Paulina Faria - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Paulina Faria

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental characterization of a Madeira Island basalt traditionally applied in a regional decorative mortar

This study aims to understand the relationship between local materials and building techniques by... more This study aims to understand the relationship between local materials and building techniques by characterizing a Madeira Island’s basalt currently used as an aggregate in a regional mortar’s coating technique named brita lavada. Laboratory tests have been carried out to characterize the basalt, extracted from a stone quarry, regarding porosity, density and mechanical strength. Results attained showed high density, compressive and flexural strength, as well as lower water absorption in comparison to other stones. Therefore, the trials justify the regional use of this basalt as an aggregate material; its characteristics justify the durability of the brita lavada coating technique, showing a good example of adequacy of an eco-efficient application of a local material.

Research paper thumbnail of Gypsum Mortars with Acacia dealbata Biomass Waste Additions: Effect of Different Fractions and Contents

Buildings, 2022

In recent decades, interest in the eco-efficiency of building materials has led to numerous resea... more In recent decades, interest in the eco-efficiency of building materials has led to numerous research projects focused on the replacement of raw materials with mineral and biomass wastes, and on the production of mortars with low-energy-consuming binders, such as gypsum. In this context, five different fractions (bark, wood, branchlets, leaves, and flowers) of Acacia dealbata—an invasive species—were evaluated as fillers for premixed gypsum mortars, at 5% and 10% (vol.) addition levels and fixed water content. Although these biomass fractions had different bulk densities (>50% of variation), all the mortars were workable, although presenting different consistencies. As expected, dry density decreased with biomass addition, but, while mortars with addition at 5% presented a slight shrinkage, a slight expansion occurred with those with 10% addition. Generally, the mechanical properties decreased with the biomass additions even if this was not always proportional to the added content...

Research paper thumbnail of Brita Lavada -An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island

Brita Lavada -An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island, 2019

Brita lavada: (washed gravel, in direct translation) is a decorative coating technology with a mo... more Brita lavada: (washed gravel, in direct translation) is a decorative coating technology with a mortar based on cement, local Madeira basalt gravel and black pigment, currently used for masonry rendering on 20th-21st century Madeiran built heritage simulating stone masonry or cladding. Comparison of Brita Lavada and other cement based coating mortars was made regarding physical behaviour. The Brita Lavada shows high mechanical strength, acceptable water absorption and good water vapour permeability, what can justify its good durability on site and continuous application. The previous justify the interest on preserving the technology and is an example of optimised used of a local material, in the case a very hard basalt, with no possibility to be used for stonework, as a specific resource for a traditional, durable, eco-efficient decorative coating.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Type of Curing and Metakaolin Replacement on Air Lime Mortars for the Durability of Masonries

Infrastructures

The interest in restoration and maintenance of old masonries towards their durability is nowadays... more The interest in restoration and maintenance of old masonries towards their durability is nowadays combined with the concept of sustainability and the need to implement more suitable materials for building heritage interventions. This has led to the importance of having a better knowledge of air lime mortars, namely on the effect of pozzolanic additions, curing conditions and evolution at early stages. This study consisted in the characterization of mortars based on hydrated air lime and sand, with 1:2 (lime:sand) volumetric composition, with different weight percentages of substitution of lime by metakaolin (Mk): 0%, 10% and 20%. Mortar prisms were analyzed in three different curing environments: maritime (by the Atlantic Ocean), in laboratory humidity (95 ± 5% relative humidity, RH) and standard (65 ± 5% RH) conditioning. Tests were conducted to evaluate fresh and hardened properties of mortars, considering physical, chemical and mechanical performance at 28, 90 and 180 days. Resul...

