Mortar and its Types

UNIT - II

Chapter - 4 (E)

MORTAR

MORTAR AND ITS TYPES

Mortar is a paste-like substance. It is prepared by adding required quantity of water to a mixture of binding material, namely, cement or lime and a fine aggregate sand in certain proportion. Mortars are named according to the binding material used. They are:

1. Cement Mortar

Mortar using cement and sand is known as Cement Mortar. It is a paste of cement and sand. Cement is the binding material. Sand adds mechanical strength to the mortar. It prevents shrinkage and cracking of the mortar during the process of setting. Cement mortar is used for masonry work (1 part cement, 3 – 5 parts sand). For flooring and plastering walls, 1 part cement, 4 or 5 or 6 parts sand is used. For foundation, 1 part cement, 3 or 4 or 5 parts sand is used. Sand used for mortar may be natural sand, or sand obtained from crushed stone or gravel or combination of the above. Water used for mortar should be free from chemical salts.

2. Lime Mortar

Lime and sand mixture is known as Lime Mortar. Here, lime is the binding material. It is easily soluble in water. The lime should be free from salts and other impurities.