Brick and Mortar Restoration at Historical Site
During brick and mortar restoration of the H. M. King School Building in Corpus Christi, Texas, a declared historical site, mortar holding the bricks of the building were found to be weak and several bricks dislodged. Samples of bricks with retained mortar samples were sent for evaluation to determine their condition.
- Date: 5 April, 2011
- Project Type: Maintenance Phase
Brick and Mortar Restoration - H.M. King Historical Site
Challenge
During restoration work at the historic H. M. King School Building in Corpus Christi, Texas, the mortar holding the brick masonry together was found to be weak, with several bricks becoming dislodged. C3S, Inc. was engaged to evaluate samples of brick and retained mortar and determine the condition of the masonry materials before restoration.
Services Performed
- Evaluation of brick and retained mortar samples.
- Petrographic examination of mortar.
- Assessment of mortar cracking and condition.
- Acid digestion testing to evaluate mortar composition.
- Evaluation of cementitious paste, sand content, and hydration products.
- Development of recommendations to support the brick and mortar restoration plan.
Testing Methods
- ASTM C856 — Petrographic Examination
- Acid Digestion Testing — extraction and evaluation of sand from the mortar.
- Microscopic Examination — evaluation of cracks, voids, carbonation, and hydration products.
Findings
Petrographic examination revealed extensive cracking within the cementitious paste of the mortar, compromising its ability to effectively bond and hold the bricks together.
The mortar was found to be completely carbonated, consistent with the age and exposure of the historic structure. Residual gelatinous hydration products were also observed within mortar voids.
The mortar composition was estimated to contain approximately 65% sand, with the remaining 35% consisting primarily of cement and colored pigment.
Outcome
C3S, Inc. identified significant deterioration and cracking within the existing mortar and provided technical information to support a brick and mortar restoration plan.
The evaluation helped establish the condition and composition of the existing mortar so that damaged material could be appropriately addressed during restoration while preserving the historic masonry.
Featured Services:
- Historic Masonry Evaluation
- Mortar Petrographic Analysis
- Acid Digestion Testing
- Brick & Mortar Restoration Evaluation
- Materials Characterization
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CONTACT INFORMATION
C3S, Inc.
7100 Regency Square Blvd.
Suite 183
Houston, TX 77036