Non-structural injection grouts with reduced water content : changes induced by the partial substitution of water with alcohol

Abstract

Lime-/hydraulic lime-based injection grouts typically involve the use of water as suspension medium. Excessive water may lead to segregation, bleeding and shrinkage of the grout. Water can also be dangerous when water-sensitive original materials are present and it can cause the solubilisation of salts, leading to their re-crystallisation on drying. Ethanol is a less effective solvent for soluble salts which generally does not affect the original materials. In the present research ethanol was used as a partial substitute for water in grouts preparation. Three water–ethanol-based grouts were compared with the correspondent water-based grout. The working properties and performance characteristics of the injection grouts with reduced water content were measured to assess their suitability for use on historic plasters.