CEMENT SPECIFICATION

Indira Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital

Group 4
Amalu Jose, Anam Waheed, Geetesh Malhotra, Himel Barikder, Tripti
Gupta

Construction Technology
CEMENT
Cement is a binding material used to bind different type of construction materials together. It is
formed mainly from argillaceous, siliceous, calcareous materials.

In the most general sense, portland cement is produced by heating sources of lime, iron, silica, and
alumina to clinkering temperature (2,500 to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit) in a rotating kiln, then
grinding the clinker to a fine powder. The heating that occurs in the kiln transforms the raw
materials into new chemical compounds. Therefore, the chemical composition of the cement is
defined by the mass percentages and composition of the raw sources of lime, iron, silica, and
alumina as well as the temperature and duration of heating. It is this variation in raw materials
source and the plant-specific characteristics, as well as the finishing processes (i.e. grinding and
possible blending with gypsum, limestone, or supplementary cementing materials), that define the
cement produced.

TYPES OF CEMENT
By twisting this internal mix ratio and by altering the chemical inputs, special types of cement can
be produced according to the needs.
Apart from the general types that we are using in day to day activity, there are some special cement
types available in the market.

1. Ordinary Portland Cement.

Portland cement is a product obtained by the calcination at a very high temperature, an intimate
mixture of correctly proportioned calcareous and argillaceous materials. The calcined product
which is called clinker is then finally pulverized by grinding into a very fine powder and is finally
mixed with calcium sulfate or gypsum to obtain cement.

2. Rapid Hardening Cement:

It is also known as High-Early-Strength cement. It is manufactured with such adjustments in the
proportion of raw materials so that the cement produced attains maximum strength with-in 24-72
hours.
Uses:
It is special purpose cement. It is used in those types of projects, where quick hardening is
required.

3. Ultra High Strength Cement.

In advanced countries, Ultra-high early strength cement is produced by separating the finest
fraction (above 700 m2/kg) from the rapid hardening cement at the manufacturing stage itself.
This is achieved by using special devices called cyclone air elutriator. Such cement is used for very
high early strength concrete.
4. Low Heat Cement:
It is that type in which a very low amount of heat or hydration is liberated during setting and
hardening. Mostly it is used in massive concrete structures like Dams etc.
Uses:
It is mostly used in mega projects construction like DAMS. If we use ordinary Portland cement
instead of low heat cement in such structures cracks will develop in such structures due to the great
amount of heat liberated during setting and hardening.
And a DAM with cracks is a useless structure. But when low heat cement is used, this danger
(development of cracks) can be eliminated.

5. Quick Setting Cement:

These Types of Cement are quite different than rapid hardening cement.
Its quality is that it set into a stone-like mass within a period of fewer than 30 minutes.
This property, of setting as quickly as possible is achieved by following controls in the
manufacturing process:
(i) The quantity of retarding agents like gypsum is reduced to a bare minimum.
(ii) The quantity of alumina-rich compound is reduced.
(iii) The clinker is ground to extreme fineness.
Quick setting cement is used only in very specific situations such as while constructing piers for
bridges and other structures in running or standing water.

6. High Alumina Cement:

These Types of Cement contains alumina in considerably larger proportions (average 40 percent)
than normal cement.
High Alumina cement is manufactured by calcining a well-proportioned mixture
of Limestone and Bauxite (Al2O3, n H2O).
No other raw material is added, not even gypsum is mixed with the clinker during grinding.
The total Alumina content is generally above 32 percent.
Uses:
Unfortunately, it is more costly. Therefore it is used only in those situations where resistant against
corrosion is required.
It is commonly used in construction work near and along sea-shore.
7. Blast Furnace Slag Cement:
It is a modified type of Portland cement which contains 25-65 percent (by weight) of blast furnace
slag.
It is manufactured by grinding clinker and specific amounts of blast furnace slag together. A small
percent of gypsum is also added for controlling its setting time.
The slag, as we know, is a waste product from the blast furnace which is used in the manufacture
of iron (Ferrous Metal).
Uses:
It is better suited for use in marine structures as in docks, harbors, and jetties. It is also used in road
construction in marshy and alkaline soils.

