CHAPTER IV

MORTAR

Building mortar – is defined as a mixture containing a binding agent, water and

fine aggregate acquiring stone-like properties as a result of hardening
❖ In composition and properties, it is similar to concrete, but these do not contain
coarse aggregate
❖ Mortars are used for filing joints as a binder in stone and brick masonry, for
preparation of decorative and protective plasters and for production of small-size
building elements (blocks, bricks, tiles etc.)

General Classification
1. Cement mortar
2. Lime mortar
3. Lime-cement mortar
4. Special mortar

CEMENT MORTAR – consists of cement as binding material, sand in different

proportions and water.
❖ It is the strongest type of mortar and is preferred for use in the construction of
structures subjected to heavy loading.
Preparation of Cement Mortar
❖ First, clean dry sand is spread in a uniform layer on a pucca platform. The whole
mass is mixed dry by working with spades till the whole mass becomes uniform
in color.
❖ Then a depression is made in the middle of the mass and the required quantity
of water is added. Dry material from sides is placed on the edge of the depression
containing water. It is done gradually until the water is completely absorbed by
the dry mass. The wet mass of mortar is then worked with spades to have a
mortar of uniform consistency.
❖ When mortar is required in large quantity, it is prepared by mixing in
mechanical mixers.
Cement mortars should be tested for crushing, edhesiveness, setting time and
tensile strength.
Properties of Mortars
➢ For mortar to be workable and strong, the ratio of cement to sand should be
normally be 1:3 to 1:6 by weight.
➢ The use of much weaker cement mortar is not satisfactory since reduction in
cement content leads to reduction in workability and less cohesion.
➢ The setting and hardening of cement mortar depends upon the setting and
hardening of the cement-water paste which binds the particles of sand.
➢ Cement mortar when used for protective plaster provides a water proof layer
and protects the elements covered from weathering effects (i.e., provides
resistance to weathering agencies such as rain, temperature variation, frost
action, etc.)

Uses of Mortar:
➢ Cement mortar is used for damp-proof course below the ground level, exposed
work such as exterior free-standing walls and parapets, engineering
construction with bricks of high strength.
➢ It is also used for pointing the joints of masonry, for plastering the surface of
masonry to protect it from weather and to provide a pleasing and smooth
finish.
➢ In concrete, mortar binds the particles of coarse aggregate into one solid
mass.

LIME MORTAR
❖ Lime mortar maybe lime and sand mortar, lime and surki mortar, lime sand and
surki mortar or lime and cinder mortar (also known as black mortar).
❖ Hydrated lime is a dry powder obtained by treating quick lime with water
enough to satisfy its chemical affinity for water under the conditions of its
hydration.
Preparations:
1. Choice of Materials
▪ Sand. For better strength, well graded coarse sand should be used. Sand
with fineness modulus of 2 to 3 is quire suitable for lime-sand mortars,
while sand of fineness modulus between 1.5 and 2.5 would be good for use
in hydraulic lime.
▪ Cinders. Cinder is also a pozzolana material. It should be clean, free from
unburnt carbon contents and should posses suitable fineness aand other
particles.
 ▪ Fly ash
▪ Burnt clay pozzolana

2. Method of Mixing
This method of mixing affects the quality and strength of mortar.
The two methods are: 1. Manual mixing
2. Grinding in a mortar (run by animal or
mechanical power.
Properties:
➢ Lime mortars are quite plastic and workable when wet.
➢ If made from high calcium lime, mortars have good working qualitites
➢ Lime mortars develop strength very slowly but gain continuous strength over
long periods.
➢ These mortars provide enough bond between masonry blocks or bricks when
used for masonry joints. They also provide a fairly strong surface when used
for plastering.
Uses:
1. Chimneys
2. Internal work with very thin mortar joints or external walls in sheltered
conditions
3. Masonry to bind stones, bricks or concrete blocks together, masonry and
plastering in cheap and light load bearing wall construction
It is cheaper than cement mortar.

LINE CEMENT MORTAR

- Is also known as composite mortar
Properties:
➢ Lower cement content in cement mortar leads to reduction in workability,
less cohesion and will produce porous joints.
➢ The advantage of lime in composite mortar is that it increases the water
retentivity of mortar, improves working qualities and bonding properties.
➢ The usual proportions of cement, lime and sand are 1:1:6, 1:2:9 and 1:3:12
Uses:
1. Used for half brick walling (e.g. cavity walls) in masonry to bind stoned,
bricks or concrete blocks and for pointing the joints of masonry.
 2. It is quite workable and used in masonry providing thin joints thus leading to
economy.
3. Used for plastering wall surfaces and outside weather proof pointing.
4. Due to good workability, this mortar gives good surface finish and economy in
labor cost.

SPECIAL MORTAR
1. Mud mortar
2. Cement-clay mortar
3. Light and heavy mortars
4. Decorative mortars
5. Air-entrained (Plasticized) mortar

MUD MORTAR
❖ It is used for very cheap constructions in rural areas.
❖ Clay nodules or lumps are first collected from the ground. These are then wetted
with water and allowed to mature for 1 to 2 days. Then it is kneaded well.
❖ Mud mortar is used for surfacing floors and plastering the internal and also
external surfaces. For improving the weather resistance of mud mortar on the
outside walls which are exposed to rain, the surface is sprayed or pointed with
bituminous material.
❖ Mud mortars are very cheap and the ingredients are locally available. The life of
mud mortar surfaces varies from 5 to 15 years depending on its water proofing
treatment and weather condition.

CEMENT CLAY MORTAR

❖ The addition of clay improves the grain composition, the eater retaining ability,
the workability of the mortar and increases its density.
❖ It can be used for masonry joints and plastering.
❖ This has better covering power and can be used in thin layers.
LIGHT AND HEAVY MORTAR
❖ Light mortars possess a minimum unit weight of 1500 kg/m3 (15 KN/m3) while
heavy mortars usually range from 1500 to 2200 kg/m3 ( 15 KN/m3).
❖ Light mortars are prepared by using light weight sands or fine aggregates.
❖ These are used in cases where a reduction in the conductivity of structure is
desirable and also structure is to be kept lightly loaded.
❖ Heavy mortars can be prepared by using dense sands or fine aggregates. Such
mortars maybe used in load bearing construction.

DECORATIVE MORTAR
❖ These types of mortar are used to impart a pleasant outer appearance to the
surface structures.
❖ These are obtained by using color cements or pigments and fine aggregate of
appropriate color, texture and surface.

AIR-ENTRAINED (PLASTECIZED) MORTAR

❖ To improve the working qualities of lean cement sand mortars, air is entrained
in it which serves as a plasticizer producing minute air bubbles which help in
flow characteristics and workability.
❖ The air entraining also makes the mortar light weight and a better insulator of
heat and sound.

TESTS for MORTARS

1. Crushing strength
2. Adhesiveness
3. Cohesiveness or tensile strength
4. Test for setting