Introduction

Cement is one of the most important building materials used in the world. It is a crucial component of the construction industry and is used extensively to build structures such as roads, bridges, buildings and dams.

It is a binding material that is used to hold different substances together, such as sand, gravel and concrete. Cement is produced by grinding and mixing different raw materials such as limestone, clay, iron ore and gypsum.

There are several varieties of cement available in the market. Each with its unique properties and characteristics. In this article, we will discuss the various types of cement and their application.

Types of Cement

1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Ordinary Portland Cement or OPC is the most commonly used type of cement and is produced by grinding and mixing clinker, gypsum and other materials such as limestone and clay. OPC is the most commonly used type of cement in the world due to its,

versatility, strength and durability. It is majorly employed for a wide range of applications, including the construction of buildings, bridges, highways and other infrastructure projects.

 It is also used in the manufacturing of pre-cast concrete products such as blocks, pipes and tiles. OPC is further classified into different grades, depending on its compressive strength. It is a hydraulic cement,

which means that it sets and hardens when mixed with water. Thus forming a strong and durable bond with other materials.

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

Portland Pozzolana Cement or PPC is a type of cement that is very similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but it also contains pozzolanic substances such as fly ash, volcanic ash, and calcined clay.

The addition of Pozzolanic materials makes the cement more resistant to chemicals, enhances workability and improves durability. It is widely used in construction projects due to the advantages it offers over OPC. It has a lower rate of hydration,

 which reduces the risk of cracking and shrinkage. Hence it is an ideal choice for large construction projects. It also produces less amount of Carbon Dioxide during its production which makes it more environmentally,

 friendly than OPC.  In addition to this, PPC offers better pumpability due to its fine particle size distribution. Thus, making it provide better long-term strength and durability, making it suitable for the construction of structures,

in coastal area that is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions.

3. Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC)

This makes it useful in situations where quick construction is necessary or when early strength is required. It is produced by grinding a mixture of clinker, gypsum, silica, alumina and iron. The fineness of these ingredients allows the cement to hydrate and harden quickly,

resulting in early strength development. This cement usually gains 75% of its strength within three days of casting. RHC is used in the construction of precast concrete elements where quick turnaround times are required.  It is commonly used in the construction of highways, airstrips and bridges where early strength is necessary to ensure safe and efficient use.

It is also useful in cold weather concreting as it gains strength faster in lower temperatures. However, RHC is not recommended for use in structures that require long-term strength development,

because it may lose its strength over time due to its high level of heat hydration.

4. Low-Heat Cement

Low-heat cement is a special type of cement that generates less heat during the hydration process than OPC. This makes it suitable for use in large concrete structures. It makes sure that cracking or structural problems are not caused during the curing process. 

The lower heat during hydration is achieved by using a lower percentage of tricalcium aluminate in the cement mix. This helps in slowing down the curing process. Low-heat cement is used in large,

construction projects such as dams, bridges and high-rise buildings where the risk of cracking due to heat build-up is a major concern. These are also used in projects that require a long curing time. Such as in structures underwater or in extremely cold temperatures.

5. Sulphate Resistant Cement (SRC)

Cement Resistant to Sulfates or SRC is a type of hydraulic cement that is designed to resist the damaging effect of sulphates. Sulphate attacks can occur when sulphates present in the soil come into contact with the concrete.

It causes the formation of expansive products which leads to cracking and structural damage. SRC is made by reducing the amount of Tricalcium Aluminate in the cement mix and increasing,

the amount of Dicalcium Silicate and Tricalcium Silicate. This contributes to the strength and durability of the cement. SRC is commonly used in construction which could be exposed to sulphates, such as building foundations, retaining walls and underground structures.

 It is also used in marine construction as saltwater containing sulfates can damage the conventional cement structure.

6. White Cement

White Cement is majorly used in architectural and decorative applications where a pure white or light-coloured appearance is desired. The manufacturing process of white cement is similar to that of grey cement.

But some modifications are made in terms of raw material composition and production process. It is made from raw materials such as limestone, kaolin and gypsum. They are then processed to get rid of all the impurities. This gives it a brighter and more consistent colour.

White cement is used for decorating interiors such as creating sculptures and ornamental structures. It is also used in precast concrete elements. Additionally, it is used in constructions where a light-coloured finish is preferred, such as swimming pools, artificial walls and fountains.

7. Coloured Cement

Coloured cement is a type of cement that has mineral-based pigments such as iron oxide and chromium oxide added to it which gives it a specific colour. This allows the cement to be used in decorative architectural applications,

where the colour of the cement is an important part of the design. Coloured cement is available in a wide range of colours including red, yellow, brown, green, blue and black.

The colour of the cement can also be customised to match a specific colour or shade, by blending different pigments. This cement is commonly used for creating coloured concrete floors, walls and paving stones. It is also used for creating coloured concrete blocks and retaining walls.

FAQs

1. Which is the most common type of cement used worldwide?

Ans. Ordinary Portland Cement or OPC is the most common type of cement used worldwide.

2. Which is the best cement to be used for construction in coastal areas?

Ans. Portland Pozzolana Cement is the best choice for construction in coastal areas as its properties and material composition allow it to withstand harsh weather conditions.

3. Which cement achieves the most strength in a short period?

Ans. Rapid Hardening Cement achieves most of its strength in a very short period.

4. Which cement is the best for the construction of heat-sensitive structures?

Ans. Low Heat Cement is the best choice for constructions that are heat sensitive as it produces less heat during the hydration process.

5. Which cement is used for the construction of structures that are exposed to sulphates?

Ans. Sulphate Resistant Cement is the best for the construction of structures that are exposed to sulphates.

6. Which cement is used for decorative purposes of interiors or architectural landscapes?

Ans. White and Coloured cement is used for almost all decorative purposes.