Types of Cement and Their Uses properties of cement cement fineness cementitious properties How Cement Quality Is Tested (BIS Standards)

 

Types of Cement and Their Uses

Cement can be categorised into two main types – hydraulic and non-hydraulic cement. 

Hydraulic cement is formed by the reaction of powdered cement with water. You can use it for all types of construction, including underwater construction projects. Non-hydraulic cement sets and becomes adhesive due to carbonation. You can use it for various construction projects, except underwater construction projects. 

Hydraulic cement is the most commonly used cement. Portland cement is a type of hydraulic cement that’s been a preferred choice for architects, engineers, and constructors. The primary reason behind its popularity is its ability to harden quickly.  

Per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the different types of Portland cement are as follows:

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

When Portland cement clinker is mixed with gypsum, it forms OPC. OPC is further divided into three types, depending on their grade. The grade of cement is its compressive strength. 

• OPC 33:

OPC with a compressive strength of 33MPa at 28 days is termed as OPC 33. It is suitable for all types of construction, particularly masonry and plastering.

• OPC 43:

OPC with a compressive strength of 43MPa at 28 days is termed as OPC 43. This type of cement can be used for high strength concrete work.

• OPC 53:

OPC with a compressive strength of 53MPa at 28 days is termed as OPC 53. OPC 53 is mostly used for precast concrete, prestressed concrete, long span structures like bridges, tall buildings, etc.

 

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

Fly ash pozzolana or calcined clay pozzolana or a mixture of both is intimately ground with Portland clinker and gypsum (optional) to form PPC. PPC can be used in all types of construction, including marine and hydraulic construction.

Portland Slag Cement (PSC)

Granulated slag is ground with Portland cement clinker, gypsum and other additives to form PSC. Slag is the by-product of smelting ores. PSC is also suitable for all types of construction. However, it is mostly used in marine works. 

Limestone Calcined Clay Cement

Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) is an advanced and sustainable type of blended cement developed to reduce the environmental impact of construction. It is made by partially replacing clinker with a combination of calcined clay and limestone, along with gypsum.

Why Gypsum Is Added to Cement

Gypsum is added to cement during the final grinding process to control the setting time.

Without gypsum:

• Cement would set too quickly
• Concrete would become unworkable
• Proper placement would be difficult

By regulating the setting process, gypsum ensures that cement remains workable long enough for mixing, placing, and finishing.

How Cement Quality Is Tested (BIS Standards)

In India, cement quality is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Some common tests include:

• Compressive Strength Test – Measures load-bearing capacity
• Fineness Test – Determines particle size and strength development
• Setting Time Test – Checks initial and final setting time
• Soundness Test – Ensures cement does not expand after hardening

Cement that meets BIS standards ensures safety, durability, and consistent performance in construction.

Properties of Cement

The following are the various physical properties of cement:

• Fineness:

It is the size of the particles of the cement. The desired fineness can be achieved by adjusting the grinding of the clinker.

• Soundness:

Soundness is the ability of the cement to resist shrinking upon hardening. The Le-Chatelier test and Autoclave test help determine the soundness of cement.

• Consistency:

Consistency of cement is the cement paste’s viscosity or its ability to flow. 

• Strength:

The compressive, tensile and flexural strength of cement is measured to assess the durability of cement after an elongated period. 

• Setting Time:

The setting time of cement is defined as the time required for the concrete to change from its liquid state to plastic state, and then from the plastic state to solid state. 

• Heat of Hydration:

It is the energy generated when water comes in contact with cement. Heat of Hydration is a critical factor of curing concrete.

• Loss of Ignition:

It is the process of measuring weight change of cement sample after it has been heated. Loss of ignition helps indicate adulteration of cement due to transportation or other factors.

• Bulk Density:

Bulk density is the mass per unit of cement in a definite volume. 

• Specific Gravity: