La Trobe University

La Trobe University
Short name
LTU
Country, city
Australia, Melbourne
Publications
43 126
Citations
1 096 934
h-index
298
Top-3 journals
PLoS ONE
PLoS ONE (296 publications)
Top-3 organizations
University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne (6204 publications)
Monash University
Monash University (4432 publications)
Deakin University
Deakin University (1733 publications)
Top-3 foreign organizations
Karolinska Institute
Karolinska Institute (336 publications)
University of Oxford
University of Oxford (303 publications)
University of Auckland
University of Auckland (291 publications)

Most cited in 5 years

Found 
from chars
Publications found: 28919
Erratum: Deposition of insoluble calcium phosphate layers by combining finely dispersed calcium hydroxide sols with soluble phosphates
Tigrano A., Ziegenbalg G.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
The proceedings editor, while fixing formatting issues, inadvertently introduced inaccuracies within the chemical formulas and the authors names. A corrected version of the article has been published.
Towards a new method to estimate liquid redistribution coefficients in small fragments of mortar
Cambray T., Marincioni V., Altamirano-Medina H.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Inappropriate replacement mortars in historic buildings often lead to irreparable damage to historic masonry; the influence of the mortar on drying dynamics is crucial to these risks. The chemical and compositional analysis of historic mortar is widely practised for the purposes of formulation of replacement mortars but the compatibility, hygrothermal behaviour and moisture safety mainly depend on the physical properties. The chemistry and composition alone do not give a complete understanding of these functional properties, so physical measurements are necessary. However, it is often the case that only small fragments are available from existing walls due to the thickness of mortar joints, friability of the material and conservation constraints on removing material. While some physical properties lend themselves to measurement with small specimens (pore size distribution, sorption curves), liquid transport is harder to measure accurately for small (<25mm) irregular specimens. A new approach was proposed, combining several established techniques, allowing liquid redistribution to be estimated in such specimens. Specimens were subjected to drying experiments, without the usual constraints to approximate 1D flux (sealing the sides and bottom of a strictly prismatic specimen). The experiment was duplicated in 3D hygrothermal simulation, in which the liquid transport properties were adjusted until the simulation results closely approximated the experimental results. The method was demonstrated on cast cylinders of control materials, and will be developed to cover smaller, irregular pieces in subsequent work.
Sustainable mortars and plasters from an industrial point of view
Oertel T.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Sustainability has many facets. We will give insight into the development of sustainable mortars and renders using recycled limestone which attributes to the demand to increasingly replace raw materials from natural resources by recycled materials. Furthermore, we will present newly developed renders with improved thermal insulation properties as a necessity to keep heating energy in our buildings. All along the way, synergies are used by combining findings from university research projects, improvements of the raw materials industry und progress in the dry-mix mortar industry.
Future readiness of lime-based building materials: From heritage to innovation
Van Balen K.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Construction materials that last more than 500 years, will last 500 years or more if applied today. Learning from the past and particularly from cultural heritage as a knowledge depository and inspiring solution database, has driven us not only to develop preservation strategies but also to develop innovative sustainable and lasting construction materials. In depth research of lime mortar-based constructions integrating todays scientific insights and tools, helps understanding processes of carbonation and their influence on behaviour of masonry. Questioning the paradigm that “modern” building materials developed in the beginning of the 20th century, developed insights on the value of traditional knowledge.
A Research on Developing Zeolite Based Lime Mortars
Tuter R., Baccioglu C., Ozkan C., Tanacan L.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Zeolites are aluminosilicate materials that possess a crystalline structure characterized by an interlinked three-dimensional framework of AlO4 and SiO4 tetrahedra. This framework contains open cavities in the form of channels and cages, leading to the designation of zeolites as molecular sieves. The characteristics of molecular sieves enable zeolites to have high adsorption capacity, ion exchange capability, and catalytic properties, which also contribute to improving indoor environmental quality. Zeolites also exhibit pozzolanic reactivity due to their high silica content. These chemical and physical properties of zeolites offer the potential to produce a lime-based mortar with improved mechanical performance, which can also contribute to the physical conditions of the environment with its hygroscopic behavior. For this purpose, under the scope of the research, the pozzolanic reactivity of zeolite obtained from the Manisa Gördes region of Türkiye has been evaluated first. After establishing the pozzolanic property of zeolite, mortar alternatives with different pozzolan/binder ratios, curing conditions, and aggregate sizes are investigated through a combination of physical and mechanical testing methods. Clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite in the form of powder and aggregates, which vary between 0-7 mm (0-2 mm, 2-4 mm, 4-7 mm) particle size, and class CL 90 – S type slaked lime were used to produce zeolite based lime mortars. The different particle sizes of zeolite aggregates were added to increase the moisture adsorption capacity of the mortar.
Biobased mortars in the Mediterranean context: The contribution of the CUBÂTI project within cross-border cooperation
Fernandez F., Mensi K., Campisi T., Colajanni S., Mamì A., Nicolini E., Saeli M., Germanà M.L.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
