Test on re-worked mortars

Mortar mixes prepared:

250 kg/m3 (1:2.5)
350(1:2)
400(1:1.5)

Proctors preparation:

for each of the above dosages a series of proctors were prepared with normal water addition and tested. Others were prepared with the same mortar 18 hours later reworking the mortar and adding extra water until the required workability was obtained.

Remarks:

The water added in re-working was approx. 1/6 of the water used initially to mix the mortars. The reworked mortars were much fatter with a lower bulk density (less 2.6%-4%). The Compressive Strenght of reworked mortars is lower due to the lower bulk density but, if the reworked mortar is compacted more (in practical terms this means that, on a render, it would be pressed harder) and its bulk density increased to that of the normal mortar, the compressive strength increases. In reworked mortars with higher dosages the Compressive Strength is even higher than in standard mortars.

Conclusion

It is possible to rework St. Astier NHL mortars. Their performance related to compressive strenght will be lower than standard mortars unless the reworked mortar is tightly applied to return to a bulk density similar to the standard mortar. The reworked mortar has a higher workabilty.