2.1. Recommended Mortar Ratios

So, when we say about do not use cement and sand to be less than 1.6 okay, 1:6, so for 1 cement and 6 part of the sand. So, you should not make use of the combination of this mortar not less than 1:6, either it is recommended to use 1 sand, 1 cement and 6 sand or 1 lime with 3 sand or 1 cement, 3 lime and 9 sand, so this is a kind of mortar mixes which normally guidelines do recommend and at the end of the day, all these are coming from the proper IS code but these are only a thumb rules.

In this chunk, the section discusses the recommended ratios for mixing mortar, which is essential in construction for binding bricks and stones. It states that the ratio of cement to sand should not be less than 1:6, meaning for every part of cement, there should be at least six parts of sand. It also explains other acceptable ratios such as 1:3 (lime to sand) and 1:3:9 (cement, lime, sand) for different types of construction. These guidelines are derived from established building codes (IS code) that ensure durability and stability of structures.

Imagine you're baking a cake; if you use too little flour (like using too little sand) compared to the amount of sugar (cement), your cake might not rise properly or hold together. Similarly, in building construction, using incorrect mortar ratios can weaken the structure, leading to problems in the future.

And many of these manuals, when they are published in English, it becomes very hard how a local mason can understand it, so that is where a recent efforts have been done by architect Benny Kuriakose after the recent Kerala floods.

This chunk highlights a significant issue regarding accessibility to construction guidelines. It points out that while these manuals are often published in English, many local masons may find them difficult to understand due to the language barrier. It mentions an example of architect Benny Kuriakose, who took initiative after the floods in Kerala, aiming to create more accessible materials for local builders, thus solving the communication gap.

Consider a recipe written in a complicated language; if you're trying to bake something for the first time, you'd struggle to follow it. Similarly, if construction manuals are not easily understandable, it could lead to poor construction practices. By translating and simplifying these guides, it's like writing a recipe in plain language so everyone can follow it successfully.

So, what he did was he developed a manual for retrofitting and flood resilient design for flood-affected areas in Kerala. So, the Malayalam version is already printed and the English version is on the process.

In this section, it notes the proactive steps taken by Benny Kuriakose, who created a manual specifically addressing retrofitting techniques for buildings in areas affected by floods. This manual serves to help local builders design homes that can withstand flooding. The fact that it is available in both Malayalam and English shows an effort to ensure that more builders can benefit from the information provided.

This is similar to how a community might come together to rebuild after a natural disaster. By providing resources that everyone can understand, people can figure out better ways to build or repair homes that would be resilient against future flooding, just like creating community workshops on best gardening practices after a bad harvest.

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