Mortar is a workable paste that contains ingredients like cement, water, and sand. It is a homogeneous mixture that helps bind the building blocks like bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units.
There are various types of mortars available in the construction sector, classified based on their applications, strength, density, purposes, and binding materials. Nowadays, cement mortar is widely used in construction due to its excellent strength and durability properties.
In this article, you will get to understand in detail cement mortar, its properties, characteristics, and applications. Continue your reading to learn more.
What is Cement Mortar
Cement mortar contains a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It is a binding agent used to seal the building blocks, like bricks or stones, to enhance their strength, longevity, and affordability.
The sand adds bulk to the mixture to achieve the workable consistency that can be easily shaped and applied. It is used in an abundant range of construction works, from small DIY projects to large-scale masonry works. More than these binding practices, cement mortar can also be used for decorative purposes, in different textures and colours.
Characteristics of Cement Mortar
Cement mortar possesses several significant characteristics.
- Cement mortar has excellent durability, which makes it resistant to destructive influences that arise from sulfates, chemicals, acids, and mechanical effects like abrasion.
- It is primarily used in masonry work to provide adequate strength in compression, tension, and bond.
- Cement mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water, providing a good binding power while working on stones and bricks.
- The thickness of the mortar is easily adjustable using sand content, which helps achieve the workable consistency.
- The dry time of cement mortar is literally very quick, so that the construction work can be done with a specified timeline.
- Cement mortar has excellent tight sealing properties, which do not create any cracks or damages in the structure.
Properties of Cement Mortar
Here are some notable properties of cement mortar:
- Cement mortar should be well-proportioned and well-laid to obtain an impervious surface.
- Applying a rich mortar with less than a ratio of 1:3 prevents cracks or shrinkage in the structure.
- It is a binding material used to seal the masonry units like bricks, cement, stone, and blocks.
- Cement mortar is primarily preferred for neat and well-finished wall and concrete work.
- It allows for preparing the building blocks.
- Efficiently seal the cracks and joints that exist in the wall and concrete works.
- When water is poured into the dry mixture of cement and sand, the hydration process will occur. It encourages the binding process with sand particles and surfaces of concrete and masonry.
- Applying a leaner mix is not so effective in closing the voids in sand, resulting in porosity.
- The strength of cement mortar is based on the proportion of cement and sand used. Hence, each construction project requires a different range of strength, and this proportion can be adjusted accordingly.
Application of Cement Mortar
Cement mortar can be used in a wide range of applications because of its exceptional durability, strength, and ease of use.
Rendering: In general, rough surfaces are quite common to handle. To achieve a smooth and well-finished surface, cement mortar can be used, especially in areas such as floors, walls, and ceilings.
Bricklaying: Cement mortar is often used to bind the blocks or bricks together in any construction projects like chimneys, walls, or foundations. It also fills the gaps between stones and bricks, making the bond even tighter.
Tile Fixing: Tile fixing needs extra care and attention to seal the gaps thoroughly. Compared to other mortar types, cement mortar is a widely used tile adhesive to fix tiles on the floors or walls.
Swimming Pools: Cement mortar can actively fight against water infiltration, making it suitable for swimming pools and water-featured areas. It provides a watertight seal even in basements and below-grade structures.
Advantages of Cement Mortar
Let’s uncover some significant advantages of cement mortar in construction:
Enhances Versatility: Cement mortar is an ideal option for a variety of applications, including concrete mixing, masonry work, plastering, and flooring. It is easy to apply and achieve the appropriate shape as per the structure requirements.
High Strength and Durability: Cement mortar offers excellent compressive and tensile strength, which makes it suitable to work on load-bearing structures. It causes no shrinkage or cracks for the long run. Additionally, it can actively fight against heavy temperature fluctuations, weathering, and moisture.
Quick Setting Time: As mentioned earlier, the setting time of cement mortar is relatively quick. It enables faster construction progress, suitable for projects with deadline constraints.
Cost-Effective: Compared to other construction materials, it is quite cost-effective. Projects with budget constraints can consider cement mortar as a priority.
Disadvantages of Cement Mortar
It has several disadvantages to mention, including:
- Unlike other mortar types, cement mortar is quite difficult to handle once it’s damaged.
- During structural movement, it is more likely to shrink or crack over time.
- Cement production creates various environmental impacts, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
- Compared to other materials, the initial investment in materials and labour is quite high.
Preparation Process of Cement Mortar
The preparation of cement mortar involves two significant steps, including:
Selection of Quality Raw Materials
You have various raw materials available in the market for the preparation of cement mortar. However, choosing the right materials based on the construction and its purpose helps build quality structures. Cement mortar basically requires cement, sand and water.
Portland cement is the most commonly used type of cement in the preparation of mortar. It is suitable for a wide range of construction purposes. When it comes to the sand, the quality matters more. It should be free from any impurities like dust, clay, and iron oxides, etc.
Mixing of Ingredients
Cement mortar is an excellent binding material. It must contain well-proportioned ingredients to achieve the desired consistency. Initially, cement and sand should be mixed in a dry condition, and then water is gradually added.
You can mix it either manually or mechanically based on your convenience and construction needs. Hand mixing can work well for a small quantity of mortar; however, larger amounts require machine mixing.
Final Lines
Commonly, all types of mortars include a mixture of cement and sand. Its strength and durability can be adjusted according to the construction needs. The proportion of ingredients plays a vital role in it, which decides the actual strength and longevity of the structure. Ensure all criteria are checked before applying mortar.