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Construction mortar is a paste made of sand, water, and a binding agent like lime or cement. It's used to fill the space between building blocks in masonry buildings.Mortar hardens and binds masonry units like bricks, stones, or concrete.
Here are some basic types of mortar:
Lime mortar: One of the oldest types of mortar, often made with hydraulic lime or fat lime. Hydraulic lime is used for masonry construction, while fat lime is used for plastering.
Surkhi mortar: A basic mortar made by mixing crushed burnt bricks, lime, and fine aggregates with water. The mortar has a red color due to the crushed burnt bricks.
Gauged mortar: Also called lime-cement mortar, this mortar contains both lime and cement as binding materials. Cement is added to lime mortar to increase its strength and achieve early strength. Gauged mortar is strong, dense, and economical, and is used for cavity walls.
The type of mortar used depends on how long the construction project will last. For example, quick-drying cement is fine for a few-year project.
Good mortar should have the following properties: Strong bond with masonry units Waterproof Long-lasting Economical Easy to place
Related:
Building & Construction Practice Test: Timber
Building & Construction Practice Test: Steel
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