Our June HRC meeting will feature an overview of historic mortars, components, profiles, and purposes that will summarize mortar basics and help practitioners develop appropriate replication and pointing mortars for historic masonry projects. Assisted by Ken Lambert, the International Masonry Institute's Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, program leader and IMI Director of Technical Education Amy Lamb Woods PE will discuss both historical cementitious binders and modern materials. All too often, new pointing mortars that are denser and stronger than the original mortar result in moisture entrapment and damage to original masonry materials. In this session, we’ll focus on the lime cycle, differences between non-hydraulic and hydraulic binders, and how they affect mortar properties. Participants will gain an understanding of the methodology for assessing existing mortars and developing appropriate replication mortar mixes. Because laboratory mortar analysis can be complex, we’ll break down elements of testing that are practical and helpful for mortar replication. In addition to understanding the original mortar, how to analyze it, and how to use this information to replicate mortars, a successful project also requires knowledge of how mortar is installed. We’ll explain mortar removal and installation techniques and provide quality control recommendations, and participants will also see demonstration videos from knowledgeable masonry restoration craftworkers who illustrate best practices.

Click HERE to view or download a copy of the agenda for this meeting.

Topic

Advancing Architecture