8. Pozzolana Cement:
In this cement type, clinker and pozzolanic material such as (volcanic ash, fly ash, etc.) are mixed
in a definite proportion with Portland cement.
The pozzolanic materials do not have any cementing qualities when used alone, but when mixed
with Portland cement, they react with cement components and form compounds with cementing
properties.
The pozzolana cement has many properties similar to ordinary Portland cement. But it also offers
some additional properties, which are given below.
(i) It produces less heat. Due to this property, it can be used in mega projects.
(ii) It offers greater resistance to sulfates and corrosive actions of sea water.
These qualities make it more useful for construction near or along the coast and also in sulfate soil.
It can also be used in sewage works and for underwater construction.

9. Colored Cement:
In this type of cement, pigment (color) is mixed with the Portland cement in a definite proportion.
The Pigment is mixed in a finest powdered state. The amount of pigment used depends upon the
shade of the desired color.
It is, however, generally less than 10 percent (by weight). The following pigments are used to
obtain colored cement.
(i) Chromium oxide is used for green color.
(ii) Cobalt is used for blue color.
(iii) Iron oxide is used for various shades of red, brown and yellow color.
(iv) Manganese dioxide is used to obtain black and deep brown color.
This type of cement is extensively used for top coat in flooring and decorative purposes in various
places in a building.

10. White Cement:

It may also be defined as a special type of Portland cement when used it gives a milky or snow-
white appearance.
White cement is manufactured from pure limestone (chalk) and clay that are totally free from iron
oxides and any other pigments like manganese and chromium.
The kiln is fired by oil rather than by coal to avoid any contamination.
There strength and setting time is similar to ordinary Portland cement.
White cement is the most favored material for use in making highways curbs and for a variety of
ornamental work.
They are also used widely for making cast stones of appealing appearance.
White cement is comparatively a costly cement type and is, therefore, used only selectively.

11. Hydrophobic Cement:

It is a special type of cement containing admixtures which reduce the affinity of cement grains for
water.
Such cement types are used especially in cold, frost-forming conditions. Admixtures of naphtha
soap and acidol are generally added to achieve this property.

12. Super Sulfate Cement:

These types of cement are manufactured by adding additional quantities of calcium sulfate and
blast furnace slag in the Portland cement.
It is especially useful for mass concrete work especially in sulfate-rich environment and marine
conditions. Besides, it is comparatively economical than other types of cement.

13. Low Alkali Cement:

Such types of cement are specially made Portland cement in which alkali content is kept below in
minimum amount, by exercising very strict control over the composition of the raw material used.
They are used in those circumstances where aggregates -for making concrete- are suspected to
contain reactive silica.

14. Water Proof Cement.

Water proof cement is prepared by using some of the waterproofing material like Ca, Al with the
ordinary cement during the process of cement manufacturing.
They are mostly used in the structures where water proofing is required, like in the Dams, Water
Tanks, etc.

15. Air Entraining Cement.

This cement type is manufactured by adding some indigenous air entraining agents such as glues,
resins, sulfates, etc., during the grinding stage of clinker.
They are used to improve the workability of concrete with smaller water-cement ratio and they also
improve the frost resistance of concrete.

16. Expansive Cement.

These types of cement have the quality to expand slightly with time. But they do not shrink during
and after the time of hardening.
They are mostly used for grouting purposes in anchor bolt and prestressed concrete ducts.

PARTICULAR SPECIFICATION FOR CEMENT

The cement used in the project is Ultratech 43 grade Pozzolanic Portland Cement (PPC)
conforming to IS: 1489 (Part-1) with fly ash content of 28% or more as required in the work. The
supply of cement is taken in 50 kg bags bearing manufacturer’s name and ISI marking.

Cement Bag

Every delivery of cement is accompanied by producer’s certificate confirming that the supplied
cement conforms to relevant specifications. These certificates should be endorsed to Engineer-in-
charge for his record.

