Category: Mortar

This type of mortar is also called Gauged Mortar or Composite Mortar. It is the one wherein the quality of lime mortar is improved by adding cement to get early strength. This makes lime mortar economical, strong and dense. The general proportion of cement to lime by volume is about 1:6–1.8. This mortar is useful…

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.…

It is prepared using lime and surkhi instead of sand. In case of fat lime mortar only 50% needs to be replaced by surkhi. Surkhi should be powdered well. Surkhi mortar is used for ordinary masonry work. It can not be used for pointing works and for plastering as the surkhi is likely to disintegrate.

It is the mortar wherein fat lime or hydraulic lime is used as the binding material. The lime should be slaked before use. If fat lime is used, 2–3 times the volume of sand has to be used as it shrinks to a great extent. This lime mortar is not suitable for water-logged areas or…

Mortars using different binding materials have been used for various purposes. These are discussed below.

In general, the properties required for a good mortar are as follows:

Quality mortar should satisfy the following functions:

The quality of water required for mortar has been discussed earlier. Water plays a significant role in the formation of mortar. It helps in mixing, transporting and in proper laying of the mortar. As a matter of fact the quality and quantity of water contribute to the strength of the mortar. Water plays the following…

The fine aggregate mainly used is sand. The required properties of good sand were discussed earlier. Sand plays the following functions in mortar: Surkhi is another form of fine aggregate, which is usually prepared by powdering slightly unburnt bricks. It should be free from admixtures of any foreign materials. Surkhi is generally used with sand. If used on…

As discussed earlier, the ingredients of mortar are: 7.4.1 Functions of Cementing Materials The primary requirement of cementing materials is to provide strength and durability to the structure. For cement mortar mostly Ordinary Portland Cement is used. However, for special types of works other cements may be used appropriate to the work. Cement performs the…