Reducing shrinkage cracks in Roman cement renders

Abstract eng:
Roman cements were key materials for the economic and easy manufacture of render (stucco) for the exterior of buildings during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Fine surface cracks, caused by drying shrinkage, are a distinct characteristic of all Roman cement renders and architectural decorative details. Recently, Roman cements have been re-established in conservation practice. However, the formation of shrinkage cracking is one of the important barriers preventing broader acceptance of Roman cements as a cultural heritage material by the contemporary restoration and construction sector. This paper explores the mechanism of shrinkage cracking in Roman cement mortars by determining the drying shrinkage and the tensile properties of the mortars submitted to various curing and drying periods. Moisture content gradients in the mortar body on fast drying i.e. differential shrinkage between the surface and the centre of the element are considered. Optimum curing conditions minimising the damage processes are discussed.

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