Volume 2, No. 1, 2008
Received: 2008/08/27, Accepted:
Authors:
Rami Haddad; M. Jamal Shannag;
Abstract:
Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of a newly produced Jordanian masonry cement by
Jordan Cement Factories Company (Lafarge), and to identify the optimum mortar mixes best suited to different
masonry applications. Tests conducted include air content, water retention and workability in the fresh state,
compressive, flexural and tensile strengths, and capillary water absorption in the hardened state. Test results
indicated that masonry mortar mixtures proposed in this investigation met the European and American standard
requirements for water retention and air content. The use of hydrated lime in these mixtures resulted in reducing
the compressive and flexural strengths without enhancing the workability. The strength test results also indicated
that masonry mortars, prepared at an aggregate to cement ratio equal to or less than 4 on loose volume basis, can
be successfully used for different masonry applications in Jordan.
Keywords:
Masonry cement, Mortar, Plastering bricks, Joints.