The material most commonly used for cementing bricks is called mortar. The process of joining bricks together using mortar to construct walls or other structures is generally referred to as bricklaying or masonry.
Understanding the Material: Mortar
When people talk about "cementing bricks," they are typically referring to the substance used to bond the individual bricks together. This substance is mortar.
According to building practices, the material primarily used for this purpose is mortar. As the reference states, "Mortar is a mixture of sand and cements that is most often used to build brick or block walls."
Mortar acts as a bonding agent, filling the gaps between bricks, distributing loads evenly, and helping to create a weather-tight seal.
Composition of Mortar
Standard mortar is composed of three main ingredients:
- Cement: Usually Portland cement, which reacts with water to harden.
- Sand: Provides body and strength to the mixture.
- Water: Activates the cement and makes the mixture workable.
Sometimes, lime is also added to mortar to improve its workability and flexibility. Various admixtures can also be used to alter properties like curing time, freeze resistance, or bonding strength.
The Process: Bricklaying and Masonry
While mortar is the material, the process of using mortar to cement bricks together is part of a larger craft.
The act of building structures like walls, chimneys, or arches using bricks (or stones, concrete blocks, etc.) and mortar is known as masonry. Specifically working with bricks is called bricklaying.
"Cementing bricks" is a fundamental step within bricklaying, involving:
- Mixing the Mortar: Combining the dry ingredients with the correct amount of water to achieve a workable consistency.
- Applying the Mortar: Spreading a layer of mortar onto the surface where the next brick will be placed (known as a "bed joint") and often on the end of the brick itself (a "head joint").
- Laying the Brick: Carefully placing the brick onto the fresh mortar bed and pressing it into place to ensure full contact and correct alignment.
- Joint Finishing: Shaping the exposed mortar joints (pointing) for structural integrity, weather resistance, and appearance.
Why Mortar is Essential for Brickwork
Mortar isn't just glue; it performs several critical functions in a brick wall:
| Function of Mortar | Description |
|---|---|
| Bonding Agent | Creates a strong adhesive connection between bricks, holding the wall together. |
| Load Transfer | Helps distribute the weight of the wall and anything above it evenly. |
| Leveling Bed | Provides a soft, adjustable layer to compensate for irregularities in bricks. |
| Weatherproofing | Seals the gaps between bricks, preventing water and air penetration. |
| Aesthetics | The color and style of the mortar joint significantly impact the wall's look. |
Without mortar, a stack of bricks would simply be a pile, lacking stability, strength, and resistance to the elements. Different types of mortar (classified by strength, e.g., Type N, S, M) are used depending on the specific structural requirements and environmental conditions.
The term "cementing bricks" therefore refers primarily to the material (mortar) and the process (part of bricklaying/masonry) of joining these building units using that material.
