7 Mortar and Concrete Differences Every Civil Engineer Should Know – Mortar vs Concrete

Mortar

Concrete

• Thick mixture of sand and cement (its composing elements).

• Mixture of sand and cement and water but also chippings of stones and rocks.

• It is less durable than concrete.

• Because of its composing elements it is much stronger as compared to the former.

• The water to cement ratio is higher in mortar and hence acts as perfect glue to bonding materials like brick.

• Low water to cement ratio making it an unfit bonding material.

• Has to be replaced every 25-50 years hence not practical for use.

• Works intact for a really long time and hence finds application in several purposes.

• Best used as a bonding element, for example glue together bricks or such.

• Best used for support such as beams walls and other building foundations i.e. structural purposes.

• Less strong, thick mixture, less durable as the latter.

• Thinner, stronger more durable as compared to the former.

• Mortar finds application as a bonding element.

• Concrete finds application in structural and decorative purposes like beams, fireplaces, walls etc.