ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the production, chemical components, types, properties, and standard laboratory testing methods of cement. It deals with the manufacture of Portland cement, and its structure and properties, both when not hydrated and in a hardened state. The products from the hydration of dicalcium silicate are the same as those for tricalcium silicate: The other major components of Portland cement, tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium aluminoferrite, also react with water in a complex manner. The setting time of cement paste is affected by many factors, such as the fineness of cement, water-cement ratio, mix temperature, and the presence of chemicals and admixtures. Additionally, setting times can give some indication of whether or not a cement is undergoing the normal hydration. The heat of hydration is mainly influenced by the proportions of C3S and C3A in the cement, but it is also influenced by the water-cement ratio, fineness, and curing temperature.