Portland cement can be used for many construction projects.
Portland cement is a fine powder produced by mixing gypsum, iron, calcium, silicon and aluminum in controlled amounts. It was named by an English mason who obtained a patent for it in 1824. He named it Portland cement because the color looks like the natural limestone on the Isle of Portland located in the English Channel. Portland cement comes in various types and also has a variety of uses.
Type 1 and II
The type or class of Portland cement used for a project depends on the specifications and requirements of the project at hand. Type 1 Portland cement is suitable for all types of projects that do not require a specific type of cement. Such uses include pavements, reservoirs, masonry units and reinforced concrete buildings. Type II Portland cement works best for the types of projects where moderate sulfate attack is a risk. An example is the construction of drainage structures. Groundwater has a moderately high concentration of sulfate, which Type II Portland cement can withstand better than Type I.
Type III and Type IV
Type III Portland cement can be used for projects that require a high-strength result in a relatively shorter period of time. This also depends on the circumstances. For instance, it could be used when speed is the main objective. Type IV works best for the type of projects that require cement with a low heat of hydration in order to reduce the amount of heat generated. An example of the use of this type of cement is in the construction of huge structures like gravity dams. Lower concentrations of heat during the curing will help control the rise of temperature.
Types IA, IIA, IIIA and V
Types IA, IIA and IIIA Portland cement are manufactured with small, well-distributed air bubbles. The purpose of incorporating the air bubbles is to improve the resistance of the cement to the freeze-thaw action which may cause structural defects. Type V Portland cement is related to Type II because it is sulfate-resistant cement. The difference between the two is the level of concentration of the sulfate in the types of projects that require the use of Type V Cement. For example, Type V Portland cement works best in areas where high levels of sulfate will lead to the corrosion of any other type of cement.
Uses
Portland cement is the main product in the production of concrete. Cement, water, and aggregate are mixed together to make concrete which is in turn used as a material for different types of construction projects. Portland cement can also be mixed with only sand and water to produce mortar, a paste used as a binding material in construction. Portland cement can be used to produce grouts and plasters for construction.
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