General description:

In this lab we illustrate mixing mortar by hand.

Masonry mortar is divided into three basic cementious systems: cement and lime, masonry cement, and mortar cement. The first is mixed using both cement and lime while the latter two are pre-mixed blends of cement and other plasticizing materials to enhance workability.

Masonry mortar is broken down into five different types corresponding to different strengths. The types from strongest to weakest are M, S, N, O, and K. Type M is not often used due to its low workability and type K is not often used due to its low strength. Most often type S and N mortar are specified because they provide a good balance between strength and workability. There are two basic methods of specifying mortars: by proportion and by properties. Most often the first method is used because it is easier to use as it does not require any strength tests to be carried out after curing.

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