What is Cement? Types of Cement, Properties of Cement

What is Cement?

Cement is defined as a binding agent that is used to bind various construction materials. Given its adhesive and cohesive properties, it is an essential ingredient of concrete and mortar. Cement is mixed with water to form a paste that binds aggregates like sand or crushed rocks. Calcium, silicon, iron and aluminium compounds are closely ground to form a fine powdered product – cement. 

The usage of cement in various forms has been advent through the years. In the ancient times, crushed pottery, volcanic ashes, and other items were used as cement. In 1824, Joseph Aspdin created the precursor to modern-day cement – Portland cement. 

1) Ordinary Portland Cement

This is the most commonly used cement in construction projects worldwide. It’s a versatile cement that can be used in a variety of applications, from general construction to precast concrete products. OPC is known for its strength, durability, and workability, making it suitable for a variety of construction applications. It’s commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. OPC is versatile and can be used in combination with other materials, such as aggregates, to create different types of concrete mixes.

 

2) Portland Pozzolana Cement

Portland Pozzolana cement (PPC) is a type of hydraulic cement that’s made by blending Portland cement with pozzolanic materials, such as fly ash or silica fume. The pozzolanic materials improve the workability and durability of the cement, making it suitable for a variety of construction applications. PPC is commonly used in home building construction and mass concrete structures, such as dams and bridges, where durability is a critical factor.

 

3) Rapid Hardening cement

Rapid-hardening cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s specially designed to gain strength quickly. Rapid-hardening cement is used in situations where fast-setting concrete is required, such as in the construction of pavements, precast concrete products, and repair work. It has a higher early strength compared to OPC, allowing structures to be put into service faster.

 

4) Extra Rapid Hardening Cement

Extra Rapid Hardening Cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s similar to rapid-hardening cement, but it gains strength even faster. It’s made by grinding Ordinary Portland cement clinker with a higher amount of calcium chloride. This combination accelerates the setting time and early strength gain of the cement. Extra rapid-hardening cement is used in situations where fast-setting concrete with high early strength is required, such as in cold weather conditions or emergency repair work. It’s commonly used in the construction of airport runways, industrial floors, and precast concrete products.

 

5) Quick Setting Cement

Quick-setting cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s designed to set and harden quickly. It aids time-sensitive projects such as the repair of water pipes, sewers, and tunnels. Its combination of materials accelerates the setting time of the cement, allowing it to reach its initial set in just a few minutes, similar to that of fast setting concrete.

6) Low Heat Cement

Low heat cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s specially designed to produce less heat during the hydration process. It’s made by reducing the amount of tricalcium aluminate by 6%. This results in slower strength gain and lower heat of hydration, making it ideal for use in large concrete structures that are prone to cracking due to heat buildup. Low-heat cement is commonly used in the construction of dams, nuclear power plants, and large-mass concrete structures.

7) Sulphate Resisting Cement

Sulphate-resisting cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s designed to resist the damaging effects of sulphate salts present in soil and groundwater. Sulphate-resistant cement is commonly used in construction projects where the soil or groundwater has a high sulphate content, such as in coastal areas, mines, and canal linings, retaining walls.

 

8) Blast Furnace Slag Cement

Blast furnace slag cement, also known as slag cement, is a type of hydraulic cement made by mixing Portland cement clinker with granulated blast furnace slag. The slag is a byproduct of the iron-making process and is ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with Portland cement. This combination results in a cement with lower heat of hydration, better workability, and improved durability. Blast furnace slag cement is commonly used in mass concrete projects, such as dams and bridges, as well as in the construction of high-rise buildings and industrial structures.

 

9) High Alumina Cement

High Alumina cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s made by melting and grinding bauxite and lime together. The resulting cement has an excellent level of strength and durability.high alumina cement is commonly used in the construction of refractory concrete, which can withstand high temperatures and harsh chemical environments. It’s also used in the construction of chemical plants, furnaces, and kilns, where its resistance to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals makes it an ideal choice.

