Types of Cement and Their Uses
1. Ordinary Portland Cement
This method is typically used for general civil construction purposes such as plastering, flooring, and masonry. It is suitable for concrete grades up to M20. This type of cement features low compressive strength and low heat hydration which ensures lesser cracking.
2.Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is a type of cement that is produced by blending Portland cement clinker with pozzolanic materials such as fly ash, volcanic ash, or silica fumes. PPC is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to chemical attacks. It is commonly used in the construction of dams, bridges, and other large-scale infrastructure projects.
3.Rapid Hardening Cement
Rapid Hardening Cement sets and hardens faster than OPC and is used to speed up the construction process. It is particularly useful for repair work, precast concrete products, and other applications where early strength gain is important.
4. Extra Rapid Hardening Cement
Extra Rapid Hardening Cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens even faster than Rapid Hardening Cement. It is used for specialized construction work like precast concrete products, road construction, and other applications where quick setting and hardening is required.
5.Low Heat Portland Cement (LHPC)
Low Heat Portland Cement (LHPC) is a type of cement that generates less heat during the hydration process compared to OPC. It is used for large-scale constructions such as dams and bridges, where the heat generated during the setting and hardening process can cause thermal cracking.
6. Quick Setting Cement
Quick Setting Cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens quickly, even underwater. It is useful for construction work in areas with high water tables or where underwater construction is required.
7.Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC)
Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) is a type of cement that is resistant to the damaging effects of sulphates, which are commonly found in soils and groundwater. SRPC is used in construction of foundations, underground structures, and other applications where exposure to sulphates is a concern.
8. Blast Furnace Slag Cement (BFSC)
Blast Furnace Slag Cement (BFSC) is a type of cement that is made by blending granulated blast furnace slag with OPC. It is known for its low heat of hydration, high durability, and resistance to chemical attacks. BFSC is commonly used in construction of marine structures, dams, and other infrastructure projects.
9.White Cement
White Cement is a type of cement that is made by using raw materials that are low in iron and magnesium. It is known for its high strength, whiteness, and durability. White cement is used in construction of architectural structures, decorative finishes, and other applications where aesthetics are a concern.
10. Coloured Cement
Coloured cement, also known as pigmented cement, is a type of hydraulic cement that’s mixed with pigments (5 to 10% pigment) to achieve a range of colours. The pigments used in coloured cement can be synthetic or natural and are available in a variety of shades. Coloured cement is used primarily for decorative purposes, such as in the construction of concrete countertops, flooring, and paving.