Porosity estimation of cement-lime mortar through the volume calculation method

Abstract The presence of lime in mixed mortars is responsible for the increase in the demand for mixing water for a given consistency. The additional water, which is not consumed in the cement hydration, remains free in the system and when evaporating it leads to high porosity in the hardened mortar. This paper presents the method of volume calculation as a tool for estimating the porosity of mixed mortars through their constituents, including lime, as well as its correlation with relevant properties in the hardened state. The method presented proved to be adequate for predicting the properties that define the behavior of the rendering. The data suggest that this approach needs further research, involving issues not considered in the theoretical volume calculation, such as the influence of shrinkage and carbonation.