Cement Flashcards
What’s the technical reason for caring about cement?
Its the key binding agent in mortar and concrete
What is the environmental reason for caring about cement?
Cement is responsible for >60% of the CO2 emissions arising from the production of modern concrete mixes
What is the socio-economic reason for caring about cement?
We depend on concrete and thus cement to provide essential building and infrastructure services
How was cement used in 5600BC?
- Concrete floors of huts in Lepenski Vir, Yugoslavia
- Material uncertain but probably lime
How was cement used in 2500 BC?
- Great Pyramid, Giza, Egypt
- Cementing material lime (from limestone, CaCO3) or burnt gypsum
How did greeks create mortars?
Used lime and sand
How is lime produced?
By calcining (heating) natural calcium carbonate
(limestone, chalk, marble, etc.) at approximately 700-900°C
How is portlandite formed?
Using quicklime and water
What is slaked lime?
Hydrated lime also called slaked lime is produced when water is added to calcium oxide -> raise pH
Why does slaked lime not harden in water?
Water is a product
How did romans create stronger mortar and concretes?
Mixed lime with fine volcanic ash containing silica and alumina
When was Portland cement patented and who by?
1824 - Joseph Aspdin
What is ‘Portland cement’ made from?
Limestone + fine clay heated to 1200°C
What’s the dominate phase in Portland cement clinker?
alite (C3S)
What’s the difference between alite and belite?
Alite is more reactive
What are the two types of inorganic calcareous cements?
Hydraulic and Non-hydraulic
What are some hydraulic cements?
- PC
- Natural cements
- Calcium aluminate cements
- Pozzolanic cement
What are types of Portland cement?
- Ordinary PC
- Rapid hardening PC
- Low heat PC
- White PC
What are non-hydraulic cements?
- Lime
- Gypsum cements and plasters
How are the different Portland cements differentiated?
Using British/European Standard designation