Mortar Setting Research Articles

The Impulsivity of Gen Z: The Influence of External and Situational Factors in a Traditional Buying Environment

The research assesses the impact of external and situational factors on impulsive buying behavior among Generation Z (Gen Z). Two external factors (EF) (sales promotions /discounts (SP) and store environment (SE)) and two situational factors (SF) (time availability (TA) and money availability (MA)) were studied.The data was analyzed from 201 Gen Z respondents through an online survey. The proposed model examined the direct relationships between EF and IBB and SF and IBB. Two hypotheses were developed and analyzed using SmartPLS-4.The results depicted that EF and SF had a positive significant impact in triggering impulse buying among Gen Z. The study also found that when external and situational factors are considered together (ComE), they have a significant and positive impact on the impulse buying behavior of Gen Z.This study looks at impulse buying behavior of Gen Z in a traditional (brick and mortar) setting which will help marketers target this segment appropriately.

Effect of sodium gluconate addition on setting, hardening, and microstructure behaviour of hybrid alkaline mortar

In this investigation, the influence of adding 2%, 4%, 7%, and 10% sodium gluconate (SG) on the setting time of hybrid alkaline paste, and hardened and microstructure properties of hybrid alkaline mortar mixes were examined, and the results were compared with a control mix that made without addition of sodium gluconate. The hybrid alkaline paste and mortar mixes were prepared using a fixed proportion of OPC/fly ash (25%/75%), NaOH solution molarity of 9M, and sodium silicate to hydroxide ratio of 1.5. The results of this investigation found that the quick setting and abrupt loss of flowability of the control mix were improved by adding sodium gluconate, however, more promising results were observed at 7% and 10% sodium gluconate. The delay in polymerization due to lower availability of calcium ions, and adsorption of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups associated with sodium gluconate on the unreacted particles of binding materials and earlier formed products assisted in prolonging the time required for hardening. Further, the compressive strength declined at a higher dosage of sodium gluconate, however, the mortar mixes made with 2% and 4% sodium gluconate exhibited higher compressive strength than the control mix. The peak intensity of albite, nepheline, and C–S–H gel decreased at higher dosages of sodium gluconate, which was supported by a weaker microstructure characterized by more pores, micro-cracks, and partially reacted fly ash particles. Furthermore, the lower bridging oxygen content and greater Si–O–Na/ Si–O–T ratio at higher dosage of sodium gluconate confirms the delayed polymerization process.

Formulation and characterization of one-part Ca-based alkali-activated slag-steel slag materials

This study aims to develop one-part Ca-based alkali-activated materials (OCAM) using steel slag (SS) and slag powder (SP) with a Ca-based activator. The effects of SS replacement rate on the flowability, setting time, and mechanical properties of paste were systematically investigated. Furthermore, methods such as Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), heat of hydration, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to compare the effects of calcium oxide (CO) and calcium hydroxide (CH) on the microstructure of the OCAM. The results indicate that the addition of SS enhances mortar flowability and setting time, with optimal mechanical properties when the SS replacement rate is 20 %. However, strength gradually decreases as the replacement rate increases beyond this point. In addition, the incorporation of CO further enhances the mechanical properties of mortar. MIP test results show that the use of CO reduces the internal porosity and refines the micropore structure, although it also increases drying shrinkage. The hydration heat test results reveal that the use of CO increased the total heat release of the sample in the initial 72 h and accelerated the early hydration reaction. Moreover, XRD and SEM results indicate that CO improves carbonation resistance.

High temperature calcined red mud-cement mortar: Workability, mechanical properties, hydration mechanism, and microstructure

