Construction Materials: Sand and Mortar

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical volume ratio of sand to hydraulic lime when mixed for mortar?

  • 1:2 (correct)
  • 1:1
  • 2:1
  • 2:2

Which type of mortar is primarily used for plastering?

  • Cement clay mortar
  • Mud mortar
  • Fat lime mortar (correct)
  • Hydraulic lime mortar

What process is used to prepare lime if a large quantity is required?

  • Grinding (correct)
  • Maturing
  • Wetting
  • Curing

Which mortar has gained popularity over lime mortar due to availability in the market?

<p>Cement mortar (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is added to clay mortar to improve its quality?

<p>Cement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of gauged mortar?

<p>It should be used immediately after mixing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials can be added to mud mortar to prevent cracks?

<p>Fibrous materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the usage of colored cement in mortars?

<p>Pleasant appearance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of sand in mortar and concrete?

<p>It improves the density of the mortar. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good sand?

<p>It contains organic matter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended cement to sand proportion for plastering masonry works?

<p>1:3 to 1:4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep mortar wet during the curing process?

<p>To facilitate hydration for strength gain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cost of cementing materials when using sand in mortar?

<p>It reduces due to the increased volume of mortar. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property of sand aids in the formation of silicates in cement?

<p>The presence of silica. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using sand that contains salt?

<p>It can lead to corrosion of materials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does sand help with the adherence of the binding material?

<p>By sub-dividing the paste into thin films. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which materials are typically used to create mortar?

<p>Sand, cement, and gravel aggregate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of cement when mixed with water?

<p>It sets into the shape of the container (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What appearance does mortar have when it is initially mixed?

<p>Thick paste that can be used between bricks and stones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property describes cement mortar?

<p>It is relatively less flexible and hardens to maintain shape (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do engineers prefer using concrete hollow blocks (CHB) for interior walls?

<p>They are significantly cheaper and lighter than solid concrete (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common use of mortar in construction?

<p>Laying bricks and stones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key benefits of using masonry materials like CHB in construction?

<p>Resilience against pests like termites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining property of mortar when it comes to its consistency?

<p>It hardens into a rigid bond when dried (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of determining the initial setting time of cement?

<p>To assess the time needed for the cement to cease penetration by a needle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much water is used in the setting time test based on the consistency test for 300 gm of cement?

<p>90 ml (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the final setting time measurement indicate?

<p>The point when the needle makes an impression and collar fails (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a prolonged setting period on the cement structure?

<p>It may lead to inadequate strength at the desired age (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cross-section of the needle in the initial setting time test?

<p>To assess the penetration depth of the needle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the Vicat apparatus is used to perform the tests for setting time?

<p>Vicat mold (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate duration for final setting time of ordinary cement?

<p>10 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should occur during the initial setting time test according to the procedure?

<p>The needle penetrates completely at first (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased fineness of cement affect bleeding in concrete?

<p>It reduces the amount of water rising to the surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with cements that gain strength rapidly?

<p>They are more prone to shrinkage cracking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of increasing the fineness of cement?

<p>Higher requirement for workability due to more water. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of conducting a fineness test for cement?

<p>To assess the particle size and surface area of cement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes an effect of fine cement on hydration?

<p>Finer cement increases the rate of hydration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increasing fineness in relation to dry shrinkage?

<p>It may increase the chance of dry shrinkage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the fineness of cement have on the rate of strength gain?

<p>Finer cement accelerates strength gain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to control the fineness of cement during grinding?

<p>To optimize the balance between hydration rate and shrinkage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Artificial Sand

  • Artificial sand is a by-product of crushing stones

Sand in Mortar and Concrete

  • Sand is used in mortar and concrete to:
    • Subdivide and spread the binding material
    • Fill in gaps between building blocks
    • Increase the density of mortar
    • Prevent shrinkage
    • Facilitate carbon dioxide absorption
    • Reduce the cost of cementing materials
    • Contribute to the formation of silicates during hardening

Properties of Good Sand

  • Chemically inert
  • Free from organic or vegetable matter
  • Free from salt
  • Sharp, angular, and coarse grains
  • Well-graded
  • Hard

Cement Mortar

  • Cement and sand are mixed dry
  • Water is added gradually and mixed with shovels
  • Common cement to sand proportions:
    • Masonry works: 1:6 to 1:8
    • Plastering masonry: 1:3 to 1:4
    • Plastering concrete: 1:3

Curing

  • Cement gains strength gradually through hydration
  • Mortar needs to be kept wet until hydration is complete
  • Hydraulic lime mixtures have a 2:1 ratio of sand to lime
  • Lime is prepared by pounding (small quantities) or grinding (large quantities)

Lime Mortar

  • Has good grinding properties
  • Fat lime mortar is used for plastering
  • Hydraulic lime mortar is used for masonry
  • Historically cheaper and widely used, but cement mortar has largely replaced it

Mud Mortar

  • Made from wet clay lumps that mature for 1-2 days
  • Kneaded until the desired consistency is reached
  • Fibrous materials, such as gobber, are added to prevent cracking
  • Outer plaster is sprayed or painted with bitumen for durability
  • Used for temporary sheds and cheap houses in rural areas

Special Mortars

  • Cement Clay Mortar:
    • Improves quality of clay mortar
    • Clay to cement ratio is 1:1
    • Economical and increases durability
  • Gauged Mortar:
    • Lime mortar with added cement
    • Cement, lime, and sand proportions: 1:1:6, 1:2:9, and 1:3:12
    • Must be used within 30 minutes after mixing
    • Cheaper than cement mortar, with a quality between cement and lime mortar
  • Decorative Mortar:
    • Made with colored cement
    • Used for aesthetic purposes

Fineness of Cement

  • Indicates particle size and specific surface area
  • Affects hydration rate and strength gain
  • Can reduce bleeding but may increase the need for water, leading to shrinkage
  • Measured using a fineness test
  • Finer cement reacts faster with water, resulting in faster strength development and higher heat of hydration

Setting Time

  • Initial Setting Time:
    • Cement paste is prepared with water
    • A needle is used to penetrate the paste
    • Time is measured until the needle no longer penetrates 5 mm into the paste
  • Final Setting Time:
    • Cement paste is prepared
    • A needle with an annular collar is used
    • Time is measured until the needle makes an impression but the collar does not
  • Typical initial setting time for ordinary cement is around 10 hours

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