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Related Concept Videos

Mortar Properties01:17

Mortar Properties

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Mortar properties encompass a range of characteristics crucial for construction and masonry work, including workability, water retention, bond strength, durability, compressive strength, volume change, and appearance. Workability refers to mortar's ability to be easily applied and manipulated without sagging or falling off surfaces, which is important for efficient masonry unit placement and alignment. Water retention is essential to prevent the mortar from losing moisture too quickly to...
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Mortar01:29

Mortar

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Mortar, a mixture of Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water, is a crucial binding material in construction. Its primary function is to join masonry units together, filling gaps and ensuring a uniform distribution of weight across the structure. This helps in preventing potential weaknesses. Mortar also serves as a protective barrier against environmental elements such as water and wind, thereby safeguarding the interior of the structure. It also compensates for surface irregularities...
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Mortar Joint Deterioration in Masonry01:13

Mortar Joint Deterioration in Masonry

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Mortar joint deterioration is a significant concern in masonry structures, with water accumulation in the joints leading to damage from freeze-thaw cycles. The repeated expansion of water during freezing and its melting during thawing develop and propagate cracks in the masonry joints. Eventually, this leads to the spalling of mortar from the joints, loosening masonry units and weakening the structure. The deteriorated mortar joints are also vulnerable to moisture intrusion into the walls.
The...
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Mortar Joints in Brick Masonry01:25

Mortar Joints in Brick Masonry

385
Mortar joints play a critical role in brick masonry, filling the spaces between brick to bind them together and provide structural integrity and strength. The thickness of these joints is variable, typically ranging from less than one-fourth inch to over half an inch, based on structural needs and specific applications.
The process of joint tooling is implemented as the mortar begins to harden. This technique involves compacting and shaping the mortar to enhance both the appearance and the...
385
Reinforced Brick Masonry01:15

Reinforced Brick Masonry

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Reinforced brick masonry is an advanced construction technique that enhances the structural integrity of brick walls by incorporating steel reinforcements. These reinforcements are either placed within the hollow cores of bricks or sandwiched between two layers of masonry, known as wythes, and are then secured in place with grout. Grout is a fluid mixture composed of Portland cement, aggregate, and water, providing the necessary bonding agent for the steel and brick.
To fortify brick walls...
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Brick Durability, Strength, and Appearance01:15

Brick Durability, Strength, and Appearance

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Brick durability, strength, and appearance are crucial factors in construction, influencing the choice of bricks for specific applications. The process of freeze-thaw, for instance, significantly affects brick durability. This phenomenon occurs when water absorbed by a brick expands as it freezes, potentially causing damage when it melts and refreezes. Bricks are graded for durability: SW-grade bricks are the most durable, offering high strength and low water absorption, followed by MW-grade...
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Re-Valorizing Oyster-Shell Waste in Natural Hydraulic Lime-Based Mortars for Brick Substrate Applications:

Poliana Bellei1,2, Manuel Francisco Costa Pereira2, Isabel Torres3,4

  • 1CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1014-001 Lisbon, Portugal.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 10, 2026
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Summary

Oyster shells can replace lime and sand in mortars for historic buildings. These sustainable mortars improve strength and durability while reducing waste.

Keywords:
aquacultureblue economycircular economymolluskssustainable mortarwaste recycling

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Area of Science:

  • Construction Materials Science
  • Sustainable Building Materials
  • Waste Valorization

Background:

  • Oyster shell waste is a significant environmental concern.
  • Traditional mortars in historic masonry require sustainable alternatives.
  • Eco-efficient construction materials are crucial for modern building practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the use of oyster shells as partial replacements for lime and sand in natural hydraulic lime mortars.
  • To evaluate the physical, mechanical, and durability performance of these novel mortars.
  • To assess the suitability of oyster shell mortars for conserving and rehabilitating historic masonry.

Main Methods:

  • Two mortar formulations were developed: 24% oyster shell powder (OSP) replacing natural hydraulic lime (NHL) and 30% oyster shell aggregate (OSA) replacing sand.
  • Mortars were tested in standard molds and directly applied to solid bricks.
  • Accelerated aging (temperature and humidity cycles) and microscopic characterization (poro-Hg, X-ray tomography) were employed.

Main Results:

  • Shell-incorporated mortars applied to bricks showed higher bulk density and compressive strength.
  • These mortars exhibited lower porosity, capillary water absorption, and water vapor permeability compared to mold-cast samples.
  • Mortars retained stable properties after aging, with less than 10% variation.

Conclusions:

  • Oyster shells are feasible as partial replacements for lime and sand in NHL mortars.
  • The substrate-mortar interaction is crucial for performance, similar to traditional lime-based systems.
  • Oyster shell mortars offer a sustainable and eco-efficient solution for historic masonry conservation and rehabilitation.