Due
to the very low presence of aluminates and other components (gypsum, alkalis),
St. Astier limes are suitable to be used in marine climates.
An extreme test has been conducted in our laboratories by using seawater
instead of distilled water (ISO norms EN 459.2). The mortar was prepared
with ISO sands and the current European Norm ratio of >lbs./cu. ft. of
binder.
The sea water was simulated by using salt from the Read Sea (as used in
sea water aquariums) at a ratio of 4.4oz/gal (-1). The proctors were cured
in the same water for 7, 28 and 90 days.
The lime used was NHL 3.5 and the table below shows results
in tensile and compressive strength compared with an identical mortar prepared
with the usual water as per EU standards (EN 459-2).
|
Curing - Days
|
Seawater proctors
|
Standard proctors
|
|
|
TS
|
CS
|
TS
|
CS
|
|
|
PSI
|
PSI
|
PSI
|
PSI
|
|
7
|
178 |
449 |
123 |
406 |
|
28
|
536 |
1377 |
362 |
1290 |
|
90
|
551 |
2218 |
507 |
2117 |
Note:
the high compressive strength obtained is due to the EU norm standard mortar ratio
which is near to 1:1.
The performances of the 2 mortars are similar
at 90 days but the presence of sodium chloride accelerates the early hardening.
The following was not noted:
- Lime leaching.
- Reaction of
the Portlandite resulting from the hydration of C2S
that could produce calcium sulphates in the form of expansive Ettringite.
- Possible
formation of Brucite.
- Substitution of the Tobermorite lime by magnesium,
forming friable magnesium silicates.
- Formation of Friedel salt (Calcium
Chloro Aluminate)
The study is conducted to check the passive reaction
in the presence of sea salt. It does not consider the possible presence of organic
matter or other contaminants in the seawater. |
