Mortar & Plaster

Mortar preparation methods: Functions and tests &

their uses in various types of pointing & plastering
MORTAR
● “The term mortar is used to indicate a paste prepared by adding required
quantity of water to a mixture of binding material like cement or Lime
and fine aggregates like sand.” This components when mixed are
referred as MATRIX.
● The durability, quality and strength of mortar will mainly depends on
quantity and quality of the matrix.
● The combined effect of the two components of mortar is that the mass is
able to bind the bricks or stones firmly
Properties of a good mortar:

1. The mobility is used to indicate the consistency of mortar mix, which may
range from stiff to fluid The mobility of mortar depends upon composition of
mortar and mortar mixes to be used for masonry work, finishing works, etc
are made sufficiently mobile.
2. The placeability or the ease with which the mortar mix can be placed with minimum
cost in a thin and uniform layer over the surface depends on the mobility of mortar.The
placeablity of mortar mix should be such that a strong bond is developed with the surface
of the bed.

3. A good mortar mix should possess the ability of retaining adequate humidity during the
transportation and laying over the porous bed. If water retention power of mortar mix is
low it separates into layers during transportation and when it comes contact with the
porous bed like brick, wood, etc, it gives away its water to that surface. Thus the mortar
becomes poor in a amount of water and remaining water proves to be insufficient for its
hardening. Hence required strength of mortar will not be achieved with such a mortar mix
will.
Other properties:

1. It should be capable of developing good adhesion with the building units

such as bricks, stones etc.

●
2. It should be capable of developing the designed stresses.

3. It should be capable of resisting penetration of rainwater.

4. It should be cheap.

5. It should be durable.

6. It should be easily workable.

7. It should not affect the durability of materials with which it comes into

contact.
 Uses of Mortar:
1. To bind the building units such as bricks, stones etc.
2. To carry out pointing and plaster works on exposed surfaces of masonry
3. To form an even bedding layer for building units
4. To form joints of pipes
5. To improve the appearance of structure.

Types of Mortar:

1.Bulk density 3. Nature of 4. Special

2. Kinds of binding Application
material mortars
1. Heavy Mortars 1. Lime Mortar 1. Fire resistant
2. Lightweight Mortars 2. Cement mortar 1. Brick laying mortar
3. Gauged Mortar mortars 2. Light weight
or composite 2. Finishing Mortars mortar
mortar 3. Packing Mortar
4. Gypsum Mortar 4. Sound Absorbing
Mortar
5. X-ray shielding
mortar
Heavy mortars:
bulk density is more than 1500 kg/m3 and prepared from heavy quartz
●
Lightweight mortars: –
bulk density is less than 1500 kg/m3 and prepared from light porous sands.
Lime Mortar -
in this motor, lime is used as binding material. Lime may be fate lime (Pure Lime or Rich
Lime) or Hydraulic lime.
Fat lime mortar 1:2 to 1:3 and hydraulic lime mortar may be 1:2 by VOLUME
Cement mortar:
In this mortar, cement is used as binding material. Depending upon the strength required and
importance of work, the proportion of cement to sand varies from 1:2 to 1:6 or more.
Gauged Mortar or composite mortar:
The process of adding cement to lime mortar to improve the quality of lime mortar is known
as gauging. It makes lime mortar economical, strong and dense. The usual proportion of
cement to lime by volume is about 1:6 to 1:8
Gypsum mortar:
These mortars are prepared from gypsum binding material such as building gypsum and
anhydrite binding materials.
Brick laying mortars:
Mortars for brick laying are intended to be used for brick works and walls. Depending upon the
working conditions and type of construction, the composition of masonry mortars with respect
to the kind of binding materials is decided.
Finishing Mortars:
these mortars include common plastering work and mortars for developing architectural or
ornamental effects. Generally cement or lime is used as binding material.
Fire resistant mortar-
This mortar is prepared by adding 1:2 ratio of aluminous cement with crushed powder of fire
bricks used for fire brick lining furnaces, fireplaces, ovens etc.
Light weight mortar –
This mortar is prepared by adding sawdust, wood powder to lime or cement mortar for sound
proof and heat proof construction
Packing Mortar –
To pack of oil wells, special mortars possessing the properties of high homogeneity, water
resistance, predetermined setting time, ability to form solid waterproof plugs in cracks and voids
of rocks, resistance to subsoil water pressure etc. have to be formed with cement sand, cement
loam and cement sand loam mortars.
Sound absorbing mortars:
To reduce the noise level, sound absorbing mortars
with Portland cement, lime, gypsum, slag Portland
cement etc as the binding materials employed in its
composition. The aggregates selected from
lightweight porous material such as pumice,
cinders etc.
X-ray shielding mortar:
This type of mortar is used for providing the plastering
coat to walls and ceiling of x-ray cabinets. This is
heavy mortar with bulk density over 2200 kg/m3.
The aggregates are obtained from heavy rock and
suitable admixture are added to enhance protective
property of such a mortar.
Preparation of cement mortar:

