drying troubles
Posted by lara from hendersonville, NC, US on April 14, 2007
Dear Bruce,
i have been working with mortars mixed with lime and different aggregates tocome up bwith my own decorative mortars
lately since I work in dry and hot conditions i have problems with the mixture
it still dries the way Iexpect it to dry
but it has no more strenght
it seems to me that the water that i am adding is evaporating to quickly so it does not allow to make a strong bond
I have understood that lime by itself holds water longer in the mixture and works as a natural plastifier
wood there be any agent available that could help me with this problem still keeping the lime in the mix
I have looked into acrylic polymers but it seems to me that they are reducing the water ratio
I hope you have the answer for my problem
regards
lara
The strength of a mortar mix primarily depends on the water to cement ratio. Also, since you are working in a hot environment, the loss in the workability of the mortar mix will be faster due to the temperature and evaporation losses.
I would recommend you to use either a water reducing and retarding admixture or a high range water reducing and retarding admixture for your purpose. These admixtures will not only enable you to reduce the amount of water needed in the mix, which will improve the strength of the mix but will also help to mix to be workable for a longer time.
