Abstract

Inorganic hydraulic cements, upon reaction with water, form relatively insoluble, bonded aggregations having considerable strength and dimensional stability. The cement produced in the greatest volume is portland cement, which is most often used in concrete for construction. Portland cements contain calcium and silicon oxides together with additives such as alumina, ferrites, and gypsum. Cement clinker chemistry and the portland cement phases that form, including composition and reaction rates, are discussed. Cement hydration and structure are described as are properties such as strength and porosity of concretes. Chemical admixtures for concrete are also reviewed. Either a dry or a wet process may be used in cement manufacture; both are described. The uses of portland cements, special purpose and blended cements, and calcium aluminate cements are reviewed.