The workability of mortar refers to whether mortar is easy to lay on the masonry and other surfaces into a uniform, continuous thin layer and is closely bonded to the base layer. Including the meaning of mobility and water retention.

(I) Liquidity

The factors affecting the fluidity of mortar are the type and amount of cementitious materials, the amount of water used, and the types and particles of fine aggregates.

The shape, thickness, and gradation, in addition, are also related to the type and amount of the mixed material and additive that are incorporated.

Under normal circumstances, the substrate is a porous, water-absorbing material, or a mortar with a high fluidity should be selected when it is applied under dry heat conditions. On the other hand, if the substrate absorbs less water, or if it is constructed under wet and cold conditions, a mortar with low fluidity should be selected.

(two) water retention

Water retention refers to the ability of the mortar to retain moisture. Poorly water-retaining mortar has bleeding and streaming during use, which makes the mortar and the substrate sticky. The loss of water affects the normal cohesive hardening of the mortar, which reduces the strength of the mortar.

The main factors affecting the water retention of mortars are the type and amount of cementitious materials, sand type, fineness, and water consumption. In the mortar mixed with lime paste, fly ash and other powdery mixed materials, can improve the water retention of the mortar.