15 Types of Cement and Their Common Uses in Construction

April 6th 2023

Cement is one of the most amazing and versatile materials out there! It's used in everything from towering skyscrapers to adorable garden gnomes (seriously, have you ever tried making a garden gnome without cement? Not easy). Cement has played a crucial role in building the world around us. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, types and best practices regarding cement.

What is Cement?

But what exactly is cement, you might be wondering? 

Well, it's basically a powder made from crushed rocks and minerals that's mixed with water to create a paste. Essentially it is a dry powder made by heating limestone and other materials, which hardens when mixed with water and is used to bind things together like bricks or stones. When that paste dries, it hardens into a solid material that's incredibly strong and durable.

Importance of Cement

Cement is an essential material in construction because it provides strength, durability, and resistance to weathering and other environmental factors. It also contributes to the overall stability and integrity of the structure.

Plus, using cement can be a lot of fun. Have you ever tried making your own concrete planter or stepping stones? It's like playing in the world's heaviest sandbox. And there's something incredibly satisfying about watching that paste turn into a rock-solid structure that you can be proud of.

Characteristics of Cement

Cement is a remarkable building material that's been used for centuries in construction projects of all sizes. It's incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from foundations to decorative elements. But what are the characteristics that make cement such a valuable and enduring material? Let's take a closer look.

Strong

First of all, cement is incredibly strong. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that dries into a rock-solid material that can withstand incredible amounts of pressure and weight. This makes it ideal for building foundations, bridges, and other structures that need to be able to support heavy loads.

Durability

Another important characteristic of cement is its durability. Once it's hardened, it can resist the effects of weathering, erosion, and other forms of damage for decades or even centuries. This means that structures built with cement can last for a very long time, making them a great investment for any construction project.

Versatile

Cement is also incredibly versatile. Depending on the specific type of cement that's used, it can be adapted to suit a wide variety of construction projects. For example, some types of cement are designed to set quickly, which makes them ideal for repairs or other projects where time is of the essence. Others are designed to be more resistant to chemicals or extreme temperatures, which makes them ideal for industrial or heavy-duty applications.

Workability

Another important characteristic of cement is its workability. When mixed with water, it can be molded and shaped into a wide variety of forms, making it ideal for decorative and architectural projects. Whether you're building a simple retaining wall or a complex sculpture, cement can be shaped and molded to fit your needs.

Types of Cement and Their Common Uses in Construction

Cement is a key component of concrete, which is one of the most widely used building materials in construction. It is an essential material that provides strength and durability to concrete structures, making them strong and long-lasting. Let us discuss 15 cement types and their common uses in construction, as well as their uses, pros and cons.

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

OPC is the most commonly used type of cement, made from raw materials including limestone, clay, and iron ore.

Cement Uses: OPC is used for general construction purposes such as building foundations, walls, and floors, as well as for infrastructure projects like bridges and highways.

Pros: OPC is known for its strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for most construction projects.

Cons: OPC generates heat during the curing process, which can cause thermal cracking in large concrete structures.

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

PPC is a type of cement that is made by blending Portland cement with pozzolanic materials such as fly ash, volcanic ash, or silica fume.

Cement Uses: PPC is used for general construction purposes as well as for projects that require high durability and resistance to corrosion.

Pros: PPC is more resistant to chemical attacks and can reduce the overall carbon footprint of the construction project.

Cons: PPC requires more time to achieve full strength compared to OPC.

Rapid-Hardening Cement

Rapid-hardening cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens quickly.

Cement Uses: It is used in situations where quick setting is required, such as for repair work or in precast concrete production.

Pros: Rapid-hardening cement is ideal for emergency repair work or when a fast turnaround is required.

Cons: It can be more expensive than OPC and can be difficult to control the setting time.

Extra-Rapid-Hardening Cement

Extra-rapid-hardening cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens even faster than rapid-hardening cement.

Cement Uses: It is used for emergency repairs and in situations where time is of the essence.

