ABSTRACT
Although mortar accounts for as little as 7% of the total volume of masonry, its influence on the masonry assemblage is far more than this proportion indicates. The primary function of mortar is not only to bind the individual units together so that the masonry will act as larger single unit elements, but also to seal against air and moisture penetration. It bonds with steel reinforcement, metal ties and anchor bolts to join building components together and as a binding material, the mortar is partly responsible for the strength characteristics of the masonry. Mortar joints also contribute to aesthetic features such as colour and texture.
