JAIPUR ENGINEERING COLLEGE AND RESEARCH CENTRE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Class – III Semester /II Year

Subject –Building Materials And Construction
Chapter – 4(Mortar, Plaster & Pointing)
Presented by – Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor )

Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR 1 1

 VISION AND MISSION OF INSTITUTE
VISION
To become a renowned center of outcome based learning, and work towards
academic, professional, cultural and social enrichment of the lives of individuals and
communities.
MISSION
Focus on evaluation of learning outcomes and motivate students to inculcate research
Aptitude by project based learning. Identify, based on informed perception of Indian,
Regional and global needs, areas of focus and provide platform to gain knowledge and
solutions. Offer opportunities for interaction between academia and industry. Develop
human potential to its fullest extent so that intellectually capable and imaginatively gifted
leaders can emerge in a range of professions.

Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR 1 2

VISION AND MISION OF DEPARTMENT
VISION

To become a role model in the field of Civil engineering for the sustainable
development of the society.
MISSION

To provide outcome base education

To create a learning environment conducive for achieving academic excellence
To prepare civil engineers for the society with high ethical values.

1 3
Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR
 CONTENTS
 Introduction
 Properties Of Good Mortar
 Uses
 Types Of Mortar
 Preparation Of Cement Mortar
 Precautions In Using Mortar
 Plastering
 Plastering Methods
 Pointing

Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR 1 4

 INTRODUCTION
Mortar is the term which is used to describe the paste obtained by
the addition of water in the mixture of binding material like cement
or lime and aggregate like sand in definite proportion.

The binding material used may also be referred as matrix and the
aggregate used may also be referred as adulterant. Hence, mortar
is a mixture of matrix & adulterant.

Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR 1 5

 6 PROPERTIES OF GOOD MORTAR
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 rain water.
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.
6 USES

1.To bind the building units such as bricks, stones etc.

2. To carry out painting 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.
6 TYPES OF MORTAR

The mortar are classified on the bases of the following

1.Bulk density

2.Kinds of binding material

3.Nature of application

4.Special mortars
6

Bulk density:
According to bulk density of mortar in dry state, the
mortars are two types
a.Heavy mortars -bulk density is more than 1500kg/m3 and
prepared from heavy quartz
b.Lightweight mortars – bulk density is less than 1500kg/m3
and prepared from light porous sands.
Kinds of binding Material
6
According to the kinds of binding material, several factors such as
expected working conditions, hardening temperature, moisture
conditions, etc should be considered. The mortars are classified into
five categories.
a. Mud mortar
The paste is prepared by mixing suitable clay, soil with water.
The soil which is used for preparing mud mortar should be free
from grass, pebbles etc.
These are the cheapest mortars but weakest in strength.
These mortars are used for brickwork of ordinary buildings and for
plastering walls in rural areas.
b. Lime Mortar -it is a type of mortar composed of lime and an aggregate such as
6
sand, mixed with water. In this mortar, lime is used as binding material.
Lime may be fat lime or Hydraulic lime. Fat lime mortar 1:2 to 1:3 and hydraulic lime
mortar may be1:2 by VOLUME.
A lime kiln is used to produce quicklime through the calcination of limestone
(calcium carbonate).
CaCO3 + heat → CaO + CO2
1.The paste is prepared by mixing lime and sand or surkhi in
suitable proportions in addition to water.
2.If surkhi is to be added in lime mortar the equal proportions of sand and surkhi should be
mixed with lime.
3.These mortars are inferior to cement mortars in strength as well as water tightness.
4.These mortars should not be used for underground works as they set in the presence of
carbon dioxide and break up in damp conditions.
5.This type is used for construction work above ground level i.e. exposed positions.
Cement mortar-In this mortar, cement is used as binding material. Depending upon
6
the strength required and importance of work, the
proportion of cement to sand varies from 1:2 to 1:6 or more.
The paste is prepared by mixing cement and sand in suitable proportions in addition
to water.
The general proportion is 1 part of cement to 2-6 parts (or more) clean sand.
These mortars must be use within half an hour, i.e.; before initial setting time of the
cement.
Thistype is used for all engineering works where high strength is desired such as
load bearing walls, deep foundations, flooring etc.
 6
d. 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.
e. Gypsum mortar:
These mortars are prepared from gypsum binding material such as
building gypsum and anhydrite binding materials.
Nature
6 of Application:
According to the nature of application, the mortars are classified into two
categories.
A.Brick laying mortars: Mortars for brick laying are intended to be used
for brick works and walls. Depending up on the working
conditions and type of construction, the composition of masonry mortars
with respect to the kind of binding materials is decided.
B.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.
Special
6 Mortars:
A.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, fire places, ovens etc.
B.Light weight mortar –This mortar is prepared by adding sawdust,
wood powder to lime or cement mortar for sound proof and heat proof
construction
C.Packing Mortar –To pack of oil wells, special mortars possessing
the properties of high homogeneity, water resistance, predetermined
setting time, ability to form solid water proof plugs in cracks and voids
of rocks, resistance to subsoil water pressure etc. have to be for med
with cement sand, cement loam and cement sand loam mortars.
 6
D. 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 reselected from
lightweight porous material such as pumice, cinders etc.
E. 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 is used. The aggregates
are obtained from heavy rock and suitable admixture are added to enhance
protective property of such a mortar.
 PREPARATION OF CEMENT MORTAR
6
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.
a.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.
6 MIXING IN MECHANICAL MIXER
 PREPARATION OF CEMENT MORTAR
6
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 ingredient s
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.
6 MANUAL MIXING
 PRECAUTIONS IN USING MORTAR
6

