---
title: "Merits and demerits of lime mortar"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:lime-mortar-merits-demerits"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/lime-mortar-merits-demerits
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Merits and demerits of lime mortar

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 6: Mortar

- Asked in: 2078 Bhadra, 1 marks
- Video: [Cement Vs Lime technology |Ancient Construction Material || Benefits of lime(चुना ) |Hindu Science](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrbW0eTtno) — Hindu Science
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/lime-mortar-merits-demerits
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-6

## Question

State any two merits and demerits of lime mortar.

## Short answer

Merits: Lime mortar is economical, plastic, easy to apply, has low shrinkage and good bond with bricks. Demerits: Its strength is low and it gains strength slowly; fat lime mortar cannot set in damp conditions and requires long curing.

## Answer

#### Merits
1. It is economical, with good workability and plasticity, and easy to apply.
2. It has less shrinkage and cracking, and is flexible, accommodating small movements; it has good bond with bricks.

#### Demerits
1. Its strength is low and it gains strength slowly because setting is slow (days to weeks).
2. Fat lime mortar does not set in damp places or under water, and needs a long curing period.

## Check yourself

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

1. A merit of lime mortar:
   A. High strength
   B. Good workability and less shrinkage
   C. Quick setting
   D. Works under water
   Answer: B. Also economical and flexible. (Key point: Merit)

2. A demerit of lime mortar:
   A. High cost
   B. Poor workability
   C. Low strength and slow gain
   D. Cracks
   Answer: C. Setting takes days to weeks. (Key point: Demerit)

3. Fat lime mortar:
   A. Sets under water
   B. Is very strong
   C. Sets instantly
   D. Does not set in damp places or under water
   Answer: D. Needs a long curing period. (Key point: Fat lime)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [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

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