Research paper thumbnail of A semi-destructive assessment method to estimate the residual strength of maritime pine structural elements degraded by anobiids

Research paper thumbnail of In situ evaluation of the behaviour of earth-based mortar renders with low additions of limes

Conservar Património

As argamassas de terra estão presentes nalguns mercados da construção devido a inúmeras vantagens... more As argamassas de terra estão presentes nalguns mercados da construção devido a inúmeras vantagens, nomeadamente económicas e ecológicas. Portugal tem um vasto património de construção com terra, sendo estas argamassas as mais adequadas para a sua reabilitação e conservação. No entanto, embora tenham sido realizados alguns estudos sobre o comportamento deste tipo de argamassas, pouco é conhecido sobre a durabilidade destas quando aplicadas no exterior. O objectivo deste estudo é avaliar a influência da adição de baixas quantidades de cais (aérea ou hidráulica natural) e da lavagem da areia na durabilidade de argamassas à base de terra aplicadas como reboco de paredes exteriores. Os resultados obtidos não evidenciam melhoria das características mecânicas e físicas dos rebocos de argamassa de terra com estas adições e lavagem. Assim, para melhorar o desempenho deste material, nomeadamente face à água no estado liquido, recomenda-se o estudo de outras adições, adjuvantes ou protecções de superfície.

Research paper thumbnail of Rehabilitation of renders of old buildings in Portugal

Structural Survey, 2015

The main purpose of the research is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabi... more The main purpose of the research is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabilitation project of renders of old buildings in Portugal. To achieve the objective it was considered essential to define the main types of participants and aspects to integrate the proposal. The research methodology consists in an inquiry presented to professional participants in rehabilitation, a market study of materials and products available in Portugal, the design of a methodology proposal and its application to a case study. The inquiry sample totals 24 answers from the targeted professionals. A sequence of relevant supporting procedures consists in the proposal, which aims to provide a supporting methodology to decide and project in this context and also to be tested with its application to the building. This proposal was applied to an old building with load-bearing stone masonry walls and air-lime based renders. It was concluded that the assessment of the building and external renderings' condition, its diagnosis and of the supporting walls, the definition of intervention, the specification of materials to be used and performance requirements to comply, and also plans for conservation and periodic maintenance, are crucial. From the inquiry, compatibility between materials and complementary roles and points of view of different types of participants in rehabilitation must be highlighted. A proposal for a methodology to support the project could provide useful guidance particularly for architects and construction engineers, and improve the understanding of direct participants on site, therefore contributing for the correct implementation of intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Traditional and Modern Plasters for Built Heritage: Suitability and Contribution for Passive Relative Humidity Regulation

Heritage

Plasters have covered wide surface areas of buildings since antiquity, with a main purpose of ind... more Plasters have covered wide surface areas of buildings since antiquity, with a main purpose of indoor protection of the substrate on which they are applied. When no longer functional, they might require substitution with solutions that can combine compatibility with the substrate with the current need to mitigate building emissions. Indeed, plasters can contribute to lowering buildings’ energy demands while improving indoor air quality and the comfort of buildings’ users, as plasters can be used as passive regulators of relative humidity (RH). Hence, this study presents the relative-humidity-dependent properties of different plastering mortars based on clay, air lime, and natural hydraulic lime, and plastering finishing pastes based on gypsum and gypsum–air lime, in all cases tested using small size specimens. A cement-based plaster is also analysed for comparison. The clay-based plaster was the most promising material for RH passive regulation, and could be applied to repair and rep...

Research paper thumbnail of Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Infrastructures

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a... more This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and bana...

Research paper thumbnail of Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Infrastructures

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a... more This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and bana...

Research paper thumbnail of Vernacular Caramel´s Adobe Masonry Dwellings – Material Characterization

International Journal of Architectural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Natural hydraulic lime mortars - The effect of ceramic residues on physical and mechanical behaviour

Journal of Building Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of mineralogical, mechanical and hygroscopic characteristic of earthen, gypsum and cement-based plasters

Construction and Building Materials

Research paper thumbnail of Vernacular Earthen Buildings from Leiria, Portugal – Material Characterization

International Journal of Architectural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Mineralogical and microstructural characterisation of rammed earth and earthen mortars from 12th century Paderne Castle

Journal of Cultural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Brita Lavada – An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island

