Mortar

Classification of Mortar is as follows:

(A) Mortars can be categorized based on the type of application they will be used for:
●​ Bricklaying or stone-laying mortar: This type of mortar is used to bond together
stones or bricks.
●​ Finishing mortar: This type of mortar is used for pointing and plastering works.
(B) Mortar can also be categorized according to the type of binding material that is
used for:
●​ Cement mortar: The binder is cement and the fine aggregate is typically sand
(ratio of 1:2 – 1:6). This provides good strength and water resistance.
●​ Aerated cement mortar: Air-entraining agents are added to cement mortar to
increase its plasticity and workability.
●​ Lime mortar: The binder is lime, which is more ‘breathable’ than cement mortar,
meaning that it is less likely to trap moisture within the construction.
●​ Gypsum mortar: The binder is plaster. This type of mortar has low durability in
damp conditions.
●​ Gauged mortar: A composite of lime, cement, and sand, which combines the
plasticity of lime with the strength of cement.
●​ Surkhi mortar: The binder is lime and the fine aggregate is surkhi
(finely-powdered burnt clay). This provides more strength than sand.
(C) Categorizing different types of mortar is based on their bulk density in a dry state:
●​ Heavy mortar: Bulk density of 15 kN/m3(1500 kg/m3) or more. Typically, heavy
quartzes are added as adulterants.
●​ Lightweight mortar: Bulk density of less than 15 kN/m3. Typically, light porous
and soft sands are added as adulterants.
(D) There are also several special-purpose mortars, including:
●​ Fire-resistant mortar: Aluminous cement is mixed with the fine powder of fire
bricks to create a mortar that can be used to act as a fireproofing agent.
●​ Sound absorbent mortar: Binders can be cement, lime, gypsum, and slag, with
pumice and cinders as adulterants, to create a sound-insulating layer.
●​ X-ray shielding mortar: Heavy mortar with a bulk density of approximately 22
kN/m3 is used to protect against X-rays.
 ●​ Chemical resistant mortar: Additives can resist chemical attack.
Grade of Masonry Mortar
The grade of masonry mortar should be defined by its compressive strength in N/mm²
at the age of 28 days as per standard procedure detailed in IS:2250- 198 1
Mix Proportions and Strength of Mortars for Masonry
Grade Mix Proportions (By Loose Volume) Minimum
of Compressive
Mortars Strength at 28
Days

Cement Lime Sand (N/mm²)

H1 1 1/4 C or B 3 10.0

H2 1 1/4 C or B 4 7.5

1 1/2 C or B 4.5 6.0

M1 1 - 5 5.0

M2 1 - 6 3.0

M3 1 - 7 1.5

L1 1 - 8 0.7
Notes:
1.​ Sand for making mortar should be well graded. In case sand is not well graded,
its proportion shall be reduced in order to achieve the minimum specified
strength.
2.​ Addition of Lime in H1 & H2 are not essential. Lime in these two mixes are added
only to increase workability.
3.​ B and C denote semi-hydraulic lime and fat lime respectively.

Nature of Work, Type of Mortar, and Proportions

Water logged areas Hydraulic lime 1:3

General RCC works, Water tank Cement mortar 1:3

Brick masonry Cement mortar 1:6

Internal walls Lime cinder 1:3

Partition wall of Parapet wall Cement mortar 1:3

Plaster work Cement mortar 1:3 to 1:4

Pointing work Lime mortar 1:2

Stone masonry Cement mortar 1:1 to 1:2

Stone masonry Lime mortar 1:2

Guniting:
●​ Guniting is the application of mortar or concrete under pneumatic pressure
through a cement gun. The ratio of cement mortar is 1:3.
Grout:
●​ Cement mortar of fluid consistency used to fill voids and joints in masonry and to
repair cracks.