The problem with bricks and mortar..

[Tony]

... is whether;

 

A. the mortar sticks the bricks together

or

B. the mortar holds the bricks apart.

 

What do you think?

[DaFoot]

Am I allowed to say both?

[Tony]

Of course. I'm intrigued to hear your thoughts.

[DaFoot]

I know nothing about building....as it may well seem clear to those that do in a minute.

 

If the mortar didn't have some sort of 'holding together' function then a wall would fall over rather easily with the slightest knock. I don't imagine the weight of the bricks alone would be sufficient to provide stability.

 

As for keeping bricks apart - that's just an observation of walls!