Suitability of modified low carbon Roman cements for architectural restoration

Abstract

Article is devoted to the investigation of suitability of low carbon Roman cement for restoration and finishing works. The history of the development of Roman cement as a natural hydraulic binder, which was commonly used to decorate building facades in the 19th and early 20th centuries, is presented. The properties of mortars based on Roman cement make it an excellent product for architectural restoration and conservation, as they are characterized by fast setting, high porosity typical for lime mortars, high resistance to weather conditions, high initial strength. At the same time, due to the high surface activity and increased water demand for cement, with the age of hardening, shrinkage deformations can develop, which leads to the formation of main cracks on the surface of the products. It is shown that the addition of gypsum is an effective regulator of the setting time of Roman cement and contributes to an increase in the strength of the cement paste. Analogs of Roman cement based on multicomponent cement binders modified with plasticizing and air-entraining additives are presented.