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The Preservation Science Blog

Learn what's possible with the art and science of preserving our architectural past

Tag: aggregate grading

A Tale of Three Sands or What Type of Sand makes for Strong Mortars?

September 8, 2013July 29, 2019 preservationscience
These three aggregates have very different structural capacities for making mortar

The right qualities of sand are crucial in lime mortar making and differ some from brickwork versus plaster and stucco. The increasing inclusion of crushed rock in sand mixes presents particular problems.

Posted in Mortars, Plaster and StuccoTagged aggregate grading, crushed rock mortar, lime-sand mortar, mortar making, mortar packing density, particle shape in mortar

Understanding mortar sieve results and intro on improving imperfect sand

August 22, 2013July 31, 2019 preservationscience
Setting the fractions from sieving out to allow visual comparison of the ratios is sometimes the easiest way to assess the sand and its graph

A skilled mechanic can make almost any aggregate work for most uses on historic buildings. But learning how to locate (or assemble from several sources) a better aggregate will make for better working characteristics and a more durable product.

Posted in Mortars, Plaster and StuccoTagged aggregate grading, fineness modulus, lime-sand mortar, mortar making

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