Yes it wasn't a surprise to me, although the fact they can't even get the mortar mix right now was. Unfortunately I can't see anything changing.
When I started reading the article this morning, I thought it was going to suggest the weaker mix was maybe 7 or 8 to 1 but was amazed to see that it was tested at nearly 3 times the 5.5 recommendation so maybe 15 or 16 to 1 ...
Even though the rule is 2 degrees and rising, theyve probably laid the bricks in sub zero temperatures or on frosty days in order to keep the program on track and meet deadlines, which they're obviously not going to admit liability to as heads would roll, much easier to pass the buck.
I wonder if the builders involved had a JOINT account with the mortar suppliers. PERPapps they should have looked into it MORTAR than they did.
The most common mortar problem I come across is thermalites with the mix too strong , so is it all about penny pinching or lack of knowledge
One building site in SW England was so bad, the homeowners put signs in the front gardens with their properties problems. The developer was more interested in finishing the rest of the site rather than snagging. Potential purchasers had to pass the placards to see the new houses!