Cement is a crystalline compound of calcium silicates and other

calcium compounds having hydraulic properties.

LOW HEAT CEMENT

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance A fine, grey powder
Boiling Point / Melt Point Some components begin to melt
above 1200 C
Vapour Pressure Not applicable
Per Cent Volatiles Not applicable
Specific Gravity 3.0 to 3.2
Flash Point Not applicable
Flammability/Combustibility Non-flammable; Non-combustible
Autoignition Temperature Not applicable
Other Properties Not explosive. No odour. Hardens on
mixing with water.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Physical characteristics of cements are that they are alkaline in
nature. The pH of water solution (slurry)
of cements can be as high as 13.5.

Its specific attribute of low heat evolution means

that it is ideally suited for large concrete pours,
such as dams and foundations, where peak
temperatures and temperature differentials must
be controlled to ensure structural integrity by
minimising thermal cracking. Its performance in
this respect has been proven over a number of
years in several major construction projects.
This cement also offers excellent resistance to the
penetration of both chloride and sulfate ions and
as such is particularly suited to the production of
concrete that is designed to survive a harsh
marine environment. The penetration of chlorides
to reinforcement steel is by far the most serious
durability threat to concrete subjected to the
ravages of aggressive sea salts.

BCSC LH Cement is recommended for use

in mass concrete where reduced heat
liberation is important. Due to its superior
resistance to both sulphate and chloride
salt attack, LH cement may also be used
in aggressive sulphate-rich environments
or where increased resistance to salt
attack is required. Where concrete is
expected to be in contact with sulphates
or other aggressive salts or solutions,
analytical surveys must be completed and
appropriate grade of concrete selected. As
with Portland cements, the resistance to
acid solutions is limited, but concrete life
expectancy will be maximised by using
BCSC LH Cement at high cement content
and low water to cement ratio in fully
compacted and cured concrete.

Excess water will

have a detrimental effect on the
compressive strength and other properties
of concrete.
BLAST FURNACE CEMENT

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS or GGBFS) is

obtained by quenching molten iron slag (a by-product of iron
and steel making) from a blast furnace in water or steam, to
produce a glassy, granular product that is then dried and
ground into a fine powder.
GGBS cement is added to concrete in the concrete
manufacturer's batching plant, along with Portland cement,
aggregates and water. The normal ratios of aggregates and
water to cementitious material in the mix remain unchanged.
GGBS is used as a direct replacement for Portland cement, on
a one-to-one basis by weight. Replacement levels for GGBS
vary from 30% to up to 85%. Typically 40.

Durability
GGBS cement is routinely specified in concrete to provide
protection against both sulphate attack and chloride attack.
GGBS has now effectively replaced Sulfate Resisting Portland
cement (SRPC) on the market for sulfate resistance because
of its superior performance and greatly reduced cost
compared to SRPC.

To protect against chloride attack, GGBS is used at a

replacement level of 50% in concrete. Instances of chloride
attack occur in reinforced concrete in marine environments
and in road bridges where the concrete is exposed to
splashing from road de-icing salts.
In most NRA projects in Ireland GGBS is now specified in
structural concrete for bridge piers and abutments for
protection against chloride attack. The use of GGBS in such
instances will increase the life of the structure by up to 50%
 had only Portland cement been used, and precludes the need
for more expensive stainless steel reinforcing.
GGBS is also routinely used to limit the temperature rise in
large concrete pours. The more gradual hydration of GGBS
cement generates both lower peak and less total overall heat
than Portland cement. This reduces thermal gradients in the
concrete, which prevents the occurrence of microcracking
which can weaken the concrete and reduce its durability
Appearance:In contrast to the stony grey of concrete made with
Portland cement, the near-white color of GGBS cement
permits architects to achieve a lighter colour for exposed fair-
faced concrete finishes, at no extra cost. To achieve a lighter
colour finish, GGBS is usually specified at between 50% to
70% replacement levels, although levels as high as 85% can
be used
GGBS cement also produces a smoother, more defect free
surface, due to the fineness of the GGBS particles. Dirt does
not adhere to GGBS concrete as easily as concrete made with
Portland cement, reducing maintenance costs. GGBS cement
prevents the occurrence of efflorescence, the staining of
concrete surfaces by calcium carbonate deposits.
Due to its much lower lime content and lower permeability,
GGBS is effective in preventing efflorescence when used at
replacement levels of 50% to 60%.
Strength:Concrete containing GGBS cement has a higher
ultimate strength than concrete made with Portland cement.

