---
title: "Cement and mud mortar properties, uses"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:cement-mud-mortar-properties-uses"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/cement-mud-mortar-properties-uses
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Cement and mud mortar properties, uses

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 6: Mortar

- Asked in: 2081 Baisakh (new course), 0.5+1.5 marks
- Video: [3RD SEM CIVIL ENGINEERING, BMCT CHAPTER 3 [CEMENT, MORTAR & CONCRETE PART 4]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CycZvBrxeQ) — Nilachal Polytechnic College Of Engineering 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/cement-mud-mortar-properties-uses
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-6

## Question

What is mortar? Explain cement mortar and mud mortar with properties and where they are used.

## Short answer

Mortar is a paste of binder, fine aggregate and water. Cement mortar (1:3 to 1:6 cement:sand) is strong, durable, sets quickly and resists moisture; used for load-bearing masonry, plaster, damp places. Mud mortar is cheap, workable but weak and not water-resistant; used for temporary rural walls and plaster.

## Answer

**Mortar** is a paste of binder, fine aggregate and water used to join masonry units and for plastering and pointing.

#### Cement mortar
- **Composition:** cement, sand and water, 1:3 to 1:6.
- **Properties:** strong and durable; sets fairly quickly (initial set not less than 30 minutes) and hardens by hydration; good bond; impervious and resistant to moisture and weather.
- **Uses:** load-bearing brick and stone masonry, foundations, plaster, flooring, damp places, and pointing.

#### Mud mortar
- **Composition:** clay soil and water, sometimes with cow dung, straw or husk added to prevent cracks.
- **Properties:** cheap, workable and easily made, but weak, easily eroded by rain, and not durable.
- **Uses:** low-cost rural houses, temporary walls, garden walls, and plastering where it is protected from water.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Cement mortar properties:
   A. Weak, eroded by rain
   B. Cheap and not durable
   C. Strong, durable, impervious
   D. Slow setting only
   Answer: C. Used for load-bearing masonry and RCC. (Key point: Cement mortar)

2. Mud mortar is made from:
   A. Cement and sand
   B. Lime
   C. Gypsum
   D. Clay soil and water, sometimes with straw
   Answer: D. Straw prevents cracks. (Key point: Mud mortar)

3. Mud mortar is used in:
   A. Low-cost rural and temporary walls
   B. RCC
   C. Foundations of dams
   D. Water tanks
   Answer: A. Weak and easily eroded. (Key point: Mud use)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Mud mortar versus cement mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Amud-vs-cement-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6
- [Properties of mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aproperties-of-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6, asked 3×
- [Stepwise preparation of cement mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Astepwise-preparing-cement-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6, asked 4×
- [Precautions while applying cement mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aprecautions-applying-cement-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6, asked 3×
- [Steps of applying cement mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Asteps-applying-cement-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6
- [Cement mortar versus lime mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acement-vs-lime-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6

## Related in other subjects

- [Mortar properties; cement and sand for 10 cum](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Amortar-quantity-10cum) — Building Technology, chapter 3
- [Site engineer uses weaker mortar and concrete mix](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Amortar-ratio-friend-silence) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 7
- [Detailed specification of cement sand mortar 1:4](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Adetailed-spec-cs-mortar-1-4) — Construction Management, chapter 12, asked 2×
- [Detailed specification of cement sand mortar 1:6](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Adetailed-spec-cs-mortar-1-6) — Construction Management, chapter 12, asked 2×