Mortar masonry is a homogeneous mixture produced by the union of sand, water and an inorganic conglomerate, which can be lime, plaster or cement.
This variability of the conglomerant is what gives rise to the classification of mortars according to their composition, and we will discuss it in more detail later.
Composition of mortar masonry
In a basic scheme, the composition of mortar masonry is defined by three elements, although it is important to highlight the possibility of adding additives, which give particular characteristics to the mortar, thus extending even more its types.
Below we will explain the essentials of each component:
Conglomerant
This is the key component, since it is in charge of creating the complete union between sand and water, producing a homogeneous and stable substance.
Commonly, its structure is composed of very fine particles such as a powder, or it may have a pasty consistency structure.
The most commonly used conglomerant is cement, followed by lime and plaster. Any of these elements when reacting with water (hydration) produces the mortar masonry mixture, in plastic state.
This will subsequently become rigid, due to the fact that the paste has been lodged in the interstitial spaces of the sand.
Statistically, the amount of conglomerant is directly proportional to the retraction of the mortar.
Sand
Unlike the previous one, this component, the silica sand, is the one with the highest proportion in the mixture; from 40% up to 80%.
It is a mineral and granular material, which can be limestone or siliceous in nature and whose maximum size must not exceed 4 mm.
This component is the cornerstone of mortars masonry, the basis on which the hydration of the agglutinant is carried out, as it is an inert material, unable to react chemically with other compounds.
Sand controls shrinkage and contributes to mechanical strength.
Water
This element provides the chemical conditions suitable for the hydration of the conglomerant, therefore it is the principal factor causing the plasticity of the mortar masonry.
The amount of water in the mixture varies according to the thermal conditions, the conglomerant, the amount of sand and the expected consistency.
In addition, this amount is inversely proportional to the mechanical resistance of the mortar, but is directly proportional to its retraction and porosity.
The mixing water must have a minimum pH of 5, as well as low concentrations of sulphate and chlorine ions, carbohydrates and organic compounds.
Additives
The additives can be organic or inorganic in nature, and these introduce modifications in the magnitudes of the characteristics of the plastic state of the mortar. They can be liquid compounds (emulsions) or powder compounds.
Most of them are rheological or setting modifiers. And their proportion in the mortar mixture depends on the amount of cement; on their weight.
Complementarily, there are some compounds called additions, which configure the characteristics of the hardened state of the mixture.
There are even pigments and fibers that alter other aspects of traditional mortar masonry.
Types of mortars
The best known classification of mortars masonry is that determined by the type of conglomerant.
The main types of mortar are as follows:
Cement mortars masonry
The cement mortars masonry are mortars with the typical composition of sand and water, where the cement acts as a binder. Characterized by developing high compressive strengths.
Its workability depends, consequently, on the quantity of cement and sand, for that reason sands with traces of silt and clays are usually used to improve this aspect of the mixture, although this affects its resistance.
Lime mortars masonry
The lime mortar masonry is the traditional mortar, composed of sand, water and lime, which can be aerial or hydraulic. Aerial lime is the most used, using white lime or gray lime (dolomitic).
The sand in these mixtures plays a very important role, since it must regulate the cracks by contractions of the mixture during the carbonation reaction.
Bastard mortars masonry
They are called so because they arise from the combination of 2 conglomerants. The most used combination is the one that links the lime with the cement.
It is probably the most efficient type of mortar, due to the fact that it acquires a suitable consistency for workability. In addition, it has a good water retention and a high resistance value.
However, the magnitudes of each characteristic depend on the numerical dependencies of the components.
Uses of mortar
The uses of mortar are diverse. From a general point of view, mortars can perform a structural function. They can be used in the construction of structural elements or perform masonry functions, serving as a glue or filler.
Additionally, the mortars can function as coatings, being used as tissues, renders or plasters.
Taking into consideration the aforementioned, we have a further classification of mortars, this time according to use:
- Glue mortars: due to the special conditions of the construction system of which it forms part, it must possess special properties, such as considerable resistance to absorb stresses.
- Filling mortars: suitable for masonry, these mortars usually occupy cavities in walls, for example.
One requirement is that they must develop a good resistance, comparatively similar to the previous mortars.
- Rendering or plastering mortars: their functions are merely aesthetic, ensuring uniformity and regularity on the surface of the element in question.
Resistance acquires an almost zero influence; the most important factor is consistency.
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