There are various types of cement used in concrete construction.

Each type of cement has

its own properties, uses and advantages based on composition materials used during its
manufacture.

13 Types of Cement and their Uses

1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

3. Rapid Hardening Cement

4. Quick setting cement

5. Low Heat Cement

6. Sulphates resisting cement

7. Blast Furnace Slag Cement

8. High Alumina Cement

9. White Cement

10. Coloured cement

11. Air Entraining Cement

12. Expansive cement

13. Hydrographic cement

1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Ordinary Portland cement is the most widely used type of cement which is suitable for all
general concrete construction. It is most widely produced and used type of cement around
the world with annual global production of around 3.8 million cubic meters per year.
This cement is suitable for all type of concrete construction.

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

Portland pozzolana cement is prepared by grinding pozzolanic clinker with Portland
cement. It is also produced by adding pozzolana with the addition of gypsum or calcium
sulfate or by intimately and uniformly blending portland cement and fine pozzolana.

This cement has high resistance to various chemical attacks on concrete compared with
ordinary portland cement and thus it is widely used. It is used in marine structures,
sewage works, sewage works and for laying concrete under water such as bridges, piers,
dams and mass concrete works etc.

3. Rapid Hardening Cement

Rapid hardening cement attains high strength in early days it is used in concrete where
formworks are removed at an early stage and is similar to ordinary portland cement
(OPC). This cement has increased lime content and contains higher c3s content and finer
grinding which gives greater strength development than OPC at an early stage.
The strength of rapid hardening cement at the 3 days is similar to 7 days strength of OPC
with the same water-cement ratio. Thus, advantage of this cement is that formwork can
be removed earlier which increases the rate of construction and decreases cost of
construction by saving formwork cost.

Rapid hardening cement is used in prefabricated concrete construction, road works, etc.

4. Quick setting cement

The difference between the quick setting cement and rapid hardening cement is that quick
setting cement sets earlier while rate of gain of strength is similar to Ordinary Portland
Cement, while rapid hardening cement gains strength quickly. Formworks in both cases
can be removed earlier.

Quick setting cement is used where works is to be completed in very short period and for
concreting in static or running water.

5. Low Heat Cement

Low heat cement is prepared by maintaining the percentage of tricalcium aluminate
below 6% by increasing the proportion of C2S. This makes the concrete to produce low
heat of hydration and thus is used in mass concrete construction like gravity dams, as the
low heat of hydration prevents the cracking of concrete due to heat.

This cement has increased power against sulphates and is less reactive and initial setting
time is greater than OPC.

6. Sulphates Resisting Cement

Sulfate resisting cement is used to reduce the risk of sulphate attack on concrete and thus
is used in construction of foundations where soil has high sulphate content. This cement
has reduced contents of C3A and C4AF.

Sulfate resisting cement is used in construction exposed to severe sulphate action by

water and soil in places like canals linings, culverts, retaining walls, siphons etc.

7. Blast Furnace Slag Cement

Blast furnace slag cement is obtained by grinding the clinkers with about 60% slag and
resembles more or less in properties of Portland cement. It can be used for works
economic considerations is predominant.

8. High Alumina Cement

High alumina cement is obtained by melting mixture of bauxite and lime and grinding
with the clinker. It is a rapid hardening cement with initial and final setting time of about
3.5 and 5 hours respectively.

The compressive strength of this cement is very high and more workable than ordinary
portland cement and is used in works where concrete is subjected to high temperatures,
frost, and acidic action.

9. White Cement
It is prepared from raw materials free from Iron oxide and is a type of ordinary portland
cement which is white in color. It is costlier and is used for architectural purposes such as
precast curtain wall and facing panels, terrazzo surface etc. and for interior and exterior
decorative work like external renderings of buildings, facing slabs, floorings, ornamental
concrete products, paths of gardens, swimming pools etc.

10. Colored cement

It is produced by mixing 5- 10% mineral pigments with ordinary cement. They are
widely used for decorative works in floors.

11. Air Entraining Cement

Air entraining cement is produced by adding indigenous air entraining agents such as
resins, glues, sodium salts of sulphates etc. during the grinding of clinker.

This type of cement is especially suited to improve the workability with smaller water
cement ratio and to improve frost resistance of concrete.

12. Expansive Cement

Expansive cement expands slightly with time and does not shrink during and after the
time of hardening . This cement is mainly used for grouting anchor bolts and prestressed
concrete ducts.

13. Hydrographic cement

Hydrographic cement is prepared by mixing water repelling chemicals and has high
workability and strength. It has the property of repelling water and is unaffected during
monsoon or rains. Hydrophobic cement is mainly used for the construction of water
structures such dams, water tanks, spillways, water retaining structures etc.
Cement, a popular binding material, is a very important civil engineering material. This
article concerns the physical and chemical properties of cement, as well as the methods to
test cement properties.

