MORTAR QUALITY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31118, 22 July 1966, Page 1

MORTAR QUALITY

‘Suspicions Justified’

It was evident from tests taken that suspicions about the standard of workmanship and quality of cement mortar used in the construction of masonry veneer dwelling units in Waimairi County were justified, the County Council was told last evening by its senior building inspector (Mr R. R. Robertson).

I “From now periodical testiing of cement mortar will be done and any jobs found to be sub-standard may be ordered to be demolished,” he said in a report. Tests had been made by various councils and it was quite obvious that cement mortar compression strength figures were far from adequate. Mr Robertson said that recently one dwelling had been condemned completely and two more partially condemned, on the ground of poor workmanship. Some of the factors involved were inadequate measurement of cement, improper mixing and poor preparation of materials. Complaints had been made by contractors about the quality of ready-mixed mortars, and it could be that some adjustments to the mixes, coupled with better trade practices on the part of masonry “ contractors would substantially improve the position. Mr Robertson said complaints had also been made about the quality of some masonary supplied by manufacturers.

On investigation, the complaints appeared well founded. Tests would be carried out for compliance with the council’s standards.

Mr C. G. Roberts was appointed health inspector for the Halswell County at a meeting of the Halswell County Council last evening.