---
title: "Classification of mortar"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:classification-types-mortar"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/classification-types-mortar
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Classification of mortar

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 6: Mortar

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 2 marks; 2078 Kartik, 1 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Mortar Building Material For IES GATE SSC JE UPSSSC JE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZUSWaVrHYs) — Chaityendra Singh
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/classification-types-mortar
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-6

## Question

List down the classification (types) 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.

## Answer

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.**

## Check yourself

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

1. Which is classified by binding material?
   A. Light-weight mortar
   B. Packing mortar
   C. Lime mortar
   D. Finishing mortar
   Answer: C. Mud, lime, surkhi, cement, gauged, gypsum. (Key point: Binding material)

2. Classified according to use:
   A. Mud and lime
   B. Cement and gauged
   C. Gypsum
   D. Bricklaying and finishing mortar
   Answer: D. Masonry joints vs plaster and pointing. (Key point: Use)

3. Fire-resistant mortar contains:
   A. Aluminous cement and fire-clay
   B. Mud
   C. Sawdust
   D. Barium
   Answer: A. Light-weight uses sawdust or perlite. (Key point: Special)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Functions of mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Afunctions-of-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6, asked 8×
- [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×
- [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

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