12/7/2017 Mortar Mix Ratio Proportioning for Masonry Construction

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Mortar Mix Ratio Proportioning for Masonry Construction

Mortar mix ratio i.e. proportioning of cement sand in mortar provides consistency in the performance and
appearance of masonry construction. Proper proportioning of mortar ingredients helps in having the following
advantages:

Uniformity of strength

Uniform workability

Uniform color

Uniformity of proportions and yields

Mainly the proportioning of the cement and sand for mortar are conducted by volume proportioning compared
to weight proportioning.

The table-1 below shows the amount of lime, sand and ordinary Portland cement for different mortar type as
per ASTM C270 – Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry.

Table: 1: Mix Proportions of Mortar as per ASTM C270.

Proportions by Volume
Mortar Type
Portland Cement Lime Sand

M 1 ¼ 3½

S 1 ½ 4½

N 1 1 6

O 1 2 9

K 1 3 12

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12/7/2017 Mortar Mix Ratio Proportioning for Masonry Construction

Table of Contents [show]

Considerations for Mortar Mix Proportion

Special Care must be taken during the measurement of sand, as variations occur with the presence of
moisture content in it. The moisture present in the sand will result in the bulking of the sand.

Compared with dry sand, the wet sand will have more volume which will bring error in measurement. This
change in mixture amount will affect the strength and the bond characteristics of the mortar.

A mortar mix with sand in large amount (more than required) will result in a harsh and an unworkable mix
creating a weak bond. These types of mortar will perform badly during freeze and thaw conditions.

It is a good practice to check the volume measurement twice a day, where the batching of a sand is done by
volume in a box that is made of plywood or a lumber. The person in charge of this process can record on how
many shovels of sand will fill the box. Any change in volume of the sand, therefore, is easily understood.

Workability of mortar, when compared with concrete, is high. This is because the masonry units absorb some
amount of water, this will reduce the water-cement ratio in the mortar mix that will affect the strength and the
bond.

Therefore, it is recommended to dip the masonry units in water for some minutes before the masonry
construction. Provision of excess water will meet this need for absorption.

Mortar mix is not designated by slump or water-cement ratio. It is the optimum moisture content determined
by the mason. Mortar that is too dry won’t spread properly which will result in poor bond and incomplete
hydration of the cement. Too wet mortar will settle quickly and not easy to trowel.

Features of a Good Mortar Mix

A good mortar mix must have the following features:

Must possess good workability

Mortar have to spread easily

Mortar must easily extrude into the joints

It must stick to the vertical surfaces easily

Permit easy positioning of the unit to line, plumb and the level

Types of Mortar Mix Proportions

Mainly there are three types of mortar mixes used in the masonry construction. They are the:

Cement – Lime mortar mix

Masonry Cements mortar mix

Mortar Cements mix

Cement Lime Mortar Mix

This mortar mix is produced by blending lime-sand mortar with ordinary Portland cement. This mix will gain a
well uniform physical property. These mortar mix have high excellent workability, high capability of water
retention, increased setting time and provision of additional strength.

Masonry Cement Mortar

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12/7/2017 Mortar Mix Ratio Proportioning for Masonry Construction

This mortar mix was developed to reduce the mortar mixing process. This is produced by blending the
masonry cement and sand. The ingredients in the mix will differ depending on the manufacturer.

The constituents of masonry cement are:

For higher strength and increased setting time, Portland cement is used

For increasing workability, the plasticizers are used

For higher durability and workability, air-entraining additives are used

Mortar Cement Mix

This mortar mix is the next generation masonry cement. The mixture of mortar cement is similar to masonry
cement. The only difference is that the mix is prepared and optimized to reduce the air content in it.

Masonry cements are prepacked and they are mixed with water and sand at the construction site. These
provide increase properties and greater flexural bond strengths.

Read More:

Quantity of Cement and Sand Calculation in Mortar (https://theconstructor.org/practical-

guide/quantity-of-cement-sand-calculation-in-mortar/6925/)

Types of Cement – Uses, Composition and Advantages of Types of Cements

(https://theconstructor.org/building/types-of-cement-composition-uses/5974/)

Checklist for Masonry Wall Construction (https://theconstructor.org/building/checklist-masonry-

wall-construction/20329/)

Process of Brick Masonry Column Construction (https://theconstructor.org/building/brick-

masonry-column-construction/19741/)

Rate Analysis for Cement Mortar -Calculate Quantity and Cost

(https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/rate-analysis-for-cement-mortar/7071/)

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