Final answer:
A preblended cementitious mix for masonry mortar today has its origins from ancient Rome's development of concrete. This blend consists of lime mortar, sand, pebbles, and water and can be poured into various shapes. Modern lightweight concrete, which includes fine aggregates like shale and slate, offers benefits such as lower load and better thermal protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A preblended cementitious mix for masonry mortar is available that has roots in ancient Roman innovation. The Romans developed concrete, or opus caementicium, as early as the 2nd century BCE, which was a game-changer in construction technology. Their concrete was a blend of lime mortar, sand, pebbles, and water that hardened over time and could take on various shapes when poured into molds. This development facilitated the rise of the architectural revolution, leading to more creative and fluid building designs.
The Roman contribution to construction greatly influenced the materials we use today. Cement and Concrete are often confused, though they serve different purposes. Cement is a binder used to adhere materials together, and when mixed with fine aggregate, it produces mortar for masonry. On the other hand, mixing cement with sand and gravel results in concrete, the widely used material in modern construction.
Today's lightweight concrete, which is a continuation of the Roman tradition but with modern advancements, utilizes fine aggregates like shale, clay, or slate, along with lightweight coarse aggregate, to create a material that is more predictable, reliable, and has advantages such as reduced load, faster building rates, and excellent thermal protection, especially when compared to traditional brick.