Types of Portland CP Cement: Don't Make a Mistake in Your Choice!
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Have you ever stopped to think that the choice of Portland cement (CP) influences the entire process of execution and completion of a work? It may seem very simple, but today you will discover that choosing the right type of Portland cement can make all the difference! Do you want to better understand what we're talking about? Read on to learn more about this topic and ensure the best results!
We all know that cement is the most common and fundamental material for civil construction, that is, without it we can't even think of doing a project or renovating a house, right? However, the choice of cement is not always made correctly, due to the many types of cement that we find in the market. In Brazil, there are several types of cements available, which, due to their different characteristics and properties, are intended for specific applications and that is where doubts arise as to how to make the right choice! Do you want to know how to never make mistakes again? Let's tell you today!
Cement is one of the protagonists in civil construction, as it is used in almost every stage of a project and, therefore, knowing about it is essential for any professional in the field. So, the first question you should know how to answer, after all, is: what is cement?
We can define cement as an active and hydraulic binder, since, when adding water, a chemical reaction begins, which transforms cement into a mass that crystallizes, hardens and provides high mechanical resistance to compression over time. The main component of cement is clinker, a mixture of limestone, clay and iron ore. But, there are other compounds that can be part of cement and give it specific characteristics. Rest assured that we will explain later!
Although there are several types of cement, the most common and used in construction is Portland cement, due to its characteristics that provide great advantages for civil construction. And that's what we're going to talk about in the next topic!
Without a doubt, the Portland cement it is the most used in civil construction works and is preferred among professionals. This is because it has excellent characteristics of resistance, durability and workability, in addition to being a very versatile product that can be used in various applications.
It was patented by Joseph Aspdin in 1824 and, due to its high solidity, was compared to rocks from the British island of Portland, giving the product its name. Therefore, it is called CP (Portland cement).
Portland cement is a powdery material, that is, it is in a state of fine powder, consisting of silicates and calcium aluminates. These components, when mixed with water, hydrate and harden the mass, offering high mechanical resistance. Even when subjected to the new action of water, it does not decompose.
Now is the time to finally discover how to choose the right cement for your work! Be aware, because knowing which cement is best for you will certainly influence the execution and result of your work! So let's go!
Do they exist eleven types of Portland cement and, although all are suitable for general use in civil construction, they have differences between them that can make a difference. So let's get to know every one of them?
It is the most basic cement available on the market and is suitable for works that do not require special cement properties. It has only the plaster as an additive, which plays the role of a glue retarder, increasing the application time. It has a high cost and low strength.
It has the same composition as CP I, but with a small addition of pozzolanic material, which guarantees lower permeability to the material.
This cement has an intermediate composition between the two previous ones, since it contains the addition of granulated blast furnace slag and is recommended for structures that require moderately slow heat release. It also has lower hydration heat, releasing less heat when in contact with water.
It has the addition of pozzolan, providing less permeability to cement. Therefore, its use is indicated for underground works or works that are in constant contact with water.
It has the addition of carbonaceous material in its composition and is more resistant and versatile. It is suitable for general applications, such as concrete simple, armed, precast or works that require high cement resistance. Its use is not very suitable for aggressive media.
It has the addition of high slag content, which can reach up to 70% by mass. This guarantees high durability, low heat of hydration, high resistance to expansion and sulfate resistance. It is suitable for conventional works or projects that are highly aggressive to cement, such as dams, machine foundations, airport runways, and industries.
It has pozzolanic material in its composition, which gives the material high compressive strength and durability. It is suitable for works where they are subject to large temperature variations or exposed to the action of running water, as it is not very porous.
It is a basic cement, without additives, but it is produced by a process of dosing and manufacturing clinker in a different way, with larger quantities of limestone and clay. Thus, it has high initial resistance, that is, it becomes hard and resistant in much less time than other models. It is recommended for concrete and precast manufacturing.
It has additives that make the cements resistant to sulfates. Present in sewage networks, industrial environments and in buildings in contact with seawater.
It has the property of delaying heat release, preventing the appearance of cracks, increasing the durability of the structure and being resistant to high temperatures.
Its main characteristic is its white color, which is achieved by the use of raw materials with a low manganese and iron content and the use of kaolin instead of clay. It is most commonly used as grout of ceramic pieces.
Thinking of contributing to civil construction, Blok developed several additives that aid the works, providing agility, better workability, high durability and an incomparable final result. Therefore, we will introduce you to some products that, when mixed with cement and other components, will surprise you with their performance! Do you want to know what we're talking about? Read next!
BlokGraute line of superplasticizers offers premolded parts greater fluidity, reducing the amount of water in the system, improving finish and resistance.
Blok Massa It is a waterproofing agent for plastering, highly recommended for concrete and mortars of plastering, laying and leveling. BlokMassa waterproofs by blocking the capillary system, allowing gas exchange between materials. Want more? Click here.
If you need more than one waterproofing agent, we have the BlokMassa ST, which waterproofs but is also a plasticizer for mortars.
If you already need a plasticizing additive for mortars, we recommend you Blok Liga, which provides excellent plasticity and ease of working with cement-based mortars, without the use of hydrated lime or clay.
These are some of the products manufactured by us, but we have many others that can also help you! How about taking a look at our site to learn more? Don't forget that the Blok is here for any challenge!
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