CEN 201: Engineering Materials

MORTAR: USES & properties

Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam
Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 What is mortar
Intimate mixtures having the consistency of a paste and
prepared by mixing a binding material (e.g., cement, lime,
shurki, etc.) and inert matter (e.g., sand, stone screenings, etc.)
and water in various proportions.

When the said materials are freshly mixed, mortars have a

plastic consistency, which could be easily worked with
trowel to fill in joints in masonry.

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Types of mortars
Cement mortar:
✓Consists of mixture of cement, sand and water in suitable
proportion.
✓Stronger than any other mortars.
✓Commonly used in the construction of load bearing wall,
pillars, columns, etc.
✓The proportion of cement to sand (volume basis) varies from
1:2 to 1:6 or even more, such as:
Masonry wall 1:6 to 1:8

Foundation concrete 1:3 to 1:4

R.C.C works 1:3

Arch works 1:3

Pointing 1:2 to 1:3

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Plaster work 1:3 to 1:4
 Types of mortars
Lime mortar:
•Mixture of lime (fat, normal or hydraulic lime), sand &
water.
•If fat lime issued in mortar, it should be slaked before
using
•Fat lime mortar, proportion should be 1:1
•Ordinary lime mortar 1:2
•Hydraulic lime mortar 1:4
•Hydraulic lime has greater cementing power than the
others.
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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Types of mortars
Mud mortar:

• Mixture of puddle mud and water at the required

consistency.
• Used in masonry of kucha bricks in village

Gauged mortar:

• Lime mortar with having some cement to increase

cementing properties.
• Usually used with fat lime mortar, as this kind of lime
possesses very weak cementing property.
• Cement in lime mortar increase its strength, hydraulicity
and the rate of setting.
• This mortar can be used in for brick or stone masonry in
foundation. 5
 Mortars based on Grade
• a) M-type - High strength mortar - 2,500 psi - Used for
buildings subjected to large lateral loads, and below
grade (earth level) masonry.
• (b) S-type - Medium high strength mortar - 1600 psi -
Used for masonry structures needing high flexural
bond strength and normal compressive loads.
• (c ) N-type - Medium strength mortar - 750 psi - for
general use above grade.
• (d) O-type - Medium low strength mortar; 350 psi -
Used for non-load-bearing walls and partition.

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Special mortars
❑Light weight mortar
➢Obtained by adding materials, such as
asbestos fibers, jute fibers, wood powder,
saw dust etc. to ordinary cement or lime
mortars
➢Very much used in heat-proof and sound
proof structures
➢Bulk density of less than 1500 kg/m3

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Special mortars
❑Fire-resistant mortars
➢Obtained by mixing powder of fire-bricks or
fire clays with aluminous cement.
➢Usual proportion being one part aluminous
cement and two parts powdered fire clays
➢Can withstand the effects of very high
temperature
➢Used for lining of furnaces, fire places and
ovens etc.

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Special mortars
❑Sound absorbing mortars
➢ Main purpose is to reduce noise level
➢ Bulk density varies from 600 to 1200 kg/m3
➢ Composition of these mortars consists of
cement, lime, gypsum slag etc.

❑X-ray shielding mortars

➢ Used to cover walls and ceiling of X-ray
cabinets.
➢ Heavy type of mortars having bulk density over
2700 kg/m3 9
 Special mortars
❑Lean mortar:
Mortar which has very small proportion of
cementing materials

❑Rich mortar
having larger proportion of cementing
materials

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Precautions in using mortars

•Bricks or stones to be joined by mortar should be used by

soaking them in water for at least 12 hours.

•After preparation of mortar, it should be used at its destined

place as early as possible; cement mortar within 30 minutes of
adding water to it and lime mortar within 36 hours.

•Mortar should be stiff but workable; that is, it should be as

stiff as possible without affecting its convenience in use.

•Works made from mortar should be kept wet for two weeks to
three.
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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB
 Tests of mortars
Tensile strength:
Using briquette apparatus with minimum cross-
section of 1.5”x 1.5”.

Compressive strength:
By using 2”x2”x2” cube made from cement mortar.

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Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Assoc. Prof, CEN, SUB