Mortar query...

[Arch]

I've been watchng the builders at work converting the building opposite my flat, fascinating it all is, especially compared with my PhD...

Anyway, watching them make mortar in the cement mixer, I've seen the samd go in, and the cement, and the water, but also a little sachet of stuff they tear open and empty into the mix. What is it? I'm assuming it's not cup-a-soup, which is what it looks like from a distance...

 

[ianrauk]

probrably Hydraulic lime.
Stops the cement from drying too quickly and shrinking.

 

[meenaghman]

plasticiser or colourant most likely
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/BRICKWORKCEMENT_ADDITIVES.htm

 

[Unkraut]

Baking powder?

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Baking powder?

Depends if they're using self raising or plain cement.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Seasoning - tastes horrid without it!

 

[Sittingduck]

I've been watchng the builders at work converting the building opposite my flat

Oh have you now Shame on you Arch!

 

[Arch]

Oh have you now Shame on you Arch!

Alas, none of them are that picturesque. I really am more interested in watching the forklift and digger at work...

Seasoning, thanks, I thought it might be. That would be the ultimate ponce, wouldn't it "Oh, yes, the mortar is all infused with Saffron...."

 

[Fnaar]

Time for the delightful Slim Gaillard and "Cement Mixer, Putt-i putt-i"
(I once bought him a drink, you know)... a more surreal and more intelligent fella I've never met...
He could play just about any instrument you care to mention, and play the piano with his hands upside down, or using oranges instead of his fingers...

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if any of them shows a bit of builder's bum, you can shout to him how you could park your bike in it…

 

[asterix]

Seasoning, thanks, I thought it might be. That would be the ultimate ponce, wouldn't it "Oh, yes, the mortar is all infused with Saffron...."

Maybe it's Fairy Liquid?

Today I was putting my front door frame in and added unibond to make it all stick better.

 

[Noodley]

I think your feline friend is indicating where the catflap should go

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Seasoning, thanks, I thought it might be. That would be the ultimate ponce, wouldn't it "Oh, yes, the mortar is all infused with Saffron...."

Well that's yer York for you - posh!!

 

[Crackle]

It's tincture of dried frog, they're all secret modern masons.

 

[Speicher]

IIRC, you have to take into account the "flop" factor when making concrete.