Properties of cement
This material is not in vain so popular in construction. The fact is that it has excellent performance characteristics and therefore has widely proven itself among many specialists. The list of its main properties distinguishes: frost, water, sulfate and corrosion resistance, high strength, fineness of grinding .Make it in accordance with GOST 5382-91.
Considering the characteristics in more detail, it can be said that frost resistance transfers the ability of cement to freeze and thaw many times throughout the year in different climatic conditions. This indicator is determined by the brand. Corrosion resistance transfers its ability to withstand all sorts of aggressive environmental influences.
Water resistance is reflected in its waterproof characteristics. This means that this material can be used in almost any conditions( and even under water).Sulfate resistance transfers its resistance to the effects of solutions containing sulfate ions. This is especially important when erecting hydroconstructions. Strength characteristics completely depend on the quality of additives and are reflected in the cement brand.
Types of cement for the presence of the main mineral
To date, there are more than 30 types of cements, which are divided by the presence of the main mineral in the product. However, we will consider the most popular and often used in construction.
- Portland cement is the main hydraulic binder in construction. It is made by grinding gypsum and portland clinker. Plus add all kinds of mineral supplements. Has an intensively increasing strength during hardening. The strength limit for three days can be 20-25 MPa. Later it is used for "high-speed" construction work, as well as for the production of reinforced concrete products.
- Colored cement is made by grinding portland cement white clinker and adding various pigments. For example, it can be: chromium oxide, ocher, iron curl. Most often it is used for decorative decoration of architectural buildings and structures. They are also used for road construction( near a monumental square).
- Hydrophobic cement is prepared by mixing gypsum, a hydrophobic additive and Portland cement crushed clinker. Due to this composition, this material has greater frost resistance and less water absorption. That is why it can be used in harsh climatic conditions, as well as in rooms with high humidity.
- Slag cement is made by mixing crushed blast furnace slags and additives( can be both gypsum and lime).Use this material for the manufacture of concrete and mortar( including cement plaster).If the composition contains a lime additive, it is also used in the production of autoclave products.
- Fast-hardening cement has a mineralogical composition, in which there is a maximum crushed clinker and all kinds of additives. Used for the manufacture of various reinforced concrete structures and in the process of "rapid" construction.
In general, it is possible to list varieties of cement for a very long time. After a small change in the composition leads to other characteristics and, therefore, the scope of application. If the question arises - which cement to choose, it is better to focus on brands( each of them has its own class of strength and frost resistance).
Classification of cement by brands
In case you are trying to determine which cement is better, you first need to find out what climatic conditions and purposes you need. That is, where exactly will be exploited. Next, you go to the store and consult a sales consultant. Or you can choose yourself. But again, the question arises - how to choose cement correctly and on what parameters it is worth paying attention to?
Considering the packaging of the composition, it is necessary to distinguish two signs of "M" or "PC" and "D" .The first means the brand( in strength and frost resistance), the second additive.
Now we are a little more familiar with the type of cement that can be. In terms of brands, it is divided into the following : M100 - M600 .The higher this index, the higher the strength parameters. Be guided that each of them can withstand a load of 100 to 600 kg / cm².That is, we can conclude that the brand 600 is the most durable. The parameter "D", as already mentioned, means additives. That is, if you see the D30 sign, then this shows that this composition contains 30% of additives. This also matters, since it adds certain properties to the products( indicated on the packaging).