What Is Dry Pack Mortar | Advantages of Dry Pack Mortar | Disadvantages of Dry Pack Mortar

Introduction of Dry Pack Mortar

Dry pack mortar simply is a mixture of cement, sand, and water in the appropriate proportion. Dry pack mortar is also known as deck mud or floor mud.

Dry pack mortar is used for repairing the concrete cracks and to fill up the deep holes in the concrete.

What Is Dry Pack Mortar?

Dry pack mortar is nothing but a stiff mortar that consists of three ingredients such as cement, sand, and water.

It is widely used for repairing small areas and filling the holes and cracks in the buildings.

Also, read: Types of Plaster Finishes (List of Plaster Finishing)

Dry Mortar Mix Proportion:

The mix proportion for making dry pack mortar which is generally used is one part of cement and four-part of sand. The sand which is used for dry pack mortar should be clean and free from dust particles.

The mix proportion for dry mix mortar which can be used are 1:3 and 1:5.  The mix proportion of dry mortar mix depends upon the purpose for which it is used.

The water is used in the dry mix mortar should be potable and free from salts. The adequate amount of water should be added in dry mortar mix such that it can produce a mortar that can stick together and can be molded into the ball with the help of hands.

Preparation of Dry Pack Mortar for Repairing of Concrete.

The steps which are carried out for repairing concrete cracks and other small areas are as follows:-

• Surface Preparation.
• Preparation of Dry pack Mortar.
• Application of dry pack mortar.
• Curing of dry pack mortar.

#1. Surface Preparation-

It is necessary that before applying dry pack mortar the surface should be properly clean and free from any dust particles.

There should be small holes drilled on the surface with the help of chisel, it will create a good bond when dry pack mortar is applied. Sprinkle water on the surface where dry pack mortar will be applied.

The surface should be rough enough so that dry pack mortar can develop a strong bond with it.

Also, read: What Is Plaster | Methods of Plastering

#2. Preparation of Dry Pack Mortar-

The Dry Pack mortar is made from the mixture of cement, sand, and water in an appropriate proportion.

Generally, the mix proportion of 1:3 and 1:4 is used for repairing of concrete and filling the holes and cracks. It means one part of cement and three or four-part of sand.

Sand should be clean and free from dust particles. Water Should be added adequately because extra water can lead to shrinkage and also reduce the strength.

The Dry pack mortar should be mixed properly so that it can be crumbled into a ball.

#3. Application of Dry Pack Mortar-

Before applying dry pack mortar it should be mixed properly. It should be applied on the required surface with a maximum thickness of 10 mm for each layer.

The grooves should be provided on the surface so that there should be a good bond that will be developed with each layer.

The proper compaction should be done so that there would not be any pores develop in it.

#4. Curing of Dry Pack Mortar-

It is very essential that the proper curing will be done of dry mortar mix for about 15 days.

The care should be taken that dry pack mortar should be kept wet by proper curing on it.

Curing will help to develop the strength in it and makes it durable.

Also, read: What Is Plaster | Type of Plaster | Defects In Plastering

Advantages of Dry Pack Mortar:

1. Dry pack mortar is time-saving and economical.
2. It can be used for internal as well as external plaster.
3. It helps to create a consistent mix for the large project work.
4. The job site mixing of cement and sand is no longer needed.
5. Dry pack mortar can be tamped, compacted, and moulded in any shape easily.
6. Dry pack mortar gives a uniform and better finish to the surface on which it is applied.
7. It has enhanced durability and workability.
8. It is used for repairing the concrete cracks and holes in the concrete.

Disadvantages of Dry Pack Mortar:

1. There may be chances of shrinkage in the dry pack mortar.
2. If it is not mixed properly, then it will not develop a strong bond with the surface.
3. Dry pack mortar cannot be used for major repairing work and filling major cracks.
4. It is only suitable for work where less thickness is required.

Dry Cement Mix:

Dry pack mortar is basically a combination of cement and fine sand which passes through sieve no 16 and thoroughly mixed with water to hydrate the cement.

Dry Cement mortar is used for filling holes having a depth equal to or greater than the least surface dimension of the repair area.

For the dry-pack method of concrete repair, the holes are required to be sharp and square at the surface edges.

Other holes should be undercut slightly in several places around the perimeter. Holes for dry pack should have a minimum depth of 1 inch.

Also, read: What Is Plaster | Plaster Ratio | History of Plastering | Requirements of Good Plaster

Applications of Dry Pack Mortar:

1. Dry pack mortar is used for both residential as well as commercial applications.
2. Dry pack mortar is used to prepare thick mortar beds.
3. It can be used as a waterproofing membrane to prevent leakages.
4. It is also used in the tile installation and brick placement.
5. Dry pack Mortar is used to level the concrete beds.
6. It is also widely used for floating shower bases and floors.
7. Dry pack mortar is mainly used for filling holes in the concrete floors and walls.
8. Dry cement mortar is used to fill the crack between the pavers.
9. It is used for repairing cracks in concrete surfaces.
10. It is also used in the external as well as internal applications.
11. It is also used to give a uniform finish to the concrete surface.

Dry Pack Mortar for the Installation of Tiles:

Step 1 : Firstly prepare the dry pack mortar with the one part of Portland cement and three-part of fine sand. Add an adequate amount of water in it and mix it thoroughly.

Step 2: Spread the tile glue to the floor and then apply dry pack mortar mixture on the floor with a uniform layer.

Step 3 : Apply a skim coat on the top layer of the dry pack. Dry pack mortar is used to level the floor for tile installation. Dry pack mortar also ensures the durability of your tiles.

Step 4: Apply tiles on the dry pack mortar and tap it gently to fix it properly. If the floor as deep crevices, the dry pack mortar will even out the floor. You will compensate for dips and unevenness with the help of dry pack mortar.

Step 5: Allow it to dry for 24 hours. Do not permit any heavy load on it. The dry pack mortar gets cured with time and dried.

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