Cement is one of the primary materials in construction. Cement is used to build various structures, such as houses, skyscrapers, and other infrastructure. Cement implementation also develops in many sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and eco-friendly innovations.
Along with technological development, various types of cement with special characteristics are also available, adjusted to the needs of certain projects. The article below explains the use of cement in more detail.
The Use of Cement in Various Sectors
Cement is a raw material for construction purposes. It is used for bricklaying, stonelaying, and many other things. Not only for house building, cement is used in other constructions, like bridges and others. Here is the complete explanation about the use of cement:
1. House Building
The first use of cement is for house building. Usually, this building needs Portland cement type I. This cement is a hydraulic cement commonly used in various constructions, like bricklaying, concrete block laying, and other materials.
With the right implementation, it helps build a house structure according to the architectural design and makes your house aesthetic.
2. Bridge Building
The next use of cement is bridge building. Typically, this construction uses Portland type V because it has a high durability against sulfate. This kind of cement produces a strong and long-lasting bridge and may be used for both land and sea construction.
3. Irrigation Building
Portland cement type II is used for irrigation building because it is durable against sulfate and creates medium hydration. Thus, this kind of cement is suitable for irrigation to make it strong and environment-resistant.
4. Highway Building
The next function is for highway building. This construction usually uses Portland cement type III because it has a high initial pressure strength, allowing the casting process to be completed faster and speeding up the completion of highway construction.
5. Concrete Road Building
This construction uses Portland cement type I. Yet, the process needs a stable sun exposure. Thus, the hardening time tends to be slower than other types of cement.
6. Finishing
When the construction reaches 90%, the next step is finishing. In this step, the contractor usually uses white cement or mortar cement to finish the details in the room.
White cement is used to coat the ceramic connection, plaster, and other decorations. With high adhesion, this cement can smooth the surface, which is suitable for finishing.
7. Oil and Natural Gas Drilling
Not only in construction, but the use of cement is also found in oil and natural gas drilling. For your information, one of the important procedures in oil and gas drilling is cementing, which is pumping special cement into the drilled hole.
As the name suggests, Oil Well Cement (OWC) is used to cement the drilled well. Interestingly, the process is done by pumping the cement using a metal pipe until it reaches hundreds to thousands of meters. Other than the drilled hole, OWC also cements the wall to make it stronger and leak-proof.
8. Waterproof Building Construction
To create a waterproof building, the cement used is waterproof cement. Typically, waterproof cement is made of Portland cement and a waterproof agent, such as calcium, aluminium, and polyurethane.
The mixture is processed with a certain ratio to create a maximum resistance to water. The main advantage is the waterproof property, which can protect the surface from seepage. In general, waterproof cement is used in concrete construction facing hydrostatic pressure, such as chemical liquid storage tanks and other watertight structures.
Read also: The Right Concrete Mix Ratio According to SNI Standards
Cement Composition
What is the composition of cement, and why is this material important in many construction processes? Here is the complete explanation:
1. Clay
Clay is cement’s raw material that is rich in silicate and aluminate compounds, with a bit of iron compounds. Clay is insoluble in water. Yet, in a small amount, clay may contain alkali, such as sodium and potassium, that potentially affect the quality of the cement.
Clay is typically an easy-to-find and cost-effective cement raw material. In the cement-making process, clay provides various benefits, such as increasing the strength and durability of cement and slowing down its hardening process.
2. Limestone
The calcium in the limestone (calcium carbonate) has an important role in the geological process and becomes the main material for Portland cement.
In cement production, calcium carbonate from limestone turns into calcium oxide (CaO), and Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) turns into free magnesium oxide (MgO) crystals or periclase.
Those combinations create Portland cement, which is the main component of building construction.
3. Silica Sand
Silica sand is one of the main materials in cement production, aside from limestone and clay. Silica sand is essential in increasing the strength and durability of cement, making it suitable for various construction purposes.
4. Optional Materials
In addition to those common materials, some cement also contains optional materials as follows:
- Gypsum cement.
- Iron sand
- Fly ash.
- Slag.
- Pozzolan.
- Industrial waste.
That is the explanation of the use of cement you should know. Cement usage in construction has opened a way to innovate and increase its quality. Semen Merah Putih Watershield is here with an advanced technology-based solution, offering maximum protection from humidity and extreme weather.
The Water Repellent technology in Semen Merah Putih Watershield offers Triple Protection to the construction, which is a protection to 3 sources (outside, inside, and from the ground), making the building stronger, longer-lasting, and requiring minimal maintenance.
Semen Merah Putih Watershield is a super premium multipurpose product that has many advantages compared to conventional cement, making it suitable for building applications, such as foundation, concrete roof, casting, bricklaying, plastering, and skim coating.
Contact us now to learn more about the best solution for your construction project! We are ready to help you achieve the best result with our advanced products and services!
