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:
- Rapid Hardening Cement
- Low Heat Cement
- Portland Pozzolana Cement
- Portland Slag Cement
- High Strength Ordinary Portland Cement
- Quick Setting Cement
- Hydrophobic Cement
- Expansive Cement
- Coloured Cement
- 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.
Read More: How to Choose Cement?