Characterisation methodology for lime based materials – A case study of the Rajagopuram of Pundarikaksha temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Author(s): Divya Rani and Manu Santhanam
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 5th Historic Mortars Conference
Editor(s): José Ignacio Álvarez, José María Fernández, Íńigo Navarro, Adrián Durán, Rafael Sirera
ISBN: 978-2-35158-221-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-222-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 544-554
Total Pages: 11
Language : English

Abstract: The focus of this paper is to discuss the methodology for characterization of lime based
materials from historical monuments, with a view to their repair. The case study of the lime
mortar samples collected from the grand entrance tower of the Pundarikaksha temple in the
southern state of India, Tamil Nadu, is discussed. Most part of the monument is exposed
masonry, and the historic mortar is observed to be identical throughout the structure. The
historic lime binder is non-hydraulic in nature and the inert phases are mostly quartz and
feldspar. Even though the aggregates are well graded, the mortar is highly porous. A
methodology to determine the binder content, binder type and porosity and pore size
distribution of the historic mortar and a few design aspects of the restoration mortar are
discussed.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00