Modern construction is difficult to imagine without the use of a material such as cement. This is a fairly inexpensive building material, which has a number of properties and characteristics that make it almost universal.
Cement application
Cement mortar, the proportions of the components of which are determined by its purpose, are used for various purposes. Firstly, it is the most important component of cement-based concrete; secondly, the brick, as a rule, is laid precisely on cement. Among other things, cement mortar is indispensable when floor screed or wall plastering is on the agenda.
Cement mortar composition
You will need the actual dry cement, sand, water and fine aggregate to prepare a high-quality cement mortar. The proportions of the main components - cement and sand - fluctuate, as a rule, in the range from 1: 2 to 1: 6. Depending on how the volumes of ingredients are dosed, the solution acquires certain properties. For example, if a lot of sand is poured into the solution, it will demonstrate high strength, but at the same time lose in ductility and ductility. If there is a lot of cement in the solution, it will win in ductility, but it will be significantly inferior in strength. Therefore, when a cement mortar is made, the proportions
medium ones are selected - 1: 3 or 1: 4.
Solution manufacturing
To knead a quality solution, its ingredients are mixed in a dry form. Each component must be of high quality, dry, crumbly and without lumps. Otherwise, the mixture in a dry state will need to sift or grind the lumps. Now, when the dry mixture is ready, add water: pour it a little, stirring quickly. It is believed that there is enough water when the solution in consistency resembles sour cream: then it is left for 15 minutes, after which it can be used for its intended purpose.
However, when a cement solution is kneaded , its proportions may vary slightly - for example, when lime is poured into it. This component not only increases the plasticity of the solution, but also its strength. The standard ratio of cement: sand: lime is 1: 5: 2.
Additives
To give the mortar any additional characteristics, additives to the cement mortar are often used. These are plasticizers, elasticizers, superplasticizers, waterproofing agents and reinforcing additives, as well as pigments. The purpose of each additive is obvious: plasticizers and elasticizers improve the mobility of the mortar, make the cement more elastic and suitable for a certain type of work (for example, laying tiles). Waterproofing is necessary to reduce the negative effects of moisture and water on cement and concrete; reinforcing additives increase strength. As for the pigment, it does not carry any function other than aesthetic: it is used only for coloring the solution in a certain color. When you add impurities to the cement mortar, the proportions must be observed with even greater accuracy so as not to spoil the mixture itself and, of course, not to jeopardize the strength of the structure for which the mortar is made.
When mixing cement, take into account that it sets quite quickly: after an hour and a half, it will already be covered with a hard crust. Therefore, it is better to knead it in small portions immediately before use.