Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortars Research Articles

Effect of a mixed-in crystallization inhibitor on the properties of hydraulic mortars

<abstract> <p>Porous building materials are often subjected to damage due to salt crystallization. In recent years, the addition of crystallization inhibitors in lime-based mortar, has shown promising results in improving durability of this material against salt decay. Lime-based mortars have low mechanical properties and slow setting. They are often replaced with hydraulic binders to overcome these limitations. However, the effect of crystallization inhibitors in mortars with hydraulic binders is still unknown. Incorporation of crystallization inhibitors in hydraulic mortars would widen the application field of this new technology. In this research, the possibility to develop hydraulic mortars with mixed-in sodium ferrocyanide, an inhibitor of sodium chloride crystallization, is explored. As an essential first step, the influence of this inhibitor addition on the properties of hydraulic mortars is investigated. Two common types of hydraulic binders, natural hydraulic lime (NHL) and ordinary Portland cement (CEM I), were studied; the inhibitor was added in different amounts (0%, 0.1% and 1% by binder weight) during mortar (and binder paste) preparation. Relevant mortar and binder paste properties, in fresh (hydration, workability, setting time) and hardened (mechanical strength, elastic modulus, pore size distribution, water absorption) state, were assessed using several complementary methods and techniques. The results indicate that the addition of ferrocyanide does not alter the studied properties of both NHL and CEMI-based mortar and binder pastes. These results are promising for the further development of hydraulic mortars with an improved durability with respect to salt decay.</p> </abstract>

A Sustainable Production of Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortars Through Bio-Amendment

A Sustainable Production of Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortars Through Bio-Amendment

Effect of loading frequency on the fatigue life in compression of natural hydraulic lime mortars

This paper focuses on the study of the influence of the loading frequency on the fatigue life in compression of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars. For this purpose, fatigue tests were performed under three different loading frequencies: 0.05 Hz, 0.5 Hz, and 5 Hz. The maximum and minimum stresses applied in the fatigue tests were 85% and 20% of the compressive strength of the mortar, respectively, and the runout limit was set at around three days. It is observed that the NHL mortar is sensitive to the loading frequency; that is, for higher frequencies, more cycles are resisted by the specimens. Concerning the secondary strain of the fatigue creep curves, the Sparks and Menzies law was satisfied independently of the loading frequency. This law is useful to predict the number of cycles to failure of runouts if the secondary strain is known. In addition, given the high scatter of results, a probabilistic treatment is applied. Firstly, they were fitted to a two-parameter cumulative Weibull distribution function. Secondly, the results were fitted to a probabilistic fatigue model based on the initial distribution. With it, one can obtain the failure probability of the material for any given value of loading frequency. Finally, we observed an increase in the residual strength after fatigue in comparison to the static compression tests of around 40%. Through mercury intrusion porosimetry tests, it is concluded that a possible chemical curing of the material could have occurred induced by the cyclic loads.

High temperature resistant restoration mortar with fly ash and GGBFS

Nowadays, the development of sustainable building materials is of loom large in for the preserve resources and reducing CO2 emission and environmental pollution effects. Exposure to fire or other high temperatures of mortars produced with calcium-based binders (cement or hydraulic lime) adversely affects their mechanical properties. In addition, the effect of high temperature may cause a change in the pore structures, causing cracking and spalling. Protecting the integrity of historical buildings exposed to high temperatures is important for cultural sustainability. In this study, natural hydraulic lime (NHL) used as a binder in mortars was replaced with 15, 30 and 60% fly ash (FA) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS). In the mixtures, 1.5% (by volume) polypropylene fiber (PF) was also used. Test results reveal that while the mortars’ workability increased as the FA and GBFS content increased, PF decreased the flow diameters of the mortars. It has been determined that the paste content affects the porosity and water absorption rates of mortars. With the addition of FA content, paste content increased and porosity reduced. Compressive strength over 10 MPa was obtained by using 30% FA in 90-day lime mortars. As the addition of GBFS, the compressive and flexural strength were negatively affected. PF has reduced the porosity and water penetration depth of the mortars thanks to its micro filler effect. FA-based mixtures were more resistant to high temperatures than GBFS-based mixtures. Compressive strength was measured between 4.3 and 8.6 MPa after 600 °C temperature in FA-based mixtures. In fibrous mixtures, increment of mass loss was more with high temperature. C-S-H gels were observed in XRD and SEM analyzes of mortars exposed to high temperatures. PF was observed in stereomicroscope images of mixtures exposed to 200 °C. Since the porosity of the mortars is relatively high (19.7%–30.8%), the PF in the mixtures exposed to 200 °C did not melt completely but was damaged. As a result, it would be more appropriate to use 30% of FA and 15% of GBFS in NHL mortars.

