Remediation and protection of masonry structures with crystallising moisture blocking treatment

Al-Kheetan, M J; Rahman, M M and Chamberlain, D A (2018) Remediation and protection of masonry structures with crystallising moisture blocking treatment. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 36(1), pp. 77-92. ISSN 23984708

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of new and innovative crystallising materials, so-called moisture blockers, in protecting masonry structures from water ingress. Design/methodology/approach: Two masonry wells were constructed: one with lime mortar and the other with cement-based mortar in order to hold water inside, and then a moisture blocking product was applied at dry and wet conditions to the negative hydrostatic pressure side. The moisture levels of both, the surfaces and the substrate, were then observed for 14 days. Findings: Results demonstrated that moisture blocking materials are effective methods in reducing the levels of surface moisture for bricks, mortar-brick interface and mortar. Originality/value: Moisture blockers use the available water in the masonry to block the passage of water to the surface of the masonry, filling pores, cracks and spaces at the interface between mortar and bricks. This approach will deliver a wider understanding of how water-based moisture blockers work and the scenarios in which they are best applied. The pursuit of possible environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for use in the construction industry is the key driver of this research.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: brick; cement mortar; crystallizing materials; lime mortar; masonry arch structures; masonry protection; moisture blocker; surface moisture; water ingress
Index terms: sustainable material, masonry structure, methodology, lime, construction industry, mortars (material), environmentally friendly
Subjects: sustainable materials, building materials, research methods, sustainable design, building construction, industry analysis
Topics: Construction Materials, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Sustainability
Descriptive scope: 3 PCT

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here