It has a higher proportion of the strength-enhancing calcium

silicate hydrates (CSH) than concrete made with Portland
cement only, and a reduced content of free lime, which does
not contribute to concrete strength. Concrete made with
GGBS continues to gain strength over time, and has been
shown to double its 28 day strength over periods of 10 to 12
years
HIGH ALUMINA CEMENT

High-alumina cement, known also as aluminous cement is not

Portland cement. It is made by fusing a mixture of limestone and
bauxite with small amounts of silica and titania. In Europe, the
process is usually carried out in an open-hearth furnace having a
long vertical stack into which the mixture of raw materials is
charged. The hot gases produced by a blast of pulverized coal
and air pass through the charge and carry off water and carbon
dioxide. Fusion occurs when the charge drops from the vertical
stack onto the hearth at a temperature of about 1,425° to
1,500°C. A molten liquid is formed and is continuously collected
and solidified in steel pans which are carried on an endless belt.
Electric arc furnaces also have been used when electric power is
cheap. In the United States, the mixture is burned in a rotary kiln
similar to that used for Portland cement but provided with a tap
hole from which the molten liquid is drawn intermittently. A black
solidified sinter is formed and is stored, e.g. in storage piles, from
which it is transferred to crushing and grinding mills where it is
reduced, without additions, to a fine powder.

Aluminous cement is composed of, as percent by weight, from

about 36 to 42 percent Al 2 O 3 , about the same amount of CaO,
about 7 to 18 percent oxides of iron, about 5 to 10 percent SiO 2 ,
and small amounts of TiO 2 , MgO and alkalies. A number of other
compounds include minor amounts of, for example, CaO . Al 2 O 3
; 6CaO . 4Al 2 O 3 ; FeO . SiO 2 ; 2CaO . Al 2 O 3 . SiO and ferrites.
The setting and hardening of the cement when mixed with water
is probably brought about by the formation of calcium aluminate
gels, such as, CaO . Al 2 O 3 . 10H 2 O; 2CaO . Al 2 O 3 . 8H 2 O
and 3CaO . Al 2 O 3 . 6H 2 O.

One of the notable properties of high-alumina cement is its

development of very high strengths at early ages. It attains
nearly its maximum strength in less than a day, which is much
higher than the strength developed by Portland cement at that
age. At higher temperatures, however, the strength drops off
rapidly. Heat is also evolved rapidly on hydration and results in
high setting temperatures. The resistance of the cement to
corrosion in sea or sulfate waters, as well as its resistance to
weak solutions of mineral acids, is outstanding.

WHITE CEMENT

White Portland cement or white ordinary Portland cement (WOPC)

is similar to ordinary, gray Portland cement in all respects except
for its high degree of whiteness. Obtaining this color requires
substantial modification to the method of manufacture, and
because of this, it is somewhat more expensive than the gray
product.

White Portland cement is used in combination with white

aggregates to produce white concrete for prestige construction
projects and decorative work. White concrete usually takes the
form of pre-cast cladding panels, since it is uneconomic to use
white cement for structural purposes. White Portland cement is
also used in combination with inorganic pigments to produce
brightly colored concretes and mortars. Ordinary cement, when
used with pigments, produces colors that may be attractive, but
are somewhat dull. With white cement, bright reds, yellows and
greens can be readily produced. Blue concrete can also be made,
at some expense. The pigments may be added at the concrete
mixer. Alternatively, to guarantee repeatable color, some
manufacturers supply ready-blended colored cements, using
white cement as a base.

The characteristic greenish-gray to brown color of ordinary

Portland cement derives from a number of transitional elements
in its chemical composition. These are, in descending order of
coloring effect, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, vanadium,
nickel and titanium. The amount of these in white cement is
minimized as far as possible. Cr2O3 is kept below 0.003%, Mn2O3
is kept below 0.03%, and Fe2O3 is kept below 0.35% in the
clinker. The other elements are usually not a significant problem.
Portland cement is usually made from cheap, quarried raw
materials, and these usually contain substantial amounts of Cr,
Mn and Fe.

In order to get this color of the White Cement, its method of

production is different from that of the ordinary cement.
However, this modification in its production method makes White
Cement far more expensive then the ordinary cement.

The production of White Cement requires exact standards and so

it is a product which is used for specialized purposes. White
Cement is produced at temperatures that hover around 1450-
1500 degrees Celsius. This temperature is more than what is
required by the ordinary grey cement. As more energy is required
during the manufacture of White Cement, it goes to make it more
expensive than the ordinary grey cement.

White Cement is used in architectural projects the use of white

cement has been specified. It is used in decorative works and
also wherever vibrant colors are desired. White Cement is used
to fill up the gaps between marble and ceramic tiles for a
smoother and more beautiful finish.
The various raw materials required for the production of White
Cement are:
Limestone
Sand
Iron Ore
Nickel
Titanium
Chromium
Vanadium

HIGH TEMPERATURE EXPANDING CEMENT

The invention pertains to a composition and a process for

plugging a subterranean void where the composition will be
subjected to an in situ temperature of about 150° C. or greater in
said void. The composition upon hydration at or above the
designated temperature exhibits expansive properties making it
especially useful for filling the annulus between the casing and
the wellbore of a geothermal well. Upon curing, the expansion of
said composition provides a tight seal between the casing and
the formation and thus prevents communication of fluids
between the different zones of the subterranean formation that
the wellbore traverses.