Journal of Building Engineering

The Portuguese mainland marmorite is an especial decorative mortar made with chosen aggregates: a... more The Portuguese mainland marmorite is an especial decorative mortar made with chosen aggregates: a rough cast wall finishing simulating stone made with a specific technique based in washing the fresh mortar surface to make the selected aggregates visible [1]. Marmorite was very common in the Portuguese mainland during the Estado Novo regime (mainly during the 40s-70s of the 20th century). This technique was most probably based on similar techniques common in Europe in previous decades [2,3]. Since the Portuguese Madeira Archipelago discovery, the Madeiran builders have developed several types of mortars and mortar application technologies. In Madeira the marmorite has undergone some changes especially with regard to its composition. The price of marmorite mortar was expensive because the gravel had to come from mainland. Therefore, Madeiran builders discard using marble gravel mainly because it had to be imported to the island, and they began using an aggregate from the region: a very hard basalt gravel that could be found in many local quarries, that was very difficult to work with for other applications like current stonework, mainly because it was cheaper. Over time, in the 20th century, habitants of the Madeira Island started making the separation of the so-called Brita Lavada (washed gravel, by direct translation) and the common marmorite. The Brita Lavada is the application of a coating mortar with high proportion of binder (Portland cement) formulated with crushed basalt gravel (particle sizes 0-6 mm, locally designated by "sarrisca") and black pigment (iron oxide). The mortar is applied as a base and finishing coat of a render on the surface of external walls, with a single layer between 1 and 2 cm thickness. Previously, a crisp layer of cement and stone powder is applied on the surface of the masonry. The surface of the layer is washed after 3-5 h, depending on the existing relative humidity (RH) and temperature-that in Madeira ranges from 22 °C/65% RH (summer) and 16 °C/75% RH (winter)-, after mortar application, leaving the gravel integrated in the black-pigmented cement paste more visible, simulating basalt stone and trachybasalt used as stonework in buildings in the island. The mortar is uncoated; the decorative effect is given Brita Lavada-An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island Raul Alves a

Research paper thumbnail of Optimisation of bio-based building materials using image analysis method

Construction and Building Materials

Research paper thumbnail of Eco-efficient earth plasters: influence of clay content, sand particle size and support

Journal of World Architecture

Earth construction, including the use of earth mortars, has been extensively used in the past. Ho... more Earth construction, including the use of earth mortars, has been extensively used in the past. However, with the appearance of hydraulic binders, the use of earth strongly decreased for new construction and even to repair old earth buildings, whose best solution would be the use of compatible materials such as earth mortars.Due to the innumerable advantages of earth and with the growing concern on eco-efficient construction, the interest on earth construction has resurfaced, namely on earth mortars.In order to optimize the composition of an earth plastering mortar made with a defined clayish earth and two siliceous sands with different particle size, six compositions were assessed. Mortars with different volumetric ratios were applied in two different supports (on the back of a tile and on a brick) and planar specimens were also produced. Distinct characteristics were assessed, such as their visual appearance, shrinkage, surface cohesion, surface hardness, dry abrasion resistance, u...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of old azulejos setting mortars: A contribution to the conservation of this type of coatings

Construction and Building Materials

One of the most typical Portuguese facades' coatings is the glazed tile (azulejo) wall coating. A... more One of the most typical Portuguese facades' coatings is the glazed tile (azulejo) wall coating. Azulejos are in Portuguese history for six centuries, being considered a historical heritage and a mark of Portuguese culture. The setting mortar used in the azulejos application plays an important role for the correct functioning of the entire coating system. Therefore, for correct conservation its study and well detailed characterisation are fundamental. Within the scope of DB-HERITAGE project (Database of building materials with historical and heritage interest), a deep gathering of data from literature, concerning the characteristics of azulejos' setting mortars, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, was made. Adding to the existing data, a physical, mechanical, chemical and mineralogical characterisation of a set of azulejos´ setting mortars, from the 16 th to the 19 th century, from Lisbon and Coimbra cities, was carried out. The results obtained in the experimental study were analysed and compared with the ones gathered from literature leading to establish useful conclusions for the prescription of future conservation interventions for this type of coating.

Research paper thumbnail of Can an earth plaster be efficient when applied on different masonries?

