Pore Structure as a Determinant of Flexibility in Sustainable Lime-Cement Mortar Composites

Flexibility of Lime Mortar resulting from its good permeability feature through relatively large interconnected pore structure makes it popular as an old sustainable building material. This characteristic enhances capability to suppress masonry deformation. However, mechanical strength is weak. To address this shortcoming, cement added form a stronger composite. study, therefore, evaluates the lime-cement composite, with view assessing impact and sustainability lime’s flexibility in overall performance Adopting equal mix ratio (1:3) Binder/Aggregate (B/A), mortars were prepared using lime lone binder, well other five different compositions ascending descending order binders (i.e., 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1 3:1). Each composition was assessed fresh state Water/Binder ratio, Air Content Bulk Density. For hardened assessments, characteristics microstructural features evaluated six (6) twelve (12) month curing periods respectively, considered. Results investigation reveal that low cumulative porosity summation porosities) across three regions Inter-Nano pores (1 – 10 nm), Super-Nano (10 100 nm) Sub-Micro (0.1 1 µm), for each mortars, observed be synonymous content, Modulus Elasticity, (fc/ff), thus, high flexibility. observation supported by linear coefficient correlation (R2 = 0.89) equation describing both ‘cumulative porosity’ (within referenced ranges) content. Thus, could inferred despite addition alteration presence would retain property composites, more contents. Considering impacts pandemic climate change, growing energy costs human activities on environment, study therefore attempts promote revival but partially abandoned based facilitating improved mortar performances, conservation resources protection environment.