St. Astier Mortar tests : 24 months results. September 2000

Enclosed the final results as follows:

Sheet 1(A,B &C):
Sheet 2(A&B) :
Sheet 3 :		 Test on NHL/Sand mixes (1:2 1:2.5 1:3)
Tests on NHL/Putty /Sand blends (NHL blended with Putty @ 10% 30% 50%)
Test on Cement/lime/sand mixes ( 1:1:6 1:2:9 )
* The proposed EU norms are conducted on mortars prepared with a binder/sand ratio of approx. 1:1.3. and Standard EU laboratory sand (ISO 679).
* The tests below reflect the performance of mortars made with the same sand but with volumetric mixes that are commonly used.
* Proctors air cured have been stored at constant 59F and 90% humidity.
* Water addition was made to obtain the same workability on all mortars.
NOTES: Compressive strenght in NHL mortars is achieved gradually, allowing for movement. This is due to the lack of cement. In cementitious mixes the hardening is much faster and mostly complete within 28 days.
Elasticity, which is so important to achieve joint free construction, is by far better in NHL mortars than cementitious mixes.

Shrinkage, capillarity and vapour exchange (permeability to air) also show better values than cementitious mixes. The test on NHL/Putty blends shows the significant performance alteration that takes place. Although this does not signify that these blends cannot be used, we think that the specifier should be aware of the related performance.
The initial set up of these test was done in consultation with Mrs. J. M. Teutonico of English Heritage, Mrs. P. Gibbons of The Scottish Lime Centre, Prof John Ashurst, Douglas Johnston and Arch. Stafford Holmes to whom we are grateful for their co-operation and suggestions.



Tests on Pure NHL Mortars 1 : 2 Sheet 1A
Note: performance figures will vary using different sands. For example see figures on NHL 3.5 tested using a #6 to #200 mesh well graded common sand (Doyeaux).
     
NHL 5
NHL 3.5
NHL 2
 Norm/method
used for test
Water content
oz
7.93
7.97
8.04
  
Water/binder ratio  
0.67
0.88
1.07
  
Penetration
INCH
5/16
3/8
7/16
 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
4.3
5.3
8 3/4
 EN 196.2 P. 6.2
Bulk density (no curing)
lbs/cu.ft.
132
132
131
 EN 459.2.P.5.6
Air content
%
0
1.6
2
 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
        
  28 days  
10800
9010
9025
 French Standard
on one coat renders
  6 months  
18000
16250
12600
  12 months  
18510
15280
12515
  
  24 months  
21500
17480
13375
  
Flexual Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
76.85
62.35
40.6
 as above
  28 days  
130.5
105.85
107.3
 as above
  6 months  
319
316.1
185.6
  
  12 months  
348
326.25
188.5
  
  24 months  
363.95
377
204.85
  
Compressive Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
284
109
90
 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days  
319
273
215
  
  6 months  
1060
1029
557
  
  12 months  
1346
1087
580
  
  24 months  
1567
1251
616
  
Permeability @ complete Carb.
(gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg) 		 
0.55
0.64
0.68
 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
0.75
0.59
0.75
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
3
4.5
10.5
  
Capillarity
g.min
0.88
1.18
3.05
  


Tests on Pure NHL Mortars 1 : 2.5 Sheet 1B
Note: performance figures will vary using different sands.
For example see figures on NHL 3.5 tested using a #6 to #200 mesh well graded common sand (Doyeaux).
     
NHL 5
NHL 3.5
NHL 3.5
Doyeaux Sand
NHL 2
 Norm/method
used for test
Water content
oz
7.58
7.76
8.82
214
  
Water/binder ratio  
0.79
1.07
1.21
1.27
  
Penetration
INCH
19/64
23/64
25/64
21/64
 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
3.3
6
6.15
9
 EN 196.2 P. 6.2
Bulk density (no curing)
lbs/cu.ft.
132
134
123
130
 EN 459.2.P.5.6
Air content
%
0
0
0
1
 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
  
  
      
  28 days  
11000
9000
8600
9800
 French Standard on
one coat renders
  6 months  
17050
13505
12050
12030
  12 months  
17280
13620
  
12030
  
  24 months  
18020
13785
  
12000
  
Flexual Strength
PSI
          
  7 days  
145
83
72
77
 as above
  28 days  
116
69.6
65.25
105.85
  
  6 months  
253.75
246.5
188.5
174
  
  12 months  
319
297.25
  
181.25
  
  24 months  
333.5
290
  
166.75
  
Compressive Strength
PSI
          
  7 days  
145
83
72
77
 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days  
290
213
188
197
  
  6 months  
857
774
583
435
  
  12 months  
1224
855
  
420
  
  24 months  
1277
870
  
435
  
Permeability @ complete Carb.
(gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg) 		 
0.5
0.65
  
0.71
 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
0.13
0.44
  
0.6
  
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
3.2
7.3
  
12.1
  
Capillarity
g.min
2.54
4.7
  
7.84
  

Tests on Pure NHL Mortars 1 : 3 Sheet 1C
Note: performance figures will vary using different sands.
For example see figures on NHL 3.5 tested using a #6 to #200 mesh well graded common sand (Doyeaux).
     
