The effects of mixture’s components on the mechanical properties and durability indicators of mixed mortar using simplex network method

•Influence of aggregate, lime and cement, combined or not, on coating mortar.•Results of combination of construction materials on fresh state properties, mechanical properties and durability.•Simplex network method use to facilitate analysis of combination of construction materials on coating mortar. The mortar behavior depends on the rheological characteristics, and the interaction and proportion between its components, which can affect mechanical and durability properties, and also can generate pathologies. This work intends to study the mixed mortar’s mechanical and durability properties, according to effects of variation of constituent elements (cement, hydraulic lime and sand) through the simplex network method. Water consumption, entrained air, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, pull off strength, elasticity modulus, water absorption index, porosity, density and cracks were evaluated. The results showed that the excessive cement content enhances some mechanical properties, however it reduces the durability because of cracks and detaching. The hydraulic lime and the aggregate in excess tend to reduce the pull off strength and the durability because of the powder behavior of the mortar. This study evidences that it is necessary to define the adequate components proportion focusing in pull of strength and durability indicators.