Abstract
The effect of mortar and brick properties on the growth of ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) and yellow corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) has been investigated in laboratory. Different mortar compositions were designed and tested in combination with two different bricks.Highly porous bricks and mortars showed good bioreceptivity; mortars with lime-trass and, in lower extent, those with natural hydraulic lime binder, gave the best results in terms of bioreceptivity. The addition of vermiculite to the mortar was beneficial for plant growth.The brick-mortar combinations most favourable for plant growth were those with estimated low compressive and flexural bond strength values. Proposals are advanced for obtaining a compromise between mechanical strength and bioreceptivity.
Highlights
Biological growth on buildings and structures is an undesired event, as this can cause damage to building materials, due to pressure generated by the roots and/or to chemical reactions leading to dissolution of materials components (e.g. [1])
The results show that brick 8 has a much slower water absorption rate and a lower capillary absorption and open porosity than brick 2
The slow water absorption suggests that brick B8 has smaller pores than brick bricks of type 2 (B2)
Summary
Biological growth on buildings and structures is an undesired event, as this can cause damage to building materials, due to pressure generated by the roots and/or to chemical reactions leading to dissolution of materials components (e.g. [1]). Biological growth on buildings and structures is an undesired event, as this can cause damage to building materials, due to pressure generated by the roots and/or to chemical reactions leading to dissolution of materials components Biological growth is often associated to feelings of untidiness and neglect. The terms ‘‘biodeterioration” and ‘‘biodegradation”, used to address biological growth on building materials, reflect this negative connotation. In the last years this attitude is slowly changing: urban ecology gained increasing attention and greening the city has become one of the aims of many municipalities. Walls, and among these quay walls, have the potential to be ecologically engineered to encourage a greater diversity and range of spe-. Research has recently focused on the study of engineering solutions and materials to favour biological growth on walls
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