Mortar (masonry)

**Historical Development of Mortar:**
– Ancient mortars made of mud, clay, and gypsum
– Use of various cement types in the Indus Valley civilization
– Bitumen mortar used in Mohenjo-daro
– Invention of Ordinary Portland Cement Mortar in 1794
– Popularization in the late 19th century

**Types of Mortar:**
– Ordinary Portland Cement Mortar with five standard types
– Strength of Type M mortar
– Polymer Cement Mortar with enhanced properties but higher cost
– Lime Mortar with variations in setting speed and additives
– Pozzolanic Mortar using volcanic ash and lime

**Mortar Composition and Properties:**
– Components include binder, aggregate, and water
– Binders like lime, cement, or their combination
– Role of sand, crushed stone, or gravel as aggregates
– Importance of water for hydration and hardening
– Proportions crucial for strength and durability

**Mortar Dating and Hardening:**
– Radiocarbon dating and Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating
– Mortar dating for insights into construction history
– Hardening process through hydration reaction
– Factors affecting hardening like temperature and humidity
– Proper curing for strength development

**Mortar Applications and Preservation:**
– Use in masonry construction for structural stability
– Joins bricks, stones, or concrete blocks
– Decorative mortar work in historical buildings
– Importance of mortar conservation in heritage structures
– Research on sustainable mortar materials for preservationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_(masonry)