Abstract

Sticky rice–lime mortar, a representative ancient binding material widely employed in construction applications across Asian countries, has been a subject of substantial academic research and development efforts for its restoration. However, conventional sticky rice–lime mortar is characterized by suboptimal strength and limited toughness, necessitating further enhancements to expand its practical utility. This study presents the formulation of a high-performance sticky rice–lime mortar by incorporating metakaolin and hemp fibers. A comprehensive investigation of various parameters influencing the compressive and flexural properties of the resulting composite was undertaken, encompassing the volume content of hemp fibers, the mass content of sticky rice paste, and the mass content of metakaolin. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of metakaolin and sticky rice paste in significantly elevating the compressive strength of the sticky rice–lime composite. Notably, the presented sticky rice–lime mortar attains a remarkable compressive strength of up to 3.5 MPa, exceeding that of conventional sticky rice–lime mortar by more than threefold. Moreover, the introduction of hemp fibers effectively enhances the flexural strength of the sticky rice–lime composite through fiber bridging mechanisms. The research culminates by proposing a relationship equation, derived from the empirical data, to characterize the compressive and flexural strength of the high-performance sticky rice–lime composite. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of optimizing sticky rice–lime mortar through the integration of advanced constituents, thus highlighting its potential as a durable and versatile binding material for historical preservation and sustainable construction practices within Asian contexts and beyond.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the Carbon Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality Innovative Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province “The key research and demonstration projects of future low-carbon emission buildings” (No. BE2022606), the opening project of State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology (Beijing Institute of Technology) (No. KFJJ23-13M), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. 2242022k30030 and 2242022k30031). Thanks also to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for the Humboldt Research Fellowship.

