Types of cement and its uses. /Different types of cement in civil construction.

Now, let us go through the different types of cement used in the construction industry and their uses.

Cement bags

1. Ordinary Portland cement(O.P.C.): 

This is the most common type of cement which is widely used in all types of construction activities. They are available in three different grades which are 33grade, 43grade, and 53 grade.

2. Portland pozzolana cement(P.P.C.):

While manufacturing these types of cement, pozzolanic materials like lava ash or fly ash were used as the main ingredients. Due to its low heat of hydration, these types of cement were preferred in mass concrete works. This cement can be used wherever O.P.C. is used but the main difference is it provides low early strength and gains good final strength in a long run.

3. Rapid hardening cement:

This type of cement contains higher tricalcium silicate in comparison to O.P.C. Rapid hardening cement gains strength within a short period of time. The 3-day strength of this cement is nearly equal to the 7-day strength of O.P.C.However, there is not much difference in the final strength in comparison to O.P.C. 

This cement is best suited for the construction areas like roadworks, where quick strength gaining is the priority. This cement has the advantage in precast concrete works, where molds have to be released to achieve more production through repetitive work. This type of cement is also called high early-strength cement.

4. Blast furnace slag cement:

As the name suggests, slag is used in the cement production process. This cement has improved workability and less permeability. All other criteria are more or less similar to O.P.C.

5. White cement:

The oxides of iron, chromium, manganese, etc were kept at the minimum proportion due to which it appears white in color. This cement is more expensive in comparison to O.P.C. They are used in the manufacturing of precast concrete products like pavers, wall cladding, and flooring materials where appearance is the more important factor with good finishing.

 Due to its white color, when mixed with pigments or oxides of various colors it does not alter the original shade and provides the needed strength.

6. Sulfate-resisting cement:

Widely used in the construction of chemical industries, marine structures, sewage linings, etc. where the resistance for the sulfate action is needed. Tricalcium aluminate is kept below 5% to achieve this character in the cement.

7. Expansive cement:

This hydraulic cement expands after hardening to compensate for the drying shrinkage. This cement is produced with high alumina and sulfate content. Due to their unique expansion ability, they are used in repairing grouting cracks and sealing airtight & watertight joints.

8. Low-heat cement:

The amount of heat released at the time of setting is low as compared to other types of cement. This is achieved by the high percentage of dicalcium silicate and maintaining a low percentage of tricalcium aluminate. 

This cement is used in mass construction works where low heat is a priority to avoid fissures and cracks. The main disadvantage is its low compressive strength as compared to O.P.C.

9. Hydrophobic cement:

The cement particles are given a chemical coating in the production process, which provides water-repelling properties to the cement. This cement is not affected by high humidity and can be stored with a longer shelf life. 

This is used in high rainfall regions, dam sites, and in such areas where dampness is more to avoid the formation of lumps in the bags.

10. High alumina cement:

This cement is produced by grinding clinkers of bauxite and lime. The heat of hydration is more due to high alumina content. The initial setting time is less with quick early strength. This cement is not suitable for mass concrete works.

11. Colored cement:

This cement is manufactured by adding 5 to 10% of mineral pigments of the required colors. Used in the grouting of the tile joints, in cement paints, some precast concrete products, etc.

To go through the articles related to the different types (classifications) of construction materials, click here.

Thank you for going through this article❤. Have a good day 😄.

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