NHL 5
NHL 3.5
NHL 2
 Norm/method
used for test
Water content
oz
7.34
7.44
7.26
  
Water/binder ratio  
0.92
1.23
1.47
  
Penetration
INCH
9/32
21/64
3/8
 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
3
6
9.3
 EN 196.2 P. 6.2
Bulk density (no curing)
lbs/cu.ft.
131
131
131
 EN 459.2.P.5.6
Air content
%
0
3
2
 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
        
  28 days  
10000
8970
9000
 French Standard
on one coat renders
  6 months  
16900
12450
11800
  12 months  
16150
13150
11900
  
  24 months  
17540
13670
11750
  
Flexual Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
58
40.6
36.25
 as above
  28 days  
95.7
94.25
104.4
  
  6 months  
224.75
200.1
156.6
  
  12 months  
261
217.5
152.25
  
  24 months  
297.25
221.85
152.25
  
Compressive Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
128
77
68
 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days  
217
194
181
  
  6 months  
770
571
418
  
  12 months  
942
565
420
  
  24 months  
1131
576
399
  
Permeability @ complete Carb.
(gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg) 		 
0.52
0.72
0.71
 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
0.15
0.25
0.51
  
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
5.5
9.4
15.4
  
Capillarity
g.min
4.61
6.3
8.7
  

NHL / Putty lime blends Sheet 2A
 
NHL 5 /Putty/Sand
 Norm/method
used for test
Blend Ratio
0.9/0.1/3
0.7/0.3/3
0.5/0.5/3
Water/binder ratio
gr
1.2
1.07
1.03
  
Penetration
INCH
9/32
25/64
7/16
 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
3.5
5.25
9.5
 EN 196.2 P. 5.8
Bulk density (no curing)
lbs/cu.ft.
131
127
127
 EN 459.2.P.5.8
Air content
%
0
0
3
 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
        
  28 days  
11000
10020
8000
 French Standard
on one coat renders
  6 months  
16000
14000
13000
  12 months  
16510
14320
13020
  
  24 months  
16500
13950
13220
  
Flexual Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
58
50.75
46.4
 as above
  28 days  
97.15
94.25
65.25
  
  6 months  
166.75
163.85
120.35
  
  12 months  
257.75
166.75
123.25
  
  24 months  
224.75
174
116
  
Compressive Strength
PSI
        
  7 days  
119
96
61
 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days  
203
159
87
  
  6 months  
696
573
431
  
  12 months  
768
594
406
  
  24 months  
761
625
413
  
Permeability @ complete Carb. (vapour exchange)
(gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg)
0.6
0.59
0.63
 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
0.25
0.6
0.84
  
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
10
12.3
18
  
Capillarity
g.min
9.5
10.2
13.75
  

NHL / Putty lime blends Sheet 2B
 
NHL 3.5 /Putty/Sand
 Norm/method
used for test
Blend Ratio
0.9/0.1/3
0.7/0.3/3
0.5/0.5/3
Water/binder ratio
gr
1.04 1 0.95  
Penetration
INCH
 5/16 15/32 33/64 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
 6.5 8.5 10 EN 196.2 P. 5.8
Bulk density (no curing)
lbs/cu.ft.
 129 127 126 EN 459.2.P.5.8
Air content
%
 3 4 6 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
        
  28 days   8400 8050 7510 French Standard
on one coat renders
  6 months   13200 12600 11000
  12 months   13410 12900 11050  
  24 months   14520 13010 10850  
Flexual Strength
PSI
        
  7 days   55.1 72.5 37.7 as above
  28 days   87 75.4 55.1  
  6 months   192.85 152.25 94.25  
  12 months   217.5 174 116  
  24 months   226.2 182.7 121.8  
Compressive Strength
PSI
        
  7 days   110 110 32 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days   188 159 109  
  6 months   565 526 290  
  12 months   696 638 544  
  24 months   689 660 384  
Permeability @ complete Carb. (vapour exchange)
(gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg) 		0.69 0.71 0.68 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
 0.35 0.67 0.89  
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
 11.2 15.6 19.3  
Capillarity
g.min
 4.41 8.72 12.94  

Cement/Hydrated Lime/Sand Sheet 3
Blends
1 : 1 : 6
1 : 2 : 9
 Norm/method
used for test
Water content
gr
 200 200  
Water/binder ratio   0.72 0.65  
Penetration
INCH
 9/32 9/32 EN459-2P.5.5.3
Set (begining)
h
 1.3 1 EN 459-2 P.6.2
Bulk density (no curing)
lb/cu.ft.
 131 131 EN 459.2.P.5.8
Air content
%
 0 0 EN 459.2 P. 5.7
Elasticity Moduli
Mpa
     French Standard
on one coat renders
as above
  28 days   16200 15595
  6 months   22010 19300
  12 months   22210 19700  
  24 months   22150 19650  
Flexual Strength
PSI
      
  7 days   297 239  
  28 days   283 225  
  6 months   304 217  
  12 months   319 246  
  24 months   319 254  
Compressive Strength
PSI
      
  7 days   728 719 EN459-2P.5.1
  28 days   1116 834  
  6 months   1174 834  
  12 months   1261 877  
  24 months   1232 863  
Permeability
(vapour exchange. gr of air x m2 x hour x mmHg) 		0.23 0.25 French Standard
for one coat renders
Shrinkage at 28 days
mm.m
 0.63 0.42  
Water absorbtion
L.h.m2
 0.23 0.25  
Capillarity
g.min
 1.08 6.86