Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan

Faculty of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department
Construction Materials
Masonry

Dr: Omar al-Ghazzawi

Name: ISSAM JAMIL (2)
Number:201210786
Date:16/11/2014
H.M number : 4

What is Masonry?
Masonry is a building system meant to last, which is why it has been such a valued craft
throughout history. The Pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of
China much of the worlds significant architecture has been built with masonry.
Throughout civilization, architects and builders have chosen masonry for its strength,
versatility, and durability. Masonry resists the destructive effects of time and weather, and
remains beautiful for centuries.

Bytown Museum, Ottawa, built in 1827

Almost everywhere you look, you see masonry in homes, schools, office buildings,
churches, hospitals, factories and more. Over the centuries our system has been
challenged time and time again by usurpers and those who would seek to destroy us
through cheap imitation and false promises. But in the end, masonry has always
prevailed. Brick, Block and Stone Strength Over Time is a promise that we are fully
capable of delivering on. AGM Remarks from Frank Buck, 2007 Past President.

MASONRY MORTAR
Masonry mortar is used for bedding, jointing, and bonding masonry units. It is composed
of cementitious materials, sand and water.

The cementitious materials essentially include cement and/or lime. In the hardened state,
the cement and lime provide compressive strength and mortar/unit bond strength. In the
plastic state, the cement accelerates the time to set to facilitate speed of construction,
and the lime contributes to the workability, which helps ensure full and intimate contact
between units and mortar.
Sand provides colour, texture, and cohesiveness, and reduces drying shrinkage. Water
added to the mortar makes the mix workable and hydrates the cement. Other materials
are sometimes added to give the mortar particular properties; for example, entrained air
improves the workability and resistance to freeze/thaw deterioration.
The requirements for mortar for masonry used in Canada are contained in CSA Standard
A179, Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry.

The properties of mortar

in its plastic and hardened states are both important, but for different reasons. Plastic
properties such as workability and water retention determine construction suitability while
laying the units, and hardened properties such as compressive strength, bond strength
and durability affect the performance of the finished masonry.
CSA A179 identifies two mortar Types suitable for use in modern masonry construction,
these being Type N and Type S. In the hardened state, Type S mortar has a higher
compressive strength and generally higher bond strength than does Type N mortar.
However, Type N mortars often show better workability in the plastic state, helping to
ensure good bond between mortar and unit.
Because properties vary with mortar Type, and no single mortar Type is best for all
purposes, it is important that the mortar Type selected for a particular application is the
one that best meets the end-use requirements.
A basic rule for the selection of a mortar is to not to use a mortar with a compressive
strength greater than is demanded by the structural and durability requirements of the

masonry. A mortar with the lowest compressive strength consistent with the performance
requirements should be selected.
Type N mortar is recommended for general use, where high lateral and vertical masonry
strengths are not required, such as for interior or exterior non-load bearing walls, as well
as for exterior veneers. Type S masonry mortar is recommended for use in all masonry
below grade as well as for load bearing masonry walls (typically block), both interior and
exterior, where higher vertical and lateral strength is needed.
CSA A179 identifies three mortar mix formulations suitable for use: Portland cement/lime,
Masonry Cement, and Mortar Cement. Both Type N and Type S mortar can be
manufactured under each mix formulation. However, for each of the three formulations,
the constituent cementitious materials differ, and therefore the relative volumes of
cementitious materials and aggregate to be combined on the jobsite to manufacture the
same mortar Type differ. Under the proportion specification of CSA A179, to produce
either a Type N or a Type S mortar as desired, the relative proportions of the materials to
be added together by the mason on the jobsite are tabled for each mix formulation. This
simplicity in the manufacture of mortar makes the proportion specification the most
desirable means to specify mortar for both the mason and the designer