1.Consumption of mortar – the consumption of mortar should be as early as

possible
Lime mortar – with in 36 hours 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.
6
PRECAUTIONS IN USING MORTAR

4.Sprinkling of water: The construction work carried out by mortar

should be kept dam 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.
6 PLASTERING

Plastering is the process of covering

rough surfaces and uneven
surfaces with a plastic material,
called plaster or mortar to obtain an
even , smooth , regular , clean &
durable surface.
6 OBJECTIVE OF PLASTERING
1) Plastering is done to achieve the following objects.
2) To protect the external surfaces against penetration of rain water and
other atmospheric agencies
3) To give smooth surface in which dust and dirt cannot lodge.
4) To give decorative effect.
5) To protect surfaces against vermin.
6) To conceal inferior materials or defective workmanship
6 REQUIREMENTS OF GOOD PLASTER
1. It should adhere to the background and should remain adhere d during all
variations of the climatic changes.
2. It should be cheap and economical
3. It should be hard and durable.
4. It should be possible to apply it during all weather conditions
5. It should be effectively check the entry or penetration of moisture from the
surface.
6. It should possess good workability
6 MORTAR FOR PLASTER

1)Cement mortar
2)Lime mortar
3)Gypsum mortar
4)Gauged mortar
5)Surkhi mortar
6)Aerated cement mortar
1.Cement Mortar: In this type, cement is used as binding material and sand is
6
used as adulterant (fine aggregate). The proportion of cement and sand is
decided based on the specified durability and working conditions. Cement mortar
will give high strength and resistivity against water. The proportion of cement to
sand may varies from 1:2 to 1:6.
2.Lime Mortar:In case of lime mortar, lime is used as binding material. There are
two types of limes namely fat lime and hydraulic lime. Fat lime in lime mortar
requires 2 to 3 times of sand and it is use d for dry work. Hydraulic lime and
sand in 1:2 ratios will give good results in damp conditions and also suit able for
water logged areas. The lime mortar has a high plasticity so; it can be placed
easily.
3.Gypsum Mortar:Gypsum mortar consists of plaster and soft sand as binding
material and fine aggregate. In the Egyptian ancient structures called as
pyramids, gypsum mortar is used. Gypsum mortar will have low durability in
damp conditions.
4. Gauged Mortar: Gauged mortar consists lime, cement and sand. We knew that
6 mortar has high plasticity and cement has high strength than lime so,
lime
whenever we mixed these both in some proportions then the resultant will give two
properties in economical way. So, this is also called as composite mortar or lime-
cement mortar. Usually 1:6 to 1:8 ratio of cement to lime is used to prepare gauged
mortar.
5. Surkhi Mortar:Surkhi mortar consists lime, surkhi and water. Surkhi is used as
adulterant or fine aggregate. Sometimes half amount of sand and half amount of
surkhi also used.Surkhi is finely powdered burnt clay which is free from any
admixtures, impurities. It will give more strength than sand and cheaply available in
the market.
6. Aerated cement mortar:General cement mortar does not contain good plasticity
and workability. To make it more plastic and workable, air entraining agents are
added to cement mortar.The resulted mortar is called as aerated cement mortar.
6
 6
METHODS FOR PLASTERING
Name of Thickness Cement mortar Lime mortar
coat
First Render 9-10 mm *3-4 days to harden This is left for a period of 2 days
coat coat *Surface is kept rough. to set and not allowed to dry.

