10 Top Types of Cement in Construction

There are different types of cement available in the market. These types are obtained by changing the chemical composition of the cement properties. The main types of cement are:

1. Rapid Hardening Cement
2. Low Heat Cement
3. Portland Pozzolana Cement
4. Portland Slag Cement 
5. High Strength Ordinary Portland Cement
6. Quick Setting Cement
7. Hydrophobic Cement
8. Expansive Cement
9. Coloured Cement
10. Sulfate Resistant Cement

1. Rapid Hardening Cement

• Strength is attained by this cement rapidly
• The composition has a high amount of C3S and less amount of C2S and the cement is finer
• The unique composition hence increases the rate of gain of strength
• Application in areas like the repair of bridge decks and precast products as the construction must not be delayed.

2. Low Heat Cement

• Used in the construction site where the heat of hydration required is less thus reducing the chances of crack formation in structures.
• The composition is in a lesser amount of C3A and C3S while the amount of C2S is increased.
• Used in the construction of bridges and abutments and not used for those structures whose shuttering process is earlier.

3. Portland Pozzolana Cement

• Pozzolana is siliceous material which has cementitious property. Pozzolana cement is manufactured by grinding both portland cement clinker and pozzolana.
• This cement produces less heat of hydration and has good chemical resistance.
• Best used for marine constructions and mass concreting
• Portland Pozzolana has less production cost compared to OPC.

4. Portland Slag Cement

• Slag is the waste product of the steel industry.
• Portland slag cement is obtained by grinding Portland cement clinker and slag( not greater than 65%) with gypsum.
• Strength of these cements is low
• The curing period is high
• Resistance to sulfates and alkalis are high
• The heat of hydration is less
• Application in mass concreting and marine structures.

5. High Strength Ordinary Portland Cement

• Increase of C3S and fineness increase the strength
• All properties except compressive strength are similar to that of OPC
• Application in prestressed concreting, railway sleepers and precast members

6. Quick Setting Cement

• This type of cement have quick setting property
• This cement hence contain reduced gypsum content
• Best for underwater construction and grouting.

7. Hydrophobic Cement

• This cement is manufactured by grounding ordinary portland cement clinker with oleic acid and stearic acid, which is water repelling acid.
• This acid forms a film around the cement particles thus protecting it from moisture attack. 
• This film helps the cement to be protected from rainfall and moisture and stored for a long period in such areas.
• During construction addition of water to hydrophobic cement breaks the film and later normal hardening of cement takes place.
• Initial strength gain is less compared to OPC but by the 28th day, the strength is attained.

8. Expansive Cement

• An expansive medium sulpho aluminate and a stabilizing agent is added to OPC
• This will avoid shrinking properties seen in OPC and make the cement expansive in nature.
• Application in the construction of machine foundation, rehabilitation works, and water retaining structures.

9. Colored Cement

• Mineral pigments are added to cement to get the desired color.
• The quantity added maybe 5 to 10%.
• Application in artificial marbles, external surfaces, and floor construction.

10. Sulfate-resistant cement

• Sulfate Resisting Portland Cement is a type of Portland cement in which the amount of Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) is restricted to lower than 5 % and (2 C3A + C4AF) is lower than 25%.
• The use of SRC is particularly beneficial in such conditions where the concrete is exposed to the risk of deterioration due to sulfate attack.
• Applications are in Foundations, piles, Basements, and underground structures.

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