Gypsum plasters

Abstract

This chapter includes a brief history of gypsum plasters. Then, several types of gypsum-based coatings are presented. Gypsum plasters’ performance characteristics, in fresh and hardened state, are described, focusing on requirements, testing methods and standards. Design and construction recommendations are synthetized in terms of materials (binders, aggregates, admixtures and additions/fillers), design details/technical specifications for construction, and also characteristics of each coat in the plaster systems for traditional and industrial plasters. The pathology and diagnosis of these coating systems are characterised in terms of the common anomalies and probable causes. A classification of the diagnostic methods is presented. Maintenance and rehabilitation classification and strategies are discussed for plasters. Finally, American and European standards related with internal plasters and gypsum-based products are synthetized.