BMS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY &

MANAGEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

SEMINAR PRESENTATION ON
“MORTAR LESS SYSTEM”
BY
ARPITHA K
CONTENTS
 Introduction to mortar less masonry
 Advantages
 Classification of mortar less system
 Cost comparison
 Limitations
 Case study
 Is mortar less system SUSTAINABLE?
 Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION-MORTARLESS MASONRY
 Mortar less technology –Interlocking blocks
 The history of interlocking blocks started in the
early 1900’s with the making of toys for children.
 LEGO BLOCKS
Mortar less system
Elimination of mortar layers in head and bed joints.

The blocks are interconnected by geometric interlocking

mechanism-through interlocking keys(protrusions and grooves).

Dry stacking

Reinforced and grouted.

Post tensioned

Surface bonded
ADVANTAGES
 Economical way of construction of walls.
 The time of construction is reduced.
 Does not require skilled labor for erection.
 Plastering and finishing is not required which in turn reduces the workmen
required.
 The cost of cement mortar is eliminated.
 The problems encountered while using mortar like inadequate bond and
mortar cracking which in turn provides room for water seepage is eliminated
completely in this system.
 They have higher compressive strength and bearing capacity when compared
to conventional blocks.
 These interlocking blocks are eco-friendly.
 Hollow blocks
CLASSIFICATION
HAENER BLOCK
SPARLOCK BLOCK
AZAR BLOCK
COST COMPARISON
LIMITATIONS
• Challenges in controlling the height of the units to achieve
accurate running bond.
• Difficulty in keeping grooves from breaking during
transportation and construction.
• In running bond pattern, plain interlocking units without
grouting have little resistance to vertical bending.
• In stack bond pattern, plain interlocking units without
grouting have little resistance to horizontal bending
CASE STUDY
Flex Lock House in Magnolia, Texas
• The scope of work for the project consisted of a 275
m2 (2,958 ft2) house
•The Flex Lock Wall System is comprised of interlocking,
mortar less masonry units.
• the manufacturer recommends that the walls be post-
tensioned.
•At the time of construction, the Magnolia region had an
average installed price of roughly $75 per m2 for
conventional masonry units.
• Flex Lock System project- the price came to $57.24
per m2. This is a reduction of 24% in installed cost.
•The labor crews were inexperienced with the mortar
less product, yet were still capable of stacking blocks at
an average rate of 164 blocks an hour.
 Is mortar less system SUSTAINABLE?

 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

 Interlocking mortar less masonry may help contribute to
a building’s LEED status over and above the use of
mortar-jointed masonry
 “Innovation in Design”
 Portland cement production creates emissions that have
proven to be harmful to the environment. By not much
mortar , the mortar less technology can also decrease
pollution.
CONCLUSION
 In utilizing interlocking units without mortar, an unskilled crew with
appropriate guidance can place more units in a given period of time.
 The combination of higher productivity and a less expensive labour force
reduces labor costs significantly.
 A cost comparison revealed these potential savings to more than outweigh the
additional material costs associated with interlocking units, and this was
validated with a comprehensive case study.
 Mortar less masonry is not without its limitations and it is not suitable for
every project.
 It has shown itself to be a cost- effective and viable alternative to conventional
construction methods
THANK YOU