Author: Haroon Khalil

In general, the properties required for a good mortar are as follows:

Quality mortar should satisfy the following functions:

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…

The fine aggregate mainly used is sand. The required properties of good sand were discussed earlier. Sand plays the following functions in mortar: Surkhi is another form of fine aggregate, which is usually prepared by powdering slightly unburnt bricks. It should be free from admixtures of any foreign materials. Surkhi is generally used with sand. If used on…

As discussed earlier, the ingredients of mortar are: 7.4.1 Functions of Cementing Materials The primary requirement of cementing materials is to provide strength and durability to the structure. For cement mortar mostly Ordinary Portland Cement is used. However, for special types of works other cements may be used appropriate to the work. Cement performs the…

Water is used for construction purposes of Civil Engineering Works such as the construction of earth structures, highway construction, mortar and concrete works, etc. Although water is an important constituent of construction materials, it does not receive the attention due to it particularly in the construction of earth structures and highway construction. However, due importance…

Sand particles are small soil grains of silica. As per the Indian Soil Classification, particles of diameter greater than 0.075 mm and less that 4.75 mm are categorized as sand. Sand is naturally available and may be classified as (i) pit sand, (ii) river sand and (iii) sea sand. Sea sand is not suitable for…

The directly as a construction material unless they are combined with some other inert material like aggregates. Thus, a combined material formed by mixing intimately a binding material (cement or lime) with a fine aggregate (sand or surkhi) in a certain proportion and with an adequate quantity of water is called mortar. Here lime or cement…