Journal of Building Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental characterization of a Madeira Island basalt traditionally applied in a regional decorative mortar

This study aims to understand the relationship between local materials and building techniques by... more This study aims to understand the relationship between local materials and building techniques by characterizing a Madeira Island’s basalt currently used as an aggregate in a regional mortar’s coating technique named brita lavada. Laboratory tests have been carried out to characterize the basalt, extracted from a stone quarry, regarding porosity, density and mechanical strength. Results attained showed high density, compressive and flexural strength, as well as lower water absorption in comparison to other stones. Therefore, the trials justify the regional use of this basalt as an aggregate material; its characteristics justify the durability of the brita lavada coating technique, showing a good example of adequacy of an eco-efficient application of a local material.

Research paper thumbnail of Gypsum Mortars with Acacia dealbata Biomass Waste Additions: Effect of Different Fractions and Contents

Buildings, 2022

In recent decades, interest in the eco-efficiency of building materials has led to numerous resea... more In recent decades, interest in the eco-efficiency of building materials has led to numerous research projects focused on the replacement of raw materials with mineral and biomass wastes, and on the production of mortars with low-energy-consuming binders, such as gypsum. In this context, five different fractions (bark, wood, branchlets, leaves, and flowers) of Acacia dealbata—an invasive species—were evaluated as fillers for premixed gypsum mortars, at 5% and 10% (vol.) addition levels and fixed water content. Although these biomass fractions had different bulk densities (>50% of variation), all the mortars were workable, although presenting different consistencies. As expected, dry density decreased with biomass addition, but, while mortars with addition at 5% presented a slight shrinkage, a slight expansion occurred with those with 10% addition. Generally, the mechanical properties decreased with the biomass additions even if this was not always proportional to the added content...

Research paper thumbnail of Brita Lavada -An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island

Brita Lavada -An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island, 2019

Brita lavada: (washed gravel, in direct translation) is a decorative coating technology with a mo... more Brita lavada: (washed gravel, in direct translation) is a decorative coating technology with a mortar based on cement, local Madeira basalt gravel and black pigment, currently used for masonry rendering on 20th-21st century Madeiran built heritage simulating stone masonry or cladding. Comparison of Brita Lavada and other cement based coating mortars was made regarding physical behaviour. The Brita Lavada shows high mechanical strength, acceptable water absorption and good water vapour permeability, what can justify its good durability on site and continuous application. The previous justify the interest on preserving the technology and is an example of optimised used of a local material, in the case a very hard basalt, with no possibility to be used for stonework, as a specific resource for a traditional, durable, eco-efficient decorative coating.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Type of Curing and Metakaolin Replacement on Air Lime Mortars for the Durability of Masonries

Infrastructures

The interest in restoration and maintenance of old masonries towards their durability is nowadays... more The interest in restoration and maintenance of old masonries towards their durability is nowadays combined with the concept of sustainability and the need to implement more suitable materials for building heritage interventions. This has led to the importance of having a better knowledge of air lime mortars, namely on the effect of pozzolanic additions, curing conditions and evolution at early stages. This study consisted in the characterization of mortars based on hydrated air lime and sand, with 1:2 (lime:sand) volumetric composition, with different weight percentages of substitution of lime by metakaolin (Mk): 0%, 10% and 20%. Mortar prisms were analyzed in three different curing environments: maritime (by the Atlantic Ocean), in laboratory humidity (95 ± 5% relative humidity, RH) and standard (65 ± 5% RH) conditioning. Tests were conducted to evaluate fresh and hardened properties of mortars, considering physical, chemical and mechanical performance at 28, 90 and 180 days. Resul...