Cement compositions capable of expansive behavior when

slurries thereof are hydrated have been prepared and used for
plugging of subterranean voids, e.g. the annulus between the
casing and wellbores of gas, oil and water wells. Such
compositions have heretofore depended upon the interaction of
the calcium and silicon components of hydraulic cements with
sulfate-containing compounds such as gypsum and plaster of
Paris. Chem Comp cement is a commercial cement of such a
nature. However, when slurries of such expanding cements are
subjected to temperatures in excess of about 100° C. they lose
their expansive capability.

We have discovered that an expanding, pectolite-containing

cement may be formed at temperatures of about 150° C. or
greater which has relatively good strength and resistance to
degradation by brines at elevated temperatures. The cement is
prepared by choosing suitable water-soluble sodium salts of
weak acids and combining them with calcium and silicon sources
commonly employed in most hydraulic cement compositions.
Slurries prepared from the invention cement compositions have
sufficiently long thickening times (alone or with conventional
retarders) to permit them to be placed in a subterranean void
which one desires to plug, in contrast to cement slurries
prepared in a similar fashion using sodium hydroxide, sodium
sulfate, or sodium carbonate as a source of sodium.

The hydratable cement composition of the invention comprises:

Component (A) a water soluble sodium salt of a weak acid, a 0.1
molar aqueous solution of which salt has a pH of between about
7.5 and about 11.5; Component (B) a calcium source; and
Component (C) a silicon source; wherein the atomic ratios of
sodium:calcium:silicon range from about 0.3:0.6:1 to about
0.03:1:1. Aqueous slurries comprising said cement composition
intimately mixed with a quantity of water sufficient to fully
hydrate the resultant reaction product are useful for plugging
subterranean cavities having a temperature of at least about
150° C. A pectolite-containing, expanding cement is formed in the
cavity when such a slurry is placed in the cavity and maintained
at such a temperature for a time sufficient to permit the slurry to
harden and to expand therein.
Pectolite is a mineral represented by the chemical formula Na 2
O(CaO) 4 (SiO 2 ) 6 .H 2 O.

Helps water proof a cracked foundation.

SULPHATE RESISTANT CEMENT

Sulfate Resistant Cement is a specially

Sulfate Resistant Cement is a specially blended cement designed
to improve the performance
of concrete where the risk of sulfate attack may be present. It
also provides improved durability
for concrete in most aggressive environments, reducing the risk
of either deterioration of the
structure or structural failure.
Suitably designed concrete using this cement technology also
significantly reduces concrete
permeability. This blended cement product assists in limiting the
ingress of chloride ions in
concrete exposed to coastal or saltwater environments, reducing
the risk of corrosion of reinforcing steel.help improve durability.

RAPID HARDENING CEMENT

Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (RHPC) is a type of

cement that is used for special purposes when a faster
rate of early high strength is required. RHPC has a
higher rate of strength development than the Normal
Portland Cement (NPC).

The Rapid Hardening Portland Cement's better strength

performance is achieved by increasing the refinement of
the product. This is the reason that its use is increasing
in India.

Rapid Hardening Portland Cement is manufactured by

fusing together limestone (which has been finely
grounded) and shale, at extremely high temperatures to
produce cement clinker. To this cement clinker, gypsum
is added in small quantities and then finely grounded to
produce Rapid Hardening Portland Cement. It is usually
manufactured using the dry process technology.

Rapid Hardening Portland Cement is used in concrete

masonry manufacture, repair work which is urgent,
concreting in cold weather, and in pre-cast production of
concrete. Rapid Hardening Portland Cement has proved
to be a boon in the places where quick repairs are
required such as airfield and highway pavements, marine
structures, and bridge decks.

The Rapid Hardening Portland Cement should be stored

in a dry place, or else its quality deteriorates due to
premature carbonation and hydration. As the Indian
cement industry produces Rapid Hardening Portland
Cement in large quantities, it is able to meet the
domestic demand and also export to other countries.
The cement industry in India exports cement mainly to
the West Asian countries.

The raw materials required for the manufacture of Rapid

Hardening Portland Cement are:
Limestone
Shale
Gypsum
Coke

Normal Portland cements are manufactured by burning

an intimately blended mixture of calcareous and
argillaceous raw materials to a clinker and grinding this
clinker with a small proportion of gypsum to a fine
powder. The gypsum is conventionally employed to
retard, and thus provide a measure of control over, the
setting time of the cement when combined with water.

The setting times and rates of strength development

attained by ordinary Portland cement, and by so-called
rapid hardening cements produced by extra fine grinding
of the ingredients, are, however, not sufficiently fast for
some applications such as the laying of a factory floor
where placing, setting and hardening is required to
proceed at such a rate that output from the factory is
disrupted as little as possible.

Typical setting times for known rapid hardening Portland

cement are for instance 150 minutes for initial set and
210 minutes to final set.