Physical Properties of Cement

Different blends of cement used in construction are characterized by their physical
properties. Some key parameters control the quality of cement. The physical properties
of good cement are based on:

• Fineness of cement
• Soundness
• Consistency
• Strength
• Setting time
• Heat of hydration
• Loss of ignition
• Bulk density
• Specific gravity (Relative density)

These physical properties are discussed in details in the following segment. Also, you will
find the test names associated with these physical properties.

Fineness of Cement
The size of the particles of the cement is its fineness. The required fineness of good
cement is achieved through grinding the clinker in the last step of cement production
process. As hydration rate of cement is directly related to the cement particle size,
fineness of cement is very important.

Soundness of Cement
Soundness refers to the ability of cement to not shrink upon hardening. Good quality
cement retains its volume after setting without delayed expansion, which is caused by
excessive free lime and magnesia.
Tests:
Unsoundness of cement may appear after several years, so tests for ensuring soundness
must be able to determine that potential.

• Le Chatelier Test
This method, done by using Le Chatelier Apparatus, tests the expansion of cement
due to lime. Cement paste (normal consistency) is taken between glass slides and
submerged in water for 24 hours at 20+1°C. It is taken out to measure the distance
between the indicators and then returned under water, brought to boil in 25-30 mins
and boiled for an hour. After cooling the device, the distance between indicator
points is measured again. In a good quality cement, the distance should not exceed
10 mm.
• Autoclave Test
Cement paste (of normal consistency) is placed in an autoclave (high-pressure
steam vessel) and slowly brought to 2.03 MPa, and then kept there for 3 hours. The
change in length of the specimen (after gradually bringing the autoclave to room
temperature and pressure) is measured and expressed in percentage. The
requirement for good quality cement is a maximum of 0.80% autoclave expansion.
Standard autoclave test: AASHTO T 107 and ASTM C 151: Autoclave Expansion
of Portland Cement.

Consistency of Cement
The ability of cement paste to flow is consistency.
It is measured by Vicat Test.
In Vicat Test Cement paste of normal consistency is taken in the Vicat Apparatus. The
plunger of the apparatus is brought down to touch the top surface of the cement. The
plunger will penetrate the cement up to a certain depth depending on the consistency.
A cement is said to have a normal consistency when the plunger penetrates 10±1 mm.

Strength of Cement
Three types of strength of cement are measured – compressive, tensile and flexural.
Various factors affect the strength, such as water-cement ratio, cement-fine aggregate ratio,
curing conditions, size and shape of a specimen, the manner of molding and mixing, loading
conditions and age. While testing the strength, the following should be considered:

• Cement mortar strength and cement concrete strength are not directly related.
Cement strength is merely a quality control measure.
• The tests of strength are performed on cement mortar mix, not on cement paste.
• Cement gains strength over time, so the specific time of performing the test should
be mentioned.

Compressive Strength
It is the most common strength test. A test specimen (50mm) is taken and subjected to a
compressive load until failure. The loading sequence must be within 20 seconds and 80
seconds.
Standard tests:

i. AASHTO T 106 and ASTM C 109: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement

Mortars (Using 50-mm or 2-in. Cube Specimens)
ii. ASTM C 349: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using Portions of
Prisms Broken in Flexure)

Tensile strength
Though this test used to be common during the early years of cement production, now it
does not offer any useful information about the properties of cement.

Flexural strength
This is actually a measure of tensile strength in bending. The test is performed in a 40 x40 x
160 mm cement mortar beam, which is loaded at its center point until failure.
Standard test:

i. ASTM C 348: Flexural Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars

Setting Time of Cement

Cement sets and hardens when water is added. This setting time can vary depending on
multiple factors, such as fineness of cement, cement-water ratio, chemical content, and
admixtures. Cement used in construction should have an initial setting time that is not too
low and a final setting time not too high. Hence, two setting times are measured:

• Initial set: When the paste begins to stiffen noticeably (typically occurs within 30-45
minutes)
• Final set: When the cement hardens, being able to sustain some load (occurs below
10 hours)

Again, setting time can also be an indicator of hydration rate.

Standard Tests:

i. AASHTO T 131 and ASTM C 191: Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat
Needle
ii. AASHTO T 154: Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Gillmore Needles
iii. ASTM C 266: Time of Setting of Hydraulic-Cement Paste by Gillmore Needles

Heat of Hydration
When water is added to cement, the reaction that takes place is called hydration. Hydration
generates heat, which can affect the quality of the cement and also be beneficial in
maintaining curing temperature during cold weather. On the other hand, when heat
generation is high, especially in large structures, it may cause undesired stress. The heat of
hydration is affected most by C 3 S and C 3 A present in cement, and also by water-cement
ratio, fineness and curing temperature. The heat of hydration of Portland cement is
calculated by determining the difference between the dry and the partially hydrated cement
(obtained by comparing these at 7th and 28th days).
Standard Test:
ASTM C 186: Heat of Hydration of Hydraulic Cement

Loss of Ignition
Heating a cement sample at 900 - 1000°C (that is, until a constant weight is obtained)
causes weight loss. This loss of weight upon heating is calculated as loss of ignition.
Improper and prolonged storage or adulteration during transport or transfer may lead to pre-
hydration and carbonation, both of which might be indicated by increased loss of ignition.
Standard Test:
AASHTO T 105 and ASTM C 114: Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement

Bulk density
When cement is mixed with water, the water replaces areas where there would normally be
air. Because of that, the bulk density of cement is not very important. Cement has a varying
range of density depending on the cement composition percentage. The density of cement
may be anywhere from 62 to 78 pounds per cubic foot.

