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Occ20 Build Brick Walling Mortars
Occ20 Build Brick Walling Mortars
Mortars
Tutor Copy
Below are some web sites that may be useful
for students studying construction:-
• www.ibstock.co.uk Bricks and related sites.
• www.bca.ogr.uk British Cement Association
• www.buildingdesign.co.uk Building design services
• www.igltd.co.uk IG steel lintels.
• www.catnic.co.uk Catnic lintels.
• www.constuction-index.com Manufacturers
• www.mortar.org.uk Mortar industry association.
• www.insulation-installers.co.uk Directory and related links.
• www.trada.co.uk Timber research
• www.tra.org.uk Timber trussed rafter
• www.hse.gov.uk Health & Safety Executive.
• www.ucatt.org.uk Union of Construction Allied Trades & Technicians.
• www.cskills.org.uk ConstructionSkills.
• www.sheffield.gov.uk Planning application
information.
• www.ebuild.co.uk Self-build / land for sale etc.
Mortar
Characteristics of Materials
• WHITE cement
• Special selection of ingredients – used in the manufacture of pre-
cast concrete products, reconstructed stone, renderings and for the
production of cement paints.
• COLOURED cements
• By mixing chemically inert pigments with white or O.P. cement.
Cement strength slightly reduced, so compensate by adding an
extra 10% to the mix.
MORTAR ADDITIVES
• As previously discussed there are PLASTICISERS and
AIR-ENTRAINING AGENTS produced in either liquid or
powder form.
• Lime can also used for this purpose, but as mentioned
earlier, lime is a very hazardous material to work with.
• Bricklaying sand can be purchased with a desired
amount of lime already added. It is crucial that this type
of sand is kept covered from rain at all times.
• ACCELERATORS
• Added to a mortar mix to speed up the setting
process. Ideal for work in cold climates.
• RETARDERS
• Opposite to Accelerators – slow down the setting
process. Used in pre-mixed mortars.
• WATERPROOFERS
• Chemical (liquid or powder) added to mortar.
Used in rendering or work below ground.
• ANTI-FREEZERS
• Supposedly allows mortars to be used when
temperatures fall close to freezing.
• COLOURING PIGMENTS / AGENTS
• To colour mortar – in powder form - very
expensive – tends to ‘bleach’ over time –needs
care when ‘batching’.
• NOTE: All additives can weaken mortars.
Should not be used below ground level.
Mix Proportions
Disadvantages
• Part loads are uneconomical, so the system may not be suitable for
small works.
• Waiting time for delivery may cause delays.
• More expensive than site mixing, so it is important to order the correct
amount to avoid wastage.
• If the mortar is supplied by site mixing methods it can be delayed or
halted to compensate for any delays due to inclement weather,
whereas mortar supplied pre-mixed may not have this flexibility.
Mixing Mortar by Hand on Site
• = 0.5
Example: