Element 5 Cement Construction Materials and TechnologyLearning Element Outcomes This specific learning outcome will enable you to identify and describe the particular characteristics of cement , its use in construction works and how to handle Summary ‘Cement is the most important material in all solid structure like masonry, concrete, reinforced cement concrete, plastering etc. Handling of cement, storage of cement and type of cement are explained in this learning element. Introduction ‘Cement is a mixture of 60 to 67% lime, 17 to 25% silica and 3 to 8% alumina, which are intimately mixed together with water to form slurry, which is subsequently heated, dried, and grounded to a very fine powder. A small proportion of gypsum is added before grinding in order to control the rate of setting. Setting/Hardening The terms setting and hardening have different meanings. © Setting is the process which changes a fluid concrete to a solid concrete. © Hardening is the process by which the weak set concrete attains strength over a period of few days. Hydration of cement When water is added to cement, it hydrates and during the chemical reactions which take place while the cement is setting, an increase in temperature occurs and a considerable quantity of heat is generated during this process which is known as hydration Construction Materials and TechnologyType and quality You should use Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which is standard and most widely available, for all type of works taken in MGNREGS. The cement used should be any of the standard grades and the type selected should be appropriate for the intended use. Different types of cement should not be mixed together. The comprehensive strength of cements for each grade are as follows Serer Beran Loum Sid ens ESI 33 grade 43 grade 53 grade 3 Days 160 230 270 7 Days 220 330 370 28 Days 330 430 530 LS Required Properties and Setting time © Grey color. © Initial setting time of cement should not be less than 30 minutes. © Final setting time should not be more than 10 hours. Construction Materials and TechnologyCement storage Remember Cement Storage 1) Cement should be stored at the work site in a building or a shed which is dry, leak-proof as well as moisture-proof. 2) Cement should be stored and stacked in bags, kept free from the possibility of any dampness or moisture coming in contact with them. Cement bags should be stacked off the floor on wooden planks in such a way as to keep about 150 mm to 200 mm clear above the 3 floor. The floor may comprise of lean Fg ‘cement concrete or two layers of dry | om aos | bricks laid on well consolidated earth. A oS space of 600 mm minimum should be F left between the exterior walls and the E stacks (see Fig. 1). 3) The height of stack should not be more than 10 bags to prevent the possibility of lumping up under pressure. The width of the stack should Ft Tyna. Austr s Cat GoDown be not more than four bags. Cement bags should be stacked in a manner to facilitate their removal and use in the order in which they are received; a lable showing date of receipt of cement should be put on each stack to know the age of cement. 4) For extra safety during the monsoon, or when it is expected to store for an unusually long period, the stack s#=rew Or should be completely enclosed by a waterproofing months, should | membrane such as polyethylene, which should close on the sed for masonry top of the stack. 5) Cement in gunny bags, paper bags and polyethylene bags should be stored separately Construction Materials and TechnologyThe average reduction of strength in a 1:2:4 mix as a result of storage is Fresh cement Strength 100% ‘Cement after 3 months strength reduced by 20% Cement after 6 months strength reduced by 30% Cement after 12 months strength reduced by 40% Cement after 24 months strength reduced by 50% Testing the cement quality The indication of damaged cement is given by the presence of large lumps of set cement. These lumps of set cement should not be used, not even if screened again. The freshness of cement can be tested as per follo ig description: Lump test: Check the cement for any small or large lumps. Remove them LS Rubbing test: When cement is rubbed between fingers and thumb it should feel like a smooth powder such as flour. Setting test: If you are uncertain about your cement quality you can make a simple setting test. Make a stiff paste of neat cement and water and form it into a cake about 75 mm diameter and 12 to 15 mm thick. The cake should commence to set in about 30 to 60 minutes. In 18 to 24 hours the cake should have hardened sufficiently so that it does not effortlessly scratch the surface with a thumbnail. Construction Materials and TechnologyWork Book: Qt... Q2:Cement should not be used after...nnn ..Cement is mostly used for works taken under MGNREGS. months. Q3: What precautions should be taken in the storage of cement at work sit Construction Materials and Technology