Mortar - 2.2.2 PDF

2.2 MOTAR Basic Material- I Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design Module 2.2.2  Mortar Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is used in construction and interior design for various applications. It serves a...

2.2 MOTAR Basic Material- I Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design Module 2.2.2  Mortar Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is used in construction and interior design for various applications. It serves as a bonding agent that holds bricks, stones, or other materials together. Mortar is a crucial element in creating masonry structures and is available in different types to suit different design requirements. Mortar is a material used in masonry construction to fill the gaps between the bricks and blocks used in construction. Mortar is a mixture of sand, a binder such as cement or lime, and water and is applied as a paste which then sets hard. Mortars are usually named according to the binding material used in their preparation. They are essentially required for masonry work, plastering and pointing etc.  Types of Mortar Cement Mortar (Type M, Type S, Type N, Type O): These mortars are composed of Portland cement, sand, and water. The different types vary in their proportions of cement and sand, which affects their strength and workability. o Type M: It has the highest strength and is suitable for load-bearing structures. o Type S: It offers a balanced combination of strength and workability and is commonly used for masonry above grade. o Type N: It is a general-purpose mortar used for most interior and exterior applications. o Type O: It has a lower strength and is used for non-load-bearing applications. Portland cement mortar- The Portland cement mortar is the basis for concrete, a mixture usually comprised of this particular mortar with the addition of gravel. The main reason for this was that it sets hard and quickly, allowing a faster pace of construction. Lime mortar- Lime mortar is created by mixing sand, slaked lime and water. This kind of lime mortar, known as non-hydraulic, sets very slowly through reaction with the carbon dioxide in air. A very thick wall made of lime mortar may take centuries to completely set and harden. The speed of set can be increased by using impure limestone in the kiln, to form a hydraulic lime that will set on contact with water. Such a lime must be stored as a dry powder. Alternatively, a pozzolanic material such as calcined clay or brick dust may be added to the mortar mix. This will have a similar effect of making the mortar set reasonably quickly by reaction with the water in the mortar.  Masonry Cement Mortar: This mortar is a blend of Portland cement, hydrated lime, and fine aggregates. It is specifically designed for masonry applications and offers good workability and bond strength. Polymer-Modified Mortar: Polymer-modified mortar is a blend of cement, sand, water, and polymer additives. The polymer improves the mortar's strength, flexibility, and adhesion properties. It is commonly used for tile installations, thin veneers, and repairs.  Properties Workability Ease of use, i.e. the way it adheres or slides on the trowel. Ease of spread on the masonry unit. Ease of extrusion between courses without excessive dropping or smearing. Ease of positioning of the masonry unit without movement due to its own weight and the weight of additional courses. Water Retentivity & Air content This is the property of mortar that resists water loss by absorption into the masonry units (suction) and to the air, in conditions of varying temperature, wind and humidity. Water retentivity is related to workability. The air content of the mortar in its plastic state is also important. In order to achieve good durability it is necessary that there is sufficient air content (entrained air) to enable freeze-thaw cycles to be resisted without disrupting the matrix of the material.  Stiffening and hardening- Hardening refers to the subsequent process whereby the set mortar progressively develops strength. Compressive Strength: Mortar should have sufficient compressive strength to bear the load of the masonry structure. The strength varies depending on the type of mortar used. Adhesion: Mortar should have good adhesion to ensure a strong bond between the masonry units. This property is crucial for the structural integrity of the construction. Durability: Mortar should be durable and resistant to weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and other environmental factors that can degrade its performance over time. Shrinkage: The shrinkage of mortar should be minimal to prevent cracking and ensure a tight bond between the masonry units. Key functions of mortar in interiors: Bonding: One of the primary functions of mortar is to bond masonry units together. Whether it's bricks, stones, or blocks, mortar acts as an adhesive that holds them in place, creating a strong and stable structure. This bonding function ensures the integrity and stability of interior walls, partitions, and other masonry elements. Load Distribution: Mortar helps distribute the load evenly across masonry units. It transfers the weight and forces exerted on the structure to ensure structural stability and prevent excessive stress on individual units. This function is particularly important in load-bearing interior walls and columns. Sound Insulation: Mortar acts as a barrier to sound transmission between interior spaces. It helps reduce noise transmission through walls and partitions, enhancing acoustic comfort within rooms. By filling the gaps and voids between masonry units, mortar reduces sound leakage and improves the overall sound insulation performance of the structure. Fire Resistance: Mortar plays a crucial role in providing fire resistance to interior spaces. When properly specified and applied, mortar acts as a fire barrier, preventing the spread of flames and heat between rooms. This function is especially important in fire-rated walls, stairwells, and other fire separation elements. Aesthetic Enhancement: Mortar contributes to the overall visual appeal and aesthetics of interior spaces. It helps create clean, continuous lines between masonry units, ensuring a cohesive and well-finished appearance. Mortar color can also be chosen to complement or contrast with the masonry units, adding design depth and character to the interior. Surface Preparation: Mortar can be used to prepare surfaces for further interior finishes. For example, a scratch coat of mortar can be applied to a masonry wall before plastering or applying other decorative finishes. Mortar provides a suitable base for the adhesion of subsequent materials, ensuring a smooth and even surface for painting, wallpapering, or other interior treatments. Repairs and Maintenance: Mortar is used in interior spaces for repair and maintenance purposes. It allows for patching and filling cracks, gaps, or damaged areas in masonry walls, floors, or ceilings. By repairing and maintaining the integrity of the masonry, mortar helps extend the lifespan and durability of interior structures. Structural Reinforcement: In some cases, mortar can be used to reinforce interior structures. For example, when combined with reinforcing materials like wire mesh or rebar, mortar can create reinforced masonry elements, such as beams or lintels. This function adds strength and stability to the structure, allowing for larger open spaces or load transfer.  Uses of Mortar in Interior Design: Brickwork and Stonework: Mortar is extensively used to bond bricks, stones, or blocks in interior walls, fireplaces, accent walls, or other architectural features. It provides structural stability and enhances the visual appeal of the design. Tile Installations: Mortar, particularly polymer-modified mortar, is used as an adhesive for installing tiles on floors, walls, and backsplashes. It ensures a strong bond between the tiles and the substrate. Surface Repairs: Mortar can be used to repair and patch damaged surfaces, such as cracks in concrete or masonry walls. It helps restore the integrity and appearance of the damaged area. Decorative Applications: Mortar can be used creatively in interior design to create decorative elements such as sculptural features, textured finishes, or patterned surfaces.