Laboratory characterization of relative humidity dependent properties for plasters

Abstract

An informed choice of plasters can contribute to improving the comfort and health of buildings users. Therefore, knowing the relative humidity dependent properties to consider when analysing the behaviour of different plasters appears as a fundamental for the selection process, as well as their hygroscopic intrinsic characteristics. A review was conducted on both the test methods and data obtained in literature for a benchmark of more than 200 mineral compositions based on clay, lime, gypsum, cement and combination of those binders. Overall, ranges of response for different plasters, gaps and differences in widespread methods and most common practices of characterization observed in literature were identified and discussed.