Difference between Cement, Concrete, and mortar

These terms, while seemingly very similar in nature, are actually distinctly different materials. Many people often confuse the three and use them interchangeably when it comes time to carry out the projects.

So how are cement, concrete, and mortar different from one another? The major differences between cement, concrete, and mortar are based on their ingredients and specific uses in construction work.

All three materials have different strengths and properties, which helps to decide which area of construction they are going to be used in.

Cement is a fine binding powder that helps to form the basis of both concrete and mortar. This means that cement in the raw material used to create these by-products: concrete, mortar, and in other cases stucco, tile grout, and thin-set adhesive.

Cement undergoes chemical changes when mixed with water allowing it to create hard structures. This transformation in the physical form helps cement to create structures like concrete and mortar.

Composition

Cement

Cement is a powdery base ingredient for both those structures and is made up of lime, silica, alumina, iron, and gypsum.

Concrete

Concrete is made by a mixture of cement, sand, water, and some coarse aggregate such as rock chips, pebbles, or crushed stone.

Mortar

Mortar consists of a binding agent, sand, water, and lime which helps to add durability to the product. The binding agent is generally cement, though slaked lime may also be a suitable substitute. Mortar differs from concrete in that it does not contain any coarse aggregate and it cannot be used as the sole building material.

Uses

Cement

Cement is used to create concrete, mortar, grout, thin-set. Cement slurry is very useful to fill the cracks in concrete structures.

Concrete

It can bear heavy loads, thus it acts as the base for most of the construction projects. Because it is durable in nature, it is used in the construction of buildings, runways, dams, and bridges. It can be used as a sole material for concrete walls, driveways, sidewalks, slabs, and many other purposes.

The material is also heavily used in projects where waterproofing and fireproofing is required.

Mortar

Mortar cannot be used as a stand-alone building material. However, it is very useful as an adhesive material to bind bricks, stones, and fix tiles to the floor. Mortar is also used to repair walls and fill the remaining gaps between bricks.

In conclusion

While concrete and mortar are stronger and hold a very high place in construction works, they cannot be created without their main ingredient?—?cement. Cement, concrete, and mortar, all have their respective uses in construction projects, and substituting one for the other can be harmful to the sustainability and durability of the structure. Just be sure to pick the best materials from what is objectively the best cement company in Nepal and you’re all set to explore newer and better construction projects.

Manufactured by Palpa Cement Industries Pvt. Ltd., Tansen Cement is made with the highest quality raw materials and cutting edge technology ensuring that only the best quality cement reaches the consumer. We are proud to manufacture the best quality cement in Nepal.

Tansen cement is proud to manufacture one of the Best Cement in Nepal