Scribd
Upload
66 views1 page

LIMECRETE

Limecrete, a type of concrete made from natural hydraulic lime and lightweight aggregates, is used in preserving ancient buildings due to its breathability and ability to manage moisture. It offers several advantages, including carbon dioxide absorption, humidity control, and reduced labor costs, while maintaining durability and flexibility. However, it can be expensive and challenging to work with, especially in cold or wet conditions.

Uploaded by

rabia khalid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
66 views1 page

LIMECRETE

Limecrete, a type of concrete made from natural hydraulic lime and lightweight aggregates, is used in preserving ancient buildings due to its breathability and ability to manage moisture. It offers several advantages, including carbon dioxide absorption, humidity control, and reduced labor costs, while maintaining durability and flexibility. However, it can be expensive and challenging to work with, especially in cold or wet conditions.

Uploaded by

rabia khalid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

By Rabia Khalid

LIMECRETE:
Also known as lime concrete, limecrete is a type of concrete. This type is used by architects to preserve
ancient building. Limecrete is used because of its ability to deal with naturally occurring moisture. When
it comes to old properties with stone floors laid directly on the earth, there is an argument that these
are breathable floors and if you are replacing them, then there is a need for limecrete.

Firstly you need to understand that old buildings allow moisture to be absorbed by the fabric of the
building and evaporate away naturally this is called breathability. If we then install a concrete insulated
floor with a damp proof membrane (DPM), any moisture below the floor will continue to rise and it
could appear as damp spots on the wall. To avoid this, limecrete is used as the best option.

Limecrete is a combination of natural hydraulic lime and lightweight aggregate which can be used as an
alternative to concrete. Instead of using cement, lime is used in it. Sometimes glass fibers are added in
the mixture of hydraulic lime and sand to give a more durable surface. Laying limecrete in cold or wet
weather conditions can be problematic. Any breathable floor finishing material will be fine. If stone,
slate or tiles are used then the grout gap needs to be a little wider than usual and the adhesive must
also be breathable. Wood is the most favorable and presents no problems.

A moisture barrier is needed to allow the regulation of the moisture. Therefore, recycled foam glass
beads are used as base for limecrete.

ADVANTAGES OF LIMCRETE:

It absorbs carbon dioxide while setting thus causing the reduction of carbon dioxide.

Lime plaster draws out the moisture thus humidity control is regulated.

Limewash and lime plasters are non-toxic so they don’t contribute to air pollution.

Since one limecrete slab is drawn which is why labor cost is reduced.

Limecrete has good flexure strength to compressive strength ratio. The flexure strength copes with the
movement normally found in solid wall building reducing the risk of cracking.

CONCLUSION:

A limecrete floor, laid on foamed glass, is seen as one way of helping with the old buildings problem. It
prevents damp penetration, provides insulation, maintains breathability and provides a solid, durable
floor, in character with the original building. But it is an expensive option using materials that are tricky
to work with.

You might also like