Earthen Plasters Stabilized through Sustainable Additives: An Experimental Campaign

Silvia Rescic, Manuela Mattone, Fabio Fratini and Loredana Luvidi
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Silvia Rescic: Florence Unit, Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), National Research Council of Italy, 50019 Florence, Italy
Manuela Mattone: Department Architecture and Design, Politechnic of Turin, 10125 Torino, Italy
Fabio Fratini: Florence Unit, Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), National Research Council of Italy, 50019 Florence, Italy
Loredana Luvidi: Rome Unit, Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), National Research Council of Italy, 00010 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-30

Abstract: The earthen architecture widely spread in many countries of Europe, America, Asia, Africa, testifies to a particular material and immaterial culture. Nevertheless, it is a fragile heritage, which needs continuous maintenance. To encourage the preservation of such evidence of building techniques, an experimental campaign aimed at the development and evaluation of the performances of protective earthen plasters was undertaken. The durability of the plasters was improved through the addition of different additives, some of them traditional (such as lime and gypsum) and others innovative (geopolymers, enzymes), and resulting from industrial wastes (cement kiln dust). These additives have been selected considering low production costs and a reduced environmental impact, to improve the sustainability of the interventions. The performances of the earthen plasters in terms of efficacy (resistance to water erosion, water absorption, drilling, thermo-hygrometric cycles) and compatibility (changes in color and water vapor permeability) have been evaluated. Good performances were obtained by the different mixtures and, in particular, by those stabilized with gypsum. The results of this experimentation could find a useful application in the preservation of both ancient and new earthen built heritage.

Keywords: earthen plaster; stabilization; sustainability; industrial waste; geopolymer; enzymatic solution; gypsum; slaked lime (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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