1. For preparing mortar, water is added to intimate mixtures of binding material and
sand. The water to be used for this purpose should be free from clay, earth and
other impurities. Water which is fit for drinking should only be used for preparing
mortar.
2. Cement mortar may be prepared by manual mixing or by mechanical mixing.
Mechanical mixing is preferred when mortar is required in large quantities to be
used in continuous order.
Mixing in mechanical mixer:
In this case, cement and sand in desired proportion are fed in the mixer and mixed
dry. Water is then added gradually and the wet mixing a continued for at least one
minute to obtain the mortar of desired consistency. It is necessary to ensure that
only the quantity of mortar which can be used within half an hour of its mixing
should be prepared at a time. This is essential as after 30 minutes the mortar
begins to set.
Manual mixing:
In this case, specified quantity of sand is spread and leveled on clean dry masonry
platform. Required quantity of cement bags are emptied over the sand layer. The
ingredients are then mixed thoroughly by turning them over the sand layer. The
ingredients are then mixed thoroughly by turning them over and over. Backward and
forward several times with the help of spade. Dry mixing is continued till the mix have
attains a uniform colour. A batch of dry mix is then put in the shallow masonry tank and
just sufficient quantity of water is added to bring the mortar to the consistency of a
paste. The quantity of dry mix taken in each batch should be such the mortar formed
each time is consumed within half an hour.
Precautions in using mortar:
1. Consumption of mortar should be as early as possible
Lime mortar (within 36 Hrs. after its preparation)
Cement mortar (within 30 minutes)
Gauged mortar (within 2 hours)
2. Frost action - Setting action of mortar is affected by the presence of frost and not
advisable in frosty weather.
3. Soaking of building units: Building units should not be soaked before application of
mortar. If this precaution is not taken, water of mortar will be absorbed by the building units
and mortar will become weak.
4.Sprinkling of water: The construction work carried out by mortar should be kept damp or
wet by sprinkling water for about 7 to 10 days to avoid rapid drying of mortar.

5.Workability: Mortar should not contain excess water and it should be stiff as can be
conveniently used. Joints should be well formed and excess mortar from joints should be
neatly taken off by a trowel. Surface formed by mortar for building units to rest should be
even.
 PLASTER
● Plaster is a building material used for the protective or decorative coating
of walls and ceilings and for moulding and casting decorative elements.
● In English, "plaster" usually means a material used for the interiors of
buildings, while "render" commonly refers to external applications.
● Plastering covers the rough surfaces of walls, columns, ceilings, and other
building components with a thin coat of plaster to make the surface smooth
and durable.
● Plastering on the externally exposed surface is called rendering.
 1. Objectives of Plastering
● a. To provide a smooth and finished surface.

● b. To protect the surfaces against atmospheric effects.

● c. To resist chemical actions.

● d. To cover defects in the structure.

● e. To give a decorative appearance.

 2. Requirements for Good Plaster Material
● a. It should be hard and durable.

● b. It should remain on the surface and protect from chemical attacks and

weathering actions.

● c. It should have good workability.

● d. It should have high strength and durability.

● e. It should be cheap and should be easily available.

● f. It should protect from penetration of nature.

3. Tools Used in Plastering
Names Images Uses

Trowel Used for plastering and smoothing

surfaces.

Spackle Knife Used for scraping surfa

 Spirit Level Used to indicate how parallel (level) or
perpendicular (plumb) a surface is
relative to the earth.

