Brick mortar works by acting as a binder that holds building blocks together. It's more than just a sticky paste; it plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of masonry. Here’s how it functions:
The Key Functions of Mortar
Mortar serves multiple essential functions in masonry construction, as referenced:
- Binding: It acts as an adhesive, creating a strong bond between bricks, stones, or concrete masonry units. This bond ensures that individual units work together as a unified structure.
- Filling Gaps: Mortar fills the irregular spaces between the building blocks. This ensures even distribution of weight and prevents any unit from bearing too much load.
- Sealing Joints: It seals the gaps, preventing water and air infiltration, protecting the building from the elements.
- Weight Distribution: By filling the gaps and creating a continuous bond, it helps to evenly spread the weight of the structure. This prevents stress from concentrating at a single point and enhances the overall stability of the masonry.
- Decorative Purposes: It can add decorative elements to masonry walls through colors and patterns.
How Mortar Achieves Its Functions
The work of mortar involves a chemical process:
- Mixing: Mortar starts as a mixture of cement, sand, water, and lime or other additives.
- Workable Paste: This mixture creates a workable paste, that is easily applied to the masonry units.
- Hardening: Over time, a chemical reaction (hydration) causes the mortar to harden.
- Strong Bond: The hardened mortar creates a strong, durable bond, resulting in a solid, load-bearing structure.
Practical Insights
- Types of Mortar: Different types of mortar are available depending on the type of building block and desired properties. For instance, some mortars are stronger, while others are more flexible.
- Proper Mixing: Proper mixing and application techniques are crucial to ensure that mortar performs its intended function effectively.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity affect how the mortar sets and hardens.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Binding | Acts like an adhesive to hold bricks or other blocks together. |
| Gap Filling | Fills the space between blocks to ensure an even distribution of weight and stability. |
| Sealing | Prevents water and air infiltration by sealing the gaps. |
| Weight Spread | Distributes weight across all the blocks and mortar. |
| Decorative Use | Adds aesthetic appeal with various colours and patterns. |