For each grade, cement bags are stored in two separate godowns, one for tested cement and the
other for fresh cement (under testing) constructed by L&T as per sketch given in General
Conditions of Contract for CPWD 2010 with weather proof roofs and walls. The actual size of
godown is as per site requirements and as per the direction of the Engineer in charge. The
decision of the Engineer-in-charge regarding the capacity required/needed will be final.
However, the capacity of each godown is not be less than 250 tonnes or as decided by Engineer-
In-Charge.

Cement Godown at site

PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) is used in RCC structures in accordance with the circular
issued by the Directorate General of Works. The use of PPC is regulated as per the following
conditions:-

a) IS:456-2000 Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete (as amended upto date) is
followed in regard to Concrete Mix Proportion.

b) Minimum M25 grade or as specified of concrete is used in all structural elements of RCC,
both in load bearing and framed structure.

c) The mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, creep and shrinkage
of concrete using fly ash blended cements (PPCs) are not likely to be significantly different and
their values are to be taken same as those used for concrete made with OPC.

d) To control higher rate of carbonation in early ages of concrete in PPC based concr ete,
water/binder ratio is kept as low as possible, which is closely monitored during concrete manufacturing.
If necessitated due to low water/binder ratio, required workability is achieved by use of chloride
free chemical admixtures conforming to IS: 9103. The compatibility of chemical admixtures and
super plasticizers with each set PPC received from different sources is ensured by trails.

e) In environment subjected to aggressive chloride or sulphate attack in particular, PPC based

concrete is recommended. In case, where structural concrete is exposed to excessive magnesium
sulphate, fly ash content is limited to 18% by weight. Special type of cement with low C3A
content may also be alternatively used. Durability criteria like minimum binder content and
maximum water/binder ratio also need to be given due consideration is such environment.

f) Wet curing period is enhanced to a minimum of 10 days or its equivalent. In hot & arid
conditions, the minimum curing period is 14 days or its equivalent.

g) Subject to General Guidelines detailed out as above, PPC manufactured conforming to

IS:1489 (Part-I) is treated at par with OPC for manufacture of Design Mix Concrete for structural
use in RCC.

h) Till the time, BIS makes it mandatory to print the %age of fly ash on each bag of cement, the
certificate from the PPC manufacturer indicating the same is supplied by the L&T.

i) While using PPC for structural concrete work, no further admixing of fly ash is permitted.

FOR MORTARS & CONSTRUCTI0N

1. For A.A.C. masonry the jointing mortars are recommended as per suitability of ingredients
available in the area.

a. Cement Mortars 1:1:4 (1 cement: 1 fly ash: 4 sand) using Portland cement. When PPC is used
richer mix should be adopted and wall surface to be wetted with dilute cement slurry. The
approved plasticiser can be used for thinner joints. Heavy watering is not necessary on Block
masonry. Spray pumps or water in buckets are found satisfactory for curing.

b. The cement lime mortars in proportion of (1:1:4) is satisfactory for A.A.C masonry.

TESTS CARRIED ON CEMENT IN Q&C LAB

CONSISTENCY TEST

The basic aim is to find out the water content required to produce a cement paste of standard
consistency as specified by the IS: 4031 (Part 4) – 1988. The principle is that standard
consistency of cement is that consistency at which the Vicat plunger penetrates to a point 5-7mm
from the bottom of Vicat mould.

SOUNDNESS TEST
In the soundness test a specimen of hardened cement paste is boiled for a fixed time so that any
tendency to expand is speeded up and can be detected. Soundness means the ability to resist
volume expansion.

INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME

Initial setting time is that time period between the time water is added to cement and time at
which 1 mm square section needle fails to penetrate the cement paste, placed in the Vicat’s
mould 5 mm to 7 mm from the bottom of the mould.

Final setting time is that time period between the time water is added to cement and the time at
which 1 mm needle makes an impression on the paste in the mould but 5 mm attachment does
not make any impression.