Straight edge Used for ruling, cement render

screeding, tiling, and as a general
construction straight edge.

Float Used for making plaster smooth and

flat.
 Plumb bob Used to establish a vertical reference
(called a plumb line).

Floating Rule Used to check the level of the

plastered surface between the
successive layers.
Paddle Mixer Used for ideal for quick and
convenient mixing of paint, plaster,
and more.

Hammer Used to chip out chunks of plaster

and to re-secure or remove
problematic pieces of lath.
Plaster Sponge Used for providing a final coat and
finishing touch on plastered surface.

Tube Level Used to transfer a vertical level

across a distance.
Water Brush Used during the final smoothing
stage of your plaster job.

Thread Used for checking the level of plaster

of different structures.
Bucket Used to transport/carry mortar.

Broom Used during the final smoothing

stage of your plasterwork.
Shovel Used to mix the cement, sand, and
water.

Hawk Used to carry mortar or plaster from

the mixing table to the surface that’s
being worked on.
 4. Types of Plasters Used In Plastering Work
a. Gypsum Plaster (POP):
● Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate
(CaSO4·2H2O).
● It is generally found in the form of rock and is white.
● Gypsum plaster is a paste formed by mixing the gypsum powder and
water in a suitable proportion.
● No sand is used in gypsum plaster. Only mixing of gypsum powder and
water is done to prepare gypsum plaster.
● This plaster is only used for interior plastering work.
b. Lime Plaster
● When lime is mixed with the sand in the presence of the proper quantity of
water, it is called lime mortar/ lime plaster, and the
● Process of covering the surface of the walls, slabs, and columns by using lime
plaster is called lime plastering.
● Plastering may be single-coated or multi-coated.
● The proportion of lime and sand for lime plastering is generally taken as
1:3 to 1:4.
c. Cement Plaster
● When cement and sand are mixed with the proper quantity of water,
cement plaster is formed, and the process of covering the surfaces with
cement plaster is called cement plastering.
● The generally used mixed proportion of cement and sand for cement plaster
are 1: 4, 1:5, and 1:6.
Internal plaster – 1:6 or 1:5
External plaster – 1:4
Ceiling plaster – 1:3
d. Mud Plaster

This plaster is prepared by mixing an adequate percentage of clay and sand

content. A small amount of cow-dung is added to this plaster to receive a
better surface.

This plaster is environmentally friendly, and repairing work is easy and

inexpensive.
 5. Plastering Procedure
● a. The application surface should be made rough by raking out.
● b. In case of the presence of cavities or holes, fill it in advance with suitable
material.
● c. All joints and application surfaces are cleaned out with the help of water and a
wire brush. No traces of oils or greases should be left.
● d. The application surface should be wet for at least 6 hours before plaster
application.
● e. For obtaining the uniform surface level, plaster patches of size 15 mm * 15 mm
and a thickness of about 10 mm are used (Patches are also known as fixed dots ).
Patches are set at an interval of 2m.
● f. Verticality of fixed dots is checked with a plumb bob, and screeds are formed
between dots.
● g. Then, a base coat is applied to the surface between screeds using the trowel. The
thickness of the base coat may vary between 9 to 15 mm.
● h. The surface is levelled using a wooden float.
● i. Let the base coat set but not let it dry. Then roughen the base coat by
scratching.
● j. Then surface or finishing coat is applied over the base coat.
● k. The thickness of the finishing coat may vary between 2 mm to 3mm.
● l. Finishing coat is levelled uniformly utilizing a wooden float.
● m. Let the plastered surface dry, and after 12 hours, start the curing.
● n. Curing should be done for at least 7 days to prevent problems like cracking in the
future.
● As cement needs 28 days for complete hydration, curing for 28 days is best.
 Note:
● The plastering process of exterior and interior surfaces is the same. The

only difference is that a waterproofing admixture is commonly added to

the plaster to be used on exterior surfaces.

● High-grade plaster is preferred to external plastering.

● Plaster should always be done from top to bottom.

