Cement manufacture is not as easy as you think. It can be used only after a long process. Today we will discuss cement types, specifications, and best-quality cement selection.
Cement is the only such construction material that helps to increase the strength of the structure. We use compulsory cement while making any structure. So today we are trying to know about cement.
Cement is the most essential construction material for different types of concrete construction. Without cement, we can’t construct any structure in the present period. So guys today I will talk about important engineering material.
What is Cement?
It is an extremely finely ground product obtained by burning at high temperatures. Specifically, proportioned amounts of calcareous and argillaceous raw materials add nothing else to the burnt product except gypsum in a small percentage.
Cement is a fine Power that is used as a binding material in the building construction. In the present time, cement is the most useful construction material.
The composition of Limestone, Clay, and minerals is heated at a 1450°C Temoreture to create a cement. This temperature triggers chemical reactions that result in the creation of clinker. The cement is made by grinding the clinker into a fine powder.
Most of the buildings are constructed with concrete structures. So without cement can’t create strong concrete. Concrete is the mixing of Water, sand, Cement, and aggregate. But cement played a vital role in the concrete. Pozzolana Portland cement is mostly used in any concrete.
Ingredients of cement and its Functions
1. Lime (60-66)%
The calcium oxide of cement combined with silica from clay and the tricalcium and dicalcium silicate on burning limes are responsible for the settling and hardening properties of cement. Lime is the first ingredient in Cement manufacturing.
2. Silica (18-25)%
It is responsible for the strength of cement.
3. Alumina (-3-8)%
It is responsible for the strength of cement.
It combines with other constituents to form aluminates that are responsible for the quick setting of cement.
Iron Oxide [1-5]%
It is responsible for the color of cement to some extra more ever compound with another ingredient that gives additional strength and hardness to cement.
Calcium sulfate (3-5)%
It prolongs the initial settling time of cement in the absence of gypsum the cement will be very quickly settling it will be set within a few minutes after mixing with water.
Magnesia (1-4)%
Magnesia is useful in importing color and hardness.
Note: Cement manufactures raw materials limestone, clay rock, and gypsum.
Method of Cement manufacture
Generally, Cement manufacturing companies follow the two methods. Such as the Wet process and Dry process. Today I will explore just one which is the Wet method of cement manufacture.
Wet Process
It is considered a better and more convenient process for the manufacture of cement, especially where the limestone of soft variety is available. We can discuss the process below:
Preparation of slurry
In this process, the raw materials are supplied to the kiln in the form of a mixture with a loss of water in it. This is called slurry. To obtain a slurry of standard composition, the raw materials are limestone clay and gypsum. First crushed separately.
Burning
For the burning slurry, a rotary kiln is used. In these skins the length of the drying zone is a layer because the material fell into the kilns with water, all the moisture is driven off from the slurry as it passes through the drying zone.
Treatment of clinker
As the lump-shaped clinker comes out of the kilns it is extremely hot. It is there to pass through the air-cooling rotary cylinder. Therefore after mixing with (3-4)% of gypsum. The product fine cement is to be stored and packed.
Types of cement and its properties
We have seen many types of cement in the market, but you may not know what kind of cement has what kind of property, so I am going to give you a brief information about the types and details of cement.
Rapid Hardening Cement (RHC)
It is manufactured with such adjustments in the preparation of raw materials. So that the cement produced attains maximum strength within 24-72 hr.
Properties
- It contains more tricalcium silicate.
- It is more fine-grained this factor helps quicker and complete hydration of cement particles during settling and helps in gaining early strength.
Low heat cement
It is a type of Portland cement in which a very low amount of heat of hydration is liberated during settling and hardening.
Properties
- The proportion of dicalcium silicate increases to almost double that in ordinary Portland cement.
- The proportion of tricalcium silicate and tricalcium aluminate reduced to about 59%.
Quick settling cement
It is characterized by a quality to set into a stone-like mass within a period of fewer than 30 minutes.
Properties
- The quantity of gypsum reduces.
- The quantity of alumina is increasing.
High alumina cement
It is special-purpose cement that contains alumina in a considerably large proportion (about 40%).
Properties
- It is greater resistant to the corrosive action of acid.
- Although it has a higher initial settling time its final settling time is lower.
