---
title: "Stepwise preparation of cement mortar"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:stepwise-preparing-cement-mortar"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/stepwise-preparing-cement-mortar
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Stepwise preparation of cement mortar

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 6: Mortar

- Asked in: 2079 Bhadra, 2 marks; 2078 Kartik, 2 marks; 2076 Chaitra, 2 marks; 2075 Asoj, 2 marks (asked 4 times)
- Video: [Bricklaying Mortar Mix Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTMGBLFt_-s) — Brickright building & landscaping
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/stepwise-preparing-cement-mortar
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-6

## Question

State the stepwise procedure of preparing cement mortar for construction works.

## Short answer

Measure cement and sand by volume, dry-mix until uniform colour, gradually add water, and mix thoroughly to a workable consistency. Use within 30 minutes before initial set, and do not re-temper partially set mortar.

## Answer

Cement mortar is prepared by hand mixing for small jobs or by a mixer for large works.

#### Steps
1. **Select the proportion** (by volume), for example 1:6 (or 1:4) cement:sand for brick masonry and 1:4 to 1:6 for plaster; select the sand (clean, sharp, free from clay and silt).
2. **Measure the materials** by volume using a gauge box (usually 35 litres, the volume of one 50 kg bag of cement).
3. **Mix dry:** spread the sand on a clean, watertight platform (wood or concrete), spread the cement on top and turn the heap with shovels 3-4 times until the colour is uniform.
4. **Add water gradually**, just enough for a workable mix, while mixing again: form a crater in the heap, pour water into it and turn the dry mix into it. Do not over-wet.
5. **Mix thoroughly** until a uniform, workable paste of the right consistency is obtained. In machine mixing, load the sand and cement, add water and mix for at least 3 minutes.
6. **Use within 30 minutes** (before initial setting). Do not re-temper or use mortar that has begun to set, and keep the platform clean.

## Check yourself

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

1. The correct mixing order for hand mixing is:
   A. Add water to cement first
   B. Mix dry cement and sand first, then add water gradually
   C. Mix sand with water first
   D. Add all water at once
   Answer: B. Dry mix until colour is uniform. (Key point: Mixing order)

2. Typical cement:sand proportions are:
   A. 1:1 for plaster
   B. 1:10 for brickwork
   C. 1:4 for brickwork and 1:6 for plaster
   D. 1:20
   Answer: C. Measured by volume. (Key point: Proportion)

3. Mortar should be used within:
   A. 3 hours
   B. 24 hours
   C. Any time with re-tempering
   D. 30 minutes
   Answer: D. Before initial setting; do not re-temper. (Key point: Time of use)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Soundness test of cement and procedure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acement-soundness-test-procedure) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 5
- [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 and mud mortar properties, uses](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acement-mud-mortar-properties-uses) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6
- [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
- [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

- [Preparing cement mortar by manual process](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Amortar-prep-manual) — Building Technology, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Stepwise procedure of Mohr's circle](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fstrength_of_materials%3Amohr-circle-procedure) — Strength of Materials, chapter 4, asked 2×
- [Superposition: stepwise procedure for bending moment](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fstrength_of_materials%3Asuperposition-stepwise-bending-moment) — Strength of Materials, chapter 1
- [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×