Functions of Water

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 roles in mortar:

1. It wets the surface of the aggregates to provide better bonding.
2. It helps in the spreading of the cementing material over the surface of the fine aggregate.
3. By acting as a lubricant for the aggregate, the mortar is made workable.
4. It causes hydration of cement and lime because of which setting and hardening of cement mortar and lime mortar take place.