References

ACI (American Concrete Institute). 2011. Building code requirements for structural concrete and commentary. ACI 318-11. Farmington Hills, MI: ACI.
Akkaya, Y., S. P. Shah, and B. Ankenman. 2001. “Effect of fiber dispersion on multiple cracking of cement composites.” J. Eng. Mech. 127 (4): 311–316. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9399(2001)127:4(311).
ASTM. 2017. Standard test methods for physical testing of gypsum, gypsum plasters and gypsum concrete. ASTM C472-99. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Cai, J. M., J. L. Pan, J. S. Han, and X. Y. Wang. 2022. “Mechanical behaviors of metakaolin-based engineered geopolymer composite under ambient curing condition.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 34 (Jul): 04022152. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0004304.
Chen, Y. D., B. Z. Huang, M. J. Huang, Q. L. Lu, and B. Huang. 2018. “Sticky rice lime mortar-inspired in situ sustainable design of novel calcium-rich activated carbon monoliths for efficient SO2 capture.” J. Cleaner Prod. 183 (May): 449–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.167.
CEB-FIP (Comité Euro-International du Béton). 1990. CEB-FIP model code. 1990: Design code. London: Thomas Telford.
CNCSGO (China National Committee for Standardization of Grain and Oil). 2012. White glutinous rice flour by wet milling process for Tang-Yuan. LS/T 3240-2012. Beijing: China Standard Press.
Djobo, J. N. Y., and D. Stephan. 2022. “The reaction of calcium during the formation of metakaolin phosphate geopolymer binder.” Cem. Concr. Res. 158 (Aug): 106840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2022.106840.
Fan, W. J., W. W. Chen, Q. Y. Zhang, and G. C. Wu. 2022. “Feasibility of protecting earthen sites with sticky rice and lime composite.” Constr. Build. Mater. 346 (Sep): 128449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128449.
Fang, S. Q., H. Zhang, B. J. Zhang, and G. Q. Li. 2014a. “A study of Tung-oil–lime putty–A traditional lime based mortar.” Int. J. Adhes. Adhes. 48 (Jan): 224–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2013.09.034.
Fang, S. Q., H. Zhang, B. J. Zhang, and Y. Zheng. 2014b. “The identification of organic additives in traditional lime mortar.” J. Cult. Heritage 15 (2): 144–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2013.04.001.
Fang, S. Q., K. Zhang, H. Zhang, and B. J. Zhang. 2015. “A study of traditional blood lime mortar for restoration of ancient buildings.” Cem. Concr. Res. 76 (Oct): 232–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.06.006.
Golas, P. J. 2007. “‘Like obtaining a great treasure’: The illustrations in Song Yingxing’s the exploitation of the works of nature.” In Graphics and text in the production of technical knowledge in China, 569–614. Leiden, UK: Brill.
Grilo, J., A. S. Silva, P. Faria, A. Gameiro, R. Veiga, and A. Velosa. 2014. “Mechanical and mineralogical properties of natural hydraulic lime-metakaolin mortars in different curing conditions.” Constr. Build. Mater. 51 (Jan): 287–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.10.045.
Lanas, J., and J. I. Alvarez-Galindo. 2003. “Masonry repair lime-based mortars: Factors affecting the mechanical behavior.” Cem. Concr. Res. 33 (11): 1867–1876. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(03)00210-2.
Lee, J. H., K. J. Lee, and E. Choi. 2018. “Flexural capacity and crack-closing performance of NiTi and NiTiNb shape-memory alloy fibers randomly distributed in mortar beams.” Composites, Part B 153 (Nov): 264–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.06.030.
Liu, Y. X., Y. P. Chen, X. C. Huang, and G. Wu. 2017. “Biomimetic synthesis of calcium carbonate with different morphologies and polymorphs in the presence of bovine serum albumin and soluble starch.” Mater. Sci. Eng., C 79 (Oct): 457–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2017.05.085.
Lourenço, P. B. 2006. “Recommendations for restoration of ancient buildings and the survival of a masonry chimney.” Constr. Build. Mater. 20 (4): 239–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.08.026.
Lv, M. Y., D. Y. Gao, L. Yang, C. Li, and J. Y. Tang. 2022. “Bond properties between concrete and high ductility cementitious composite with totally recycled fine aggregate.” Constr. Build. Mater. 357 (Nov): 129373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129373.
Ma, B., Y. Luo, L. Z. Zhou, Z. Y. Shao, R. H. Liang, J. Fu, J. Q. Wang, J. Zang, Y. Y. Hu, and L. M. Wang. 2022. “The influence of calcium hydroxide on the performance of MK-based geopolymer.” Constr. Build. Mater. 329 (Apr): 127224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127224.
Mascolo, G., M. C. Mascolo, A. Vitale, and O. Marino. 2010. “Microstructure evolution of lime putty upon aging.” J. Cryst. Growth 312 (16): 2363–2368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2010.05.020.
Otero, J., A. E. Charola, and V. Starinieri. 2019. “Sticky rice–nanolime as a consolidation treatment for lime mortars.” J. Mater. Sci. 54 (14): 10217–10234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-03618-1.
PCA (Portland Cement Association). 1984. Thickness design for concrete highway and street pavements. Skokie, IL: PCA.
Sepulcre-Aguilar, A., and F. Hernández-Olivares. 2010. “Assessment of phase formation in lime-based mortars with added metakaolin, portland cement and sepiolite, for grouting of historic masonry.” Cem. Concr. Res. 40 (1): 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2009.08.028.
Shah, I., L. Jing, Z. M. Fei, Y. S. Yuan, M. U. Farooq, and N. Kanjana. 2022. “A review on chemical modification by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to investigate the mechanical properties of sisal, coir and hemp fiber reinforced concrete composites.” J. Nat. Fibers 19 (13): 5133–5151. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.1875359.
Siddique, R., and J. Klaus. 2009. “Influence of metakaolin on the properties of mortar and concrete: A review.” Appl. Clay Sci. 43 (3–4): 392–400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2008.11.007.