The Mediterranean context is a transition zone between the temperate and tropical belts, developing in some regions between 20° and 40° North and South latitude. Typical flora of the Mediterranean bush includes holm oak, cork oak, heather, myrtle, rosemary, laurel, oleander, orange, prickly pear, caper, and pistachio. The research carried out as part of the cross-border cooperation project CUBÂTI “Culture du bâti de qualité: recherche, innovation et entreprise pour la durabilité,” funded by the Italy-Tunisie Programme 2014-2020, identified some of these plant species, linked to production waste from the agro-food sector of Sicily and Tunisia, to experiment with new additives to be used as reinforcement in plaster mortars. Furthermore, with the objective of improving circular processes and reducing the use of natural resources, we preferred to use local binders that are not resource-intensive, such as gypsum and clay. The activities were conducted through intense collaboration between research institutes and manufacturing companies to intensify technological transfer and raise awareness towards the use of more environmentally sustainable materials. The results obtained from the experimentation, which included durability tests of the developed materials, demonstrated that the controlled addition of plant fibres could be a sustainable way to improve some performances of plaster mortars.
Bacterially-promoted carbonation of lime-based building materials
Giordano F.G., Rodriguez-Navarro C., De Belie N., Boon N.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Lime-based binders, while historically significant, exhibit low strength and slow hardening, which has led to its replacement by cement. Hardening in lime-based materials occurs primarily through carbonation, whereby Ca(OH)2 reacts with atmospheric CO2 and produces CaCO3 cement. This study explores using bacterial additives to accelerate lime hardening by producing extra CO2. Three bacterial species were isolated and grown in liquid media. In a closed container, lime-mortar specimens were indirectly exposed to a cotton soaked in either bacterial suspension or water. Thermogravimetric analysis after 7 and 14 days indicated increased carbonation in cubes incubated with bacterial suspension, but not significantly. Subsequently, one bacterial suspension was mixed directly with lime. Progression of carbonation was tested with phenolphthalein and after 7, 14 and 21 days faster carbonation was seen in bacteria-containing pastes than those with only culture media. Overall, bacteria can carbonate lime materials but further optimization is needed for practical application.
Exploring Lime Mortar Microstructure: Investigating the Impact of Mixed-in Additives and their Role in Salt Efflorescence Inhibition
Valdez Madrid D.E., Winardhi C.W., De Belie N., Cnudde V.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
This study presents the analysis of the crystallization impact in four lime-based mortar mixtures in order to determine the extent of decay during salt crystallization, affected by the use of additives and change in microstructure. For this purpose, non-destructive micro-computed tomography was used to monitor salt crystallization in lime mortar cores. This technique allowed tracking of salt precipitation after accelerated weathering steps and further enabled the localization of damage due to salt crystallization in both time and space. Results indicate that the internal 3D microstructure of the lime mortars is greatly influenced by the type and the amount of additive used. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) acted as a superplasticizer and air entrainer in the mixture, resulting in the formation of larger air voids, which led to a decrease in compressive strength. Mobilization of salts within the mortar matrix was observed, causing accumulation and cracking of the mortar wall towards the end of the weathering experiment.
Characterization of lime based insulating mortars for existing buildings in the EU market
Gómez Iborra I., Sanz Arauz D.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
There are several lime mortars which have been developed to improve the thermal performance of the facades of existing buildings. They are used as the final coating of a building’s facade thanks to their insulating capacities, weather resistance, vapour permeability, easy application, non-flat substrates adaptability, and/or masonry compatibility. Normally these mortars come into a system to achieve both thermal properties and weathering resistance. The thermally improved mortars, which are lime based, contain an important amount of insulating particles such as cork, diatomaceous earth, expanded clay, expanded perlite or vermiculite, mullite, aerated glass, aerogel, EPS, wood fibres or others. They also may contain pozzolanas and other cementitious particles. They also may contain additives in order to improve its mechanical resistances and/or elasticity. The weathering resistance mortar, the more external one, is suited to complete the mechanical and outdoor resistance properties that the insulated layer lacks. Some of these systems may be obliged to use glass fibre meshes and External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) anchors so they are not as suitable as wanted in historical buildings. In this abstract our main goals are: Acknowledge the reasons to use these mortars, define the multiple layer system that are normally used within these mortars, find which mortars are normally available to be bought in the European Union market, analyse their declared properties and composition, and enlist them according to their potential capacities. Thanks to this paper we will have a better knowledge of the possibilities of lime mortars as insulating material.
Analysis of mortar with brake lining waste by electrical impedance spectroscopy
Silva J.B., Silva C.T., Marçula S.C., Becker A.R., Serna P., Lintz R.C., Gachet L.A.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 1
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Several researchers have been committed to developing multifunctional mortars, that is, beyond those usual purposes, such as laying masonry, coating, and sealing. These multifunctional mortars may be able to regenerate, store energy, and self-monitor, among other features. Some of these features involve the need to increase the electrical conductivity of the mortar. In this sense, a cement mortar was produced with gradual replacement of the sand with the brake lining waste, to evaluate the electrical impedance and phase angle in a frequency spectrum from 40 Hz to 100 kHz. The specimens had aluminum electrodes embedded in them to measure the properties in question, in the hardened state. This work is a complement to preliminary research that evaluated compressive strength and impedance only at a frequency of 60 Hz, in mortars with the same mix proportion. The results indicated that increasing the content of brake lining waste when replacing sand was able to reduce electrical resistance, both at low and high frequencies. This reduction was due to the increase in electrical conductivity caused by the composition of the brake lining waste, which gives the waste ohmic characteristics. In addition to improving electrical properties, the use of brake lining waste helps to reduce waste disposal in landfills, as well as reducing the consumption of natural aggregates.
Slag-based One-part Alkali-Activated Materials for Sustainable Constructions
Verza E., Bergamonti L., Michelini E., Ferretti D., Bandini S., Laghi L., Aloysio G.D., Graiff C.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
