Cement Mortar

This shall be prepared through mixing cement and sand in the particular proportion for the given work. For load bearing construction coarse sand is used in the mix of the mortar. The proportion of cement and sand in cement mortars varies commonly from 1 cement to 3 to 8 of sand, the strength and workability improving with increase in the proportion of cement. Mortars richer than 1 : 3 are not used in masonry because of high shrinkage along with no appreciable gain in the strength of the masonry. Mortars leaner than 1 : 6 proportion tend to become harsh and, therefore, unworkable.