Thermal conductivity of lime mortars and calcined diatoms. Parameters influencing their performance and comparison with the traditional lime and mortars containing crushed marble used as renders

• Published in: Energy and buildings 2014-06, Vol.76, p.422-428
• Main Authors: Barbero-Barrera, M.M., García-Santos, A., Neila-González, F.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bacillariophyceae; Buildings. Public works; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Diatom; Exact sciences and technology; General (composition, classification, performance, standards, patents, etc.); Lime; Materials; Mortar; Physical properties; Render; Strength of materials (elasticity, plasticity, buckling, etc.); Structural analysis. Stresses; Thermal conductivity
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.02.065

•Renders have a significant influence on the thermal performance of the buildings.•A reduction of 12–35% of thermal conductivity can be achieved by the use of diatoms.•And up to 23% compared to hardened lime pastes.•Thermal conductivity depends on the compaction time.•The importance of the application in the thermal performance of mortars is clear. The adaptation of building constructions to energy saving requirements entails the study of the performance of constructive systems making up the building envelope. Since the façade is the envelope constructive system of greater impact, in terms of energy demand, the thermal characterisation of its components is of great interest. In this article, hardened lime pastes and different lime mortars with dolomite aggregate and calcined diatom additions at different temperatures are compared, firstly, in terms of thermal conductivity. Parameters such as aggregate type, binder, aggregate proportion, water content, bulk density of the mixture in hardened state and compaction time are studied as well. The wide application of lime and diatom mortars, in relation to traditional lime and mortars containing crushed marble, with reductions of their thermal conductivity up to 41.5% is proven, from the results of this research.