What Is Mortar?
Mortar is a fundamental building material found in most modern and historical buildings. Its significance in construction dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its earliest use traced to around 10,000 years ago in Israel. Much of the ancient mortar still in existence remains durable today - a testament to the long-lasting nature of the material.
In practice, mortar is used to bind stones, bricks, or tiles together. More specifically, a mortar joint can act as a sealant, bearing pad, or the glue that sticks units together yet keeps them apart.
In this sense, mortar performs as a gap-filling adhesive. Screed is a type of mortar that has a finer grain appearance, which is often used to add a protective, smooth finish to concrete floors.
Mortar & Screed Test Services
Today, mortar and screed testing is crucial to determine if the mix is suitable for the construction, replacement, and repair of materials in new and existing infrastructure. At CTS, we carry out a wide range of in situ mortar and screed test services in hospitals, schools, shops, and warehouses. We can also extract fresh samples for laboratory analysis.
A key screed test method we offer is In Situ Crushing Resistance (ISCR) testing, or floor screed testing. This can be completed in situ to determine the resistance of laid screeds to the crushing effect caused by imposed loads and traffic during use. It requires subjecting the screed to repeat impact blows by dropping a weight vertically onto a hardened steel anvil in contact with the screed surface.
We can also conduct hygrometer surveys to determine the humidity of screed mixes before they are used. This screed test is important before floor products are laid and bonded to the screed surface to ensure the materials will perform as expected.
Specifications for Mortar & Screed
To achieve adequate strength and durability, mortar in the UK is produced to specification BS EN 998-2 (Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Masonry mortar). Mortar material testing is covered by BS EN 1015 and BS 4551.
Screed is no longer within the scope of the mortar standards and is now covered by BS EN 13318 (Screed material and floor screeds - Definitions) and BS EN 13813 (Screed material and floor screeds - Screed material - Properties and requirements).
Under BS EN 13318, screed is defined as a layer or layers of screed material laid in situ, directly onto a base, bonded or unbonded, or onto an intermediate layer or insulating layer, to obtain one or more of the following purposes:
- To obtain a defined level
- To carry the final flooring
- To provide a wearing surface
Screed material testing is covered by BS EN 13892.
Our Mortar & Screed Test Types
Our in situ and laboratory mortar and screed test services include floor screed testing, compressive strength of screed testing, and compressive strength of mortar testing, as well as:
|
Test |
Method | What it shows |
| In-Situ Crushing Resistance of Screeds | BS 8204-1 | Resistance to the crushing effect of imposed loads and traffic |
| Hygrometer Survey | BS 5325 | Measurement of relative humidity values above porous surfaces such as screeds and concretes |
| Flexural and Compressive Strength of Screed | BS EN 13892-2 | Determines the flexural and compressive strength of prisms |
| Mix Proportions of Screed | BS 4551 | Determines traditional volume proportions and screed designation |
| Adhesive strength of hardened rendering and plastering mortar | BS EN 1015-12 | Determines the maximum tensile stress applied by a direct load at right angles to the surface of the rendering |
| Flexural and Compressive Strength of Mortar | BS EN 1015-11 | Determines the flexural and compressive strength of prisms |
| Mix Proportions of Mortar | BS 4551 | Determines traditional volume proportions and mortar designation |
Contact us for Mortar & Screed Testing Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mortar and screed?
Screed is a type of mortar, a workable paste that hardens to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete masonry units. Screed, however, has a more fine-grained appearance, making it more suitable for internal use.
What is the difference between concrete and mortar?
While concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates, mortar is composed of cement, water, and sand.
What is the compressive strength of screed test?
The flexural and compressive strength of screed test is a type of screed test method that measures the compressive load the material can bear before fracturing. This is done via a compression-testing machine that compresses the sample, in the form of a prism, between two plates.
What is the compressive strength of mortar test?
The flexural and compressive strength of mortar test measures the maximum load the material can bear before failure. This is carried out by subjecting a sample, in the form of a prism, to a gradually increasing load with a compression testing machine.
How do you measure the moisture in screed?
To measure the moisture in screed, a calibrated hygrometer is placed on the laid floor and sealed for a predetermined time. The reading indicates the humidity in the sealed area, which informs the moisture content.
Why is screed moisture testing important?
Screed moisture testing is a type of floor screed testing method that is essential to understanding the moisture content of the material. This determines whether the floor is ready or not to receive floor coverings.