Cement is a versatile and complex structure with interchangeable compounds and properties. There are six different types of cement with specific defining behaviours and chemical compositions. Below we look at each type and what makes them unique.
- Type I; Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This is a general purpose cement with no special properties. It is not Sulphate resistant and creates a fair amount of heat during the hydration process.
- Type IP; Blended Cement (Pozzolan). This is also a general purpose cement, mainly used for concreting and plastering. Its benefits include: increased long term strength, improved workability and Slump retention, reduced impact of reactive aggregates, reduced risk of cracking due to lower heat of hydration, more durable concrete, reduced greenhouse gases.
- Type II Cement. Used when mild sulphate resistance and/or a moderate heat of hydration is required. It is also useful for foundation works in areas with moderate levels of Sulphate in the ground water. It usually gains strength at a slightly slower rate than Type I and has a lower heat of hydration than Type I.
- Type III Cement. Classified as a rapid hardening cement, it is finer than Type I and has a higher C3S content and Sulphite level. It also gains "28 day: Strength in 7 days. Useful where the formwork must be quickly stripped or areas that allow traffic early on the road surfaces.
- Type V (SR Cement. A high sulphate resisting (SR) cement, has a very low heat of hydration and gains strength at a slower rate than type II and I. Used in applications where the soil has high levels of Sulphate/alkali containing compounds in the ground water, sewage systems, piers and platforms on the coast.
- Class "G" Oil Well Cement. This cement is a specialty cement made for Oil and Gas industry, it has special behavioural properties for high temperature and pressure applications. It is highly resistant to Sulphate and can be blended with a variety of additives to modify behaviour under unique well conditions.