A Comperative Study on the Influence of Mineral Additives to the Physicomechanical Properties of NHL Mortars Cured in Water

This paper focuses on producing a natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortar with metakaolin, expanded perlite and tuff additives for the purpose of repairing historic masonry. The experimental study was based on laboratory tests for determining the mechanical and physical properties of NHL mortars with mineral additives, under standard and water curing conditions at 7, 28 and 90-day testing periods. Following preliminary tests for selecting most favourable materials; flexural strength, compressive strength, adhesion strength, modulus of elasticity and ultrasound tests were conducted for obtaining mechanical performance. Adhesion strength of mortars were determined by applying each mortar to the most common historic masonry materials. Physical performance of the pozzolan added mortars were investigated through; apparent density, bulk density, water permeability, capillary absorption, water vaporpermeability, porosity tests. Regardless of mineral additive type; water cured mortars reached higher physico-mechanical properties in comparison with the ones cured in relative humidity. Overall, water cured natural hydraulic lime mortars with specific amounts of mineral addition are found promising for the repair of historic masonry.

Coffee biowaste valorization within circular economy: an evaluation method of spent coffee grounds potentials for mortar production

PurposeSpent coffee grounds (SCG) are biowastes extensively generated within the coffee supply chain. Nowadays, their disposal represents an increasing environmental concern due to its toxicity and organic nature. With the estimated increase of coffee production and consumption in the upcoming years, there is an imperative need to find a proper reverse option, along with a novel industrial application, which allows for the valorization of this coffee by-product within a circular economy perspective. This study aims at investigating a potential reuse of spent coffee grounds to produce novel construction materials to be used for sustainable buildings.MethodsAfter having illustrated the forward flows within the coffee life cycle and the potential reverse flow options, an evaluation method based on multi-criteria analyses was elaborated to test not only the technical but also the environmental and economic performances of novel materials originating from the incorporation of SCG as an aggregate in natural hydraulic lime and geopolymer-based mortars. Moreover, we focus on the reuse of another waste streams— biomass fly ash—deriving from the paper-pulp industry, rarely investigated in both traditional construction applications and in geopolymer manufacture. The two (geopolymer- and lime-based) mortar typologies are here studied and compared as potential green material for applications in construction, with satisfying engineering performance and high insulation attitude, giving a new life to a common organic waste. Consequently, we compare eight formulations by means of multi-criteria approaches that are nowadays claimed as a useful and effective decision aiding support instrument to assess the development of new sustainable construction materials. They permit to consider simultaneously some controversial and often uncertain aspects like technological (as the usual scientific studies do), environmental, and economic (more difficult to easily approach and evaluate). For this purpose, in this paper, we have analyzed the performance of the novel bio-composite mortars using VIKOR and TOPSIS methods to rank a set of alternatives according to various evaluation criteria that often conflict one with each other.ResultsResults show that adding spent coffee grounds can efficiently improve the technical and sustainable performances of the novel mortars for different applications in the building sector. The presence of SCG increases water absorption and improves the insulation performance along with an environmental impact reduction. The considered technological properties are highly promising—such as the improvement in thermal insulation. In particular, even the addition of only 5% SCG leads to a significant reduction of the thermal conductivity and consequently to a greater insulating performance.ConclusionsTo date, most of the available literature on recycling SCG in construction materials do not consider mortar-based applications and, moreover, nor multi-criteria approaches. Therefore, our study proposes itself as an innovative track solution to food waste management lowering the employment of non-renewable natural resources and the costs associated to construction material production. At the same time, a novel and innovative way of such waste disposal is suggested, pursuing the sustainability and substantially reducing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. This study is a fundamental step in assessing the applicability of our designed and produced materials and its potentials to be produced at an industrial scale.

