Masonry cement is a hydraulic cement that is primarily used to bond masonry units, such as brick, stone, and concrete blocks. It is formulated to provide excellent workability, high bond strength, and durability in masonry construction applications.
Masonry cement is a mixture of portland cement, hydrated lime, and sometimes other materials such as ground limestone, air-entraining agents, and pigments. The hydrated lime acts as a plasticizer, improving the workability of the cement while also enhancing its bonding properties.
Masonry cement is available in several different types, including:
- Type N: This is a general-purpose masonry cement that is suitable for use in most construction applications. It has a medium compressive strength and is ideal for laying brick, block, and stone in non-load-bearing walls.
- Type S: This is a high-strength masonry cement that is suitable for use in load-bearing walls and other high-stress applications. It has a higher compressive strength than Type N cement, making it ideal for structural masonry work.
- Type M: This is an extra-high-strength masonry cement that is suitable for use in extremely high-stress applications, such as retaining walls and foundations. It has the highest compressive strength of all masonry cements.
In addition to these standard types of masonry cement, there are also colored masonry cements available that can be tinted to match the desired color of the finished masonry work.
Masonry cement is typically mixed with sand and water to create a mortar that is used to bond the masonry units together. The ratio of cement to sand varies depending on the application, with a lower ratio typically used for non-load-bearing walls and a higher ratio used for load-bearing walls.
Overall, masonry cement is an essential building material that provides excellent bond strength, durability, and workability in masonry construction applications.