Portland slag cement
It is a modified type of Portland cement. Which contains Portland cement (25-65)% by weight of blast furnace slag.
Properties
- The cement has better workability corrosiveness and plasticity.
- It is economical.
Pozzolana cement [PPC]
It is the type of cement in which Portland cement clinker is mixed with definite proportions of pozzolana material like volcanic ash, powdered burnt brick, etc.
Properties
- It produces less heat of hydration.
- It offers greater resistance to sulfate and the corrosive action of seawater.
Colored cement
Any desired color is imported to the Portland cement by mixing with it a definite proportion of mineral pigment.
White cement
It is a special type of cement that in use gives the milky snow-white appearance.
Specifications of Cement
The specifications of cement can vary depending on the country, region, and the intended use of the cement. However, some common specifications of cement include:
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of cement includes the percentage of various compounds like calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and others. These components affect the properties of the cement and its performance in different applications.
Fineness
The fineness of cement is measured by the surface area it occupies per unit of weight. The specific surface area of cement is typically measured in square meters per kilogram (m2/kg) and affects the rate of hydration and strength development of the cement.
Setting time
The setting time of cement is the time it takes for the cement to harden and develop strength. The initial setting time is the time elapsed between the addition of water to the cement and the time when the paste begins to lose its plasticity. The final setting time is the time elapsed between the addition of water to the cement and the time when the paste has completely hardened.
Strength
The strength of cement is a crucial specification and is typically measured in terms of compressive strength. The compressive strength of cement is the maximum load it can bear per unit area without failure.
Consistency
The consistency of cement paste is its ability to flow and fill a given space. The consistency is measured by the amount of water required to make the paste fluid enough to be used in construction.
Soundness
The soundness of cement refers to its ability to maintain its volume after hardening. Soundness is determined by measuring the expansion of the cement after it has been soaked in water.
Features of Cement
The following are some of the main features of cement:
Binding properties
Cement has excellent binding properties, which allow it to bond with other materials like aggregates, sand, and water. This makes it an essential component in the production of concrete, mortar, and other construction materials.
Strength
Cement is a strong and durable material, which gives concrete and other structures made with it the ability to withstand heavy loads and resist weathering and other forms of degradation over time.
Versatility
Cement is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, including the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and dams, as well as in the production of precast concrete products and decorative elements.
Resistance to fire
Cement has good fire-resistant properties, making it an ideal material for use in structures that require high levels of fire resistance, such as industrial buildings and tunnels.
Low cost
Cement is relatively inexpensive compared to other construction materials, which makes it a cost-effective option for many construction projects.
Long-lasting
Structures built with cement are known to be long-lasting, with many structures lasting for decades or even centuries without requiring significant repairs or maintenance.
Sustainability
Cement can be produced using sustainable practices, such as using alternative fuels and raw materials, which can help reduce its environmental impact.
These are some of the key features of cement that make it an essential and versatile material in the construction industry.
How to select the Best Quality Cement?
Selecting the best quality cement is essential to ensure that your construction project is durable, safe, and long-lasting. Here are some factors to consider when selecting high-quality cement:
Brand reputation
Choose a cement brand that has a good reputation in the market and is known for producing high-quality products. You can research online, read customer reviews, and seek recommendations from construction professionals to help you make an informed decision.
Certification
Check if the cement you are considering is certified by a reputable standards organization in your region. Certification ensures that the cement meets the required quality standards.
Manufacturing process
Look for a cement manufacturer that follows good manufacturing practices, including the use of high-quality raw materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and quality control measures.
Strength
The strength of the cement is an important consideration. Check the compressive strength of the cement, which is the maximum load it can bear per unit area without failure. Choose a cement with high compressive strength for applications that require high strength, such as building columns and beams.
Fineness
The fineness of the cement affects its rate of hydration and strength development. Look for cement with fine particle size and a high specific surface area for better performance.
Setting time
The setting time of it is also a crucial factor. Choose a cement with a set time that is suitable for your application. For example, rapid-setting cement may be suitable for some projects, while slower-setting cement may be better for others.
Price
While price should not be the only consideration, it is still an important factor to consider. Compare the prices of different brands of cement and choose one that offers good quality at a reasonable price.
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