The mortar is a mixture of cement, water, and sand and is mainly used for laying bricks, run or joints or cover surfaces. Learn in this guide to prepare the mortar and know the right amounts for its preparation.

  

We have already talked about the preparation of reinforced concrete (or reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete). This time we will explain how to prepare the mortar, or cement as it is more commonly known.

Types of cement:

There are several types of cement, Portland cement being the most used these days. There are also other types of cement for specific uses. Fast drying cement, refractory cement (for high temperatures), sulfate resistant cement (for sewers and water networks), among many others.

Mortars with hydraulic lime and sand are still used today, although they are falling into disuse. There is also another type of mortar, consisting of Portland cement, sand and hydraulic lime, called bastard mortar. Although it is less resistant it is more suitable for restorations of old houses, since it binds more effectively in walls of mud and partition.

Additives for mortar:

Other additives may be added to the mortar, that is, to the mixture of cement, sand, and water, to give it other characteristics than the original ones.

The most used additives in the mortar are:

• Additives plasticizers: This type of additive makes the mortar softer, giving it a greater adhesion to the surfaces where it will be applied.
• Anti-shrink additives: This type of additive makes it less likely to shrink (or shrink), thus reducing the likelihood of cracking.
• Additives accelerators: With this type of additive, the drying of the mortar becomes faster.

Additional notes on mortar:

As we have already said, the mortar is made with the mixture of water, sand, and cement. Always use clean water to provide greater strength. As for sand, fine sand is preferred for towing, while coarse sand (or gravel) is preferred over a surface.

The mortar is used to place bricks or concrete blocks, to coat interior or exterior walls or to repair cracks.

There are mixes for sale that are already prepared, simply adding water to prepare them.

Depending on the work to be done, so we should add more or less sand, as we will see later. With respect to the quantity of water, it is usual to use half the weight of water, relative to the weight of the cement. All these proportions may vary, depending on the type of cement used, the moisture of the sand, the temperature and the consistency of the mixture.

How to prepare mortar, cement or concrete:

Use the mortar until two or at most three hours after its preparation, remembering that you will not be able to save what is left over.

If it is necessary to prepare large quantities of mortar, it is preferable to do so in a concrete mixer.

Quantities of water and cement to be used, depending on the work to be done:

• Brick placement or joints: 1 part cement and 2.5 to 3 parts sand;
• Floor covering or interior walls: 1 part cement and 1.5 parts sand;
• Coating of exterior walls or work done in humid places: 1 part of cement and 1 to 1,5 parts of sand;
• Watertight coatings: 1 part cement and 1 part sand.

How to mix water, sand, and cement:

For small quantities:

1. On a flat surface, on wooden boards, for example, put the amount of sand needed and lay the cement on top.
2. Begin to wrap this mixture with the help of a shovel, starting from the bottom, until a dry mixture and a uniform color.
3. Now drill a hole in the middle of this mixture and add water and mix everything together.
   (add a plasticizer additive, allow this mixture to stand for a few minutes)

The mortar mixture should be consistent and homogeneous, between dry and wet. To check if the mortar “is in place”, place a little on a trowel. If it does not fall, it means you are at the right place.

You can also check if it is at the point by placing the trowel in the mortar. This should not sink.

Another way to check is by making a small ball in the hand and check that it does not break or water comes out of it.

For large quantities:

1. As already mentioned, it is advisable to use a cement mixer for large quantities of mortar. First, pour 70% of the water needed for the rotary tank.
2. Then mix the cement and sand in the required amounts.
3. Let the rotary bowl turn until the mortar is ready. Add more water if necessary.

I hope you’ve learned how to prepare mortar, cement, or concrete. If you like, you have another article on the preparation of reinforced concrete (or reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete).

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