Second Floating 6-9 mm For even surface This coat is applied with trowels and
coat coat rubbed with straight edge.
The water is sprinkled on the surface
and the surface is well rubbed with floats
to make it an even surface.
Third coat Setting coat 3 mm Similar to second coat *applied after 5 days
or finishing *after giving a rest of 24 hrs to the
coat plastered surface, the work should be
well watered for a for night or so.
 TYPES OF EXTERNAL PLASTER
6 faced finish
Sand

The first coat of sand faced cement plaster is done with cement mort ar in 1:4 with coarse sand after curing
the plaster for seven days the second coat of cement plaster 1:3 ratio will be done on the first coat

Sponge is used in the second coat and it is applied when the second coat is wet, it is thus worked that the
density of sand grain appear on surface is equal and uniform.
The surface is kept well watered at least for 15 days.
Rough cast finish or spatter dash finish
This plaster is a mixture of sand and gravel in specified proportion dashed over a freshly plastered surface.
The plaster base consists of two coats, under layer 12 mm thick and top layer 10 mm thick having the
cement mortar ratio 1:3.
In order to make the base more plastic, about 10% of hydrated lime by volume of cement shall be added
while prepare mortar.
 TYPES OF EXTERNAL PLASTER
6 finish
Depeter
This is just another form of rough cast finish.
The rendering coat of 12 mm thick is prepared as in case of pebble dash finish.
While this coat is wet, pieces of gravel are pressed with hand on the surface.
 Thus it is possible to have beautiful patterns and ornamental designs on the surface by selecting materials
of different colors.
Pebble dash or dry dash finish
It is similar to rough cast finish except clean pebble of size from 6 m m to 12.5 mm are dashed against the
surface so that there are laid in position by mortar applied only
Smooth cast finish
This finish is just similar to sand faced finish except fine grained sand is used instead of coarse sand.
No sponging is done to expose the sand grain .
It is normally done on internal walls.
 DEFECTS IN PLASTER
6
 Blistering of plaster surface
This is the formation of small patches of plaster swelling out beyond the plastered surface,
arising out of late slaking of lime particles in the plaster.
 Cracking
Imperfect preparation of background
Structural defects in building
Discontinuity of surface
Movements in the background due to its thermal
rapid drying
Movements in the plaster surface itself, either due
shrinkage.
 DEFECTS IN PLASTER
6
 Efflorescence
 It is the whitish crystalline substance which appears on the surface due to presence of salts in plaster
making materials as well as building materials like bricks, sand, cement etc and even water.
 This gives a very bad appearance. It affects the adhesion of paint with wall surface.
 Efflorescence can be removed to some extent by dry bushing and washing the surface repeatedly.
 Flaking
It is the formation of very loose mass of plastered surface, due to poor bond between successive coats.
 Peeling

It is the complete dislocation of some portion of plastered surface, resulting in the formation of a patch. This
also results from imperfect bond.
 6 DEFECTS IN PLASTER

 Popping
It is the formation of conical hole in the plastered surface due to presence of some particles
which expand on setting.

