Different types of cement are used in different types of concrete construction structures. The properties, uses and benefits of each types of cement vary depending on the material used during its manufacture.

types of cement


ordinary portland cement | rapid hardening portland cement | low heat portland cement | sulphate resisting portland cement | high alumina cement | blast furnace slag cement | coloured cement uses | pozzolana cement | white cement

types of cement in civil engineering

The various types of cements available in the market are as follows :

1. ordinary portland cement uses. ordinary portland cement grade is the common type of cement in use. It has adequate resistance to dry shrinkage and cracking, but has less resistance to chemical attack. It should not be used for construction work exposed to sulphates in the soil.

2. rapid hardening portland cement uses. rapid hardening portland cement is also known as high early strength cement. It is lighter than ordinary Portland cement. Since the curing period for this cement is short, therefore it is economical. It is used where high early strength is desired, for constructing road pavements, for cold weather concreting and where form work is to be removed as early as possible. It should not be used for massive concrete structures.

3. low heat portland cement in civil engineering. low heat portland cement contains a low percentage of  tricalcium silicate which hydrates quickly and a higher percentage of  dicalcium silicate which hydrates slowly. It contains less lime than ordinary Portland cement. It possesses less compressive strength. This cement is widely used in retaining walls. It should not be used for structures of thin concrete.

4. sulphate resisting portland cement uses. The percentage of  tricalcium aluminate is kept below 5% and it results in the increase in resisting against sulphates in this moderate sulphate resisting portland cement. It is used for structures which are likely to be damaged by severe alkaline conditions such as canal linings, culverts etc.

5. high alumina cement uses.  It contains about 35% of alumina.It sets quickly and attains high ultimate strength in less time. It is used for a structure subjected to the action of  sea water, chemical plants and furnaces.

6. blast furnace slag cement uses. blast furnace slag cement is is made by intergrinding of  ordinary Portland cement clinker and granulated blast furnace slag. It is cheaper than ordinary Portland cement. It develops less heat of hydration and has a lower starting strength. This cement is frequently used in dams. bridge abutments and retaining walls. 

7. coloured cement uses. coloured cement is prepared by adding 5 to 15% of  a suitable colouring pigment before the cement is finally ground. The commercial word used for coloured cement is Colocrete. It is widely used for exterior surfaces, finishing of floors etc.

8. pozzolana cement uses. a portland pozzolana cement is made by intergrinding of ordinary portland cement clinker and pozzolana. Pozzolana is practically a siliceous material containing up to 80% clay. In the manufacture of pozzolana cement, about 30% of pozzolana material is added to the ordinary Portland cement clinkers. It is widely used for hudraulic structures such as wiers, dams, seawall etc. 

9. white cement uses. White cement composition is very similar to normal Portland cement except in colour. Manganese oxide and iron oxide are low in white cement. It is expensive hence not economical for simple work. This type of cement is obtained by reducing the amount of iron oxide in ordinary Portland cement. The strength and durability is similar to OPC. It is used for architectural purposes such as precast curtain wall and panels, terrazzo surface, interior and exterior decorative works such as exterior rendering of buildings, slabs, floors, decorative concrete products, garden paths, swimming .