Types Of Cement Their Uses And Purposes / ASTM Standard

Introduction

This tutorial explores the various types of cement and their specific uses according to ASTM classifications. Understanding these types will help you select the right cement for your construction projects, ensuring durability and performance.

Step 1: Identify the Types of Cement

Familiarize yourself with the main types of cement defined by ASTM standards:

1. ASTM Type I (Normal)

   • Used in general concrete construction.
   • Suitable for environments without sulfate exposure or severe weathering.
   • Avoid using in large masses due to heat of hydration.

2. ASTM Type II (Moderate Heat or Modified)

   • Provides moderate sulfate resistance.
   • Ideal for areas with higher than normal sulfate concentrations.

3. ASTM Type III (High Early Strength)

   • Used when early strength gain is crucial.
   • Best suited for situations where heat generation is not a concern.

4. ASTM Type IV (Low Heat)

   • Generates minimal heat, suitable for large mass placements (e.g., gravity dams).
   • Strength develops slower than Type I.

5. ASTM Type V (Sulfate Resisting)

   • Designed for environments with high sulfate concentrations.
   • Protects structures from severe sulfate attacks.

Step 2: Explore Special Types of Cement

In addition to the standard types, there are special cements with specific characteristics:

• Air-Entraining Portland Cement

  • Types IA, IIA, and IIIA have air-entraining materials integrated during manufacturing.

• White Portland Cement

  • Distinguished primarily by its color; meets ASTM C150 and C175 specifications.

• Portland Blast-Furnace Slag Cement

  • Made by inter-grinding granulated blast-furnace slag with Portland cement.
  • Includes Type IS and IS-A, conforming to ASTM C595.

• Portland Pozzolan Cement

  • Designated as IP, IP-A, and P-A, used in large hydraulic structures.

• Oil Well Cement

  • Specially designed for sealing oil wells, slow setting, and resistant to high temperatures and pressures.

• Waterproof Portland Cement

  • Contains additives to reduce water penetration, available in white or grey.

Step 3: Understand Expansive Cements

Learn about the types of expansive cements as defined in ASTM C 845:

1. Type K

   • Contains anhydrous calcium aluminate.

2. Type M

   • Contains calcium aluminate and calcium sulfate.

3. Type S

   • Contains tricalcium aluminate and calcium sulfate.

Conclusion

Selecting the right type of cement is critical for the success of construction projects. By understanding the properties and suitable applications of various cement types, you can ensure that your structures are built to last. For further exploration, consider researching specific applications of each cement type in real-world projects.