Mortar Vs. Cement
The difference between mortar and cement is that cement is the bonding agent, while the mortar is a product composed of cement, sand, and lime.
Both substances have different purposes, as the cement is activated with water and forms a connection with other elements to form a solid object, while the mortar is useful to keep bricks or stones together and cannot be alone like concrete.
Cement is a substance used to make mortar and concrete etc. There are different types of uses for each mortar, mortar, or concrete mixed with cement, as the mortar can fill in gaps between the tiles, but if the joints of the blocks are missing pieces, you will need mortar.
What Is Mortar?
The mortar contains bonding enhancers used to fill the spaces between blocks of stone, brick, or concrete during construction. It is also used for repair and renovation purposes.
The mortar is applied as a thick paste and hardens after a short period of time to create a firm seal between stones or bricks to prevent air and moisture from entering the structure.
Mortar has the ability to bond with joint reinforcements, etc., on bricks. It helps to create an aesthetically pleasing and structurally solid building. The first man-made mortar construction was made of clay and clay, in addition to the ancient Egyptians who used limestone bricks.
Mortar is commonly used today and available in different types, like Portland mortar, made with Portland cement, sand, and water.
Another type is called lime mortar, which allows moisture to move freely and Evaporate from the surface. Mortar has a long service life without the need for constant repairs.
Types of mortar
Mortar is produced by mixing a bonding material (cement or lime) with fine aggregate (sand, surki, etc.) with water.
For construction purposes, different types of mortar are used. Depending on the materials used in the preparation of the mortar mix, the mortar can be classified as follows.
- Cement mortar
- Lime mortar
- Surki Mortar
- Gauged mortar
- Mud Mortar
1. Cement Mortar
Cement mortar is a types of mortar where cement is used as a bonding material, and sand is used as a fine aggregate. Depending on the desired strength, the ratio of cement to cement mortar sand varies from 1: 2 to 1:6.
2. Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is a types of mortar in which lime (fatty lime or hydraulic lime) is used as a bonding material, and sand is used as fine aggregate. The lime/sand ratio of the cement mortar is maintained at 1: 2. The pyramids of Giza are covered with lemon mortar.
3. Gauged Mortar
Gauged mortar is a types of mortar where cement and lime are used as a bonding material, and sand is used as fine aggregate. Basically, it is a lime mortar where cement is added for greater strength.
The process is known as gauging. The ratio of cement to lime varies from 1: 6 to 1: 9. The calibrated mortar is economical than cement concrete and also has greater strength than lime mortar.
4. Surki Mortar
Surki mortar is a types of mortar in which lime is used as a bonding material, and surki is used as a fine aggregate. Surki mortar is economical.
5. Mud Mortar
Mud mortar is a types of mortar where mud is used as a bonding material, and sawdust, rice husk, or cow dung are used as fine aggregate. Mud mortar is useful when there is no lime or cement.
Summary
- Cement is a binding agent to form mortar, concrete, and mortar.
- Mortar is made by adding water, sand, and lime to the cement.
- Mortar is commonly used to fill in the gaps between bricks and stones to prevent moisture from seeping out.
- Cement has many types, such as Portland, masonry cement, etc.
- Mortar has many types and colors, such as terracotta or white, etc.
What Is Cement?
Cement has many types, such as Portland, white cement, or masonry. Portland cement is used for structural applications to form an object.
The mortar, as it can contain Portland cement with lime or masonry cement, lime and sand, brings together masonry units in structural systems.
The mixing ratio of the cement and the other ingredients determines the resistance to compression and adhesion, including the absorption potential.
Types of Cement
The following are the types of cement:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
- Rapid-Hardening cement
- Low heat cement
- White cement
- Hydrophobic cement, etc.
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
In normal construction work, common Portland cement is widely used. The composition of common Portland cement:
- Alumina clays or silicates (clay and shale)
- Calcareous or calcium carbonate (limestone, chalk, and marl)
Uses of common Portland cement
- It is used for general construction purposes.
- It is also used in most masonry works.
2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Pozzolans are natural or synthetic materials that contain silica in reactive forms. It reacts with the calcium hydroxide generated by hydrating the cement to form additional cementation materials when it is finely divided. The composition of Portland Pozzolana cement:
- OPC clinker
- Plaster
- Pozzolanic materials (fly ash, volcanic ash, and vapors of clay or calcined silica).
