Different Cement Types Applications in Concrete Construction

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Different Cement Types and Their Applications in Concrete Construction

Different Cement Types Applications: The selection of cement based on its appropriateness for various concrete constructions is critical for structural durability concerns. Thus, selecting the appropriate kind of cement for a specific building site helps avoid structural deterioration and saves money on subsequent repair and rehabilitation costs. The following table summarizes the applicability of different cements for various environmental conditions:

Different Cement Types Applications

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

33 Grade

It is utilized for normal-grade concrete up to M-20, plastering, flooring, and grouting cable ducts in PSC projects, among other applications. Between 225 and 280 microns should be used.

43 Grade

It is the most often used kind of cement. Precast components for concrete grades up to M-30.
However, C3A should be between 5% and 8% for maritime buildings.

53 Grade

For concrete grades more than M-30, prestressed concrete structures, bridges, highways, and multi-story buildings, among other applications.
Designed for use in cold weather concrete work.
However, C3A should be between 5% and 8% for maritime buildings.

Portland Slag Cement

It is composed of OPC and granulated slag cement. It produces less heat during hydration. Slag content should be more than 50% and up to 70%. It is used for the following purposes:;

Marine and offshore constructions are very resistant to chloride and sulphate.
Sewage treatment plants Water treatment plants Constructions that are susceptible to assault by dissolved chlorides and sulphate ions
Should be utilized mostly for future constructions.

Portland Pozzolana Cement

It has a low heat of hydration and minimizes calcium hydroxide leaching. This cement should be used with caution and only after a thorough examination. It is used for the following purposes:

Dams, retaining walls
Marine buildings
Mass concrete
Plastering and masonry mortar.

Sulfate Resisting Cement

(C3A 3% ) Resistant to sulfate Portland Cement is a kind of Portland Cement in which the proportion of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) is less than 5% and the proportion of 2C 3A +C4AF is less than 25%. SRC may be utilized in structural concrete applications where OPC, PPC, or Slag Cement are suitable under normal circumstances.

SRC is particularly advantageous in situations where concrete is at risk of deterioration due to sulfate attack, such as when it comes into contact with soils and ground waters containing excessive amounts of sulfate, as well as when it comes into contact with sea water or is exposed directly to the sea coast.

The following applications called for the usage of Sulfate Resisting Cement:

Foundations
Basement and underground structures
Appropriate for underground operations in areas with high Sulphate concentrations in the soil and water.

Sulfate Resistant Cement is not recommended for the following applications:

Dulfate -resistant cement is not recommended in areas prone to chloride attack. This will result in rebar corrosion.
When both chlorides and sulfate are found, use Ordinary Portland Cement with a C3A content of between 5 and 8.

Low heat portland cement

Low Heat Portland Cement is ideal for producing concrete for dams and a variety of other water-retaining structures, such as bridge abutments, large retaining walls, piers, and slabs. When mass concreting, the temperature often rises significantly due to the heat generated as the cement sets and hardens. The following cooling shrinkage creates tensile strains in the concrete, which may result in cracking. It is beneficial to use low heat cement since it generates less heat than OPC. This cement is not readily accessible on the market and must be ordered on a case-by-case basis.

Rapid hardening cement

Rapid Hardening Cement is used for repair and rehabilitation projects that need rapid construction and completion owing to time, space, or other constraints. The cement is intended for use in cold weather concrete applications, i.e. temperatures below 5oC. Rapid hardening cement is essentially the same as OPC, except its fineness is 3250 cm2/g, compared to 2250 cm2/g for OPC. After one day, the compressive strength is 16 N/mm2, and after three days, it is 27 N/mm2. Due to the availability of higher quality OPC in the nation to satisfy these criteria, this cement is neither produced or sold on a regular basis. Only high quality 53 grade OPC can successfully meet the specifications of this cement.

Hydrophobic cement

Hydrophobic Portland Cement is produced to specific specifications for regions with heavy rainfall in order to extend the life of the cement. During production, the cement particles are coated with a chemical that imparts a water repellent characteristic, ensuring that the cement remains unaffected by high humidity and may be kept for an extended time. This must be ordered in advance from the cement manufacturers.