Pros: Extra-rapid-hardening cement can be a lifesaver when quick repairs are needed.

Cons: It is more expensive than other types of cement and requires careful handling due to its fast-setting nature.

Quick-Setting Cement

Quick-setting cement is a type of cement that sets quickly and achieves its full strength within a short time.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require fast setting, such as for patching and repair work.

Pros: Quick-setting cement can significantly reduce the project time and labor costs.

Cons: It can be more expensive than other types of cement, and its fast-setting nature can make it difficult to handle and work with.

Low-Heat Cement

Low-heat cement is a type of cement that generates less heat during the curing process.

Cement Uses: It is used for large concrete structures, such as dams and bridges, where the heat generated by OPC can cause thermal cracking.

Pros: Low-heat cement reduces the risk of thermal cracking and can improve the long-term durability of large concrete structures.

Cons: It can be more expensive than OPC and may require longer curing times.

Sulfate-Resisting Cement

Sulfate-resisting cement is a type of cement that is resistant to sulfate attack, which can occur in soils and water containing sulfates.

Cement Uses: It is used for construction in areas with high sulfate content in the soil or water.

Pros: Sulfate-resisting cement can improve the durability of concrete structures in areas with high sulfate content.

Cons: It is more expensive than other types of cement and can be difficult to source.

Blast Furnace Slag Cement

Blast furnace slag cement is a type of cement that is made by grinding together blast furnace slag and Portland cement clinker.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require high durability and resistance to chemical attacks

Pros: Blast furnace slag cement is a more sustainable option as it uses waste materials from steel manufacturing. It also offers good resistance to chloride penetration and sulfate attack.

Cons: It can take longer to achieve full strength compared to OPC, and the availability may be limited in some areas.

High-Alumina Cement

High-alumina cement is a type of cement that is made by fusing limestone and bauxite.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require high early strength, high temperature resistance, and resistance to chemical attack.

Pros: High-alumina cement offers excellent early strength and is resistant to high temperatures and chemical attacks.

Cons: It is more expensive than OPC and requires special handling due to its high heat of hydration.

White Cement

White cement is a type of cement that is made by using raw materials that are low in iron oxide content, such as limestone and kaolin.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require a clean and bright appearance, such as for decorative purposes.

Pros: White cement offers a smooth and clean finish, making it ideal for decorative and architectural purposes.

Cons: It is more expensive than OPC and may not be as readily available in some areas.

Colored Cement

Colored cement is a type of cement that is made by adding pigments to OPC or white cement.

Cement Uses: It is used for decorative purposes, such as for colored concrete floors, walls, and facades.

Pros: Colored cement offers a wide range of color options and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of concrete structures.

Cons: It can be more expensive than other types of cement and may require more care in handling to avoid color variations.

Air-Entraining Cement

Air-entraining cement is a type of cement that contains air-entraining agents, which create small air bubbles in the concrete.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require increased durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

Pros: Air-entraining cement can improve the workability and durability of concrete, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Cons: It can be more expensive than OPC and may require longer curing times.

Expansive Cement

Expansive cement is a type of cement that expands slightly during the curing process.

Cement Uses: It is used for projects that require controlled expansion, such as for bridge decks and concrete pavements.

Pros: Expansive cement can reduce the risk of cracking and improve the long-term durability of concrete structures.

Cons: It can be more expensive than other types of cement and may require special handling to prevent excessive expansion.

Hydrographic Cement

Hydrographic cement is a type of cement that is used in underwater construction.

Cement Uses: It is designed to set and harden quickly when exposed to water.

Pros: Hydrographic cement can reduce the project time and labor costs for underwater construction projects.

Cons: It may not be as readily available in some areas and requires careful handling to avoid setting before it is used.

Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC)

Portland-limestone cement is a type of cement that is made by blending Portland cement with limestone.

Cement Uses: It is used for general construction purposes and offers a lower carbon footprint compared to OPC.

Pros: Portland-limestone cement can reduce the environmental impact of construction projects and offers good durability and workability.

