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Classification of mortar

Short answer

Mortars are classified by binder into mud, lime, surkhi, cement, gauged (cement-lime-sand), and gypsum types. They are also categorized by use as bricklaying or finishing mortars, and by special properties like lightweight, fire-resistant, packing, sound-absorbing, or X-ray shielding mortars.

List down the classification (types) of mortar.

Mortars are classified in the following ways.

1. According to binding material

  • Mud mortar: mud (clay soil) and water; used in rural areas.
  • Lime mortar: lime, sand/surkhi and water (fat lime or hydraulic lime).
  • Surkhi mortar: lime and surkhi (powdered burnt brick).
  • Cement mortar: cement, sand and water.
  • Gauged mortar (composite mortar): cement, lime and sand together.
  • Gypsum mortar: plaster of Paris/gypsum, used for plastering and decorative work.

2. According to use

  • Bricklaying mortar: for masonry joints.
  • Finishing mortar: for plaster and pointing.

3. According to special characteristics

  • Light-weight mortar: with sawdust, wood powder or perlite.
  • Fire-resistant mortar: with aluminous cement and fire-clay.
  • Packing mortar: for oil wells, grouting and tunnels.
  • Sound-absorbing, X-ray shielding and chemical resistant mortars.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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