These learning texts will guide you through the whole process of mortar use and production, from its origins 10,000 years ago to the application of the modern factory-produced materials that are widely used on building sites today.
Whether you are an apprentice bricklayer or a seasoned specifier, the Learning Texts provide you with everything you need to know about mortar. The texts range from An Introduction to Mortar to Properties of Masonry Mortar and from Production to Quality Assurance.
You can download the learning texts below; alternatively you can order hard copies from the association’s secretary Mick Russell at Mick.Russell@mineralproducts.org.
Mortar has played a major role in construction since ancient times with the oldest example having been found in Israel and thought to date back 10,000 years. Much of the ancient mortar still in existence remains durable today, a testament to the long lasting nature of the material.
In practice, a mortar joint acts as a sealant, a bearing pad, the glue that sticks the units together yet keeps them apart and, in this sense, performs as a gap-filling adhesive.
Today, mortar in the UK is produced to the specification BS EN 998-2: Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Masonry mortar. It can made either by mixing on site in a concrete mixer or manufactured under factory-controlled conditions off site by specialist suppliers. In both instances, high quality cement, sand and sometimes lime are used in its production. The quality of today’s mortars are due to the commercial development of Portland cement in the 1920s, which made the potential for masonry construction much greater.
This learning text covers the manufacture and specification of cementitious materials and includes a glossary of terms and a bibliography. A final section provides self-assessment questions and answers.
Cement is the adhesive or glue, which when set binds particles of sand (sometimes referred to as ‘fine aggregate’) together to produce mortar. When mixed with water the cement forms a paste, called the fine matrix. Cements are hydraulic materials, depending on a reaction with water rather than air for strength development. When water is added to cement a chemical reaction called hydration begins immediately and continues while water is still present.
This learning text covers the formation, specification and properties of the aggregates used in mortar. A glossary of terminology used and a bibliography are included while the final section contains self-assessment questions and answers. Sand - sometimes referred to as ‘fine aggregate’ - is the main constituent of masonry mortars and renders. Some screeds incorporate a coarse aggregate (normally 10mm maximum size) but generally sand is their major constituent.
This learning text covers admixtures, additives and water. A glossary of terminology and bibliography are included and the final section includes self-assessment questions and answers.
Admixtures have been used for centuries to enhance the properties of mortar, renders and screeds. The ancient Chinese were known to have used black grain molasses while the Romans used animal fat, milk and blood. It is likely early use began when workmen found that the addition of a particular substance to a mortar mix enhanced its fresh properties. Use of admixtures by ancient civilisations was therefore based on practical experience and observation, not on chemical theory
This learning text looks at the manufacture of bricks and blocks beginning with the historical development before moving onto current production methods of each of the masonry types. A glossary of terminology and a bibliography are included, along with self-assessment questions and answers.
The majority of residential building in the UK uses masonry cavity wall construction. This involves building the external walls of a house as a double layer of masonry with a cavity in between. The external leaf is generally built of facing brick, but can also utilize concrete blocks which are then usually covered with cladding, render, tiles or other material. The inner leaf will usually be constructed with blocks, and then plastered or dry lined.
This learning text covers the specification of mortar and its various properties both in the fresh and hardened states. A glossary of terms and a bibliography are included, along with self-assessment questions and answers.
A mortar joint acts as a sealant, a bearing pad, sticks the units together, yet keeps them apart and in this sense performs as a gap-filling adhesive.
This learning text looks at mortar production, including the types of plant used, factory batching, transport to site and any subsequent final mixing. A glossary of terms and a bibliography are included and a section providing self-assessment questions and answers.
Major types of factory-produced mortar covered are:
This learning text covers the testing of fresh and hardened mortar. The reasons for testing are covered along with a description of the test methods used. A glossary of terms is also included.
Two standards are applicable to the testing of mortar:
This learning text looks at the specification of masonry and rendering mortars, covering its historical evolution and current requirements. Information is given on the parameters that need to be considered in the preparation of a specification. Additionally, a glossary of terminology and bibliography is included and a final section provides self-assessment questions and answers.
In looking at quality assurance, this learning text covers the history of quality and the development of the quality discipline together with the creation of the function of dedicated quality personnel. It also covers the development of quality standards, the various types of assessment and quality schemes and systems that exist.
The text also looks at quality assurance and its relevance in relation to European standardization, including CE marking. A glossary of terminology and self-assessment questions are also included.
This learning text covers good site practice and the factors to be considered to ensure that mortar supplied by MPA Mortar member companies is correctly handled and used. Recommendations are also given for the laying and protection of masonry in adverse weather conditions and to ensure the desirable appearance and performance of masonry. This text also takes into account the important health and safety aspects applicable to the handling, storage and use of mortars on building sites and includes a glossary of terms and a bibliography. The final section provides self-assessment questions and answers.
Rendering mortar is an element of masonry construction and this learning text complements MPA Mortar learning text number 6, Masonry Mortar. Content includes how to specify rendering mortar and describes its various properties in the fresh and hardened state. Also included is an overview of rendered finishes, a glossary of terms and a bibliography, with the final section being self-assessment questions and answers.
Potential site problems and solutions are covered in this learning text, with particular emphasis on those that either become apparent on the building site or originate there. It does not cover any production or operationally orientated issues that might arise at a mortar producing plant as these are covered in other learning texts in this series. Also included are a glossary of terms and self-assessment questions and answers.
Although mortar is an easy material to specify and use, with numerous examples of masonry structures that have stood for many centuries attesting to its excellence, a variety of site problems occasionally arise, the most common of which are covered in this learning text
It is vital for its long term durability that fresh brickwork is not high-pressure jet washed.
This incorrect practice is sometimes used on building sites to remove mortar splashes on newly completed units to expedite their appearance for sale. In the process, the faces of the bricks first have diluted hydrochloric acid applied to them, which is then jet washed off.
This damages the face of the mortar joint. The bricklayer has spent time and care to create a clean, smooth finish to a mortar joint. This brings the cement to the front of the joint and seals the mortar creating a solid, finished surface. Jet washing with acid, usually too close to the face work, blasts off the sealed joint and also the face of the brick. This leaves the joint exposed, worn and exposed to the elements and potentially liable to further damage.
This learning text outlines measures to be taken to ensure cleaning of fresh brickwork is carried out in a safe manner