This work deals with the development of innovative cement-free plastering mortars with enhanced thermal properties. To this end, one-part alkali-activated slag-based materials were manufactured, by adding aluminum powder as expanding agent to reduce the density and expanded glass to improve thermal insulation. Different recipes were developed by varying the water content and the alkali-activator. The results show that the admixture containing sodium silicate meets the requirements for a lightweight plastering mortar in terms of mechanical strength (class CSII), despite exhibiting slightly elevated thermal conductivity with respect to that required for a type T2 (0.28 vs. 0.20 W/mK). The admixture with potassium silicate shows instead noteworthy values of both density and thermal conductivity, although its mechanical performance is very limited, due to its higher water content. Nevertheless, this last formulation could potentially serve as a viable starting point for the development of a sustainable cement-free construction material for the insulation of the building envelope. Further studies in this direction are currently underway.
Characterization of a Bio-Composite Material (Natural Hydraulic Lime/Date Palm Leaflet) for Architectural Restoration
Kethiri M.A., Tedeschi C.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
This scientific investigation aims to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of a new biomaterial designed for architectural restoration. The biomaterial studied is a composite of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) and date palm fibre. The study reports the first experimental characterization of these restorative materials. A series of mortar compositions were prepared with different particle size (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm). The results showed that the mortars containing DPL exhibited significant changes in their properties due to variations in particle size. Increased DPLP led to lower density but whereas mechanical strength. This research provides valuable insights into the use of sustainable and renewable building materials, highlighting the benefits of exploiting agricultural waste in the constructional sector. The findings lay the groundwork for future research and innovation in environmentally friendly construction technologies.
Characterization of ready-mixed plasters for the conservation of architectural heritage
Carangi M.C., Corti C., Rampazzi L., Tedeschi C.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Nowadays, the use of ready-mixed mortars is widespread in the choice of materials for the conservation of architectural heritage. These are dry mixtures, which contain binders, aggregates and additives and which require only the addition and mixing with water. Their use makes it possible to avoid errors in the ratios of the components, limits waste and guarantee a constant product quality. On the other hand, there are no standards that require the declaration of all the components in the mixture, which makes difficult to select the most appropriate materials to use on historical substrates. Indeed, the presence of certain additives could alter other properties of the mortars or increase the probability of developing forms of degradation. In addition, the mixtures on the market are frequently labelled as environmentally, human and animal health friendly; but the actual sustainability of these mixtures is difficult to ascertain, because there are still few companies that study the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and publish the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) of their products. In order to deepen the knowledge of this class of materials, this study proposes the characterization of five ready-mixed plasters, all labelled green by the companies. Analyses (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis) have been carried out firstly to assess the compatibility of the mixtures with historical materials, to compare the results obtained with what is stated by the companies in the product data sheets, and to assess whether, through routine laboratory analyses, it is possible to certify the sustainability of these materials.
The behaviour of orthodox historic churches built with lime mortar in Romania consolidated with reinforced concrete after the 1977 earthquake
Mosoarca M., Casarin F., Yohei E., Fofiu M., Gosta M., Anastasiadis A., Hortopan A.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
In Romania, historic monuments have suffered significant damage after earthquakes. In the southern part of Romania, in the Oltenia region between the years 1838 and 1977, five strong earthquakes with magnitude exceeding 7 ML occurred, causing severe and repeated damage to Orthodox churches constructed with brick masonry and lime mortar. After the 1940 earthquake, consolidation was carried out with modern materials for that period, such as metal ties and reinforced concrete. Due to the collapse of the central tower made of brick masonry during the 1977 earthquake in the Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Craiova, it was reconstructed using reinforced concrete columns and beams. Furthermore, the consolidation was carried out using reinforced concrete. Due to the different mechanical properties of historic brick masonry with lime mortar and reinforced concrete, cracks appeared over time on the church walls in the contact zones between these materials. Under the coordination of Bishop Irineu of Oltenia, consolidation works were initiated for 17 historic monument churches in the Gorj region after the earthquakes in 2023, and this Church in Craiova was included in the list. The article presents the modes and areas of damage resulting from the introduction of consolidations with irreversible materials, together with the results of in situ tests conducted by the EXPIN laboratory in Padua, Italy, to determine the mechanical properties of the load-bearing elements comprising the Church and structural analysis of the Church using ETABS software to predict past, present, and future behaviour.
Sustainable Consolidation of Churches that are historic monuments damaged by earthquakes
Mosoarca M., Fofiu M., Gosta M., Hortopan A.
EDP Sciences
MATEC Web of Conferences 2024 citations by CoLab: 0
Open Access
Open access
 |  Abstract
Historical buildings were built using local materials and technologies and suffered degradation of their structural elements over time due to abandonment, material degradation, unauthorised interventions or the action of extreme events such as earthquakes. In Romania, there are many historic buildings seriously damaged by earthquakes, which during the communist period were abandoned or strengthened through irreversible interventions with reinforced concrete. In recent years, historic buildings have begun to be consolidated, respecting the principles of sustainability, using mortars with hydraulic lime and composite materials. The article presents sustainable and reversible retrofitting solutions used for the consolidation of historical Orthodox churches in the Gorj area, Romania, severely damaged by the earthquakes of February 2023.

