For conservation interventions of historic masonry generally lime-based mortars such as pure air lime mortars, lime-pozzolan mortars, natural hydraulic lime mortars and ternary mortars (lime-pozzolan-cement) are used. The main reason is that their hygric and mechanical (strength and ductility) performance are easy to adapt to most existing historic masonry (compatibility requirements). Although the basic appropriateness of lime-based mortars for restoration is undisputed, there are also some limitations in the application of these mortars. In this report a review is given of the theoretical backgrounds and further of laboratory research developments in the field of lime-based binders and mortars over the past decades. Furthermore, practical experiences in positive and negative sense (damage cases) are elaborated. Drawbacks and points of attention are being dealt with, which are essential for a durable application of lime-based mortars for the conservation of historic masonry. In general, it is concluded that points of attention should be addressed through a thorough evaluation of their potential and through testing of their suitability. For these mortars, even more than for modern cement-based mortars, specifically, environmental exposure conditions and application conditions should be considered.

In this paper, fly ash, ladle furnace slag and limestone filler were utilized in concrete used as material for additive manufacturing (3D printing). Fly ash and ladle furnace slag were used as a replacement of cement (30% wt.) and limestone filler as a replacement of siliceous aggregates (50% wt.). Work­ability of fresh concretes that contained these by-products was measured 0, 15 and 30 minutes after mixing. Three different workability tests were conducted and compared: flow table, ICAR rheometer and an experimental method that measures the electric power consumption of the motor that rotates the screw extruder. Workability parameters that were measured were evaluated regarding printability of mixtures. Density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive and flexural strength were measured on hardened concrete. Additionally, relative like­­li­hood of cracking of different concrete mixtures was estimated by per­forming restrained shrinkage test (ASTM C1581). Results showed that use of fly ash or ladle furnace slag as binder, and limestone filler as aggregate decreases slightly the mechanical properties of concrete but improve its durability re­garding cracking potential. Monitoring of electric power consumption of screw extruder motor was found to be an effective method for measuring easily real-time workability and define if a mixture is printable or not.