Cement is an essential raw material extensively used in the construction industry for building structures. Let's delve into some of its types and applications in concrete construction, uncovering its versatility in architecture and durability.
(Photo : Wikimedia/Lahoucine Boukhanchouch)
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Among all types of cement that are created and used all over the world, ordinary Portland cement is the most common material. The term 'Portland' comes from a building stone produced on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. Projects involving mortar or stucco construction and the majority of conventional concrete jobs are ideal for OPC.
2. Air-entraining Cement
Compared to other forms of cement and OPC, air-entraining cement is easier to work with and requires a lower water-to-cement ratio. When grinding clinkers, companies add air-entraining compounds, including glues, sodium salts, and resins. As mentioned, one of the most typical applications for this kind of cement is to provide frost resistance in concrete.
3. Colored Cement
The characteristics of colored cement are comparable to those of OPC and white cement. Manufacturers mix mineral pigments with OPC at 5%-10% to produce the required hue. Contractors frequently use this cement type for ornamental purposes and projects to enhance their designs, just like they do with white cement.
4. Extra-rapid-hardening Cement
When compared to OPC and rapid-hardening cement, extra-rapid-hardening cement may solidify and become even more durable and rapidly. Construction professionals can accomplish this goal by incorporating calcium chloride into rapid-hardening cement. Thus, the rapid setting rate of this cement variety may allow it to be utilized in cold-weather concrete projects.
5. White Cement
The only difference between white cement and Portland cement is that white cement is made from raw materials that do not contain iron oxide. Architectural purposes have a pricier material, including the construction of precast curtain walls and interior and exterior decorative work, including the installation of facing slabs, flooring, ornamental concrete products, and garden paths.
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6. Expansive Cement
Expanding cement gradually swells over time while it does not contract during or after the hardening process. In most cases, it comprises clinker from Portland cement with calcium sulfate and tricalcium aluminate. When used as expansion joint cement, this type of cement is frequently a crucial component of the sealing process for joints, which is utilized to aid in overcoming shrinkage loss that is also found in prestressed concrete ducts and grouting anchor bolts.
7. Blast Furnace Slag Cement
The qualities of blast furnace slag cement are comparable to those of Portland cement, and it is obtained by grinding clinkers with approximately 60% of the slag. The employment of this method is possible for projects in which economic concerns take precedence.
8. Hydrographic Cement
The preparation of hydrographic cement involves a combination of chemicals that repel water, characterized by its excellent workability and strength. Accordingly, rain or monsoon does not affect it because of its ability to repel water.
Moreover, constructing water structures, including dams, water tanks, spillways, water retention structures, and other similar structures, is the primary application for hydrophobic cement.
9. Low Heat Cement
Malaysian cement makers make low-heat cement by reducing tricalcium aluminate to 6% and boosting C2S. This low-temperature cement is utilized to construct mass concrete structures such as gravity dams. Remember that it is less reactive and takes longer to set up than OPC.
10. Sulfates Resisting Cement
Sulfate attack in concrete is something that this particular sort of cement is designed to withstand. It contains a smaller proportion of tricalcium aluminate than other substances. Additionally, constructions with soil or groundwater over 0.2% or 0.3% g/l sulfate salts require sulfates-resistant cement. Thus, concrete surfaces subjected to alternating wetting and drying, such as bridge piers, are another potential application for this component.
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