What should be added to Portland cement to create mortar?

What should be added to Portland cement to create mortar?

• A. lime and water
• B. sand and water
• C. sand, lime, and water
• D. sand and lime

Answer: (C)

Mortar needs a binder, an aggregate, and water to become workable and then set properly. Portland cement provides the binding, but it needs bulk and plasticity from other ingredients. Sand acts as the aggregate, giving strength, body, and crack resistance. Lime acts as a plasticizer and moisture-control agent, improving workability, cohesion, and durability as the mix cures. Water starts the cement hydration and enables the mixture to be worked before it hardens. Together, sand, lime, and water with Portland cement create a mortar that can be applied smoothly and then harden into a strong bond. Without any one of these components—the sand (bulk), the lime (workability), or the water (hydration)—the mixture wouldn’t function well as mortar.

Mortar needs a binder, an aggregate, and water to become workable and then set properly. Portland cement provides the binding, but it needs bulk and plasticity from other ingredients. Sand acts as the aggregate, giving strength, body, and crack resistance. Lime acts as a plasticizer and moisture-control agent, improving workability, cohesion, and durability as the mix cures. Water starts the cement hydration and enables the mixture to be worked before it hardens. Together, sand, lime, and water with Portland cement create a mortar that can be applied smoothly and then harden into a strong bond. Without any one of these components—the sand (bulk), the lime (workability), or the water (hydration)—the mixture wouldn’t function well as mortar.