Chapter Three

Mortar
Lecture by Habtegebreal Adane
 Outline
01 Introduction

02 Mortar Use

03 Type of Mortar

04 Properties of Mortar
 Introduction

Mortar is the name given to a mixture

of sand or similar inert particles with
cementing materials and water, and
which has the capacity of hardening in
to a rock like mass.
Mortar = Cement + Sand + Water
 Mortar Use

Plastering of walls
For making concrete
It is used in masonry to bind stones,
bricks or concrete blocks together.
It is used for pointing the
joints of masonry
 Type of Mortar
Lime mortar
Lime Mortar = Lime + Sand + H2O ----- (Traditional)
• Has good workability
• Economical
 Type of Mortar

Cement mortar
Cement mortar = Cement+ Sand + H2O
• Develops strength rapidly
• Stronger than lime mortar
• Expensive than lime mortar
 Type of Mortar
Compo Mortar
Compo Mortar = Cement +
Lime + Sand + H2O
• has increased workability
• is relatively cheaper than
cement mortar
 Properties of Mortar
1. Workability: In order to increase workability of cement-sand mortars,
especially when they are rich mixes (i.e. containing less amount of cement);
plasticizers & air-entraining agents are used.
2. Strength: Affected by factors like:
• Quality of ingredients
• Their proportions
• The curing method and age, etc.
3. Water tightness: In damp conditions:
• Cement should be used in the mortar b/c of its hydraulic property
• The mix should be rich and dense
• Smaller water cement ratio shall be used.
BaTCoDA
BaTCoDA
Thank You!