Lime Mortar

Lime Mortar

Fat lime and hydraulic limes are used for making lime mortar. If fat lime is used sand mixed is normally 2 to 3 times its volume. If hydraulic lime is used sand mixed is only 2 times the volume of lime. Lime is prepared by pounding, if quantity required is small or by grinding, if the required quantity is more.

Pounding: For pounding pits are formed in hard grands. The size of pit is usually 1.80 m long,
0.4 m wide and 0.5 m deep. It is provided with lining of bricks or stones. Lime and sand dry mixed with required proportion is placed in the pit. Small quantity of water is added at intervals. In each interval the mix is pounded with wooden pounders and mortar is turned up and down. The process is continued till uniform colour and desired consistancy is achieved.

Grinding: This is the better way of getting good mix. The grinding may be carried out in bullock
driven grinding mill or in power driven grinding mill.


Lime mortar is also having good grinding property. Fat lime mortar is used for plastering while
hydraulic lime mortar is used for masonry construction. This mortar was considered cheap in olden
days and was commonly used in small towns. However the combersome process of preparation and
ease in availibility of cement in market has almost replaced the use of lime mortar.

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