Mortar

Cement Mortar
Mortars are composed of a cementitious material, fine aggregate, sand, and specific
amount of water.
Mortar can be used for a number of purposes such as plastering over bricks or other
forms of masonry, for flooring etc., and with the addition of coarse aggregate, it can also
be used to make concrete.
Cement mortar also provides a superior medium to create a smooth surface on walls
made from bricks or other forms of masonry.
Preparation of Cement Mortar
(a) Selection of Raw Materials
Although there are different types of materials available for the preparation of Cement
Mortar, it is necessary to ensure that the right materials are selected based on the type
of construction and its purpose.
The Portland cement is used to make mortar. Ordinary Portland cement is most suitable
for common construction purposes. For making composite mortars, Lime is also used.
Sand must be of good quality and it should be free of impurities like clay, dust, oxide of
irons etc. It must be cleaned completely before mixing with cement.
Sand provides strength, resistance against shrinkage and cracking. It provides bulk to
mortars, hence, making it economical. Using just cement would not only make it
extremely costly, but also impractical.
(b) Proportion of Cement Mortar
The Proportion means the relative quantity of different components to be mixed to make
good mortar, or simply the ratio between different materials.
Following are the proportions of cement mortar which is commonly recommended for
different works:
01. Masonry Construction:
For ordinary masonry work with brick/ stone as a structural unit. – 1:3 to 1:6
For reinforced brick work – 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
02. 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 external plaster work, as per India Public Works Department, the under coat shall
consist of cement mortar 1:5 (1 cement: 5 coarse sand) and the top coat shall be of
cement mortar 1:4 (1 cement: 4 fine sand) unless otherwise specified.
03. Flooring Work:
Mortar ratio of 1:4 to 1:8 (cement: sand, water to be judgmental), for 5 to 7 times
thickness of verified tiles, should be given as bed between RCC floor and tiles.
04. Pointing Work:
For pointing work proportion of cement mortar should be 1:1 to 1:3
(c) Mixing of Ingredients
To prepare cement mortar, cement and sand are properly mixed in dry condition. Water
is then added gradually and mixed using a shovel. The water should be free from clay
and other impurities.
Cement mortar can either be mixed manually (Hand Mixing) or mechanically (Machine
Mixing). For small construction, hand mixing is commonly used. Mechanical mixing is
required when the mortar is needed in large quantities and needs to be used in
continuous order.
Curing of Cement Mortar
Cement gains strength with hydration. So, it is necessary to see that the mortar remains
wet until hydration occurs. After placing the mortar/concrete, the process of ensuring
sufficient moisture for hydration is called curing. Curing is ensured by spraying water.
Generally, curing begins 6–24 hours after using mortar. Initially, more water is required
for hydration, which can be reduced gradually. Curing for cement mortar is
recommended for 7 days.
Properties of Cement Mortar
Well-proportioned and well laid mortar provides an impervious surface. When water is
added to dry mixture of cement and sand, hydration of cement occurs, and it binds with
sand particles and the surrounding surfaces of masonry and concrete. A rich mortar of
more than 1:3 is prone to shrinkage. The leaner mix is not capable of closing the voids
in sand, and hence the plastered surface will remain porous. Per Indian Standards, the
strength of the mortar depends upon the proportion of cement and sand.
Precaution while using Cement Mortar
After adding water to the mixture, the mortar should be used within 30 minutes, because
the setting process begins immediately after adding water. Otherwise, its strength will
gradually decrease. Before placing the structural units, i.e. bricks and stones they must
be saturated in water because the cement requires a good amount of water for
hydration. If dry units are placed on the mortar, they will absorb water from mortar very
quickly, which will have a deteriorating effect on the mixture and its strength will get
reduced. Wherever the mortar is used, it should be kept wet at least for 7 days.
In summary, the most common type of mortars of the present day generally consists of
mixtures of cement and sand. In all situations where a strong, durable and resistant
mortar is desired, the cement mortar becomes indispensable. Cement mortar is one of
the greatest binding materials widely used in construction.
Here, we have provided information on cement mortar, proportion of cement mortar for
different works, their uses and its precautions which will help you while constructing a
house.

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Cement Mortar

Preparation of Cement Mortar

(a) Selection of Raw Materials

(b) Proportion of Cement Mortar

02. Plaster Work:

For External Plaster and Ceiling Plaster – 1:4

03. Flooring Work:

04. Pointing Work:

For pointing work proportion of cement mortar should be 1:1 to 1:3

(c) Mixing of Ingredients

Curing of Cement Mortar

Precaution while using Cement Mortar

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