Terms that start with C
Calcium oxide, CaO
Also known as quicklime, having a chemical composition of one part calcium to one part oxygen. (GA)
Capillarity
Capacity of a mortar to absorb water not under applied pressure. There is no relation between porosity and capillarity. (EN 1015-18 – Masonry mortars). (EN 13888 – Grouts for tiles).
Casting mortar
A fluid mortar for producing pre-cast items. Used to produce statues, balustrades, cornices, slabs, flagstones, etc.
Cement
A quick-setting binder. The most common cement is Portland Cement. (EN 197).
Cementitious adhesive
A mixture of hydraulic binder(s), aggregates, polymeric agents and other organic additives used to bond materials. (EN 12004). 0200601
Cohesion failure
Failure occurring within the mortar layer (where the strength of the mortar is lower than that of the substrate), or failure occurring in the substrate (where the strength of the mortar is higher than that of the substrate).
Coloured mortar
A mortar specially coloured with a decorative function. 0100201
Compaction
Process of manual or mechanical treatment of fresh mortar which increases its density. (EN 13318).
Compressive strength
Maximum value of a mortar failure determined by exerting a force in compression. (EN 1015-11 – Masonry mortars). (EN 13888 – Grouts for tiles).
Consistency
The fluidity of a fresh mortar. (EN 1015-3 – Masonry mortars) (EN 12706 – Floor levelling mortars)
Correction time (adjustability)
The maximum time interval during which adjustment is possible without significant loss of final strength (eg. correction of bricks or tiles after application of the mortar). (EN 1015-9 – Masonry mortars). (EN 12004 – Adhesives for Tiles).
Crack bridging
Capacity of a mortar to cover dynamic or static cracks. (EN 13318). 0100301
Cracking
Cracking is as a linear discontinuity produced by the fracture of a mortar. Cracking is the most common pathology, ranging from a thickness of several microns to a few centimetres in severe situations. Cracking can be oriented or randomized. Photo nº 2 and nº 3 were taken on the same spot, separated by 50 m. However, the results are completely different: nº 2 shows some cracking orientation, while photo nº 3 evidences a randomized cracking.
Cure
The setting and hardening process of a mix containing a cementitious binder. (GA)