Mortar is a mix of cement+water+ sand +lime. It's used for bricks or blocks building. 5 types of cement mortar are commonly used in construction work.
Type M mortar : high Compressive Strength mix. It's recommend for high compression loads. Type M mortar consist of the following quantities properties ( by volume) 1portland cement+ 1/4 lime +3.5 sand.
Type S mortar: high bond strength mortar. It's recommend for structures subjects to lateral loads or below grade retaining walls. Type S mortar is made by ( properties by volume): 1portland cement+ 1/2 lime+ 4.5 sand
Type N mortar: it's the general purpose mortar multiple usage in construction work for most of constructions. The components of type N mortar 1 Portland Cement+ 1 lime + 6 sand ( properties by volume).
Type O mortar: high lime low compressive strength. Common uses in non load bearing structures. Type O mortar consist of 1portland cement + 2 lime+ 9 sand ( properties by volume).
Type K mortar: very low compressive strength. It's seldom used in new construction work, it's used mainly for repair of historical building. Type K mortar consist of 1 Portland Cement+ 3 lime+ 12 sand ( properties by volume).
Summary: as a general, for construction above ground use type N mortar or type O mortar when non load bearing structures. For below grade construction use type M mortar or type type S mortar when lateral loads are found.
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