Experimental analysis on the performance of egg albumen as a sustainable bio admixture in natural hydraulic lime mortars

Mortar is the most common component of the construction materials used for centuries. The use of admixtures is essential in preparing mortar mix with mechanical properties suitable for the restoration of ancient structures. In the present study, Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL3.5) mortar was modified by adding Egg Albumen (EA) as an admixture in varying concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by weight of water, and tested for their fresh-state, mechanical, physical, and durability properties. The rationale behind the work is that the protein-rich Egg Albumen could increase workability due to their lubricating and viscous nature, besides enhancing mechanical properties due to their adhesive nature that could effectively bond the lime and sand together. The work's main objective was to investigate the fresh and hardened state properties of EA-modified hydraulic lime mortar and to discuss the results. The scope of the present study includes (i) evaluation of the effect of EA on the mechanical properties of NHL3.5mortars, (ii) an assessment of the influence of EA on the microstructure and porosity of the NHL3.5mortars, and (iii) durability assessment of the modified mortars based on the reduced capillary water uptake. Analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Thermogravimetric Analysis were used to study the modified mortar's microstructure. Proteins form an impermeable hydrophobic layer that restricted the penetration of water. As a result, the connectivity between the EA-modified-NHL 3.5 mortar's pores was disrupted, resulting in the decreased capillary intake of water and salt solutions. Therefore, EA-modified NHL 3.5 mortars, with their upgraded workability, mechanical, and durability properties, are considered a new generation of sustainable admixtures that could preserve heritage value structures and assure potential use in modern construction.

Experimental characterization of moisture transport in brick masonry with natural hydraulic lime mortar

This article presents an experimental study on the hygric performance of brick masonry with a special focus on the hydraulic characterization of the brick-mortar interface. The hygric behavior was studied at the level of the constituent materials as well as at the composite scale. An extruded fired-clay brick and two types of mortar –Portland cement mortar and natural hydraulic lime mortar– were chosen as target materials. The hygric properties were determined following prescribed experimental procedures. The experimental program included vacuum saturation tests, static gravimetric tests for adsorption/desorption isotherms, dry/wet cup tests, capillary absorption tests, and isothermal one-dimensional drying. The results allowed for a comprehensive identification of the main hygric features of the target materials. Fired-clay brick and lime mortar revealed low hygroscopicity and a strong capillary-active behavior with negligible hysteresis, whereas cement mortar showed activity in both hygroscopic and capillary ranges with a distinct moisture storage hysteresis. Different curing conditions led to dissimilar properties between the lime mortar prepared in molds and the same mortar cured in masonry bed joints. Water absorption in fired-clay bricks showed a marked anisotropic behavior, likely derived from the extrusion process. The existence of an imperfect hydraulic contact at the brick-mortar interface was demonstrated for water absorption. Conversely, the interfacial effect on drying kinetics was not evident.

Mechanical properties of hydraulic lime mortars and fired clay bricks subjected to dry-wet cycles

This paper examines the influence of moisture and chlorides on the mechanical properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars, fired clay brick materials and masonry components. Besides assessing three types of mortars incorporating limes with different hydraulicity levels, a cement-only mortar was also investigated for comparison purposes. The test results indicate that all the hydraulic lime mortars had mass accumulation in the range of 11–14% after being subjected to wet-dry cycles in a sodium chloride solution, whilst the mass uptake was in the range of 3–8% for those made of cement. Salt accumulation produced a denser material leading to compressive cube and flexural strength enhancements by factors ranging between 1.6 and 4.7 in comparison to those in ambient-dry conditions, with even higher factors obtained for compressive cylinder strengths and elastic moduli. In contrast, lime mortar subjected to water-only wet-dry cycles showed constant mass or mass loss, due to cracking. Uniaxial compressive strengths of cylindrical brick cores were about 8.5% higher due to wet-dry cycles in chloride solution, and by about 14.9% lower due to wet-dry cycles in water, compared to the ambient-dry case. Complementary compressive tests on masonry cylinders in ambient-dry conditions were also used to assess the adequacy of existing compressive strength assessment expressions. After modifying the expressions by a set of proposed calibration factors, these are employed to undertake a sensitivity study using the mechanical properties of mortars and bricks subjected to wet-dry cycling. The results of the sensitivity study, combined with strength ranges available in the literature, lead to an identification of a suitable range of materials that can be considered for rehabilitation of some forms of historic masonry.

Hygrothermal simulation of building performance: data for Scottish masonry materials

Retrofitting thermal insulation to solid masonry walls alters their hygrothermal behaviour, which can be modelled by hygrothermal simulation software. However, such software needs values of key material properties to ensure satisfactory results and until now data has not been available for Scottish masonry buildings. This work aims to contribute to a Scotland-specific dataset of material properties for use by designers working on such buildings. Thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability, sorptivity, water absorption coefficient, hygroscopic sorption, density and porosity were all determined experimentally for selected historic and contemporary masonry materials. Within the range of materials tested three groups of materials properties emerge. Natural hydraulic lime mortars, hot-mixed quicklime mortar and earth mortar all show comparatively low density, high porosity, low thermal conductivity, high water vapour permeability and variable but generally high hygroscopic sorption. Craigleith, Hailes and Giffnock sandstones, no longer available but obtained from conservation works on historic buildings, and Locharbriggs and Hazeldean sandstones, obtained from current production, all show intermediate values of these properties. Crathes granodiorite and Scottish whinstone (from current production) show high density, low porosity, high thermal conductivity, low water vapour permeability and low hygroscopic sorption. It is shown that these materials are all relevant to Scottish buildings constructed in traditional masonry and this paper presents the first comprehensive set of hygrothermal property data for them.

Mechanical and physical performance of natural hydraulic lime mortars

Natural hydraulic lime (NHL) is a material which has received increased interest in the past decade as a binder for the production of mortars. The renewed interest of researchers and builders in natural hydraulic lime is attributed to its enhanced compatibility with many traditional materials, as well as the fact that it is an environmentally friendly material, especially in relation to modern cement. In the present study, two different types of natural hydraulic lime mortars are studied, using NHL2 and NHL3.5 as binder (in accordance to the new classification EN 459-1:2010) and the same river sand, while the influence of different binder to aggregate ratios on mortar characteristics is also investigated. Fresh mortar characteristics are examined immediately after mixing, while hardened mortar characteristics are evaluated at different mortar ages. Specifically, the mechanical performance of the mortars is evaluated through flexural and compressive strength tests, as well as the dynamic modulus of elasticity, which is estimated through ultrasound pulse velocity measurements. Physical performance of the mortars is investigated through the examination of the pore network structure characteristics, via mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements, and through the examination of hygric characteristics, via water absorption tests. The binder to aggregate ratio seems to play an important role in the development of the mechanical and physical characteristics of the mortars, while it influences mortar properties differently according to the type of the binder.

Natural hydraulic lime mortars - The effect of ceramic residues on physical and mechanical behaviour

In the past, it was common the use of ceramic residues as a pozzolan and/or aggregate in air lime mortars and concrete. Nowadays, incorporating ceramic residues in mortars is one of the ways to increase sustainability of the construction sector and introduce some benefits in the properties of those mortars.Ceramic residues were collected from several ceramic industries, namely from bricks, roof tiles and pots production, milled in laboratory and incorporated in natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars. Two distinct groups of mortars were prepared, with two different proportions, and samples were produced. A group with a volumetric proportion of one part of NHL and three parts of aggregate (1:3) and three different percentages of replacement of the aggregate by each of the residues (0, 20 and 40% in volume) and a second group with a volumetric proportion of one part of NHL and four parts of aggregate (1:4) and percentages of replacement of 0 and 30% were prepared. Their behaviour was analysed by determining its properties after 28 days of curing.The incorporation of ceramic residues in the NHL mortars led to an increase in open porosity, capillarity water absorption and water vapour permeability but also an increase in dynamic elasticity modulus and mechanical strengths. This increase was more significant for higher replacement percentages. The behaviour of these mortars seems appropriate for new construction renders and plasters but caution must be taken concerning moisture migration, namely when used in rehabilitation.

Influence of ageing conditions on the mineralogical micro-character of natural hydraulic lime mortars

The investigation of the chemical composition and physical and mechanical properties of old building materials is relevant for planning restoration interventions and designing compatible restoration materials. The quality of the binders used in mortars determines their durability, and consequently, influences the durability of the building structures in which they are applied. Lime binders continuously undergo chemical alterations as they age. Moreover, weathering agents cumulatively affect their properties, which adds to the difficulty in identifying their original composition. The mineralogy and microstructure of the binders of three historic mortar specimens collected from medieval bridges in the Czech Republic and a mortar designed in the laboratory to mimic the composition of the historic specimens were characterised using thermogravimetry analysis with mass spectrometry, x-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Two specimens showed binder decalcification and the presence of metastable CaCO3 vaterite and aragonite polymorphs. A mortar of comparable age, which was not exposed to elevated moisture, contained no CaCO3 modification other than calcite.

