Modern cement masonry mortar is the combination of modern cement mix, water, and a fine aggregate such as sand. There are also various types of pre-mixed cement have different ratings based on strength. Modern cement mortar may have many advantages over historic mortar: cost / volume ratio, market accessibility and availability, compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, permeability and resistance to moisture permeance, etc, etc.
While popularly used for modern construction, modern cement mortar should not be used to replace degraded joints in historic masonry. The modern cement is much harder than the traditional lime mortar and the inconsistency can cause serious damage to the structure.
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