Experimental Approach to the Use of Hot-Mixed Lime in Traditional and Contemporary Earthen Architecture: Methodology and Scope
摘要
Throughout history, lime has traditionally been one of the most widely used stabilizing agents for earthen architecture, as it improves compressive strength, durability, and structural properties. However, the standardization of industrial lime and the development of cement to the detriment of traditional slaking processes – or hot-mixing – of lime have made these techniques less visible. Consequently, they have been reduced to a minimum in current earthen restoration and construction processes, relinquishing their eventual benefits in terms of environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability. This study aims to develop an experimental approach to the use of hot-mixed lime as a stabilizing agent for traditional earthen architecture, exploring its viability for restoration and new construction, comparing it to that of contemporary bonding agents. Taking into consideration variables such as the type of lime, the slaking process, and dosage, a phased methodological approach is proposed: an initial application focusing on monolithic systems such as rammed earth, using 75 test samples of 10 × 10 × 10 cm and 2 rammed earth formwork moulds on a plinth; and a second application focusing on prefabricated systems such as compressed earth blocks (CEBs), using 90 blocks with measurements of 30 × 15 × 10 cm and including comparison variants stabilized with cement, in compliance with current regulations. Based on the results, compressive strength was calculated at 45, 90, and 180 days of curing following the use of a hydraulic press for stress tests. Functionality tests of storage, reuse, and transport were also carried out.