Tite, M. S., I. C. Freestone, and M. Bimson. 1984. “A technological study of Chinese porcelain of the Yuan dynasty.” Archaeometry 26 (2): 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4754.1984.tb00329.x.
Toffolo, M. B., M. Ullman, V. Caracuta, S. Weiner, and E. Boaretto. 2017. “A 10,400-year-old sunken lime kiln from the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic B at the Nesher-Ramla quarry (el-Khirbe), Israel.” J. Archaeological Sci.: Rep. 14 (Aug): 353–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.06.014.
Wang, S., S. Wang, Z. Lu, Z. Meng, B. Li, and N. Zhao. 2022. “Revamp of the sticky rice–lime binder with metakaolin and natural fiber for restoration: Properties and characteristics.” J. Cult. Heritage 57 (5): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2022.07.003.
Wang, S. W., S. L. Wang, Z. Lu, W. J. Yao, B. Liu, and B. B. Li. 2020. “Characterization of sticky-rice lime binders from old masonry relics in north China: The primary contribution for conservation.” Constr. Build. Mater. 250 (Jun): 118887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118887.
Wang, S. W., W. J. Yao, Z. Lu, S. L. Wang, B. Li, and B. B. Liu. 2021. “Characterization and durability assessment of fibre-reinforced tung oil lime putties for restoration.” J. Build. Eng. 38 (Jun): 102241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102241.
Wei, G. F., H. Zhang, H. M. Wang, S. Q. Fang, B. J. Zhang, and F. W. Yang. 2012. “An experimental study on application of sticky rice–lime mortar in conservation of the stone tower in the Xiangji Temple.” Constr. Build. Mater. 28 (1): 624–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.09.008.
Xu, L., X. Ma, B. Zhang, Q. Zhang, and P. Zhao. 2019. “Multi-analytical studies of the lime mortars from the Yanxi Hall in the Yangxin Palace of the palace museum (Beijing).” Archaeometry 61 (2): 309–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12421.
Yang, E. H., and V. C. Li. 2010. “Strain-hardening fiber cement optimization and component tailoring by means of a micromechanical model.” Constr. Build. Mater. 24 (2): 130–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.05.014.
Yang, F. W., B. J. Zhang, and Q. L. Ma. 2010. “Study of sticky rice−lime mortar technology for the restoration of historical masonry construction.” Acc. Chem. Res. 43 (6): 936–944. https://doi.org/10.1021/ar9001944.
Yang, F. W., B. J. Zhang, C. C. Pan, and Y. Y. Zeng. 2009. “Traditional mortar represented by sticky rice lime mortar—One of the great inventions in ancient China.” Sci. China Ser. E: Technol. Sci. 52 (6): 1641–1647. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-008-0317-0.
Yang, R. W., K. F. Li, L. L. Wang, M. Bornert, Z. L. Zhang, and T. Hu. 2016a. “A micro-experimental insight into the mechanical behavior of sticky rice slurry-lime mortar subject to wetting-drying cycles.” J. Mater. Sci. 51 (18): 8422–8433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-0099-x.
Yang, R. W., Z. L. Zhang, M. J. Xie, and K. F. Li. 2016b. “Microstructural insights into the lime mortars mixed with sticky rice sol–gel or water: A comparative study.” Constr. Build. Mater. 125 (Oct): 974–980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.08.119.
Yang, T., X. Ma, B. J. Zhang, and H. Zhang. 2016c. “Investigations into the function of sticky rice on the microstructures of hydrated lime putties.” Constr. Build. Mater. 102 (Jan): 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.183.
Yang, Y. Y., Y. Deng, and X. K. Li. 2019. “Uniaxial compression mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of brucite fiber reinforced cement-based composites.” Compos. Struct. 212 (Mar): 148–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.01.030.
Zhang, J., G. Wei, and H. Zhou. 2022a. “Influence of anti-cracking fiber on properties of traditional sticky rice–lime mortar.” Stud. Conserv. 68 (6): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2022.2091730.
Zhang, K., Y. Sui, L. Q. Wang, F. D. Tie, F. W. Yang, Y. Liu, and Y. Zhang. 2021. “Effects of sticky rice addition on the properties of lime-tile dust mortars.” Heritage Sci. 9 (4): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-020-00475-z.
Zhang, K., L. Q. Wang, F. Tie, F. W. Yang, Y. Liu, and Y. Zhang. 2022b. “A preliminary study on the characteristics of lime-based mortars with egg white addition.” Int. J. Archit. Heritage 16 (8): 1184–1198. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2021.1871790.
Zhou, J. J., J. L. Pan, and C. K. Y. Leung. 2015. “Mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composites in uniaxial compression.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 27 (1): 04014111. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001034.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36Issue 5May 2024

History

Received: Feb 13, 2023
Accepted: Oct 19, 2023
Published online: Feb 26, 2024
Published in print: May 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jul 26, 2024

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

Associate Professor, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210018, China; Professor, Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100811, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-582X. Email: [email protected]
Master’s Student, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210018, China. Email: [email protected]
Master’s Student, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210018, China. Email: [email protected]
Undergraduate Student, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210018, China. Email: [email protected]
Ph.D. Candidate, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Univ. of Macau, Macau 999078, China. Email: [email protected]
Neven Ukrainczyk [email protected]
Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator, Institute of Construction and Building Materials, Technical Univ. of Darmstadt, Franziska-Braun-Str 7, Darmstadt 64287, Germany. Email: [email protected]
Jinlong Pan, A.M.ASCE [email protected]
Professor, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210018, China (corresponding author). Email: [email protected]

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share