Effect of time of use on the hardened state properties of a mortar with a 72-hour stabilization period

Abstract In stabilized mortars, it is important to understand the change in behavior over different times of use. This study evaluated mortars over periods of 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Initial properties were evaluated in the fresh state. In the hardened state, bulk density, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, tensile strength and adhesive strength of the mortar to the ceramic substrate were determined. Results obtained in the fresh state showed low variations between the first and last times of use: consistency index decreased by 11%; mass density increased by 2.74%; and incorporated air content decreased by 2.3%. In the hardened state, a greater variation was noted from 48 h to 72 h, mainly in the modulus of elasticity decreasing by 32.7%, flexural tensile strength decreasing by 20%, compressive strength decreasing by 28% and adhesive strength decreasing by 30%.