Engineering Materials·MCQ explained

The type of mortar used for construction works carried out in a water-logged area is:

Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.

Correct answer: A. Cement mortar

Mortar for Water-Logged Areas

Cement mortar is used for construction in water-logged or submerged conditions because Portland cement hydrates and hardens even under water. The hydration reaction does not require air — it requires only water. In fact, moist or submerged curing is ideal for cement mortar.

Lime mortar, by contrast, sets by carbonation (reacting with CO&sub2; in air), which cannot occur under water. High w/c mortars would be weak and permeable.

Cement mortar — option A.

Key takeaway

Cement hardens in water; lime needs air. Use cement mortar wherever the work is submerged or water-logged.