Cement types

Types of Cement — Properties, Uses, Pros & Cons

Quick reference notes with flowcharts, diagrams and printable layout.

Overview Flowchart: Choosing a Cement Type

Figure: Decision flow to select cement type based on project needs.

Quick Chips

OPC — Ordinary Portland Cement

PPC — Portland Pozzolana Cement

PSC — Portland Slag Cement

SR — Sulfate Resisting

RH — Rapid Hardening

Usage Summary

• OPC: General construction, small works, when early strength not critical.
• PPC: Sustainable choice, good for mass concrete and durability.
• PSC: For marine works, chloride resistance & low heat.
• Rapid Hardening: Repairs, cold weather, fast turnover.

Type — Properties — Typical Uses

Type	Key Properties	Common Uses
OPC (43/53 grade)	General binder, predictable strength gain, moderate heat	Buildings, pavements, beams, slabs
PPC (Pozzolana blend)	Lower heat, improved sulfate resistance, slower early strength	Mass concrete, marine, sustainability-driven projects
PSC / GGBS	Very low heat, good chloride resistance, dense matrix	Ports, coastal structures, structures with chloride exposure
Rapid Hardening OPC	High early strength (within days), higher C3S	Repairs, precast, winter concreting
Sulfate Resisting Cement	Low C3A content, resists sulfate attack	Sulfate bearing soils, foundations, sewage works

Notes on Grades

OPC grades (e.g., 33/43/53 or IS equivalents) indicate characteristic compressive strength at 28 days (MPa). Selection depends on structural design.

Specialty & Other Cements

Type	Key Properties	Use Cases
White Cement	Very low iron content, high aesthetic finish	Architectural finishes, terrazzo, precast decorative elements
High Alumina Cement (Calcium Aluminate)	Rapid strength, heat resistant, chemically different hydration	Refractory works, chemical resistant linings, rapid repairs
Oil-well Cement	Designed to set under pressure and high temp; sulfate and salt resistance	Well cementing in petroleum industry
Hydrophobic Cement	Repels moisture, improved storage in wet climates	Monsoonal supply, pre-packaged mortars
Expansive Cement	Controlled expansion to offset shrinkage	Grouting, shrinkage-critical elements

Pros & Cons — Common Types

Type	Pros	Cons / Watch-outs
OPC	Widespread, predictable, cost-effective	Higher CO2 footprint, higher heat vs blended cements
PPC	Better durability, lower heat & CO2, economical for mass works	Slower early strength—may require longer formwork times
PSC	Excellent chloride resistance, low heat	Availability varies; careful specification required
Rapid Hardening	Fast turnover, early demoulding	Higher cost; may generate more heat
Sulfate Resisting	Protects against sulfate attack in soils/waters	Usually costlier; unnecessary in benign environments

Key Cement Components & Hydration (SVG Diagram)

Figure: Clinker phases (simplified) and their role in strength & setting.

Selection Checklist (Before Specifying Cement)

• Identify exposure class (sulfate/chloride/freeze-thaw).
• Decide early strength needs (formwork/turnover).
• Consider thermal control for mass concrete.
• Evaluate sustainability targets (SCM % & embodied CO2).
• Check local availability & consistency of product.
• Perform trial mixes for workability & compatibility with admixtures.

Compatibility, Storage & Field Quality Control

A few practical notes for site engineers and specifiers:

• Storage: Keep cement dry — palletize, cover and use FIFO.
• Admixture Compatibility: Run trial mixes; some superplasticizers react differently with PPC/PSC.
• Batching Basis: Use SSD aggregates and correct for absorption/wet surface moisture.
• Sampling & Testing: Periodic strength tests, fineness checks and setting time as per standards.

Notes & Further Reading

These notes are educational. Refer to your national standards (e.g., IS/BS/EN) and manufacturer datasheets for limits, composition and certification. For structural designs use the cement grade specified in contract documents.

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