The key difference between Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) and mortar lies in their composition and resulting properties. Mortar is a binding agent used to join materials, while RCC is a structural material offering significantly greater strength and durability.
RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete)
RCC is a composite material comprising cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), and reinforcement—typically steel bars or fibers. The steel reinforcement enhances the tensile strength of the concrete, which is inherently weak in tension. This combination results in a strong, durable material suitable for structural applications like buildings, bridges, and dams. As noted in [various sources](https://www.engineeringdiscoveries.net/2019/06/difference-between-cement-mortar-plain.html, https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-cement-mortar-cement-concrete-and-RCC), RCC's strength and durability are superior due to this reinforcement. The USACE Engineer Manual 1110-2-2006 even highlights how material properties in RCC are affected by factors like mixture workability and fines content.
- Key Components: Cement, aggregates (sand, gravel), steel reinforcement
- Key Properties: High compressive and tensile strength, durability
- Applications: Structural elements in buildings, bridges, dams
Mortar
Mortar is a paste-like mixture typically made from cement, fine aggregates (primarily sand), and water. Unlike RCC, it lacks significant reinforcement and is primarily used as a bonding agent. It's employed to join bricks, blocks, or stones in masonry construction. A definition from wecivilengineers.wordpress.com describes it as a paste of water, fine aggregates, and a binding material. [Other sources](https://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/courses/ce584/concrete/library/construction/rolledcompacted/bedding%20mortar.htm, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061820329147) mention its use in specialized applications like bedding for RCC dams.
- Key Components: Cement, fine aggregates (sand), water
- Key Properties: Bonding strength, workability
- Applications: Bonding bricks, stones, and other masonry units; filling voids
Comparison Summary
| Feature | RCC | Mortar |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cement, aggregates, steel bars | Cement, fine aggregates (sand), water |
| Strength | Very high (compressive & tensile) | Relatively low |
| Purpose | Structural element | Bonding agent |
| Durability | High | Moderate |
The comparison between RCC and brick-and-mortar construction highlights the superior utilitarian advantages of RCC over traditional masonry. Remember that "brick and mortar," in the context of business, refers to a physical store — it's important not to confuse the two usages of the term "mortar."
