PROVE SPERIMENTALI SU MISCELE DI MALTE A VISTA: ALLESTIMENTO DI UN ATLANTE OPERATIVO PER INTERVENTI DI MANUTENZIONE, CONSERVAZIONE, RESTAURO

This paper shows the methodological approach and the firs results of an applied research, currently underway on the subject of “exposed mortars” for masonry joints, “exposed plasters” and decorative cements, with particular attention toward building with historical or/and environmental values. The research is based on previous analogous experiences, already developed in the same Department; nowadays, some attentive Superintendence Officials (involved into the research) wish to define useful tools to support the role of direction, with particular reference to the possibility to usefully guide in the choice of “best similar” available materials in comparison with the original ones. The in-depth studies aimed to obtain useful suggestions for compatible solutions on building yards applications; the mortars in use on historical buildings, if sampled and subjected to characterization surveys, rarely provide useful feedback data on mechanical performances. The research intends to investigate mechanical behaviour and resistance values characteristics of a large number of mortar mixtures, in order to form an operational atlas reference. For this purpose a repertoire of mixtures derived has been defined a) from manuals, b) by direct experiences of formulation in the laboratory and c) from indications obtained by the characterization of mortar samples from buildings of the widespread architectural heritage: the specimens, prepared according to standardized procedures are subjected to two types of investigation for the evaluation of flexural strength and of the static and dynamic elastic modulus.