The leaching mechanism of hydraulic mortars as part of autogenic self-healing process

Historic mortars have exhibited long term durability which has been largely attributed to their self-healing properties. The aim of this work is the study of the autogenic self-healing mechanism as observed in historic mortars as well as the simulation of the phenomenon in laboratory prepared lime-pozzolan and natural hydraulic lime mortars. One of the most significant parameters in autogenous self-healing phenomenon is the source of the calcium ions, which controls the formation of new healing phases inside cracks. In this study, an electrochemically accelerated leaching procedure was designed to examine the influence of mineralogy and curing time on the dissolution of Ca-bearing phases of lime-pozzolan and NHL mortars, which are characterized by high portlandite content. It was found that, apart from portlandite, Ca+2 are also leached from C2S and C–S–H phases and it was shown that this phenomenon takes place in two separate time-frames: an early period (t < 28 d), which is controlled by the portlandite content of the binder and, a later period (t > 28 d) where decalcification of C–S–H and dissolution of secondary portlandite are dominant. The phenomenon was further studied on mortar specimens where healing of micro cracks was observed by precipitation of secondary calcite inside cracks and voids, highlighting the role of leached Ca+2 on the autogenic self-healing mechanism. It is proved that, contrary to what is believed about the autogenic healing, besides portlandite, the contribution of hydraulic phases is also significant. Overall, this study confirms the significant role of the Ca-leaching process in the autogenic self-healing mechanism and highlights the different sources of calcium ions, as well as the different time frames of the events. Finally, the findings elucidate the high self-healing potential of traditional mortars which contribute to their prolonged service life.

Mapping and holistic design of natural hydraulic lime mortars

In recent years, the study of high hydraulicity natural hydraulic lime (NHL5) mortars has been in the focus of many researchers, as it is considered a compatible, eco-friendly binding material, which can be used both for the restoration of culturally and historically significant structures, as well as for the construction of contemporary buildings. In the present study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used, aiming to simulate and map the development of NHL5 mortars' characteristics, such as compressive strength (CS), ratio of compressive to flexural strength (CS/FL) and consistency (CO), for selected mortar mix parameters, namely the binder to sand ratio (B/S), the water to binder ratio (W/B) and the maximum diameter of the aggregate (MDA) for different mortar specimen ages (AS). To this purpose, databases were developed, integrating experimental data from the international literature. Experimental verification of the developed ANN models revealed satisfactory fitting between theoretical and experimental results. This research highlights the potential of ANNs as a tool which can assist in mortar design and/or optimization, while mapping the development of mortar characteristics can assist in revealing the influence of the different mortar mix parameters on each characteristic. Furthermore, by combining the results of the three developed ANNs (CS, CO, CS/FL) targeted multi-parametric design of mortars can be assisted through a novel approach.

Loading-Rate Effect on the Fracture Response of Natural Hydraulic and Aerial-Lime Mortars

This paper presents the influence of the loading velocity on the fracture response of mortars with both natural hydraulic and aerial limes under three different rates (loading-point displacement rates, 5.0×10−4, 5.0×10−1, and 1.6×101 mm/s). According to the results, the fracture energy and the peak load are sensitive to the loading rate. The maximum dynamic increase factors (DIF), of the peak load are 1.4 and 1.6 for the natural hydraulic and aerial lime mortars, respectively, while it is 1.9 for the fracture energy for both mortars. Moreover, the increase in the peak load and fracture energy of the natural hydraulic lime mortar is basically the result of the viscous effect of free water in the mortar. However, for the aerial lime mortar, the rate effect is chiefly related to the crack path and propagation velocity.