To efficiently utilize red mud (RM) in cement-based materials, this study employed high-temperature calcination to enhance RM's pozzolanic activity. Calcined RM replaced cement in RM-cement mortar, examining the effects of different calcination temperatures and RM addition amounts on the workability and mechanical properties of the mortar. Additionally, XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TAM-Air, and TG were used to explore the hydration mechanism and microstructure of RM-cement mortar. Research showed that as the calcination temperature increased, minerals like Calcite, Hematite, and Cancrinite in RM began to decompose, and the glassy structure increased. At 800 °C, the serrated and amorphous diffraction peaks significantly increased. Calcined RM positively influenced the setting and hardening of cement mortar but negatively affected its fluidity. The optimal calcination temperature for RM was 800 °C, with an optimal addition amount of 10%. The compressive strengths of RM-cement mortar at 3, 7, and 28d, with optimal conditions, are 9.62, 29.94, and 40.12 MPa, respectively, showing increases of 4.25, 1.72, and 1.39 times over untreated RM-cement mortar. When RM was calcined to 800 °C, the diffraction peak intensities of Portlandite, C–S–H, and Ettringite in the RM-cement paste were the highest, and the hydration products interwove to form a dense microstructure. Adding calcined RM extended the induction period of cement, increased the rate of heat release, shortened the acceleration period, and further accelerated the rate of heat release. Nevertheless, the alkaline components in calcined RM pose a certain hindrance to the later stages of cement hydration. In summary, calcining RM to 800 °C enhanced its pozzolanic activity, improved the workability, early hydration, and early strength of cement, and reduced cement consumption and CO2 emissions.

A ultra‐low viscosity stearic acid emulsion prepared by lauric acid as waterproof agent for cement mortar

AbstractSafe building structures cannot be achieved without reliable waterproofing engineering. To address the susceptibility of concrete materials to water leakage, a low‐viscosity stearic acid emulsion has been developed as a waterproofing agent for mortar. By introducing lauric acid, the formation of stearic acid crystals in water could be effectively prevented, resulting in a stearic acid emulsion with a viscosity of only 24 mPa·s. It is found that the best overall performance was achieved when the ratio (R) of lauric acid to stearic acid was 2/3. This emulsion has the least effect on mortar fluidity and setting time. The as‐prepared modified mortar possessed the highest compressive strength (127% of the blank) and the lowest water absorption at 48 h (37% of the blank). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analysis, and water contact angle measurements were used to investigate the mechanism of stearic acid emulsion's modification. It is determined that the stearic acid emulsions successfully modified the internal and external hydrophobicity of the mortar by chemical action with calcium hydroxide.

Comparative Study of Mortars Made with Sands of Different Geological Origin

The present work is a comparative study of sand mortars from various geological origins to highlight their influence on mortar qualities. Five different sands and the cement CEM II/B–P 42.5R were used to produce mortars with similar water/cement ratios (W/C). These are the “Sanaga” sand from the Sanaga River, the “Wouri” sand from the Wouri River, the Nyambaka basalt sand, the Meiganga granite sand, and the Leboudi gneiss sand. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical features of these sands were used to characterize and classify them. They were then used to formulate mortars, which were analyzed and compared. According to the results of the mortar setting time tests, the initial setting time ranges from 195 minutes for Sanaga sand mortar (MS04) to 210 minutes for gneiss sand mortar (MGN03), passing Wouri sand mortar (MW05) with 200 minutes, basalt sand mortar (MB01) with 198 minutes, and granite sand mortar (MGR02) with 196 minutes. The final setting time ranged from 496 minutes (MGR02) to 510 minutes (MGN03), with an average of 300 minutes added to the initial setting time. The flexural strength tests of the mortars reveal that crushed sands outperform alluvial sands. They range from 1.64 to 2.18 MPa after 2 days, 3 to 3.90 MPa after 7 days, and 7 to 14.84 MPa after 28 days. The results of the compressive strength tests show that quarry sand mortars have greater average compressive strengths than alluvial sand mortars, with basalt sand providing the greatest performance. These strengths range from 6.35 to 10.83 MPa after 2 days, 7.55 to 18.96 MPa after 7 days, and 22.81 to 34.58 MPa after 28 days, with the MB01 being the best sand. These findings reveal that the geological origin of sands, which specifies certain of their physicochemical and mineralogical attributes, has an impact on the properties of mortars. This impact is also influenced by granulometry and organic matter concentration.