10) White cement

White cement as its name suggests has a high degree of whiteness. White cement is used primarily for decorative purposes, such as in the construction of architectural elements, precast concrete products, and terrazzo flooring. It can also be used in combination with pigments to produce a wide range of coloured concrete finishes.

11) Coloured Cement

Coloured cement, also known as pigmented cement, is a type of hydraulic cement that’s mixed with pigments (5 to 10% pigment) to achieve a range of colours. The pigments used in coloured cement can be synthetic or natural and are available in a variety of shades. Coloured cement is used primarily for decorative purposes, such as in the construction of concrete countertops, flooring, and paving.The use of coloured cement can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a project and give it a unique look.

12) Air entraining Cement

Air entraining cement is a hydraulic cement that contains air-entraining agents, such as resins, glues and sodium salts, to create microscopic air bubbles within the concrete mix. Air-entraining cement requires less water to achieve a specific consistency than ordinary Portland cement and other types of cement. It’s commonly used in construction projects that require frost resistance, such as concrete pavements, bridges, and buildings located in cold climates.

 

13) Expansive cement

Expansive cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s designed to expand slightly after setting. Expansive cement is commonly used in construction projects where a tight fit is required, such as precast concrete units and bridge bearings. It’s also used in grouting and shotcrete applications, where the expansion can help fill voids and gaps. Expansive cement can also be used to compensate for the shrinkage in concrete due to temperature changes or drying.

 

14) Hydrographic cement

Hydrographic cement is a specialised type of Portland cement that’s designed to set and harden underwater. It’s made by blending Portland cement clinker with special additives that help it hydrate and set even in the presence of water. Hydrographic cement is commonly used in marine and underwater construction projects, such as building dams, bridges, and underwater tunnels. It’s also used in the construction of swimming pools, water storage tanks, and sewage treatment plants.

 

15) Portland Limestone cement

Portland limestone cement (PLC) is a type of blended cement that’s made by inter-grinding Portland cement clinker and 5 to 15% limestone. PLC has similar properties to OPC, but it typically has a lower carbon footprint and generates less heat during the hydration process. PLC is commonly used in construction projects where sustainability is a concern, such as green buildings and infrastructure. It’s also suitable for use in general-purpose concrete applications, such as pavements, foundations, and precast units.

 

Different Grades of Cement

 

In addition to the different types of cement, there are also different grades of cement available in the market. The most commonly used grades of cement in India are 33, 43, and 53-grade cement. These grades refer to the compressive strength of cement after 28 days of curing.

1) 33 Grade Cement

33 grade cement is commonly used for general construction work and plastering. It has a compressive strength of 33 N/mm² after 28 days of curing. This type of cement is suitable for use in construction projects where the requirement for high strength is not critical. It is not suitable for concrete mix above M20.

 

2) 43 Grade cement

43 grade cement is the most commonly used grade of cement in India. It has a compressive strength of 43 N/mm² after 28 days of curing. It’s suitable for use in construction projects where moderate to high strength is required, such as plain concrete or plastering works. It is also used to make precast items such as tiles, blocks, pipes, etc. It has a higher compressive strength than 33-grade cement and is suitable for medium-scale construction projects. It is suitable for concrete mix up to M30.

 

3) 53 Grade Cement

53 grade cement is the highest grade of cement available in India. It has a compressive strength of 53 N/mm² after 28 days of curing. This type of cement is suitable for use in construction projects where high strength is required, such as in the construction of high-rise buildings, dams, and heavy-duty industrial structures. It has a higher compressive strength than both 33 and 43-grade cement, making it more durable and long-lasting. Suitable for concrete mix above M25.

 

It’s important to note that higher grades of cement tend to have a higher heat of hydration, which can result in the cracking of concrete if not properly managed. Therefore, it’s important to use the appropriate grade of cement for the intended application and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and curing.

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