Uses of Cement
Cement is the important raw material used in the construction of the house. There are different uses of cement such as to make cement mortar, cement concrete which are used in the construction of various types of concrete structures.
To Prepare Cement Mortar
Cement mortar is a paste that is prepared by adding a certain quantity of water to the cement and sand mixture. Cement in this case is denoted as matrix while sand is termed as an adulterant. Cement has good binding properties like plaster of paris. While there are other binding materials are also available, cement is mostly used because of its high strength. It is used to create a strong bond between bricks, stones in masonry and is also mixed with plaster of paris. Plastering is done by cement mortar which gives a smooth finish. Cement molds of different shapes can be made using cement mortar. It is also used to seal the joints of brickwork and stonework. The ratio of cement and sand mix is determined based on the importance of work.
To Prepare Cement Concrete
Cement concrete is a major building material in the world that is widely using because of its structural properties. The ingredients of cement concrete are cement, coarse aggregate, and water respectively. Ordinary Portland cement is used to prepare concrete. But based on different circumstances many types of cement-like rapid hardening cement, high alumina cement are discovered.
To Build Heat Proof Structures
To stand against high temperatures and to prevent fire accidents, structures should be made with great fire-resistant materials like cement. High alumina cement is a suitable material to make concrete for structures in high-temperature regions.
To Build Chemical Proof Structures
In chemical industries, different chemicals are stored and they may damage the structure if proper resistance is not there. Acid-resistant cement is very much useful in this case. Similarly, for constructions under marine conditions, Sulphate resistant cement is useful.
To Construct Cement Concrete Roads
Cement concrete roads are more famous as these roads are stronger than all other types of roads. They are also called rigid pavements because of their rigid nature. They are much capable than all other types.
To Manufacture Precast Members
Many precast members are created using cement as binding material. Cement concrete pipes are widely used as drains and pipes under culverts. Cement concrete masonry is famous because of the size of the block, and strength, etc. Water tanks and septic tanks are constructed by cement concrete rings. Many other things like garden seats, flower pots, dust bins are manufactured using cement.
To Build Hydrographic and Frost Resistant Structures
Most of the hydrographic structures in the world are built using concrete with binding material as cement. The structures’ built-in water should be very strong against moisture and they should be watertight. Many types of cement-like hydrophobic cement, pozzolana cement, quick-setting cement are most suitable for constructing water retaining structures. Quick setting cement is very useful in the case when there is limited time to construct underwater structures. Hydrophobic cement has more resistance against frost actions and so it can be used to build structures in snow regions also.
