Neither cement nor mortar is stronger than the other. Cement is a component of mortar, and it's not a material in itself that can be compared to mortar for strength. Mortar, which includes cement, water, and lime aggregate, is not as durable as concrete.
Understanding Cement and Mortar
It's crucial to understand that cement is a binding agent and a key component in both mortar and concrete. Here's a breakdown:
- Cement: A fine powder that, when mixed with water, hardens and acts as a binder. It is a key ingredient in both mortar and concrete.
- Mortar: A mixture of cement, water, and fine aggregates like lime. It's primarily used to bind building blocks such as bricks or stones.
- Concrete: A mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel. It is much stronger and durable than mortar.
Comparison
| Feature | Mortar | Cement |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cement, water, lime aggregate | Component of mortar |
| Use | Binding building blocks | Binding agent in mortar and concrete |
| Durability | Less durable than concrete | N/A |
Key Differences and Insights
- Durability: According to the provided reference, mortar is not as durable as concrete. This is because concrete uses larger aggregates like gravel in addition to sand.
- Purpose: Mortar is more of an addition to a project, used to bind and seal between materials, while concrete is used as a main building material due to its enhanced strength.
- Strength Comparison: It is not correct to compare the strength of cement to mortar, as cement is an ingredient in mortar. It is a binding agent only.
Therefore, comparing the strength of cement and mortar is not appropriate. It is more correct to consider the strength differences between concrete and mortar, where concrete is significantly stronger.