Testing the volcanic material burying Pompeii as pozzolanic component for compatible conservation mortars

The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential use of ashes and lapilli that buried Pompeii as pozzolanic material for the formulation of conservation mortars. XRD analyses proved that the mineralogical composition of these volcanic products is consistent with the original pozzolanic mortars preserved at the archaeological site. A first set of pozzolanic mortars were prepared by using silica sand as aggregate. After curing the lapilli-based mortars, the measured compressive and flexural strengths proved to be higher than those of the control samples made of commercial pozzolan. A second set of samples, prepared by replacing silica sand with similar size coarse ash and lapilli, proved that volcanic aggregates further enhanced the mechanical properties by the formation of interfacial transition zones. The result of this research demonstrates that the volcanic material burying the archaeological site of Pompeii could be used as raw material in the formulation of compatible conservation mortars. As volcanic pozzolan is increasingly investigated as potential Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) for the production of sustainable concretes, preliminary considerations about the impact of the present work to this field of research are also provided.

Mechanical properties and durability of GGBS based geopolymer mortar

The main aim of this research is to examine the mechanical properties, fresh properties, and durability of geopolymer mortar by varying the ratio of fly ash and GGPS in the mix. The ratios investigated were 40% GGPS to 60% fly-ash, and 60% GGPS to 40% fly ash, with and without the inclusion of superplasticizers. The tests conducted were compressive tests on hardened mortar cubes (after 3, 7, and 28 days), slump flow, and setting time on fresh mixes. In addition, durability tests of water absorption and rapid chloride penetration were performed on the optimum mix trial. It was observed that increasing the ratio of GGBS to fly ash (60 to 40) significantly increased the compressive strength of concrete. The downside of this mix was its low viscosity which yielded a very stiff mix that failed the slump test. On the other hand, the mix with the ratio of 60% GGBS to 40% fly ash including superplasticizer resulted in an enhancement in both the compressive strength and workability. Finally, the mixes with 40% GGBS to 60% fly ash had a comparatively lower compressive strengths and unacceptable ranges of setting time and slump values. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to increase the ratio of GGBS to fly ash in the GPC mix with the addition of a high-performance superplasticizer to maintain the workability, while maintaining the compressive strength of the mortar.

Performance studies on quaternary blended Geopolymer concrete

This experimental work studied the mix design, mechanical properties and durability properties for G40 and G60 Quaternary Blended Geopolymer Concrete. Quaternary means fourth in sequence; hence Geopolymer Concrete is composed of four binder materials: fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), rice husk ash, and Metakaolin. For the Binary mixed geopolymer mix, the ratio of flyash to ground granulated blast furnace slag was 70:30 for G40 grades and 60:40 for G60 rates. For the Ternary geopolymer mixture, Flyash: Ground granulated blast furnace slag: Metakaolinratio was taken as 50:30:20 and 40:40:20 for G40 and G60 grades, respectively. For quaternary blended geopolymer mix, Fly ash: Ground granulated blast furnace slag: Metakaolin: Ricehuskash ratio was taken as 30:30:20:20 and 20:40:20:20 for G40 and G60 grades, respectively. As an alkaline solution, sodium with silicate and hydroxide actuated the binder components. The ratio of alkaline activator (NaOH/Na2SiO3) was set at 2.5, and the concentration of NaOH was kept at eight molalities. The total ratio was calculated to be 5.18 for G40 and 4.18 for G60 grades. In this experimental investigation, flexural strength, split tensile strength tests, compressive strength (CS), Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT), sorptivity, and chloride permeability, were conducted. On geopolymer mortar, tests for Normal Consistency (mm), Initial and Final Setting Time (min), and CS(MPa) were undertaken. Results had shown that ternary blended geopolymer mortar had optimum values in CS. Quaternary composite geopolymer mortar had shown low CS. In quaternary blended geopolymer mortar, Initial and Final Setting Times were delayed. It had not performed well in the flexural strength test, compression strength test and split tensile strength test. It also showed low resistance for sorptivity, Rapid chloride permeability, and acid attack when compared with ternary and binary blended Geopolymer Concrete. Ternary mixed Geopolymer Concrete had optimal results in CS, flexural strength, and split tensile strength tests, as well as superior sorptivity, fast chloride permeability and acid attack resistance.

