Innovative no-cure mortar for enhanced brick masonry performance: A mechanical properties analysis

The aim of this research study was to develop a novel blend of mortar that requires no curing in masonry construction. For this purpose, locally available materials such as cement, sand, marble waste and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) were used in the preparation of the novel blend of mortar. The novel blend of mortar was finalized after assessing its properties with variation in the quantities of its constituent materials. Using the finalized blend of mortar, masonry prisms were fabricated and tested at 28 days of age for compression and diagonal tension, while triplet prisms were used for assessing its initial shear parameters. Results of masonry prisms built with the novel blend of mortar were compared with control specimens containing cement-sand mortar cured for different periods. The results indicated that the performance of masonry built with the novel blend is identical to that of conventional masonry cured for 28 days. However, compared to conventional masonry cured for 3 days, the masonry built with novel blend showed a 55%, 12% and 90% enhancement in shear strength, compressive strength and diagonal shear strength, respectively. The novel of blend of mortar can be used in masonry construction without the need of curing. •Curing of masonry effects, the basic mechanical properties of masonry.•The novel blend of mortar needing no curing, while giving identical properties to that of cured masonry.•Masonry built with novel blend of mortar is suitable in water scarce areas.•Ample amount of water can be saved with the use of novel blend of mortar in masonry construction.•The use of marble dust will reduce the burden over local municipalities.