Which combination of materials is used to create mortar?

Which combination of materials is used to create mortar?

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

Answer: (C)

Mortar binds bricks and stones by combining a binder with an aggregate and enough water to activate and hydrate the mixture. In traditional lime mortar, lime acts as the binder, sand provides the bulk and structure as the aggregate, and water enables the lime to hydrate and harden, giving the joint its strength. Without sand, you’d have lime putty that’s too soft for masonry; without water, the lime won’t hydrate and set; without lime, sand and water won’t bind together effectively. Including all three—sand, lime, and water—creates the workable, durable mortar used to form secure masonry joints.

Mortar binds bricks and stones by combining a binder with an aggregate and enough water to activate and hydrate the mixture. In traditional lime mortar, lime acts as the binder, sand provides the bulk and structure as the aggregate, and water enables the lime to hydrate and harden, giving the joint its strength. Without sand, you’d have lime putty that’s too soft for masonry; without water, the lime won’t hydrate and set; without lime, sand and water won’t bind together effectively. Including all three—sand, lime, and water—creates the workable, durable mortar used to form secure masonry joints.