Producing a gypsum-based self-leveling mortar for subfloor modified by polycarboxylate admixture (PCE)

Self-leveling mortar is a layer applied on a surface without the need for thickening. This type of mortar has large fluidity and is often cement-based, with low productivity. The production of a self-leveling gypsum-based mortar provides shorter execution times, as well as better thermal and acoustic properties and eliminates the need for expansion joints in large areas. This article aims to develop a gypsum-based mortar with self-leveling properties for application in the subfloor layer. In this sense, water/gypsum ratios of 0.45, 0.475, and 0.5 were used, in addition to plaster/sand ratios of 1:1 and 1:0.5 for each consistency. The content of superplasticizer additive (PCE) was adjusted to consistency suitable for self-leveling through the fluidity test. The set of mortars were characterized by considering tests of fluidity, enthalpy of hydration, setting times, compressive and flexural strength, and experiments of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the PCE increased the setting times, reduced the water content, and modified the crystalline structure of the dihydrate. Finally, the mortar with water/gypsum ratio of 0.5, gypsum/sand ratio 1: 0.5 and 1% PCE presented satisfactory properties, with the exception of setting times.

Collagen and Keratin Hydrolysates to Delay the Setting of Gypsum Plaster.

Leather and wool waste represent a high concern due to the low level of valorization and circular economy demands for upcycling of biomass resources. Both biomasses can be easily processed as protein hydrolysates and used as functional additives due to the amphiphilic and tunable properties of collagen and keratin proteins. The chemical, physical, and structural investigations of collagen and keratin hydrolysate properties showed that the chelating abilities due to carboxylic groups can be exploited for gypsum retardant additives. The molecular weights and amino acid compositions of three different hydrolysates showed only slight influences on the setting time of gypsum; all three proteins delayed the setting time of gypsum between 60 and 120 min, as compared to the commercial plaster with a 30 min setting time. Higher molecular weight and more carboxylic active groups showed slight improvements in the setting time of mortars. The improved properties of keratin hydrolysate as compared to low molecular collagen hydrolysate were attributed to foaming and conductive properties. The mechanism of mortar setting delaying through calcium ions complexation by protein hydrolysates was shown by electric conductivity evolution of plasters with and without protein additives over time, supported by foaming properties, amino acid, and functional groups' composition. Lower bending strength values for the higher concentration of proteins do not reduce the potential to use the protein hydrolysates as retardant additives in mortar fabrication.

Intelligent monitoring and assessment on early-age hydration and setting of cement mortar through an EMI-integrated neural network

In this study, the authors presented a smart sensing method for monitoring and evaluating the early-age hydration and hardening process of cement mortar through the integration of the EMI technique with deep learning (DL) models. The main research works and contributions of this research are given as follows: The development of the penetration resistance was acquired by measuring the Vicat needle penetration depth. Meanwhile, the EMI spectra within two scanning frequency ranges, 1000 kHz and 3000 kHz, were continuously captured. The key innovation of this research is that a DL-based framework named EMI-integrated neural network (EMI-IntNet) was proposed, which could facilitate the achievement of intelligent monitoring and assessment. The EMI-IntNet, which combines a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) and an attention mechanism, can accurately predict the dynamic penetration impedance from raw EMI data without any pre-processing or subjective judgment. Two datasets collected in two separate vibration modes (d31 and d33) were used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the EMI-IntNet can quantitatively evaluate the dynamic penetration impedance of cement mortar with an error of less than 2 % and a coefficient of determination (R2) value over 0.99 for both datasets. The EMI-IntNet’s forecasting accuracy, noise immunity and adaptability were thoroughly investigated, which outperform that of the machine learning-based approaches, 1D-CNN and 1D-CNN-LSTM. In conclusion, the proposed method enables automatic data acquisition, feature extraction and identification of EMI signals, contributing to the intelligent monitoring and accurate assessment of the mechanical impedance change throughout the early-age hydration and setting of cement mortar.

A Chemical Approach to the Selection of Soils for the Reproduction of Earth-based Mortars for Conservation Purposes: Case Report from a Brazilian Historic Site

ABSTRACT Earthen buildings frequently demand the use of protective renders and plasters that should be, in several aspects, compatible with the underlying structures. To this end, earth-based mortars have traditionally been used and are common in historic houses. Their periodic replacement or repair is inevitable and intrinsic with their naturally sacrificial role, but restorations are also expected to follow suitability criteria, as well as minimum performance standards. In this paper, an approach to the reproduction of wall-finishes close to the original formulations found on historic buildings is proposed and described using the case study of a historic site in Brazil. The problem was addressed using the elemental composition data of a set of original mortars and a bank of local soils that were treated by multivariate statistical analysis. The final restoration mortars, that were obtained also by adjusting their granulometric profile by means of the mixture of sand, exhibited satisfactory performance in terms of adhesive strength and water absorption, as well as of resistance to water erosion when stabilized with lime.