Research paper thumbnail of A semi-destructive assessment method to estimate the residual strength of maritime pine structural elements degraded by anobiids

Research paper thumbnail of In situ evaluation of the behaviour of earth-based mortar renders with low additions of limes

Conservar Património

As argamassas de terra estão presentes nalguns mercados da construção devido a inúmeras vantagens... more As argamassas de terra estão presentes nalguns mercados da construção devido a inúmeras vantagens, nomeadamente económicas e ecológicas. Portugal tem um vasto património de construção com terra, sendo estas argamassas as mais adequadas para a sua reabilitação e conservação. No entanto, embora tenham sido realizados alguns estudos sobre o comportamento deste tipo de argamassas, pouco é conhecido sobre a durabilidade destas quando aplicadas no exterior. O objectivo deste estudo é avaliar a influência da adição de baixas quantidades de cais (aérea ou hidráulica natural) e da lavagem da areia na durabilidade de argamassas à base de terra aplicadas como reboco de paredes exteriores. Os resultados obtidos não evidenciam melhoria das características mecânicas e físicas dos rebocos de argamassa de terra com estas adições e lavagem. Assim, para melhorar o desempenho deste material, nomeadamente face à água no estado liquido, recomenda-se o estudo de outras adições, adjuvantes ou protecções de superfície.

Research paper thumbnail of Rehabilitation of renders of old buildings in Portugal

Structural Survey, 2015

The main purpose of the research is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabi... more The main purpose of the research is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabilitation project of renders of old buildings in Portugal. To achieve the objective it was considered essential to define the main types of participants and aspects to integrate the proposal. The research methodology consists in an inquiry presented to professional participants in rehabilitation, a market study of materials and products available in Portugal, the design of a methodology proposal and its application to a case study. The inquiry sample totals 24 answers from the targeted professionals. A sequence of relevant supporting procedures consists in the proposal, which aims to provide a supporting methodology to decide and project in this context and also to be tested with its application to the building. This proposal was applied to an old building with load-bearing stone masonry walls and air-lime based renders. It was concluded that the assessment of the building and external renderings' condition, its diagnosis and of the supporting walls, the definition of intervention, the specification of materials to be used and performance requirements to comply, and also plans for conservation and periodic maintenance, are crucial. From the inquiry, compatibility between materials and complementary roles and points of view of different types of participants in rehabilitation must be highlighted. A proposal for a methodology to support the project could provide useful guidance particularly for architects and construction engineers, and improve the understanding of direct participants on site, therefore contributing for the correct implementation of intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Traditional and Modern Plasters for Built Heritage: Suitability and Contribution for Passive Relative Humidity Regulation

Heritage

Plasters have covered wide surface areas of buildings since antiquity, with a main purpose of ind... more Plasters have covered wide surface areas of buildings since antiquity, with a main purpose of indoor protection of the substrate on which they are applied. When no longer functional, they might require substitution with solutions that can combine compatibility with the substrate with the current need to mitigate building emissions. Indeed, plasters can contribute to lowering buildings’ energy demands while improving indoor air quality and the comfort of buildings’ users, as plasters can be used as passive regulators of relative humidity (RH). Hence, this study presents the relative-humidity-dependent properties of different plastering mortars based on clay, air lime, and natural hydraulic lime, and plastering finishing pastes based on gypsum and gypsum–air lime, in all cases tested using small size specimens. A cement-based plaster is also analysed for comparison. The clay-based plaster was the most promising material for RH passive regulation, and could be applied to repair and rep...

Research paper thumbnail of Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Infrastructures

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a... more This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and bana...

Research paper thumbnail of Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Infrastructures

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a... more This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and bana...

Research paper thumbnail of Vernacular Caramel´s Adobe Masonry Dwellings – Material Characterization

International Journal of Architectural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Natural hydraulic lime mortars - The effect of ceramic residues on physical and mechanical behaviour

Journal of Building Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of mineralogical, mechanical and hygroscopic characteristic of earthen, gypsum and cement-based plasters

Construction and Building Materials

Research paper thumbnail of Vernacular Earthen Buildings from Leiria, Portugal – Material Characterization

International Journal of Architectural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Mineralogical and microstructural characterisation of rammed earth and earthen mortars from 12th century Paderne Castle

Journal of Cultural Heritage

Research paper thumbnail of Brita Lavada – An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island

