A Complete Civil Engineering Study Solutions: Physical Properties Of Cement

Physical Properties Of Cement

The important physical properties of cement are:

Fineness: The degree of grinding of cement is called fineness. For a given weight of cement the surface area is more for a finer cement than for a coarser cement. Finer Cements results in greater strength development. But too much fineness great heat which results cracks in concrete.

Setting Time: It is divided into two parts, initial setting time and final Setting Time. The time at which the cement paste loses it's plasticity after the addition of water is known as initial Setting Time. The time consumed by paste to become hard mass is known as final Setting Time. The initial setting time is required for mixing, transporting and placing of the concrete. At the time of initial setting time the temperature rises rapidly and at the final setting time the temperature reaches the peak value.

Soundness: The phenomenon by virtue of which cement doesn't undergo large change in volume when treated with water is known as Soundness. The mortar or concrete made from unsound cement may develop cracks after some times.

Compressive Strength: This is the strength of cement which helps it to resist Compressive stress.

Heat Of Hydration: The chemical reaction between cement and water is known as hydration of cement and heat generated in this is known as heat of hydration. It may also be defined as the quantity of heat, in calories per gram in hydrated cement, generated during complete hydration at a given temperature.