Mortars

Mortars are a class of indirect-fire weapons used by military forces to deliver explosive rounds at high angles. A standard mortar system consists of a smooth-bore tube mounted on a base plate and supported by a bipod. The ammunition, called a mortar bomb or mortar round, is dropped into the tube and fires from the bottom, creating an arcing trajectory that lands beyond cover or obstacles. Modern mortars range in caliber from about 60 to 120 millimeters, with larger formats in heavier artillery families. They are valued for portability, simplicity, and the ability to provide rapid, on-call support at short to medium ranges. Their advantages include high rate of fire and the ability to operate from concealed positions, while limitations include relatively short ranges compared with larger artillery, lower velocity, and limited accuracy without spotting and navigation aids.

Mortars, in construction, refer to the cementitious paste used to bind masonry units such as bricks or stones. A mortar typically consists of a binding material (cementitious cement or lime), sand, and water, with possible additives. Common types include cementitious mortars, lime mortars, and lime-putty mortars. Portland cement mortars offer high strength and quick setting, while lime mortars provide greater elasticity and vapor permeability, preserving historic structures. The mix proportions, workability, and curing behavior depend on climate, load requirements, and the materials being joined. Proper mortar selection aims for compatibility with the masonry units to avoid cracking or excessive moisture transfer, and workmanship standards cover mixing, application, and joint finishing.

The term mortars can denote either of these distinct technologies: an artillery weapon system or a binding masonry material. Context usually clarifies the intended meaning.