Since 1888

Total publications
43126
Total citations
1096934
Citations per publication
25.44
Average publications per year
314.79
Average authors per publication
5.47
h-index
298
Metrics description

Top-30

Fields of science

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General Medicine, 4098, 9.5%
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, 2117, 4.91%
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, 1996, 4.63%
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 1995, 4.63%
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, 1746, 4.05%
Sociology and Political Science, 1683, 3.9%
Education, 1662, 3.85%
Molecular Biology, 1573, 3.65%
Biochemistry, 1545, 3.58%
Genetics, 1529, 3.55%
Psychiatry and Mental health, 1460, 3.39%
Health (social science), 1204, 2.79%
Plant Science, 1200, 2.78%
History, 1067, 2.47%
Cell Biology, 985, 2.28%
Rehabilitation, 958, 2.22%
Health Policy, 956, 2.22%
Developmental and Educational Psychology, 948, 2.2%
Neurology (clinical), 948, 2.2%
Multidisciplinary, 919, 2.13%
Medicine (miscellaneous), 863, 2%
Ecology, 835, 1.94%
Physiology, 830, 1.92%
Computer Science Applications, 780, 1.81%
Cultural Studies, 776, 1.8%
Economics and Econometrics, 774, 1.79%
Animal Science and Zoology, 765, 1.77%
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), 726, 1.68%
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, 700, 1.62%
General Nursing, 686, 1.59%
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USA, 4504, 10.44%
United Kingdom, 3862, 8.96%
China, 2212, 5.13%
Canada, 1523, 3.53%
Germany, 1386, 3.21%
Sweden, 1137, 2.64%
New Zealand, 1122, 2.6%
Netherlands, 769, 1.78%
France, 694, 1.61%
Japan, 590, 1.37%
Italy, 587, 1.36%
Singapore, 516, 1.2%
Switzerland, 503, 1.17%
Spain, 500, 1.16%
Denmark, 470, 1.09%
South Africa, 446, 1.03%
Brazil, 409, 0.95%
India, 409, 0.95%
Norway, 394, 0.91%
Ireland, 371, 0.86%
Belgium, 358, 0.83%
Malaysia, 345, 0.8%
Saudi Arabia, 303, 0.7%
Vietnam, 296, 0.69%
Republic of Korea, 291, 0.67%
Finland, 277, 0.64%
Austria, 250, 0.58%
Iran, 248, 0.58%
Israel, 243, 0.56%
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  • We do not take into account publications without a DOI.
  • Statistics recalculated daily.
  • Publications published earlier than 1888 are ignored in the statistics.
  • The horizontal charts show the 30 top positions.
  • Journals quartiles values are relevant at the moment.