Uses of Portland Pozzolana cement
PPC is generally used in hydraulic structures, marine structures, construction near the coast, construction of dams, etc.
- It is also used in pre-stressed and post-stressed concrete elements.
- As it provides a better surface finish, it is used in decorative and artistic structures.
- It is also used in the manufacture of prefabricated sewer pipes.
3. Rapid-Hardening cement
When finely ground tri-calcium silicate (C3S) is present in the higher content OPC, it gains strength more Rapidly than OPC. This type of OPC is called Rapid-Hardening cement. It is the initial setting time of 30 minutes and the final Hardening time of 600 minutes.
Uses of Rapid-Hardening cement
- Rapid-Hardening cement is used mainly where rapid construction is required, such as pavement construction.
- It also offers high strength.
4. Low heat cement
It is a spatial type of cement that produces low heat of hydration during the environment. Some chemical composition of ordinary Portland cement is modified to reduce the heat of hydration. The chemical composition of low heat cement:
- A low percentage (5%) of tricalcium aluminate (C3A)
- A higher percentage (46%) of decanted silicate (C2S).
Uses of low heat cement
- It is used for the construction of large dam feet, slabs of large rafts, and baseboards for wind turbines.
- It is also used for the construction of chemical plants.
5. White cement
White cement is quite similar to ordinary Portland cement, except for its color. Amounts of iron oxide and manganese oxide are low in white cement. It is expensive, so OPC is not economical for ordinary work.
Uses of white cement
- It is generally used in decorative works.
- It can also be used for traffic barriers, tile grout, swimming pools, tile patch materials, and terrace surfaces.
6. Hydrophobic Cement
To resist the hydration process in the transport or storage stage, clinkers are ground with water-repellent film substance, such as oleic acid or stearic acid. These chemicals form a layer on the cement particle and do not allow water to mix and start the hydration process.
When the cement and the aggregate are well mixed in the mixer, the protective layers break and start normal hydration with some air intake, which increases workability.
Uses of hydrophobic cement
- It is generally used in the construction of water structures, such as dams, spillways, or other submerged structures.
- It is also used in the construction of underground structures such as tunnels etc.
FAQ: Mortar and Cement
What is the difference between mortar and cement?
Cement is a binding agent used to create mortar, concrete, and other construction materials. Mortar, on the other hand, is a mixture of cement, sand, and sometimes lime, used primarily to bind bricks or stones together in construction.
How does mortar differ from concrete?
Mortar is specifically used for binding bricks and stones together and cannot be used alone like concrete, which incorporates aggregates such as gravel and water for a stronger structural material.
What are the main types of mortar used in construction?
Mortar types include cement mortar, lime mortar, gauged mortar, surki mortar, and mud mortar. Each type varies in composition and is chosen based on specific construction requirements.
What are the different types of cement available?
Types of cement include Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Rapid-Hardening Cement, Low Heat Cement, White Cement, and Hydrophobic Cement. These variations offer different properties suited for various construction applications.
What are the primary uses of cement and mortar in construction?
Cement is essential for forming the structural foundation of materials like concrete and mortar. Mortar, in particular, is crucial for filling gaps between masonry units, providing structural integrity and preventing moisture penetration.
How do lime mortar and cement mortar differ in their properties?
Lime mortar allows for moisture movement and evaporation, making it suitable for historic preservation and restoration. Cement mortar, on the other hand, offers greater strength and durability, making it ideal for modern construction.
What are some typical applications for different types of mortar?
Cement mortar is commonly used in general construction and masonry work, while lime mortar is preferred for heritage conservation projects. Surki mortar, economical and versatile, finds use in various traditional building practices.
What factors should be considered when choosing between different types of cement and mortar?
Consideration factors include compressive strength requirements, environmental conditions, aesthetic preferences, and the specific demands of the construction project, such as load-bearing capacity and resistance to weathering.
How can mortar and cement contribute to sustainable construction practices?
Using appropriate mortar types can enhance the longevity and efficiency of structures, reducing the need for frequent repairs and contributing to sustainable building practices. Lime mortar, for instance, allows for natural drying and recycling of materials.
What are some historical and modern examples of mortar and cement usage in architecture?
Historical examples include the pyramids of Giza, constructed using lime mortar. Modern applications range from residential buildings to infrastructure projects, showcasing the versatility and enduring importance of mortar and cement in construction.
