Cement Mortar in Morocco — Composition, Dosage, Price

Cement mortar: composition, dosage and applications

Cement mortar is a fundamental building material composed of cement, sand and water, sometimes complemented by lime (bastard mortar) or admixtures. Unlike concrete, it contains no gravel: it is used to assemble elements (masonry), to coat surfaces (facade, interior) or to form finishing screeds. The cement dosage — expressed in kilograms of cement per cubic meter of dry sand — directly determines the strength, durability and workability of the mortar.

Composition of cement mortar

A cement mortar consists of three main ingredients: (1) cement — usually CPJ 45 for standard masonry and screeds, or CPJ 55 for high-strength mortars and structural repairs; (2) quarry sand 0/2 to 0/4 mm, clean, washed and crushed, free of clay fines; (3) drinking water or water compliant with NM 10.1.005 standard. For certain applications (old renders, stone masonry), hydraulic lime (CL or NHL) is added to improve the plasticity and breathability of the mortar: this is bastard mortar. Admixtures can be incorporated: plasticizer (reduces water), water-repellent (waterproofing), setting retarder (large surfaces), accelerator (cold weather), fiber (anti-cracking).

Mortar dosage: rules of the art

Mortar dosage is governed by Moroccan standards and DTU (Documents Techniques Unifiés) French standards applicable in Morocco: DTU 20-1 (masonry), DTU 21 (concrete), DTU 23-1 (walls), DTU 26-1 (renders). For a block-laying mortar, 250-300 kg/m³ is sufficient. For a quality facade render, aim for 350-400 kg/m³ in two coats (dash coat + finishing coat). For a finishing screed on a concrete slab, 300-350 kg/m³ ensures good abrasion resistance without excessive shrinkage. Structural repair mortars (column reprofiling, sealing) rise to 450-500 kg/m³ with possible fiber addition. An overdosage of cement (beyond 500-600 kg/m³) causes excessive shrinkage and cracks; an underdosage (under 250 kg/m³) gives a dusty, weak and non-durable mortar.

Types of cement mortars

• Setting mortar: assembling elements (blocks, bricks, stones) — dosage 250-300 kg/m³
• Jointing mortar: filling joints between elements — dosage 300-350 kg/m³
• Render mortar: protection and finishing of facades and interior walls — dosage 350-400 kg/m³
• Screed mortar: finishing layer on concrete slab or fill — dosage 300-450 kg/m³
• Repair mortar: reprofiling, sealing, element shimming — dosage 450-500 kg/m³
• Bastard mortar: lime addition for improved plasticity and breathability

Cement mortar price in Morocco

The price of a cement mortar breaks down into: cement (CPJ 45 at 1,500 DH/T, CPJ 55 at 1,600 DH/T — see our cement price page), 0/4 sand (80-120 DH/T at quarry, 150-200 DH/T delivered to site) and water (generally negligible). For a 350 kg/m³ CPJ 45 mortar, expect about 750-850 DH/m³ of mixed mortar. Pre-dosed dry mortar in bags (25-40 kg, Render or Screed type) costs 4-6 DH/kg. Ready-mix mortar delivered by mixer truck costs 900-1,100 DH/m³ for volumes over 5 m³. Request a free quote for a precise rate according to your site.