Cement Mortar

It is obtained by using cement as the binding material. Cement mortars are assigned certain grades based on their minimum compressive strength at 28 days curing and mix proportion by volume. Some of the grades that are frequently used are given in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Cement mortar mix and strength

Note: MM denotes Masonry Cement Mortar.

The recommended cement mortar mix for different purposes are as follows:

1. MM 2 – For external works with protection and foundation masonry in very wet soil.
2. > MM 2 – For external walls without protection.
3. MM 3 – For foundation masonry in soil with saturated water and for masonry subjected to vibrations.
4. MM 5 to MM 7.5 – For plastering.
5. MM 7.5 – For floor finishes and damp-proof courses.

Cement mortar is used for the following purposes:

1. In brick and stone masonry.
2. For plastering of surfaces of structures like walls, beams, columns, etc.
3. For floor finishes.
4. As binding material for decorative and aesthetic works.
5. For pointing of stone or brick masonry works.
6. For irregular surfaces of stone masonry to distribute the load uniformly on the bed.
7. For underground construction purposes, water-saturated soils, etc.