Performance of high workability plaster mortar for water tanks

Cement sand mortar is frequently used as water proofing plaster layer for water retaining structures. However, the current practice of using standard mortar for plastering has shown to be infective due to observed leakages and low durability of some water retaining structures. In the effort of solving these problems, materials engineers have used artificial chemicals like Zypex to control leakages and improve durability with some success. This paper reports on a study done to address the use of high workability plaster mortar as a solution to meet serviceability requirements for water retaining structures. The study involved the development of mix ratios 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 for standard mortar mixes and using the same mix ratios with different doses of super-plasticizer from 0.00% to 0.50%, testing all mortar mixes for physical properties then determining their performances. The performance of mortar mixes was investigated in terms of workability, unit weight, strength development, tensile strength and water absorption. The test results have indicated high performance and suitability of high workability mortar mixes forplastering water retaining structures.