Final answer:
Thick-set mortar (d) is used for leveling or setting ceramic tile in the thick-set process and consists of Portland cement, sand, water, and sometimes hydrated lime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The field mix used for leveling or setting ceramic tile in the thick-set process, which consists of Portland cement, sand, water, and sometimes hydrated lime, is referred to as d) Thick-set mortar. This type of mortar is a variation of concrete, leveraging material properties that have been used since ancient times. Portland cement, a key ingredient in modern concrete, allows for the creation of a mixture that hardens over time and can bind various aggregates together. The history of concrete includes innovations such as the Roman use of volcanic sand (pozzolana), which enhanced the strength and durability of their mortar. Modern advancements have led to the development of lightweight concrete, which is not only longer-lasting and an excellent thermal protector but also facilitates faster construction due to the reduced load.