Recovery of Lime Mortar Use. The Situation in Peru

Abstract

Traditional materials have been part of our society across much of the world and, by extension, were also widely used in Peru up until the 20th century. The arrival of new materials such as cement and concrete has led to a sudden loss of the knowledge once held about traditional materials. However, in restoration and conservation processes of cultural buildings, understanding the characteristics and types of materials present in such structures is essential, both for their consolidation and reintegration. This requires not only the recovery of the material itself but, more importantly, the revival of traditional skills and the knowledge associated with them. Lime is no exception to this process and, unfortunately, the knowledge related to its use has also been lost. This article explores the use of lime as a traditional material and the importance of its recovery, not only due to its compatibility with traditional substrates but also because of its technical properties, which make it one of the most significant binding agents of both the past and the future.