Classification of Cement

Classification of Cement

1. Definition and Importance:

   • Cement is a crucial component in construction, acting as a binding agent.

2. Types of Cement:

   • Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Most common; used in general construction.
   • Rapid Hardening Cement: Gains strength quicker than OPC; ideal for early removal of formworks.
   • Low Heat Cement: Less heat during hydration; used for large-scale concreting, such as dams.
   • Sulfate Resisting Cement: Resistant to sulfate attack; suited for structures in contact with high sulfate soils.
   • Blast Furnace Slag Cement: Enhanced durability and reduced heat of hydration; made from by-products of iron production.
   • High Alumina Cement: Rapid strength gain, high temperature resistance; often used in refractory applications.
   • White Cement: Used for decorative and architectural projects due to its aesthetic appearance.
   • Colored Cement: Pigment-added for decorative concrete; often seen in floors, pathways.

3. Key Properties:

   • Setting Time: Duration to start and complete hardening.
   • Strength: Compressive strength assessed at various intervals.
   • Heat of Hydration: Amount of heat released during the hydration process.

4. Applications:

   • General Building Construction: OPC and Rapid Hardening Cement.
   • Large Structures: Low Heat Cement.
   • Sulfate-Exposed Areas: Sulfate Resisting Cement.
   • Industrial Applications: High Alumina Cement.
   • Aesthetic Projects: White and Colored Cement.
   • Environmentally Reacted Concreting: Blast Furnace Slag Cement.

By summarizing the text into main types, key properties, and applications, these study notes provide a clear and structured overview of cement classification.