An experimental study on application of sticky rice-lime mortar in conservation of the stone tower in the Xiangji Temple

Sticky rice-lime mortar is one of the most important technological inventions in the Chinese architectural history. In this work, an experimental study on the application of sticky rice-lime mortar in conservation of the stone tower in the Xiangji Temple was performed by means of the property characterization, SEM, XRD and DSC-TG analysis. Our Results indicate that paper fiber is the most effective admixture to endure freezing-thawing cycles and increase the compressive strength of sticky rice-lime mortar, and the use of aluminum sulfate reduces the drying shrinkage values and increases the compressive strength because of the formation of ettringite in sticky rice-lime mortar. It is suggested that 6% aluminum sulfate or 3% paper fiber may be the appropriate admixture of sticky rice-lime mortar in conservation of cultural relics. Based on the results of laboratory experiment, the sticky rice-lime mortar with 3% paper fiber is selected as the grouting material for the conservation of the Xiangji Temple tower. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.