Types of Cement

Sulphate Resisting Cement

Cement concrete made by using Ordinary Portland cement cured at ordinary atmospheric temperature is susceptible to be attacked by sulphates which can cause it to expand and disintegrate. Some of the ground water as well as the sea water contain enough sulphates to cause serious problems. The severity of the attack depends mostly on Tri Calcium Aluminates content. This is a cement made specifically to counter the sulphate attack. This cement has comparatively low C₃A (generally < 5% ) & C₄AF content. This implies increased silicate content. 

Rapid cooling of clinkers as it leaves the kiln, improves the sulphate resistance either because it causes less Tri Calcium Aluminate formation or because it affects the size of perfection of the crystals.

The heat developed by Sulphate Resisting Cement is not much higher than that of low heat cement. Therefore, it appears that Sulphate Resisting Cement is an ideal cement. However, it is not true as due to special requirements for composition of raw materials used in manufacture, Sulphate Resisting Cement can not be generally & cheaply made.

This cement is used in:

• Chemical, Fertilizer and Sugar factories
• Foundations & pillars exposed to sulphate attack
• Sewage and Water treatment plants
• Basements and underground structures
• Food processing industries and Petrochemical projects
• Coastal works like construction of building in the coastal area within 50 km from sea.
• Concrete used in fabrication of pipes which are likely to be buried in marshy region or sulphate bearing soils
• marine condition