Something about Cementing Materials

1. Lime, gypsum and cement are the three materials most widely used in building construction for the purpose of binding together masonry units. Cement is considered to be the most important component of concrete. Used in construction those materials form very important elements in all masonry structures. As a class they are designed as cementing materials.

2. We suppose the gradual improvement in Portland cement quality from the time of its introduction to have led to elaboration of rapid-hardening Portland cement. Later developments having been carried out, low heat and sulphate-resisting cement, also white and coloured cements were brought into life. Another important class of cement is high alumina cement. High alumina cement is a material containing alumina. It is known to be very resistant to chemical attacks.

3. Specialists know Portland cement like other materials to be modified to some extent to suit a particular application. The scope for such purpose-made cements has led to the development of high alumina cement, blast-furnace slag and puzzolanas.

4. The most important building material may now be considered an artificial conglomerate of crushed stone, gravel or similar inert material with a mortar. A mixture of sand, screenings or similar inert particles with cement and water having the capacity of hardening into rocklike mass is called mortar. The main object in proportioning concrete or mortar mixes is the production of a durable material of requisite, water tightness and other essential properties at minimum cost. If we want to achieve this aim, careful attention must be given to the selection of cement, aggregate and water.