ABSTRACT
Mortars are used to embed masonry units as well as being used as wall finishing materials internally (plaster) and externally (render). Mud was the first material used for these purposes and, although it is still used in earth
construction, it is neither strong nor durable. To satisfy the demand for dependable structures, stronger and more durable binders have evolved, the main ones being based on gypsum, lime, and cement. A brief comparison of the properties of these different binders is provided in Table 30 and their development is summarized overleaf.
