Cement is nothing but a mineral powder produced using limestone, clay and marl. It can remain in its hardened state once that state is reached. Quite amazing, isn’t it?

Quite amazing how it holds the structure together for years and years. As a matter of fact, decades.

It ensures the stability and reliability of the application.

We all know Cement is the key ingredient in the Construction works. But did you know, that Cement also comes in various types?

Yes, it does.
There are a total of 15 types of Cement.

Ordinary Portland Cement:

Comes in three grades: 33, 43 & 53.
They are commonly used in Construction Projects.

Composed using Lime, Alumina, Iron Oxide & Silica.

Advantages:
Initial Setting time is faster.
Great resistance to cracks.

Disadvantages:
Cannot be used for Mass Concreting.
Durability is comparatively lesser than PPC.
Costlier than PPC.
Lower fineness.

Rapid Hardening Portland Cement:

This Cement is generally preferred when Speed & Time is important. In this Cement, Tricalcium Silicate is more and less Dicalcium Silicate.

Advantages:
Final Strength is higher than OPC.
Requires less amount of water during curing.
Hardens in a shorter period of time.

Disadvantages:
Creates a large amount of heat.
Cost is 10% higher than OPC.
Cannot be used for underwater structures.

Portland Slag Cement:

 Made by inter-grinding Portland Cement Clinker & Granulated Blast furnace slag. It is suitable for environment which is exposed to sulphates.

Advantages:
Reduces the risk of reinforcement corrosion.
Provides higher resistance to attacks by soils and acidic water containing alkali metals.
Strength Development.
Prevention against Cracks.
Eco-friendly.

Disadvantages:
Lower Initial Strength.
Cannot be used for emergency or repair works.

Portland Pozzolana Cement

Made using pozzolanic materials such as Fly Ash & Calcinated Clay. It is generally preferred in Mass Concreting.

Advantages:
Generates less heat of hydration.
Durability.
Economical than OPC.
Can be used in hydraulic as well as marine structures.

Disadvantages:
Setting time is longer.
Reduces the resistance to corrosion.
Less rate of development of strength initially.

Hydrophobic Portland Cement

Made with inter-grinding Portland Cement with 0.1% – 0.4% of Oleic & Stearic Acid. It has Water-repellent properties.

Advantages:
Provides Durable Repairs.
Sets & Hardens Fast.
Can fix leaks.
Can be used in structures that are exposed to rain.
Majorly used in underground constructions.

Disadvantages:
Expensive.
Does not work on frozen surfaces.
Needs skilled labor & favorable climatic conditions.

Low Heat Portland Cement

Contains high rate of Dicalcium Silicate & lesser rate of Tricalcium Silicate. Suitable for Mass Concreting Construction like Gravity Dams.

Advantages:
High Final Strength.
Sulphate Corrosion Resistance.
Good resistance to rupture.
Minimizes thermal cracking.
Increased workability in marine concrete works.

Disadvantages:
Cannot be used in cold weather conditions.
Costlier than OPC.
Initial Strength Gain is lower than OPC.

Sulphate-resisting Portland Cement

Contains 5% of Tricalcium Aluminate. It is ground finer than OPC. Used in locations where Sulphates are present in the air or soil.

Advantages:
Very high compressive strength.
Very low heat of hydration.
Improves durability even in aggressive conditions.
Improves Corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages:
Cannot be used where there is a danger of Chloride attack.
Curing process needs to be done with extreme care for at least 10 days.
Cannot be used in Marine constructions.