Biomimicry in built heritage: Mini vascular networks for self-healing lime-based mortars

De Nardi, Cristina, Gardner, Diane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2864-9122 and Jefferson, Anthony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2050-2521 2024. Biomimicry in built heritage: Mini vascular networks for self-healing lime-based mortars. Presented at: SUBLime Conference 2024, Madeira, Portugal, 11-12 November 2024. Published in: Lourenco, Paulo, Azenha, Miguel and Pereira, Joao eds. Towards the next generation of sustainable masonry systems: Mortars, renders, plasters and other challenges - Proceedings. Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães: Universidade do Minho,

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Abstract

Heritage buildings face progressively severe and unprecedented risks due to climate change, at particular risk is the building facade. In response to this, it is vital to reconsider the approaches employed in the restoration of masonry, the predominant structural material used in historic facades. Inspired by self-healing concrete research, this study proposes using biomimetic mini-vascular networks (m-MVNs) to repair lime-based mortar cracks. m-MVNs consist of interconnected channels designed to store and release healing agents as needed. They seamlessly integrate into mortar joints of historical masonry walls, meeting conservation requirements. Initial findings indicate promising results with transparent PLA m-MVNs, as they effectively store healing agents without encountering issues such as leakage or premature curing.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Book Type:	Authored Book
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Publisher:	Universidade do Minho
ISBN:	978-989-35653-2-2
Funders:	Leverhulme Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 December 2024
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2025 02:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/174618

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