Journal of Building Engineering

The Portuguese mainland marmorite is an especial decorative mortar made with chosen aggregates: a... more The Portuguese mainland marmorite is an especial decorative mortar made with chosen aggregates: a rough cast wall finishing simulating stone made with a specific technique based in washing the fresh mortar surface to make the selected aggregates visible [1]. Marmorite was very common in the Portuguese mainland during the Estado Novo regime (mainly during the 40s-70s of the 20th century). This technique was most probably based on similar techniques common in Europe in previous decades [2,3]. Since the Portuguese Madeira Archipelago discovery, the Madeiran builders have developed several types of mortars and mortar application technologies. In Madeira the marmorite has undergone some changes especially with regard to its composition. The price of marmorite mortar was expensive because the gravel had to come from mainland. Therefore, Madeiran builders discard using marble gravel mainly because it had to be imported to the island, and they began using an aggregate from the region: a very hard basalt gravel that could be found in many local quarries, that was very difficult to work with for other applications like current stonework, mainly because it was cheaper. Over time, in the 20th century, habitants of the Madeira Island started making the separation of the so-called Brita Lavada (washed gravel, by direct translation) and the common marmorite. The Brita Lavada is the application of a coating mortar with high proportion of binder (Portland cement) formulated with crushed basalt gravel (particle sizes 0-6 mm, locally designated by "sarrisca") and black pigment (iron oxide). The mortar is applied as a base and finishing coat of a render on the surface of external walls, with a single layer between 1 and 2 cm thickness. Previously, a crisp layer of cement and stone powder is applied on the surface of the masonry. The surface of the layer is washed after 3-5 h, depending on the existing relative humidity (RH) and temperature-that in Madeira ranges from 22 °C/65% RH (summer) and 16 °C/75% RH (winter)-, after mortar application, leaving the gravel integrated in the black-pigmented cement paste more visible, simulating basalt stone and trachybasalt used as stonework in buildings in the island. The mortar is uncoated; the decorative effect is given Brita Lavada-An eco-efficient decorative mortar from Madeira Island Raul Alves a

Research paper thumbnail of Optimisation of bio-based building materials using image analysis method

Construction and Building Materials

Research paper thumbnail of Eco-efficient earth plasters: influence of clay content, sand particle size and support

Journal of World Architecture

Earth construction, including the use of earth mortars, has been extensively used in the past. Ho... more Earth construction, including the use of earth mortars, has been extensively used in the past. However, with the appearance of hydraulic binders, the use of earth strongly decreased for new construction and even to repair old earth buildings, whose best solution would be the use of compatible materials such as earth mortars.Due to the innumerable advantages of earth and with the growing concern on eco-efficient construction, the interest on earth construction has resurfaced, namely on earth mortars.In order to optimize the composition of an earth plastering mortar made with a defined clayish earth and two siliceous sands with different particle size, six compositions were assessed. Mortars with different volumetric ratios were applied in two different supports (on the back of a tile and on a brick) and planar specimens were also produced. Distinct characteristics were assessed, such as their visual appearance, shrinkage, surface cohesion, surface hardness, dry abrasion resistance, u...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of old azulejos setting mortars: A contribution to the conservation of this type of coatings

Construction and Building Materials

One of the most typical Portuguese facades' coatings is the glazed tile (azulejo) wall coating. A... more One of the most typical Portuguese facades' coatings is the glazed tile (azulejo) wall coating. Azulejos are in Portuguese history for six centuries, being considered a historical heritage and a mark of Portuguese culture. The setting mortar used in the azulejos application plays an important role for the correct functioning of the entire coating system. Therefore, for correct conservation its study and well detailed characterisation are fundamental. Within the scope of DB-HERITAGE project (Database of building materials with historical and heritage interest), a deep gathering of data from literature, concerning the characteristics of azulejos' setting mortars, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, was made. Adding to the existing data, a physical, mechanical, chemical and mineralogical characterisation of a set of azulejos´ setting mortars, from the 16 th to the 19 th century, from Lisbon and Coimbra cities, was carried out. The results obtained in the experimental study were analysed and compared with the ones gathered from literature leading to establish useful conclusions for the prescription of future conservation interventions for this type of coating.

Research paper thumbnail of Can an earth plaster be efficient when applied on different masonries?

Journal of Building Engineering