Specific Gravity (Relative Density)

Specific gravity is generally used in mixture proportioning calculations. Portland cement has
a specific gravity of 3.15, but other types of cement (for example, portland-blast-furnace-
slag and portland-pozzolan cement) may have specific gravities of about 2.90.
Standard Test:
AASHTO T 133 and ASTM C 188: Density of Hydraulic Cement
Chemical Properties of Cement
The raw materials for cement production are limestone (calcium), sand or clay (silicon),
bauxite (aluminum) and iron ore, and may include shells, chalk, marl, shale, clay, blast
furnace slag, slate. Chemical analysis of cement raw materials provides insight into the
chemical properties of cement.

1. Tricalcium aluminate (C3A)

Low content of C3A makes the cement sulfate-resistant. Gypsum reduces the
hydration of C 3 A, which liberates a lot of heat in the early stages of hydration. C3A
does not provide any more than a little amount of strength.
Type I cement: contains up to 3.5% SO 3 (in cement having more than 8% C 3 A)
Type II cement: contains up to 3% SO 3 (in cement having less than 8% C 3 A)
2. Tricalcium silicate (C 3 S)
C3S causes rapid hydration as well as hardening and is responsible for the cement’s
early strength gain an initial setting.
3. Dicalcium silicate (C 2 S)
As opposed to tricalcium silicate, which helps early strength gain, dicalcium silicate
in cement helps the strength gain after one week.
4. Ferrite (C 4 AF)
Ferrite is a fluxing agent. It reduces the melting temperature of the raw materials in
the kiln from 3,000°F to 2,600°F. Though it hydrates rapidly, it does not contribute
much to the strength of the cement.
5. Magnesia (MgO)
The manufacturing process of Portland cement uses magnesia as a raw material in
dry process plants. An excess amount of magnesia may make the cement unsound
and expansive, but a little amount of it can add strength to the cement. Production of
MgO-based cement also causes less CO2 emission. All cement is limited to a
content of 6% MgO.
6. Sulphur trioxide
Sulfur trioxide in excess amount can make cement unsound.
7. Iron oxide/ Ferric oxide
Aside from adding strength and hardness, iron oxide or ferric oxide is mainly
responsible for the color of the cement.
8. Alkalis
The amounts of potassium oxide (K 2 O) and sodium oxide (Na 2 O) determine the
alkali content of the cement. Cement containing large amounts of alkali can cause
some difficulty in regulating the setting time of cement. Low alkali cement, when
used with calcium chloride in concrete, can cause discoloration. In slag-lime cement,
ground granulated blast furnace slag is not hydraulic on its own but is "activated" by
addition of alkalis. There is an optional limit in total alkali content of 0.60%,
calculated by the equation Na 2 O + 0.658 K 2 O.
9. Free lime
Free lime, which is sometimes present in cement, may cause expansion.
10. Silica fumes
Silica fume is added to cement concrete in order to improve a variety of properties,
especially compressive strength, abrasion resistance and bond strength. Though
setting time is prolonged by the addition of silica fume, it can grant exceptionally high
 strength. Hence, Portland cement containing 5-20% silica fume is usually produced
for Portland cement projects that require high strength.
11. Alumina
Cement containing high alumina has the ability to withstand frigid temperatures since
alumina is chemical-resistant. It also quickens the setting but weakens the cement.
is a very useful binding material in construction. The applications of cement over various
fields of construction have made it a very important civil engineering

material.
Some of the numerous functions of cement are given below.

1. It is used in mortar for plastering, masonry work, pointing, etc.

2. It is used for making joints for drains and pipes.
3. It is used for water tightness of structure.
4. It is used in concrete for laying floors, roofs and constructing lintels, beams, stairs,
pillars etc.
5. It is used where a hard surface is required for the protection of exposed surfaces of
structures against the destructive agents of the weather and certain organic or
inorganic chemicals.
6. It is used for precast pipes manufacturing, piles, fencing posts etc.
7. It is used in the construction of important engineering structures such as bridges,
culverts, dams, tunnels, lighthouses etc.
8. It is used in the preparation of foundations, watertight floors, footpaths etc.
9. It is employed for the construction of wells, water tanks, tennis courts, lamp posts,
telephone cabins, roads etc.