Cement is the most used construction material that has both adhesive and cohesive properties due to which it can make bonding and bind particles of a solid matter into a compact durable solid mass. A mixture of limestone and clay. It is manufactured by mixing the ingredients, heating the mixture then grinding the result to a fine powder. Though often confused with concrete, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Let’s look at a guide to types of cement in Kenya.
With the advancement in technology, the quality and types of cement have also developed. There are various types of cement used in construction with each type having its properties, uses, and advantages based on the composition materials used below are the most popular cement types.
Types of Cement in Kenya
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Ordinary portland cement(OPC)
Ordinary portland cement also known as type 1 cement, is the most commonly used type of cement suitable for all general concrete construction and most masonry work.
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Portland pozzolana cement (PPC)
This type of cement is prepared by grinding pozzolanic clinker with portland cement. It has a high resistance to various chemical attacks on concrete compared to ordinary portland cement, therefore it is widely used.it is mainly used in marine structures, sewage works, and for laying concrete underwater eg in bridges, dams, and piers. It is also used in prestressed and post-tensioned concrete members and decorative structures because it gives a better surface finish.
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Rapid hardening cement
Rapid hardening cement gains high strength in the early days hence it is used in concrete where the formworks are removed at an early stage and are similar to ordinary portland cement. This type of cement has increased lime content and finer grinding which gives it higher strength development than OPC at an early stage therefore the advantage of this cement is that the formwork can be removed earlier which increases the rate of construction and decreases the cost by saving formwork cost.
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Quick-setting cement
The major difference between this type of cement and that of rapid-hardening cement is that quick-setting cement sets faster but the rate of gaining strength is similar to that of ordinary portland cement, while rapid-hardening cement gains strength faster. In both cases, though formworks can be removed earlier. quick setting cement is used where the works need to be completed in a short period.
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Sulfate-resisting cement
Sulfate-resisting cement is used to reduce the risk of sulfate attack on concrete and hence it is used to construct foundations where the soil has high sulfate content.it is used in construction which is exposed to severe sulfate action by water and soil in places like canals, culverts, retaining walls, etc.
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White cement
White cement is prepared from raw materials free from oxide and is a type of ordinary portland cement that is white.it is more expensive and is used for architectural purposes like precast curtain walls and facing panels, terrazzo surfaces, and for interior and exterior decorative work like rendering of buildings, flooring, ornamental concrete products, etc.
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Air entraining cement
The entrainment of air or the formation of gas bubbles while applying cement increases the resistance to fire, scaling, and other defects. air-entraining cement is a type of cement that entains tinny air bubbles in concrete. This type does not offer high strength in concrete and is mostly used in areas where the temperatures are very low and resist sulfate attacks.
Key takeaway
The different types of cement in Kenya mentioned above are used in different circumstances in the construction realm. Each type of cement is specifically designed with unique properties for use in a specific application therefore the type you select to use depends on the specifications you require.
