Types of Mortar,Properties of Good Mortar and Uses of Mortar - TS

 

Types of Mortar

Construction of any structure in the architectural world is incomplete without a binding material. Any building article - bricks, stones, tiles, etc. would need a securing paste or mortar. Mortar is an indispensable part of the construction process as it fills the gap between the building blocks. The basis of using different types of mortar depends on the application, the density, and the purpose.

 What is Mortar Mix?

 Generally, mortar in construction is a mix of water, binding material, and fine aggregate (sand or surkhi). The ratio of the ingredients in the different types of mortar mix depends on the kind of masonry material used, the compression strength required, and the final application. Mixing mortar varies depending on the final application of the same.

 Different Types of Mortar

  1. Cement Mortar

         As the name suggests, the binding material is cement in this classification of mortar mix. The ratio of blending cement, water, and sand would depend on the purpose and durability that one vouches for. Typically, first, the mixing of cement and sand takes place. The gradual addition of water then follows. The proportion of cement to sand could be anything from 1:2 to 1:6.

 2. Lime Mortar

Lime is the primary binding material in this mortar type. Lime is of two varieties - hydraulic lime and fat lime. When working under dry conditions, fat lime is the most suitable option (preferably 2 to 3 times the quantity of sand). However, in areas experiencing heavy rains or water-logging, hydraulic lime would be the right option (lime-sand ratio being 1:2). 

  3. Gypsum Mortar

The securing material in gypsum mortar is plaster and soft sand. It offers a very low durability in moist or wet climates.

 4. Gauged Mortar

When we use a combination of lime and cement as blenders and sand as a fine aggregate, gauged mortar is the resultant mix. It takes the best of both - lime mortar and cement mortar. Lime adds the requisite plasticity, while cement gives durability. The cement-to-lime ratio in this mix varies between 1:6 and 1:9. It is one of the most economical mortar options. 

  5. Surkhi Mortar

Combining lime, surkhi, and water, we get surkhi mortar. Surkhi acts as a fine aggregate. Burnt clay in the finely powdered form is surkhi. It adds more strength to the mortar mix than sand and is much cheaper. Occasionally, we can use half a portion of sand and half of surkhi.

 6. Aerated Cement Mortar

Working with cement mortars could be tricky because of low plasticity. However, if we add air-entraining agents to the mix, there could be a significant improvement in its workability. Aerated cement mortars hence come into the picture. 

  7. Mud Mortar

When cement or lime is unavailable, we can replace them with mud as the binding agent. Mud amalgamated with cow dung or rice husk as the fine-aggregate results in mud mortar.

  8. Heavy and light-weight Mortar

Mortar whose bulk density is 15 KN/m³ or more is heavy mortar. Heavy quartzes are fine aggregates in this type of mortar. On the other hand, in light-weight mortar, the bulk density is less than 15 KN/m³. These mortars use lime or cement as binders and sand, saw-dust, etc., as fine aggregates.

  9. Thin-set Mortar

If we are looking for an tile adhesives, we use thin-set mortar, which is thinner. However, this mortar is unfit for use with bricks or heavy stones. It comprises cement, sand, and water retention agents. Nowadays, it is common to use thin-set mortars with tile mastic. Tile mastic is an adhesive to stick tiles to the walls or floors.

  10. Epoxy Mortar

Advancements in the compositions of mortars are commonplace, and one such revolutionary product includes the epoxy mortar. The mortar comprises of epoxy resins, solvents, etc. This mortar is adhesive and water-proof. It is stain-resistant and has faster curing than cement mortar, making it an obvious choice to use while working with tiles.

 11. Fire-resistant Mortar

Aluminous cement is a significant ingredient in this sub-division. Mixing the fine powder of fire bricks and cement makes a fireproof mortar. 

  12. Packing Mortar

Cement-loam, cement-sand, or sometimes cement-sand-loam constitute packing mortar. Due to its strength and water resistance, the construction of oil wells uses this binder. 

  Properties of Good Mortar

 While usage of binders depends on the applicability and purpose, the properties of good mortar are:

 1. Adhesive

The primary purpose of mortars is to bind building blocks like bricks, tiles, etc. Therefore, adhesiveness is a very crucial property of mortars.

 2. Water-proof

Good mortars are water-resistant to withstand rainy weather conditions.

 3. Durability

One of the most significant qualities of any architectural construction is its ability to last for long durations without much wear and tear. Therefore, the mortar should be of premium quality to withstand any adversity.

 4. Usability

The mortar should be easy to use and work with.

 5. Crack resistant

Mortar, when exposed to high pressure or temperature variations, could lead to being deformed easily. Consequently, the tiles or building surfaces could develop cracks. Hence, good-quality mortar would ensure sturdy joints and grips for longer durations.

   Uses of Mortar

  1. Binding Agent

The primary function of mortar is to bind bricks or stones together.

  2. Resistance

Mortar ensures resistance and strength against adverse weather conditions and other agencies (chemical attacks, loud sound, etc.)

  3. Joint fill-ups

Thin mortar (grout) assists in filling up joints and spaces between tiles or bricks.