Thickness of plaster:-
● Thickness of plaster is ranging between 6mm to 25mm
● Thickness depends on types of plastering.
● External: 15mm thick single coat and 18mm (10+8), 20mm (12+8) & 25 mm (15+10)
thick double coat are recommended thickness of external wall plaster.
● Internal: 10mm,12mm and 15mm thick single coat are recommended thickness of
internal wall plaster.
● Concrete Wall: 6mm, 10mm and 12mm thick single coat are recommended
thickness of concrete wall plaster & 6 mm thick single coat are recommended
thickness of ceiling plaster.
 6. POINTING:
● Instead of plastering entire surface of the masonry, special mortar finishing work is
done to the exposed joints, this is called pointing.
● It consists of raking the joints to a depth of 10 mm to 20 mm and filling it with
richer mortar mixes. In case of lime mortar pointing mix used is 1 : 2 and in case
of cement mortar pointing mix used is 1 : 3.
● Pointing is ideally suited for stone masonry because stones are having attractive
colours and good resistance to penetration by water. Pointing gives perfection to
weaker part of masonry (i.e. to joints) and it adds to aesthetic view of the masonry.
● Pointing is a technique of strengthening and repairs of brick masonry or stone masonry
mortar joints. In case when old mortar joints crack and disintegrate, then the defective
mortar is removed by hand or power tool and replaced with fresh mortar, preferably of
the same composition as the original.
Difference Between Plastering and Pointing:
SL.NO PLASTERING POINTING

1. It is applied to entire surface. It is provided only at exposed joints.

2. It provides smooth surface. It does not provide smooth surface.

3. It conceals defective workmanship in It is used to expose beauty of well

the masonry construction built masonry work.

4. It provides a base for applying white/ White washing or colour washing

colour washing are ruled out.
Types of pointing:
1. Flush Pointing
● In the flush pointing, the mortar filled and pressed into a mortar joint. After that, it is
finished off flush with the edges of the bricks or stones, to give a smooth appearance.
Then the final finish is given by trimming the edges neatly with a trowel and straight
edge.
● It does not make a good appearance.
● But it is durable as it aborts the chances of accumulation of dust, water etc.
● It is the most popular types of pointing used in building construction.
2. Weathered Pointing
● In Weathered Pointing the mortar pressed into a joint, and while the mortar is still fresh
the top of the horizontal joints is neatly pressed back by 3-6 mm with the pointing tool.
They look like sloping from the top of the joint to the bottom of the joint.
3. Keyed Pointing
● In these Keyed types of pointing the mortar is pressed into joints by trowel and well
finished off with the face of the masonry surface. After that, the joint is presses back by
small-diameter steel lengthwise (6 mm dia). It will form a curved arc groove into a
mortar joint. The vertical joint also finishes similar manner.
● In this type mortar is first pressed into joints,
● A semi-circular curve type notch is formed by tool or small steel bar.
● These types of pointing are providing an excellent appearance to the wall.
● Keyed pointings are mostly used for superior type work, particularly for vertical joints of
walls.
●
4. V-Grooved Pointing (V Pointing)
● V pointing are similar to keyed pointing work. The mortar filled and
pressed into a joint. After that, the V-shaped groove is formed in the
joint by use of V shape tool.

5. Beaded Pointing

In Beaded Pointing, the mortar pressed into a masonry joint

and concave grooves are formed into a joint by using a steel
tool having a concave shape. Beaded pointing gives an
excellent appearance to the mortar joint but is liable to get
damaged quickly.
6. Struck Pointing
● In this pointing, the mortar is first filled and pressed to match the face
of brick masonry work, and then the top edge of the joint is pressed
inside around 10 mm compared to the bottom corner. It will form
slope from top to bottom so that that rain wall will drain off quickly.
7. Recessed Pointing: These types of pointing generally not
suitable for buildings in exposed situations because they do not
readily shed water. Recessed pointings are by pressing mortar
back from edges by 5 mm or more.Pressed pointing face is kept
vertical. It is advisable to use only bricks with excellent frost
resistance should be used with recessed joints. It Gives a good
appearance
8. Tuck Pointing
● In these types of pointing the mortar joint is filled and pressed to the level surface of
masonry.
● While the mortar is still fresh, grooves are cut in the mortar joint. The slot size of 5mm
width and 3mm depth. Ti is then filled with white cement putty, kept projecting beyond
the face of the joint by 3 mm. in case if these projections are done in a mortar then it is
called bastard pointing or half tuckpointing.
Thank You