Question 1

The first step in repointing is to remove any of the old deteriorated mortar joints using a special _____, which is still the least expensive and best method for small jobs .&#10;A) pin grinder&#10;B) hydraulic breaker chisel&#10;C) masonry grinder&#10;D) plugging chisel

Accepted Answer

The most common and efficient tool used to remove old mortar joints is a plugging chisel, also known as a brick chisel or mortar chisel. It is affordable and effective for small repointing jobs. Option A and Option C are not commonly used for this purpose. A hydraulic breaker chisel (Option B) is typically used for larger demolition projects or concrete breaking, not for delicate masonry work like repointing.

Question 2

Mortar with air content _____ by volume will weaken the bond strength of mortar mix.&#10;A) above 12 percent&#10;B) less than 10 percent&#10;C) more than 5 percent&#10;D) between 2 and 10 percent

Accepted Answer

Mortar with air content above 12 percent by volume will weaken the bond strength of the mortar mix. This is because excessive air entrainment reduces the amount of contact between the mortar and the masonry units, making it less effective in bonding them together. Therefore, it's important to avoid exceeding the recommended air content in mortar mixes.

Question 3

The compressive strength of the mortar you select for restoration and repointing of old mortar joints should never be higher or harder than the compressive strength of the original brick in the structure.

Accepted Answer

This is because the mortar should be weaker than the brick so that any stresses or movement in the structure are absorbed by the mortar rather than the brick, which could lead to cracking or damage. Using a mortar with a higher compressive strength could cause harm to the original structure.

Question 4

Color pigments should be of a metallic oxide composition in amounts _____ of the portland cement content.&#10;A) of at least 20 percent&#10;B) not exceeding 15 percent&#10;C) up to 25 percent&#10;D) between 3 and 10 percent

Accepted Answer

According to industry standards, color pigments should not exceed 15 percent of the portland cement content for optimal performance and color consistency.

Question 5

______ mortars are a combination of portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water.&#10;A) Hydrated lime-sand&#10;B) Hydrated lime masonry cement&#10;C) Masonry cement&#10;D) Portland cement-hydrated lime

Accepted Answer

Portland cement-hydrated lime mortars are the most commonly used mortars in masonry construction. They provide a strong and durable bond between masonry units and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. The addition of hydrated lime improves workability and flexibility, making the mortar easier to apply and less prone to cracking. Adding sand creates a firm structure to the mixture.

Question 6

Retempering mortar is acceptable under the following condition:&#10;A) It used within 3 hours of the remixing.&#10;B) It is used within 2&#189; hours of the initial mixing.&#10;C) The amount of water added is more than the amount lost to evaporation.&#10;D) The amount of water added is less than the amount lost to evaporation.

Accepted Answer

Retempering mortar is acceptable if it is used within 2½ hours of the initial mixing. This ensures that the mortar has not begun to set and can still be properly used for construction purposes.

Question 7

A(n) ______ kit contains a variety of small samples of cured mortar that are identified by their specification numbers.&#10;A) mortar strip&#10;B) repointing&#10;C) aggregate sample&#10;D) pigment

Accepted Answer

A mortar strip kit typically contains small samples of cured mortars, each identified by its specification number. This can be useful for comparing different types of mortars and selecting the best one for a particular project. Repointing, aggregate samples, and pigments are all related to mortar and masonry work but are not specifically used to identify cured mortar samples.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true for efflorescence?&#10;A) It is a deposit of acids on the surface of a masonry wall.&#10;B) It can be prevented by using calcium chloride to accelerate the mortar setting time.&#10;C) It appears as a white stain on brick walls.&#10;D) It only occurs on walls that do not contain moisture or soluble salts.

Accepted Answer

Efflorescence appears as a white stain on brick walls due to the deposition of salt crystals on the surface. It is caused by the movement of moisture through the porous brick and mortar, which dissolves and carries these salts to the surface.

Question 9

_____ is specifically used for parapet walls, chimneys, exterior walls, and general brick veneer walls.&#10;A) Type M&#10;B) Type O&#10;C) Type N&#10;D) Type S

Accepted Answer

Type N mortar is commonly used for parapet walls, chimneys, exterior walls, and general brick veneer walls due to its medium-strength profile, which provides a good balance between flexibility and strength, making it suitable for above-grade, exterior, and interior load-bearing installations.

Question 10

Repointing should be started when the existing mortar joints are eroded or exposed to a depth of _____ .&#10;A) no more than &#188;&#34;&#10;B) at least &#188;&#34;&#10;C) &#189;&#34; or more&#10;D) at least 1&#34;

Accepted Answer

Repointing should be started when the existing mortar joints are eroded or exposed to a depth of ½" or more to ensure proper adhesion and effectiveness of the new mortar.

Question 11

A solution of _____ can be used to remove efflorescence that cannot be removed by washing the wall with water.&#10;A) three parts vinegar to one part water&#10;B) two parts glycolic acid to one part water&#10;C) one part hydrochoric acid to five parts water&#10;D) one part muriatic acid to nine parts water

Accepted Answer

The answer of A solution of _____ can be used...

Question 12

Mortar types are identified by both proportion and property specifications, but not one alone.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mortar types are identified by both proportion...

Question 13

The BIA has developed specifications for only two mortars used in the construction of brick-masonry work.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The BIA has developed specifications for only...

Question 14

Stronger is not necessarily better when specifying mortar types.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Stronger is not necessarily better when specifying...

Question 15

Even the most inexperienced mason can remove and replace damaged mortar.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Even the most inexperienced mason can remove...

Deck 13: Types of Mortar and Their Characteristics