Properties of Cement

Properties of Cement

The properties of Cement entirely depends upon its composition, burning and grinding. The important properties of good Cement are the following:-

• Strength: The compressive strength of cubical blocks of ordinary Portland cement and sand (1:3) after 7 days should not less than 175 kg/cm².
• Finess : The quality of Cement depends upon its fineness property. So good Cement should be fine. The fineness of Cement may be determined by a sieve test. Also by touching the Cement, it may be checked and should be smooth.
• Soundness: All types of cement expand to some extent and it depends upon the composition, proper burning, and grinding of Cement. A good quality Cement should not undergo a large change in volume after setting. Also, it should not crack or disintegrate after setting.

Some Following factors are also responsible for Properties of cement.

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

The main causes if volumetric change or unsoundness are:-

• Excessive addition of gypsum
• Excess of lime
• Less burning
• Excess of magnesia content.

1. Presence of Lumps: By absorbing the moisture from the atmosphere the lumps are formed. A good Cement should be a frame from lumps. These can be avoided by storing the Cement away from damp places.
2.  Colour : The colour of cement should be greenish grey. The colour indicates the degree of burning. e.g. A yellowish colour indicates poor burning.
3. Resistance to moisture: The Cement should resist against moisture.
4. Plasticity: A Cement should be plastic in nature.

Must Read Other Powerful Articles

• Types of Cement
• Composition of Cement Clinker
• Hydration of Cement
• Products of Hydration of Cement
• What is Cement?
• Various Tests on Cement
• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
• Manufacturing of Cement By Dry and Wet Process
• Raw Materials of Cement
• History of Cement in Civil Engineering
• Composition of Cement Clinker
• Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
• What is Concrete with Definition & History