A new construction model became known with the appearance of the first mortar factory at the start of the nineties, one which rapidly took over the rest of the methods at the time. The experience gained throughout all these years has proven the advantages of this type of technology, both from the point of view of the project and regarding the execution of the works:

• Characteristics of the product in compliance with the specifications.
• Uniform and verified quality.
• Homogeneous supply.
• Reduction in direct and indirect costs.
• Time period reduction.
• Cleanliness.
• Small space required.
• Immediate product availability on site.
• Several supply possibilities, in bulk or packaged.

Industrial dry mortar technology allows for the use of advanced equipment designed for applying this type of product, on which we provide detailed information in the section on “Distribution and On Site Delivery”.

The origin of mortar is closely linked to that of binders, a basic component in its formulation. Different materials have been used in different construction works since the first walls made with stones joined by a hydraulic binder originating from the calcination of algae, dating some 5,000 years ago. Their characteristics and manufacturing processes have evolved enormously until reaching the current Portland cements, a basic binder in most of the types of mortar nowadays.

Likewise, the development of the constructive procedures and techniques has required an important technification of the materials used, in such a way that mortar has advanced notably regarding its final characteristics and on site behaviour.

In a general manner, mortar can be classified according to their manufacturing method:

• Work mortar, made on site, dosed, mixed and kneaded with water on site using the primary components, basically cement and sand.
• Semi-prepared mortar, supplied on site pre-dosed in several fractions, generally in a silo with two compartments, mixed with water at the exit from the silo when it is going to be used.
• Industrial fresh mortar, supplied already dosed, mixed and kneaded with water and to be used within a short period of time (max. 48 hours). Generally manufactured in traditional concrete plants.
• Industrial dry mortar, prepared in a factory dosing and mixing its components, supplied in bulk or packaged, simply requiring kneading with water on site when it is about to be used. It manufacturing requires specific plants designed for this purpose, allowing for the production of high-performance technical mortar.