This study investigated the compressive strength performance of cement mortar commonly used in Nigerian building construction, focusing on the influence of cement-sand mix proportions and curing age on structural suitability. Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) Grade 32.5, locally sourced river sand, and potable water were used to replicate standard residential construction practice in Nigeria. Laboratory characterization confirmed that both the cement and fine aggregate satisfied relevant standards, including NIS 444-1 (2017), BS EN 196-1:2016, and BS EN 12620:2002+A1:2008. Twenty-seven mortar prism specimens were prepared using three mix ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:6) and tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days in accordance with BS EN 1015-11. Results showed progressive strength gain with curing age for all mixes. The 1:3 mix achieved the highest 28-day compressive strength of 13.68 N/mm², followed by the 1:4 mix with 10.24 N/mm², while the 1:6 mix recorded the lowest value of 5.92 N/mm². Assessment using ASTM C270 mortar classification standards revealed that the 1:3 mix satisfied the requirement for Type S mortar, making it suitable for structural and load-bearing masonry applications. The 1:4 mix met the Type N requirement and was considered adequate for general masonry and plastering works, whereas the 1:6 mix, although marginally meeting the minimum Type N strength, was deemed unsuitable for reliable structural masonry and recommended only for rendering and non-structural plastering. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed that both mix proportion and curing age significantly affected mortar compressive strength at a 5% significance level. The study concluded that a 1:3 cement-sand ratio should be adopted as the minimum standard for structural masonry in Nigeria, while 1:4 is appropriate for general building applications and 1:6 should be restricted to non-structural uses.
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- Peter Ellah (Author), 2026, Performance Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar for Building Application in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1730793
