Deck 13: Types of Mortar and Their Characteristics

Question 1

The first step in repointing is to remove any of the old deteriorated mortar joints using a special _____, which is still the least expensive and best method for small jobs .

A) pin grinder
B) hydraulic breaker chisel
C) masonry grinder
D) plugging chisel

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Mortar with air content _____ by volume will weaken the bond strength of mortar mix.

A) above 12 percent
B) less than 10 percent
C) more than 5 percent
D) between 2 and 10 percent

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The compressive strength of the mortar you select for restoration and repointing of old mortar joints should never be higher or harder than the compressive strength of the original brick in the structure.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Color pigments should be of a metallic oxide composition in amounts _____ of the portland cement content.

A) of at least 20 percent
B) not exceeding 15 percent
C) up to 25 percent
D) between 3 and 10 percent

Question 5

______ mortars are a combination of portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water.

A) Hydrated lime-sand
B) Hydrated lime masonry cement
C) Masonry cement
D) Portland cement-hydrated lime

Question 6

Retempering mortar is acceptable under the following condition:

A) It used within 3 hours of the remixing.
B) It is used within 2½ hours of the initial mixing.
C) The amount of water added is more than the amount lost to evaporation.
D) The amount of water added is less than the amount lost to evaporation.

Question 7

A(n) ______ kit contains a variety of small samples of cured mortar that are identified by their specification numbers.

A) mortar strip
B) repointing
C) aggregate sample
D) pigment

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true for efflorescence?

A) It is a deposit of acids on the surface of a masonry wall.
B) It can be prevented by using calcium chloride to accelerate the mortar setting time.
C) It appears as a white stain on brick walls.
D) It only occurs on walls that do not contain moisture or soluble salts.

Question 9

_____ is specifically used for parapet walls, chimneys, exterior walls, and general brick veneer walls.

A) Type M
B) Type O
C) Type N
D) Type S

Question 10

Repointing should be started when the existing mortar joints are eroded or exposed to a depth of _____ .

A) no more than ¼"
B) at least ¼"
C) ½" or more
D) at least 1"

Question 11

A solution of _____ can be used to remove efflorescence that cannot be removed by washing the wall with water.

A) three parts vinegar to one part water
B) two parts glycolic acid to one part water
C) one part hydrochoric acid to five parts water
D) one part muriatic acid to nine parts water

Question 12

Mortar types are identified by both proportion and property specifications, but not one alone.

Question 13

The BIA has developed specifications for only two mortars used in the construction of brick-masonry work.

Question 14

Stronger is not necessarily better when specifying mortar types.

Question 15

Even the most inexperienced mason can remove and replace damaged mortar.