Abstract

Evaluation of autogenous self-healing properties of lime-based renders in relation to their water absorption coefficient

Authors
  • Daniel Harrera-Avellanosa (Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy)
  • Alex Sammaritano (Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy and Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University, Venezia, Italy)
  • Christina De Nardi (Resilient Structures and Construction Materials, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, UK)
  • Anna Stefani (Calchèra San Giorgio, Nerobutto, Grigno, Italy)
  • Andrea Vavasori (Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University, Venezia, Italy)
  • Lucio Ronchin (Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University, Venezia, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates the durability and self-healing properties of lime-based renders in terms of water absorption. Improved moisture regulation and the ability to recover cracks through autogenous self-healing contribute to enhanced longevity and functionality of lime renders in both historic and modern constructions. Laboratory tests are used to assess the behaviour of three lime-based formulations (NHL, NHL+PZ, and PZ) after freeze-thaw cycles, evaluating the impact of accelerated ageing and self-healing on material degradation and recovery. Results show significant improvements in water absorption properties for NHL and NHL+PZ renders, even after the ageing cycles, highlighting the potential of lime in sustainable construction. The findings will inform further development of testing methods and additives for enhancing self-healing in lime-based renders.

Keywords: lime-based render, self-healing, accelerate testing, water absorption

How to Cite:

Harrera-Avellanosa, D., Sammaritano, A., De Nardi, C., Stefani, A., Vavasori, A. & Ronchin, L., (2025) “Evaluation of autogenous self-healing properties of lime-based renders in relation to their water absorption coefficient”, UCL Open Environment 7(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.icmb25.a27

Rights: Author, [2025]

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Published on
20 Oct 2025
Peer Reviewed