What is cement mortar?

Cement mortar is the most common in almost every construction work nowadays. It is a homogeneous mix of cementitious materials with sand and water. Due to its durability and strength, cement mortar is used in plastering over bricks, flooring, or other masonry work. Also, if there is extra coarse aggregation, it can be engaged as concrete. 

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Composition of the cement mortar

To explore the complete mechanical properties of the cement mortar, it is necessary to determine the optimum water-cement ratio. Below is the proportion of the cement mortar that should be followed accordingly.

• For masonry construction:

  • Ordinary masonry works with brick/ stone as a structural unit. – 1:3 to 1:6
  • For reinforced brickwork – 1:2 to 1:3
  • For all work in moist situations – 1:3
  • For architectural work – 1:6
  • For load bearing structures – 1:3 or 1:4

• For plaster work:

  • For external plaster and ceiling plaster – 1:4
  • Internal plaster (If sand is not fine, i.e. Fineness Modulus> 3) – 1:5
  • For internal plaster (if fine sand is available) – 1:6
  • For ceiling – 1:3

• For flooring work:

  • Mortar ratio – 1:4 to 1:8

• For painting work:

  • Mortar ratio – 1:1 to 1:3

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Cement mortar: Different grades

Cement mortar: Characteristics

• As cement mortar is used in masonry work, it must have adequate strength in tension, compression, and bond.
• The thickness of the mortar should be easily workable.
• Cement mortar should be durable.
• The dry time of the cement mortar should be quick so that other construction work can be done.
• It should not have any impact on other building materials.
• Cement mortar should provide good binding power to stone or bricks. 
• Cement mortar should not have any cracks because cracks may allow water to penetrate. 

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Cement mortar: How to prepare it? 

Preparing cement mortar needs an experienced workforce or machine. Here is the detailed way of preparing cement mortar: 

• Selection of raw material

For preparing the cement mortar, Portland cement, coarse sand, and water are required. As water is a crucial part of cement mortar, picking the correct pH value is essential. pH value of 6 or less will not be appropriate for preparing cement mortar.

• Mixing of raw materials

Raw materials can be mixed in two ways. The first is hand mixing, and the second is machine mixing. 

Hand mixing: Hand mixing is done when a small quantity of cement mortar is required. This method uses dry sand and cement to get a uniform mix. This process is done with the help of spades. After this dry mix, the required amount of water is added. Till the dry mixture fully absorbs the water, everything is mixed properly. 

Machine mixing: Machine mixing is required when a huge amount of cement mortar is needed at a very high speed. In the machine mixing process, sand and cement are first poured into the machine. Then slowly, the water is added to the dry mix. One thing that should be remembered is that the cement is wet or sticks to the machine. The mixing drum is revolved gradually to get a good consistency of cement mortar.

• Transporting and placing of mortar

When the mortar is completely prepared, it is manually shifted with the help of an iron pan. Mechanical ways, like wheelbarrows, buckets, etc., are adopted in some places. The method of transportation depends on the quantity of the cement mortar and the type of work. After transporting the cement mortar to the workplace, it is placed in its required place as soon as possible. 

• Curing of mortar

Curing is the final step of mortar immediately after placing the mortar. The first 60% of curing is done within the first 24 hours. The rest happens for 7 to 14 days. Curing is the process that increases the strength of mortar. After proper curing, the chances of cracking are reduced. 

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