The use of polymer cement mortar in the rehabilitation of service stairs in Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

their reinforcement, clearly showing the effect of carbonation of concrete. This structure represents a construction solution particularly used in the 40s to 50s of the twentieth century in several Lisbon areas. It was used for giving access to the patio and for evacuation in case of emergency and, normally, was located in the back of the building. The complete replacement of the carbonated concrete cover was achieved by a high quality polymer cement mortar (PCM), of styrene-butadiene polymer dispersion. This paper describes the different activities undertaken during the rehabilitation, the problems encountered during the works and, finally, the lessons learnt from this project.