Cement is one of the main building materials. Not a single building is complete without it. It is needed both for strengthening the foundation and for finishing work. This material is indispensable today, and it has no analogues. A huge selection of manufacturers and brands of cement usually makes it difficult to choose. Therefore, you need to understand all the subtleties and tricks, so as not to miscalculate and get an excellent result in the end. Optionally, you can buy cement in bags or in bulk.
Cement production
For several centuries, the technology for the production of this material has not changed much. Only technologies have been improved and production costs have been reduced. Modern equipment allows you to get a quality product with high quality indicators.
Cement production is usually carried out as follows:
- Limestones, which are the main component of the mixture, after mining are crushed into small pieces, no more than 10 cm. Such a mass is called sludge. Then it will be repeatedly crushed to the desired consistency.
- After that, the drying process ormoisture. It all depends on which method is used in production.
- Further, the resulting mass is fired in a furnace at very high temperatures until all components begin to melt. During this stage, cement clinker is formed in the form of small lumps.
- Then it is carefully ground to a powder.
- The next stage is characterized by the addition of gypsum. It needs only 5%. This will increase the adhesiveness of the cement. Also, to improve the characteristics of the material, various minerals and components are introduced into the composition.
Main characteristics and properties
Everyone knows the wear-resistant qualities of the composition, but no one thinks about its other advantages. High-quality cement, the characteristics of which are the highest, of course, will differ in price and labeling. But, paying attention to its other indicators, you can choose a high-tech product that will perfectly cope with its tasks and meet your expectations.
One of the most important characteristics is corrosion resistance. Many have faced the problem of breaking the integrity of the cement coating due to the influence of an aggressive environment or excessive contact with ordinary water. To extend the life of cement and ensure its safety, you need to pay attention to the composition. In many cases, special polymer additives help to increase the strength of the mixture.
When making a mortar, pay special attention to the amount of water added to the dry mix. Cement microparticles have three timeshigh density and are able to absorb a different amount of liquid. If you do not guess with the calculations, some of these particles will settle, and the other half, on the contrary, will rise to the surface after a while. As a result, lack of strength and tendency to break.
The fineness of cement grinding affects both its quality and, accordingly, the cost of the product. The smaller the particles, the faster they will harden, and the longer their service life. But not always a small size of microparticles gives a positive result. Try to choose the optimal ratio of fine and coarse grinding. It is this combination that will ensure the reliability of the material in the future.
It is also important to consider strength and heat resistance. None of the above characteristics should be underestimated. All of them are important and of paramount importance. To obtain the optimal effect, manufacturers try to combine all the best in one product. But there are those who, by reducing some characteristics, significantly increase others. Here everyone chooses their own option, in accordance with the tasks and expectations.
Cement storage conditions
In order for the material not to lose its qualities, it is necessary to observe the storage and operating conditions required by the manufacturer. Only this will ensure that the product is suitable for as long (or even longer) as promised by the manufacturer.
The cement warehouse must be dry. This is perhaps the most important material storage requirement. This is primarily due tothe property of cement to quickly absorb moisture (even from the air). For the same purposes, a room with good ventilation is necessary. Cement in bags, which is sent for storage, must be checked for the integrity of the package without fail.
Cement shelf life
If you bring the average value, then this figure usually fluctuates within 2 months. The shelf life of cement depends on many factors and may vary. For high-speed species, this figure is even less - about 1.5 months. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the production date and the specified shelf life of the cement.
Influence of extraneous factors
The quality of cement can be affected by the way it is stored, the methods of transportation and the brand itself. In case of careless handling of the container, depressurization may occur, and the dry mixture will absorb moisture from the spring environment. This will not only reduce the shelf life of the cement, but also deprive it of its basic properties. Therefore, storage conditions must be observed, and the mixture is packaged in special hermetic bags. Under these conditions, the shelf life of cement can be from 1 to 2 years.
Mix Types
There are several types of cement, each of which differs in composition and raw materials. The most common are the following:
- Limestone.
- Mergely.
- Clayy.
These species are the most resistant to water and temperature extremes:
- Portland.
- Slagportland.
This type of cement is distinguished by its hardness and corrosion resistance.
- Hydraulic. Absorbs water quickly and dries just as quickly.
- Tamponage. It is characterized by high strength and is often used in the construction of dams, dams and other waterproof structures.
- Decorative. It has a neutral white color and is used for finishing work.
- Sulfate resistant. Withstands very low temperatures.
