Julian. A. Thamboo1, Amith A. Bandara2, and Rashitha N. Jayarathne2
1) Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 32360
Oluvil, Sri Lanka, jathamboo@seu.ac.lk
2) Temporary Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 32360
Oluvil, Sri Lanka, wmamithbandara@gmail.com, nvdjayarathne1@gmail.com,
Keywords: Masonry, Cement mortar, Cement-Lime mortar, compressive strength, water absorption.
Abstract. Mortar is a vital material that determines the performance of masonry structures. Therefore proper selection and execution of mortar are imperative processes in masonry construction. Although there are established provisions available for commonly used mortars in all the design standards; their detail characteristics are not well presented. Hence an experimental investigation was carried out to determine the fresh and hardened properties of masonry cement and cement-lime mortars in this research. Primarily five commonly used cement and cement-lime mortars were studied along with two sets of water to cement ratios to determine the effects on the fresh and hardened properties. The fresh properties of wet density, air content and consistency were measured. Further the mortars were cast in non-absorbent and absorbent moulds to examine influence of absorbent condition on the hardened properties. The dry density, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, sorptivity, and shrinkage were determined for hardened mortars. It was apparent that the increase of water to cement ratio reduced the strength properties and increased the consistency of mortars as in concrete. Additionally the absorbent condition significantly influenced the hardened properties of mortars.