Types of Cement and Their Common Uses in Construction

Introduction

Infrastructure development is at an all-time high, especially with the rising demands of urbanization. At the heart of all this development lies the cement, which continues to be one of the most critical parts of forming strong structures to this day. However, not all structures require the same type of cement to ensure its strength and durability. This is precisely why various types of cement consist of multiple properties. But before we jump into the types of cement, let’s find out what cement is and what are the properties of cement.

What is cement

Cement is a powder-like substance used as a binding agent, especially in construction materials. It tends to provide great durability and strength to buildings. It is formed by heating a mixture of various raw materials, mainly clay and limestone, at high temperatures inside a kiln. The chemical reaction that occurs converts the raw materials into clinker, which is then finely ground to produce cement.  

Properties of Cement

Specific properties of cement can be provided.

•  Fineness

Fineness indicates the size of the cement particles. Adjusting the grinding of the clinker can quickly achieve the desired fineness.  

•  Soundness

Soundness is the ability of the cement to resist shrinkage while it hardens. The Autoclave test and Le-Chatelier test help determine the soundness properties of cement.

•  Consistency

The consistency of the cement is the viscosity of the cement or its ability to flow easily.

•  Strength

The flexural, tensile, and compressive strength of cement is considered to assess the durability of the cement after a long period.

•  Setting Time

The setting time of cement can be said to be the time it needs to be kept to change its state from liquid to plastic and then from plastic to solid.

•  Heat of Hydration

It is the energy generated when water comes in contact with cement. The heat of hydration is a critical factor that needs to be considered when curing concrete.

• Loss of Ignition
• It simply measures the change in the weight of the cement sample after it has been heated. Loss of ignition helps indicate the adulteration of cement due to transportation or other factors.

• Bulk Density

Bulk density is the mass per unit of cement when a definite volume is considered.

•  Specific Gravity

The relative density or the specific gravity of the cement is considered to be the ratio of the mass of cement to the mass of the reference material, which is usually used, e.g. water.

Types of Cement

Cement is an essential material in the construction world, and it undoubtedly provides durability to structures. However, unlike its simple name, there are many types of cement available, each with unique properties, which can be provided as follows.

•  Ordinary Portland Cement

Ordinary Portland Cement, or OPC, is one of the most commonly used cements in construction projects. It is a versatile cement known for its workability, durability, and strength. It is mainly used in bridges, roads, and buildings.  

• Portland Pozzolana Cement

Portland Pozzolana Cement, or PPC, is a type of hydraulic cement made mainly by blending pozzolanic materials such as silica fume or fly ash with Portland cement. The pozzolanic material helps to increase the durability and workability of the cement, which makes it useful in many construction projects. It is mainly used in dams and bridges.

• Rapid Hardening cement

Rapid hardening cement is a hydraulic type of cement that’s specially designed to get high strength quickly. Rapid hardening cement is usually used in circumstances where concrete can set quite fast, mainly in places such as precast concrete products, repair works, and pavement construction.

• Extra Rapid Hardening Cement

Extra rapid hardening cement is almost similar to paid hardening cement but is even faster in gaining strength. It is made by grinding a high amount of calcium chloride along with Ordinary Portland Cement in a clinker. This combination helps it set faster and is used in emergency repair.

• Quick Setting Cement

Quick-setting cement is a hydraulic cement designed to harden and set quickly. It aids in time-sensitive projects such as tunnels, sewers, or water pipes. A combination of materials speeds up the setting time so that it sets within minutes.

•  Low Heat Cement

Low-heat cement is a type of cement specifically designed to produce a lower amount of heat during the hydration process. It is made by reducing the amount of tricalcium aluminate present in it by 6 percent. This results in slower strength gain along with lowering the heat of hydration, making it ideal for structures that are prone to cracks due to heat.

• Sulphate Resisting Cement

Sulfate-resisting cement is one type of cement designed to resist the damaging effects of sulfates in the soil. It is mainly used in underground constructions in areas with high sulfate levels, such as coastal areas and mines.

•  Blast Furnace Slag Cement

Blast furnace slag cement is a type of cement made by mixing blast furnace slag with Portland cement in a clinker. This combination helps achieve a lower heat of hydration and a finely powdered mixture that provides better workability and durability.  

• High Alumina Cement

High-alumina cement is a type of cement made by melting and grinding lime and bauxite together. The resulting cement is very strong and durable. It is mainly used in places with a harsh chemical environment and high temperatures.

• White cement

As the name suggests, white cement is highly white. It is primarily used for decorative purposes and is used in the construction of precast concrete products, architectural elements, and terrazzo flooring.

•  Coloured Cement

This is a type of hydraulic cement that is mixed with certain pigments, about 5 to 10 of them. The pigments are used to colour the cement and could either be synthetic or natural pigments based on their shades. They are mainly used for decorative purposes in places such as pavements, flooring, and concrete countertops.  

• Air-entraining Cement

This type of cement mainly consists of air-entraining agents such as sodium salts, glues, and resins to help create microscopic air bubbles within the concrete mix. Air-entraining cement usually requires less water to achieve the specific consistency than other types of cement. It is mainly used in places with cold climates.

•  Expansive cement

Expansive cement is a type of cement designed to expand slightly after it has completed its setting. It is commonly used in places where a tight fit is needed, such as bridge bearings or precast concrete units. The expansion also helps fill in the voids in shotcrete or grouting applications.

• Hydrographic cement

Hydrographic cement is a special type of cement designed to set and harden underwater. It is mainly made by blending special additives that hydrate and set even in the presence of water with Portland cement. This is great for underwater tunnels and bridges.

• Portland Limestone cement

Portland limestone cement (PLC) is a type of blended cement made by grinding Portland clinker and 5 to 15 percent limestone. It is mainly used in green buildings where sustainability is a concern.

Grades of Cement

In addition to various types of cement, various grades of cement are available in the market worldwide. These grades refer to the compressive strength of cement after it undergoes 28 days of curing.

• 33 Grade Cement

33 Grade Cement is commonly used for general plastering and construction work. It has a compressive strength of about 33 Newton per millimeter square once 28 days of curing is done. This type of cement is great for places where high strength requirement is not needed. It is not suitable for a concrete mix of M20 and above.

• 43 Grade Cement

43 Grade Cement consists of a compressive strength of 43 Newton per millimetre square once 28 days of curing is completed. It is suitable for use in projects where moderate to high strength is required. This is suitable for a concrete mix of just up to M30.

• 53 Grade Cement

53 Grade Cement is the most robust grade of cement, with a compressive strength of about 53 Newton per millimetre square once 28 days of curing is finished. It is suitable for heavy-duty constructions and high-rise buildings and can be mixed up with M25 and above.

The Role of Cement in Modern Construction

The role of cement cannot be simplified. It is one of the most fundamental building blocks of modern construction. From major skyscrapers to residential homes, cement is the one material that has held and built our environment. Even when you go to check the origins of cement from ancient times to modern times, this is the only material that has been able to withstand the test of time.

Conclusion

Hence, it is understood that selecting the right type of cement is essential for the success of any construction project. Since each type of cement has its unique properties, it is necessary to understand that they are used for various applications. Once you select the proper cement, PropCheck ensures that you receive the exceptional post-construction care needed for your much-desired structure.

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