Evaluation of the Behaviour of a Macroporous Mortar Coating with Respect to Rising Damp

Abstract

Brick masonry walls in Cultural Heritage buildings often have problems caused by rising damp. One solution is to coat the walls with repair mortars, including macroporous mortars. Their function is to ensure that the wall has a lower moisture content than without the coating to reduce deterioration, prevent efflorescence and prevent damp stains. This article presents the conclusions reached on the behaviour of macroporous mortars with regard to water absorption by capillary action and the drying process, by means of laboratory tests carried out on brick and mortar specimens of a similar composition to the old walls, coated with macroporous mortars. From the study it can be concluded that these coatings can help to maintain a lower level of humidity in the masonry before reaching saturation.