Many projects demanded that samples of historic mortars be analysed and it is all too often a ‘tick box’ exercise required to gain listed building consent or to meet funder’s requirements. However, analysis of existing and historic mortars is an important step in the creation of well matched and appropriate mortar specifications for undertaking successful repairs. This seminar will allow attendees to gain a greater understanding of the process of mortar analysis and to be able to understand and use the results of mortar analysis to create better specifications for replacement mortars.

This seminar will cover the mortar analysis process from removal of samples from the structure, laboratory analysis through to interpreting the results. Through a combination of classroom and on site activities, attendees will grasp the methodology of taking representative samples of mortar, evaluating them visually and then witness the analysis process in our building materials laboratory to inform a matching mortar mix.

Attendees will also gain the knowledge to be able to distinguish between cement bound mortars, traditional ‘hot lime’ mortars and conventional lime mortars. SLCT carry the UK’s largest sand and aggregate database and hold the largest historic mortars archive in the world with samples from the Great Wall of China to the White House, Washington DC.

Suitable for:

This seminar is aimed at those working with traditional buildings including building contractors, planners, architects, surveyors, engineers and other heritage professionals and students.