Question: MortarWhat is Mortar ? |
Answer History of Mortar
Mortar consisting primarily of lime and sand has been used as an
integral part of masonry structures for thousands of years. Up until
about the mid-19th century, lime or quicklime (sometimes called lump
lime) was delivered to construction sites, where it had to be slaked,
or combined with water. Mixing with water caused it to boil and
resulted in wet lime putty that was left to mature in a pit or wooden
box for several weeks, up to a year.
Traditional mortar was made from lime putty, or slaked lime, combined
with local sand, generally in a ratio of 1 part lime putty to 3 parts
sand by volume. Often other ingredients, such as crushed marine shells
(another source of lime), brick dust, clay, natural cements, pigments,
and even animal hair were also added to mortar, but the basic
formulation for lime putty and sand mortar remained unchanged for
centuries until the advent of Portland cement or its forerunner, Roman
cement, natural, hydraulic cement.
More FAQ
For more frequently asked questions please return to the FAQ categories and select from the sub-category menu.
We hope you find this information both helpful and educational with regard to enquire.
Thank you for your visit today we are constantly adding and updating our material so please visit with us again.
|
|
|
News
Hints & Tips
Competitions
|