An empirical model for compressive strength of the limestone masonry based on number of courses – An experimental study

This experimental study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of limestone masonry. In order to analyze the influence of varying the number of masonry courses on the behaviour of uniaxial compression, three series of small-size samples with different numbers of masonry courses are used. The characterization of the masonry materials (limestone prisms and mortar) are performed. The masonry specimens used are single-leaf regular ashlar masonry with joints made of natural hydraulic lime mortar and sand. The materials used in the experimental work are selected and manufactured to be representative of the mechanical characteristics present in old buildings, characterized by the quasi-homogeneity of stone blocks and low strength mortars. A new predictive model of the masonry compressive strength is herein presented that take into account the number of courses and the height of the masonry specimens. This model is evaluated by comparison with other existing models and shows a good agreement between the analytical and experimental values.

Fresh state properties of lime mortars with foam glass dust

Fine glass waste has been found to be a suitable addition to lime mortars because of the high amorphous content. The behavior of fresh air lime mortars and natural hydraulic lime mortars modified by foam glass dust is assessed with the purpose of exploring a new application of this waste dust as lime mortar admixture. The rheological parameters were correlated with relative density measurements, water retention abilities of mortars and air content in mortars. The effect of foam glass dust was found to be dosage-dependent. The fresh mortars behave generally as Hershel–Bulkley fluids with an evolution of the rheological parameters with admixture content. The replacement of lime by foam glass dust caused a reduction in mixing water reducing the yield stress simultaneously; however, the viscosity of the resulting mortars slightly increased. A change in behavior of mortars from shear-thickening to shear-thinning was observed. The natural hydraulic lime based mortars showed a gradual change from thixotropic to rheopectic behavior with increasing glass dust addition. The foam glass dust appears to be well suited to air lime plaster mixtures used in machine thin-layer rendering due to its plasticizing properties, and ability to increase water retention and reduce air content in the mortars.

Influence of pozzolanic materials on the properties of natural hydraulic lime based mortars

To evaluate the influence of pozzolanic materials (slag powder and silica fume) on the properties of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) based mortars, the properties of NHL mortar, slag powder-NHL based mortars (S-NHL) and silica fume-NHL based mortars (F-NHL) were studied deeply from the aspect of physical and mechanical properties, environmental resistance properties, hardening reaction process and micro morphology in this paper, among which S-NHL are prepared with 10% and 20% slag powder to substitute NHL and F-NHL are prepared with 10% and 20% silica fume to substitute NHL, respectively. The results indicate that the NHL mortars have preferable fluidity compared to the S-NHL and F-NHL mortars. In terms of mechanical properties, the compressive strength of S-NHL and F-NHL mortars have been significantly improved, among which the compressive strength of S20-NHL and F20-NHL mortars reached 7.73 MPa and 7.99 MPa at 28 days, respectively. The environmental erosion resistance of S-NHL and F-NHL mortars have been improved by a proportion of NHL is replaced by pozzolanic materials; moreover, the addition of slag powder has a more significant improvement on the sulfate resistance of mortars, and the acid resistance of mortars are improved obviously by the addition of silica fume. The pozzolanic materials and Ca(OH)2 occur pozzolanic reaction with water and produce more calcium silicate (aluminate) hydrate (C-S(A)-H), and CaCO3 crystals are formed by carbonizationreaction in mortar and interweave with hydration products to fill in the air pores of mortar, thereby the micro-structure of mortars have ameliorated, the performance of S-NHL and F-NHL mortars are improved finally. The pozzolanic index P show that the pozzolanic effect of silica fume is higher than slag powder at the early stage (before 28 days) of NHL based mortar hardening, and slag powder is higher than silica fume at the later stage (after 28 days), meanwhile slag powder has better effect for improving the compressive strength of mortar compared to silica fume.

Age effect on the mechanical properties of natural hydraulic and aerial lime mortars

This paper focuses on the advanced mechanical characterization of natural hydraulic and aerial lime mortars presenting a lime/aggregate ratio of 1:3 and a water/lime ratio of 0.9. Seven properties, such as density, flexural, compressive and splitting tensile strengths, fracture energy, elastic modulus from prisms and carbonation depth by means of the phenolphthalein method, were measured at different moments. The results show that the greatest increase in the mechanical properties of both mortars occurs up to the first 56 days. This increase ranges between 60% and 90% of their corresponding value at an age of 448 days depending on the mechanical property and type of mortar. Between day 56 and day 224, there is a more moderate, but progressive evolution. However, after day 224, the evolution of the mechanical properties in light of their mean value, is very slow for the aerial lime mortar and shows a slight increase for the natural hydraulic mortar. Furthermore, various empirical equations of such behavior over time are proposed for both mortars.