North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

What is considered the most significant property of mortar?

1. Durability

2. Flexibility

3. Workability

4. Bond Strength

The correct answer is: Bond Strength

The most significant property of mortar is bond strength, as it is crucial for ensuring that masonry units, such as bricks and blocks, adhere securely to one another. High bond strength in mortar facilitates the transfer of loads between the masonry units and helps to maintain the structural integrity of the wall or assembly. When mortar has adequate bond strength, it neither allows for excessive movement nor fails under stress, which can lead to structural issues or failure over time. This property also influences the adhesion between different materials, such as brick-to-brick or brick-to-cement, which is vital for the longevity and performance of masonry structures. While durability, flexibility, and workability are important characteristics of mortar, they mainly support the overall effectiveness and usability of the material. Durability relates to the mortar's ability to withstand weathering and environmental conditions, flexibility speaks to its capacity to accommodate movement without cracking, and workability involves how easy it is to mix and apply. However, without sufficient bond strength, even the most durable or workable mortar would not perform effectively in a structural application.