava aggregate and hydrated lime or natural hydraulic lime met technical, functional, compatibility, and performance criteria on masonry and rendering materials, and were found well applicable for repair of historically valuable buildings.

• Klíčová slova
• compatibility, functional properties, hygrothermal performance, lava granulate, repair mortars,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH