Lime and Lime Mortars (reprint)

Citation

Scarff, T.W.H. (1998), "Lime and Lime Mortars (reprint)", Structural Survey, Vol. 16 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.1998.11016dae.004

Lime and Lime Mortars (reprint)

Lime and Lime Mortars (reprint)A.D. CowperDonhead Publishing Ltd199896 pp.ISBN 1 873394 29 2£17.95; softbackKeywords Buildings, Empirical study

One of a series of three classic texts published this year by Donhead dealing with the subject of lime in building. We hope to review the full set soon, but start with this reproduction of A.D. Cowper's comprehensive report, first published by the Building Research Station in 1927.

In the early years of the BRS, a series of special reports was produced, from 1921 onwards, either to compile the result of previous research, or as technical research papers. Lime and Lime Mortars (No. 9) provides a comprehensive review of lime burning, classification of limes, uses of limes, lime washes, lime plaster, pozzolanas, mortars and concretes. Providing a framework for specification, and use, there is also useful discussion about defects resulting from incorrect use.

This is very much a handbook but also draws upon theoretical and practical issues and experience from the like of Pliny, Vitruvius and Alberti, to the more contemporary and empirical studies of the US Bureau of Standards, the LCC, and most interestingly, of the nineteenth century French engineer L.J. Vicat, any many more besides.

A very relevant and readable study, made all the more so by its reflection on historical issues, and also by its presentation. It also contains 21 black and white illustrations.

T.W.H. Scarff