Failure Modes of Masonry Pillars Strengthened with PBO Fibres

The paper presents compression tests of stocky and slender masonry pillars strengthened in bed joints with PBO fibres and an inorganic matrix. Five stocky pillars and four slender pillars were tested under static loading. Physical models were prepared using lime mortar similar to that used in historical structures. Fibres were applied in the grooves that were made after the mortar setting period in order to recreate real-world conditions. One of the models was subjected to preloading before the strengthening was applied. The failure modes, load-bearing capacity, cracking stresses, stiffness and deformations (longitudinal and transverse) were all determined through experimental testing. Strengthening effectiveness in terms of the increase in load-bearing capacity and stiffness, as well as anti-cracking was determined on the basis of the experimental results. The results obtained for the stocky and slender pillars were also compared, indicating the influence of slenderness on strengthening effectiveness. Special attention was also paid to failure modes and the interaction of the PBO fibres with the bed joint. Methods that strengthen pillars in their bed joints using PBO fibres increase their load-bearing capacity, stiffness and cracking resistance, while maintaining a satisfactory visual appearance which is especially important in heritage structures.

Evaluation on the Setting of Cement Mortar with Different Temperatures and Relative Humidities Using Nondestructive Methods

Evaluation on the Setting of Cement Mortar with Different Temperatures and Relative Humidities Using Nondestructive Methods

Monitoring early age behavior of mortar by ultrasound technique for environmental issues: Effects of sand grading and salinity of mixing water

This paper aims to study the effects of different sand grading and salinity of mixing water on setting and hardening of cement mortar. For this purpose, a newly developed measurement method based on ultrasound pulse echo technique was used. Using this method, the attenuation coefficient and the modulus of reflection coefficient are measured to characterize the early age behavior of tested mortars. Ultrasound P-waves were generated using a 1 MHz central frequency immersion transducer and mortar samples were prepared with Portland composite cement CPJ 45. Mortar samples were classified into two series: first series considered mortar mixes prepared using fresh water and different sand grading form 56μm to 400μm. These laboratory tests (series 1) aimed to obtain the optimum grain size of respective mortar mixes in terms of optimum workability and rheology. Continually, the optimum grain size (from series 1) is used in the second series of experiments (series 2) mortar mixes prepared using artificial sea water with different concentrations of sea salt, i.e., 0 g/l, 10 g/l, 20 g/l, 37 g/l and 50 g/l. The results show that the increase of sand size grading in mortar allows faster setting and hardening and earlier occurrence of aluminate hydrates phase transition AFt – AFm, precipitates the solid percolation and achieves denser microstructure. Also, the stepwise increase of Sea Salt dosage in mixing water from 0 g/l to 37 g/l resulted in a later achieve of final set and later occurrence of AFt – AFm transition.

Effects of a Natural Mordenite as Pozzolan Material in the Evolution of Mortar Settings.

This paper shows the results of a study focused on the evolution and properties of mortars made with a mixture of portland cement (PC) and natural mordenite (Mor). To begin, samples of mordenite, cement and sand were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and granulometric analysis (GA). Next, mortars with a ratio of 75% PC and 25% mordenite were prepared to determine their initial and final setting times, consistency and density. Continuing, the density, weight and compressive strength of the specimens were determined at 2, 7, 28, 90 and 365 days. Finally, the specimens were studied using SEM, XRD and XRF. The results of the study of the mordenite sample showed a complex constitution where the major mineral component is mordenite, and to a lesser degree smectite (montmorillonite), halloysite, illite, mica, quartz, plagioclase and feldspar, in addition to altered volcanic glass. Tests with fresh cement/mordenite mortar (CMM) showed an initial setting time of 320 min and a final setting time of 420 min, much longer than the 212–310 min of portland cement mortar (PCM). It was established that the consistency of the cement/mordenite mortar (CMM) was greater than that of the PCM. The results of the density study showed that the CMM has a lower density than the PCM. On the other hand, the density of cement/mordenite specimens (CMS) was lower than that of portland cement specimens (PCS). The CMS compressive strength studies showed a significant increase from 18.2 MPa, at 2 days, to 72 MPa, at 365 days, with better strength than PCS at 28 and 365 days, respectively. XRD, XRF and SEM studies conducted on CMS showed a good development of primary and secondary tobermorite, the latter formed at the expense of portlandite; also, ettringite developed normally. This work proves that the partial replacement of PC by mordenite does not have a negative effect on the increase in the mechanical strength of CMS. It indicates that the presence of mordenite inhibits the spontaneous hydration of C3A and controls the anomalous formation of ettringite (Ett). All this, together with the mechanical strength reported, indicates that mordenite has a deep and positive influence on the evolution of the mortar setting and is an efficient pozzolan, meaning it can be used in the manufacture of mortars and highly resistant pozzolanic cement, with low hydration heat, low density, stability in extremely aggressive places and a low impact on the environment.