Cons: It may not be as strong as OPC and may require special handling due to its lower early strength.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cement

When choosing the right type of cement for a particular construction project, there are several key factors to consider. These include:

• Climate conditions: The climate of the construction site can affect the curing and setting time of the cement, as well as its strength and durability.
• Project timeline: The timeline of the project can affect the choice of cement, as some types of cement have faster setting times than others.
• Budget: The cost of the cement is a major consideration, as different types of cement have different prices.
• Specific project requirements: The specific requirements of the project, such as strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, can influence the choice of cement.

Best Practices for Handling and Storing Cement

To ensure the quality and performance of cement, it is important to follow best practices for handling and storing it. These include:

• Storing cement in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Using appropriate storage containers and labeling them with the type and date of the cement.
• Handling cement carefully to avoid damaging the packaging or contaminating the cement.
• Using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and respiratory masks, when handling cement.

Popular Brands of Cement

Here are some of the most popular brands of cement are Union Cement Company (UCC), Gulf Cement Company (GCC), National Cement Company (NCC) and Ras Al Khaimah Cement Company (RAKCC)

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of cement is crucial for the success of any construction project. By understanding the different types of cement and their common uses in construction, as well as the factors to consider when choosing cement and best practices for handling and storing it, homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, construction industry professionals, procurement managers, civil engineers, construction project managers, interior decorators, and hobbyists can make informed decisions about their cement needs.

FAQs

What is Portland cement?

Portland cement is a type of hydraulic cement made by heating limestone and clay in a kiln and grinding the resulting clinker into a fine powder. It is the most commonly used type of cement in construction.

What is water-cement ratio?

Water-cement ratio is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a concrete mix. It is an important factor in determining the strength and durability of concrete.

What's the relation between cement and concrete?

Cement is a key ingredient in concrete, which is a mixture of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), and water. Cement acts as the binding agent that holds the other components together and gives concrete its strength and durability.

What are cement specifications?

Cement specifications are a set of standards that define the physical and chemical properties of cement, including strength, setting time, and composition. These specifications are used to ensure that cement meets the required quality standards for a particular application.

What are the strongest types of cement?

The strongest types of cement include high-performance Portland cement, ultra-high-performance concrete, and geopolymer cement. These types of cement have higher compressive strengths and greater durability than standard Portland cement.

Which cement is best?

The best type of cement to use depends on the specific application and requirements of the project. Some popular types of cement include Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and White Cement.

Which cement is used for plastering?

Cement used for plastering is typically a mix of OPC and sand, although some specialized plasters may use other types of cement such as gypsum or lime.

How to remove cement from tiles?

To remove cement from tiles, use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial cement remover. Apply the solution to the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or scraper.

What type of cement is used for walls?

The type of cement used for walls depends on the specific application and requirements of the project. Typically, OPC or PPC is used for masonry walls, while specialized plasters may use other types of cement.

Which cement is best for roof?

The type of cement best suited for a roof depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as strength, durability, and water resistance. OPC or PPC are commonly used for roofing applications.

What is cementation?

Cementation is a process in which minerals are deposited in the pore spaces of sedimentary rocks, filling the spaces between the grains and binding them together into a solid mass.

What is the most long lasting cement?

The most long-lasting cement is typically high-performance Portland cement or ultra-high-performance concrete, which have greater durability and resistance to weathering and other forms of damage.

How many types of cement?

There are several different types of cement, including Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), White Cement, Rapid-Hardening Cement, and many others.

How to use white cement?

White cement can be used in a wide variety of applications, including decorative concrete, precast concrete products, and tile grouts. It should be mixed with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and used within the recommended time frame.

Which cement is best for slab?

The type of cement best suited for a slab depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as strength, durability, and water resistance. OPC or PPC are commonly used for slab applications.

Which cement is best for concrete?

The best type of cement for concrete depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as strength, durability, and workability. OPC or PPC are commonly used for most concrete applications.

How to check cement

To check the quality of cement, several tests can be conducted, such as fineness test, consistency test, and strength test.