Page 118 - Masonry and Concrete

Understanding Masonry
117
UNDERSTANDING MASONRY

mortars which meet the performance requirements for labeling as
“mortar cements” are considered to be the higher-quality masonry
cements among those on the market. They combine the convenience of
a one-bag mix with the higher quality typically associated with port-
land cement and lime mixes.
For very small projects, you may find it most convenient to buy a
mortar mix that includes both masonry cement and sand already prop-
erly proportioned in a single bag. These mixes are more expensive, but
they require only the addition of water at the project site (Figure 4-21).

4.6.3 Aggregates
Sand accounts for at least 75% of the volume of masonry mortar and
grout. Manufactured sands have sharp, angular grains, while natural
sands obtained from banks, pits, and riverbeds have particles that are
smoother and more round. Natural sands generally produce mortars
that are more workable than those made with manufactured sands. For

PORTLAND CEMENT
LIME
SAND
WATER

MASONRY CEMENT
SAND
WATER

MORTAR CEMENT
SAND
WATER

MORTAR MIX
WATER

FIGURE 4-21
Masonry mortar can be made from several different types of ingredients.

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