In order to obtain a high-quality result in the construction of any type of structure, it is necessary to comply with the requirements appropriate for each type of work. So, when laying the foundation of a building, erecting walls, and so on, various types of mortars are used, the execution process for each of which is different. Not knowing how to dilute cement in order to obtain the composition of the necessary concentration, it is impossible to be sure of the successful result of the work performed.
Types of building compounds
Before answering the question: "How to dilute cement?" - consider in which mortars this material is used. Conventionally, the following types of compounds can be distinguished:
- Concrete mortar. This type is used in such works as laying the foundation, strengthening various structures, screeding floors and others. Therefore, it is recommended to use cement of higher grades here. It can also be noted that such types of this raw material as slag portland cement, alumina material and others are often used for these purposes.
- Cement-lime composition. This type of mortar can be used for various purposes (for joining seams, during plastering, for “spraying” and others). Note that you need to know how to dilute cement, the proportions of the substances and the preparation for each case, as these points may vary.
- Masonry composition.
Methods for preparing solutions
Consider how to dilute cement for various compositions. As noted above, concrete mortar is used for the foundation. The preparation of this composition may depend on many points, such as the season of the year (when the building is being erected), the conditions of the region (area), and others. In this case, various additives (plasticizers, modifying impurities, and others) can be used, which significantly increase the characteristics of concrete, reduce the “setting” time, prevent the appearance of cracks, and so on. However, you can highlight the main points that are applicable for any type of concrete composition. Also, to know how to build cement for the foundation, the following information will be useful:
- All solutions have a constant composition - cement, sand (it is recommended to use the quarry type), gravel (crushed stone) and water.
- The ratio of fillers is regulated depending on the type of binder, that is, the higher the grade of cement, the denser the consistency of the mortar. So, for 1 m 3 of sand, the consumption of this material will be as follows: M150 - 230 kg, M200 - 185 kg, M300 - 120 kg, M400 - 90 kg. Also, the ratio differs from the type and brand of concrete. For manual masonry, the solution can be mixed by taking the ingredients in the following proportions (expressed in parts): cement M 300 (1), sand (3,5), gravel (crushed stone, 5) and water (1/2). This gives concrete grade 50.
- Water should not contain impurities such as oil, chlorine compounds, residues of other solutions and the like.
- The quality of the mortar will be better if the batch is done in a concrete mixer.
Cement-lime composition is also prepared in various proportions depending on the place of use. For example, to perform plastering in areas of greater wear
(flights of stairs, walkways, and so on) you need to increase the consumption of cementitious material. However, we can single out a single procedure, the main points of which are as follows:
- “Quench” lime with water in a separate container in advance.
- Mix sand and cement.
- Dilute the mixture in lime "milk".
The ratio of substances depending on the work:
- for walls and ceilings - cement (60 kg), lime (140 kg);
- for work on flights of stairs - cement (100 kg) and lime (140 kg);
- for performing stucco on a grid - cement (50 kg), lime (140 kg) and sand (1 m 3 ).
The masonry mortar can be prepared as follows:
- We mix sand and cement (3: 1) so that a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- Mix with water, the amount of which depends on the degree of moisture in the sand. It can be determined visually by gradually adding it to the container and stirring. The solution should be flexible and keep up with the scapula.
- The composition should be used within 2 hours.
Knowing how to dilute cement for various mortars, you can correctly choose the ratio of constituent substances and mixing conditions. In this case, you can significantly improve the quality of work in which these compounds are used.