Defensive behaviour of building envelopes in terms of mechanical and thermal responsiveness by incorporating PCMs in cement mortar layers

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to elucidate the mechanical and thermal aspects of coating layers integrated with organic-based PCMs. In that respect, three sets of cement mortars were studied experimentally to underline the significance of PCMs proportion. From a mechanical point of view, the strength of specimens cured at 20 °C resulted to be superior compared to 40 °C, with a more evident influence for cement mortars containing PCMs. Laboratory tests on specimens subjected to 50 wetting–drying cycles demonstrated an insignificant increase of the mass for coatings without PCMs and a slight increase for coatings containing PCMs. During this process, growth in strength for the base mix without PCMs and a loss in strength for mixtures with PCMs was exposed; an exponential decay relationship was noted between the compressive strength with the PCM proportion. Alongside this, a transient thermal analysis was carried out to assess the effect of PCMs on the dynamic thermal parameters of coating layers. A higher proportion of PCM ingredients leads to enhanced responsiveness since the heat wave penetrating the layer is smoothen and delayed. These issues can adequately address the defensive behaviour capacity of building components, without surpassing their carrying structural stability and mechanical properties.

The effects of nanosilica on the fresh and hardened properties of 3D printable mortars

This study presents the experimental results of an investigation on the effects of nanosilica (NS) on the material characteristics of printable mortars used for additive manufacturing. Printable cement mortars based on Ordinary Portland Cement, limestone filler and silica sand were modified with different dosages of nanosilica (from 2% to 6% by weight of binder) and its influence on their hydration, rheological, mechanical and transport properties was assessed. The study showed that NS accelerates significantly the setting and hardening of printable mortar, while reducing its open time. Moreover, an increment of yield stress, together with an increment in NS dosage, was found to have occurred. The incorporation of an optimal NS dosage results in a noticeable increase in the compressive strength and alteration of the pore structure as determined by the MIP measurements. Moreover, transport properties of the produced mortar are significantly improved due to incorporation of NS. In addition to the microstructure refinement, Micro-CT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that 3D printed mortars exhibit pore anisotropy in accordance with the printing direction. However, incorporation of NS in the mixture resulted in improved buildability, thus decreasing pore anisotropy.

The role of hydrogen bonds on the mechanical properties of cement-based mortars applied to concrete surfaces

Hydrogen bonds are important chemical interactions that influence several properties, such as the adhesion ability of cement-based mortars applied to concrete substrates. In this sense, in the present article, the role of the presence of hydrogen bonds on the mechanical properties of a set of mortars (weak, intermediate, and strong) is advanced. The mechanical performances were the compressive, flexural, and adhesion strengths. The results revealed linear correlations (R2 > 0.97) between these mechanical properties and the energetic nature of the hydrogen bonds present in the mortar pastes. Besides, the energetic strength of the hydrogen bonds also affects the adhesion mechanism of the cement-based mortars applied to both concrete and roughcast/concrete substrates. Further, SEM/EDS analyses revealed chemical aspects of the surfaces of the mortars, and the quantities of Ca, O, and Si, which can affect the ability of adhesion between the mortar coating and a solid substrate. In conclusion, the role of hydrogen bonds on the set of investigated mechanical properties of the cement-based mortars can be rationalized as follows: (i) weak hydrogen bonds present in the mortar pastes are associated with large mechanical performances, and (ii) strong hydrogen bonds are associated with poor mechanical performances of these materials.