I was wondering if anyone had come across research on the causes of long-term deterioration of sand-lime mortar in three wythe all-brick walls from around the 1900s?
All I have found so far are articles indicating that if water gets into the wall it will deteriorate the mortar by freeze thaw action and surface erosion. However, I have inspected collapsed buildings where the mortar was friable all the way through the wall, even in the lower levels of party walls where there was no indication of moisture intrusion. I would be grateful for any information you could provide.
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Michael McIntyre P.E., M.ASCE
S-E-A
Maryland Heights, MO
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