 Rust stains :These are sometimes formed when plaster is applied on metal laths

 Uneven surface: This is obtained purely due to poor workman ship.

 POINTING
6
The term pointing is used to denote the finishing of mortar joint of either stone
masonry or brick masonry. The joints are raked out a depth of about 20 mm and
then , these spaces are filled up by suitable mortar in desired shape.
It is desirable to avoid the pointing as far as possible. This is due to the fact that
pointing involves raking out of joints which are constructed with good mortar and
filling the joints with mortar which, in many cases is not sufficiently watered. For this
reason, the pointing work of new structure should follow the masonry work in
progress. The joints are thus raked out when the mortar has not set.
 Scope of pointing
6
• Maintaining the joints of the structures.
• Pointing being cheap can be adopted in places of low
rainfall.
• Where the natural beauty of materials, viz., stone
blocks, bricks etc, is desired to be exhibited.
• Gives resisting power to the bricks and stones used in
construction towards weather conditions.
 METHOD OF POINTING
6
1. The mortar of the masonry joints to be covered by pointing is raked out least to a
depth of 20 mm.
2. The dust from the masonry joints is removed by the brushes.
3. The surface is then washed with clean water and it is kept wet for a few hours.
4. The mortar is then carefully placed in desired shape in these prepared joints. The
mortar is placed by a small trowel and it is slightly pressed to bring it into close
contact with the old interior mortar of the joint.
5. The finished surface is well watered for a period of at least 3 days, if lime mortar
is used and 10 days, if cement mortar is used.
 POINTING
6
 TYPES OF POINTING
6
Beaded pointing
Formed by steel or iron rod with a concave edge.
Gives food appearance but liable to damage easily.
Flush pointing
The pointing may be level as in flush pointing
, which is made by wiping over the finished pointing with
the trowel or piece of rough cloth.
Does not give good appearance. But it is durable as it
does not provide any space for
accumulation of dust, water etc.
 TYPES OF POINTING
6
Recessed pointing
Recessed joints are not suitable for buildings in exposed

situations because they do not readily shed water.

This is done by pressing mortar back from edges by 5 m m or more.

Face of pointing is kept vertical.

Only bricks with good frost resistance should be used with recessed joints.

Gives good appearance.

Rubbed or key or grooved pointing

In this type mortar is first up flush with the face if wall.
A semi circular notch is formed by a tool know as pointer
This type of pointing gives as attractive appearance to the surface.
This type is mostly used for superior type work,
particularly for vertical joints of walls.
 TYPES OF POINTING
6

Struck pointing
The upper edge of joint is about 10 mm inside the face of
masonry.
This joint dispose water easily.
If lower edge of joint is kept inside the face of masonry,
known as overhand struck pointing, but not satisfactory
because it collects water.
Tuck pointing
The width and depth of groove are respectively 5 mm and 3
mm.
It is tucked by white cement putty with projection of 3 mm.
If projection is done in mortar, known as half tuck pointing
6 TYPES OF POINTING

Vee pointing

 Vee shaped groove is formed in the mortar joint

Weathered pointing

 Vee shape projection is formed in the mortar joint.

6
 What is the difference between pointing and plastering
6
• Plastering is used to protect the exposed surface of masonry. However, in pointing only joints
are properly filled with mortar.
• Cement, sand and lime are used in plastering. In pointing, we use just cement mortar.The
plastering is done at both sides of surface (both inside and outside). However, pointing is done
only at the outer side of the wall.
• In plastering work, we use the large amount of materials. However in pointing, we use less
amount of mortar.
• After the plastering, the defects of the masonry are not visible. However, after the pointing, the
surface does not become smooth and plain.
When we plaster the wall, after the plastering work, the surface becomes smooth and plain.
However, after pointing, the defects of masonry can be seen.
 What is the difference between pointing and plastering
6
Teekam Singh (Assistant Professor) , JECRC, JAIPUR 47