Towards the Recovery of Traditional Hot-Mixed Lime Techniques: Influence on the Construction Process and Structural Behaviour in Rammed Earth with Lime

Despite the widespread imposition of other types of industrial lime, the recovery of hot-mixed lime techniques is of interest both in its application in historic heritage interventions and its possible application in contemporary constructions. This article aims to contribute to this recovery through an initial phase of application to construction through the execution of reinforced rammed earth walls and test samples, providing conclusions on the practical implications of this traditional lime-slaking method. These test samples executions were then followed by a second phase of compression tests, incorporating further tests on samples of hot-mixed lime, air lime and hydraulic lime at different points in time. Thus, initial conclusions were established on the effect of hot-mixed lime on mechanical properties and their evolution over time compared to other industrial limes. Although the traditional method for slaking quicklime and its use in construction as hot-mixed lime is relatively straightforward, it is necessary to control its correct slaking and apply certain safety measures. The use of hot-mixed lime in reinforced rammed earth walls presents a slightly higher mean compressive strength than those which use slaked air lime and a mean compressive strength similar to that obtained with slaked hydraulic lime in initial phases, although it appears to be conditioned by the form of quicklime used. Based on these contributions the viable use of hot-mixed lime for construction or intervention in rammed earth walls is established and proves particularly advantageous in terms of structural advantages.