NASCLA General Contractor Practice Exam

A typical mortar mix primarily consists of Portland cement and hydrated lime, which are essential for creating a strong bond between masonry units such as bricks or stone. Portland cement serves as the primary binding agent, providing strength and durability to the mortar once it cures. Hydrated lime is often included to improve workability, increase the mortar's flexibility, and enhance its resistance to cracking. The combination of these materials enables the mortar to achieve both structural integrity and adhesion qualities necessary for construction applications.

The other options do not accurately represent a standard mortar mix. While sand is often included as a crucial aggregate in mortar, the omission of Portland cement and lime makes those mixtures unsuitable for the intended use. Gravel is more commonly associated with concrete rather than mortar. Water is indeed a key component in any mix, but it is only effective when combined with binders like cement and lime. Quicklime and plaster are not typical components of mortar; quicklime requires slaking before use and serves different functions in construction practices.