Types of Cement Available in Market

There are several types of cement available in the market, each with specific properties that make them suitable for various applications.

1. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC): This is the most commonly used type of cement in the construction industry. It is made by grinding clinker and gypsum together and has a high percentage of iron oxide, making it high in strength. OPC is used for general construction purposes, such as building foundations, walls, and pavements.

2. Rapid hardening cement: This type of cement sets quickly and gains strength rapidly. It is used in projects where a fast turnaround time is essential, such as in precast concrete elements, repairs, or roads.

3. Low heat cement: This type of cement generates minimal heat during the hydration process, making it suitable for massive concrete structures, such as dams, bridge piers, and thick foundation walls.

4. Sulphate resistant cement: This type of cement is used in areas with high soil and water sulphate content. It resists the reaction between cement and sulphates, which can cause deterioration to the concrete structure.

5. Blended cement: This type of cement is a combination of Portland cement and other pozzolanic or cementitious materials like fly ash, silica fume, and slag. Blended cement is used to improve the properties of cement, such as its durability, workability, and strength.

6. Pozzolana cement: This type of cement is made from volcanic ash and is used as an alternative to traditional Portland cement. It is ideal for construction projects in areas with a shortage of traditional resources.

7. High Alumina cement: This type of cement has a higher percentage of alumina, giving it a higher heat generation rate. It is commonly used in the construction of refractory bricks, which are resistant to high temperatures and can be used as furnace linings.