construction
9 August 2024
Written By Semen Merah Putih

11 Types of Cement and the Functions in the Construction

There are many types of cement commonly used in construction, one of which is portland composite cement. Read this article to learn more.

types of cement

There are many types of cement available in the construction industry. Each type has its own function and use. Therefore, understanding the different types of cement is important, as using the wrong type of cement can affect the final result.

In addition, you also need to pay attention to how you store the cement to ensure its quality. If you are not yet familiar with the various types of cement and their functions, read this article until the end.

Types of Cement and Their Functions

Cement is one of the construction materials used as a chemical adhesive. As mentioned earlier, cement comes in many types, each with its own function and use. Here are some types of cement you need to know:

1. PCC (Portland Composite Cement)

The first type of cement is PCC (Portland Composite Cement), often referred to as Portland cement. Portland cement is one of the most commonly used types of cement in construction projects.

This cement is made from a type of building stone called Portland. It’s suitable for many construction jobs, such as plastering, brick bonding, casting, and more.

2. PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement)

The next type of cement is PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement). This cement is made by grinding Portland cement with gypsum or calcium sulfate. However, some PPC is produced by mixing Portland cement with fine pozzolana. One of PPC’s main advantages is its resistance to chemical reactions.

PPC cement has high resistance to chemical reactions, making it suitable for use in concrete or other structures in environments prone to chemical reactions, such as underwater, waste disposal sites, and so on.

3. PLC (Portland Limestone Cement) 

PLC, or Portland Limestone Cement, is another type of cement you should know about. This cement is also often referred to as limestone cement as it uses limestone as one of its base materials. The properties of limestone cement are essentially similar to PCC or Portland cement.

This cement is commonly found in many construction activities, such as casting, plastering, and more. It contains environmentally friendly properties. Limestone cement has 10% lower greenhouse gas emissions than Portland cement, making it a more eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement.

Read also: 3 Advantages of Lightweight Bricks as a Building Material

4. OWC (Oil Well Cement)

Oil Well Cement, often referred to as OWC, is a type of cement made from Portland cement with added additives. As the name suggests, this cement works best for cementing or grouting oil wells. OWC cement has good resistance to high temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for deep oil wells.

5. SMC (Super Masonry Cement)

SMC, or Super Masonry Cement, is a type of cement often used in constructing houses, buildings, roads, and more. The use of SMC is also common in concrete structures, up to a maximum of K225. Additionally, SMC cement is often used as a raw material for manufacturing construction materials such as concrete tiles, hollow bricks, tiles, paving blocks, cement frames, and others.

6. WPC (Waterproof Cement)

As the name suggests, WPC, or Waterproof Cement, is water-resistant cement. Therefore, the use of WPC is more common in constructions that are frequently exposed to water, such as swimming pools, water channels, and so on.

As a recommendation, you can use high-quality waterproof cement, such as Semen Merah Putih Watershield. This cement has high durability and excellent water resistance, which can help minimize leaks or water seepage in your building.

7. High Alumina Cement

High alumina cement is another type of cement suitable for construction in extreme environments, such as high-temperature areas or those frequently exposed to frost. This cement is made from melted bauxite and limestone. It is also worth noting that this type of cement hardens quickly.

Read also: Introducing 2 Easy Techniques for Finishing Cement Walls

8. White Portland Cement

White Portland cement has a different color compared to most other types of cement, which are gray. It comes in white and is made from materials that do not contain iron oxide.

Because of this, white Portland cement is more expensive than other types of cement. It is often used in decorative interior and exterior projects, as well as the production of ornamental concrete products.

9. Rapid Hardening

Rapid hardening cement is a type of cement that hardens quickly and has high strength in the early stages of hardening. Compared to Portland cement, rapid hardening cement reaches the strength of Portland cement in three days, equivalent to Portland cement that is seven days old. This comparison is based on the same cement mix ratio.

Therefore, rapid-hardening cement is popular in projects that require early formwork removal and where the primary focus is on increasing the strength of the construction.

10. Antibacterial Cement

Antibacterial cement is one type that has resistance to bacteria. It is made from antibacterial materials which prevent bacteria from thriving in constructions. Additionally, antibacterial cement is often used in constructions in damp environments, which are prone to bacterial growth and mold, such as fish ponds, gardens, swimming pools, and so on.

11. Colored Cement

Another type of cement is colored cement. As the name suggests, it has a colored appearance, different from most other types of cement, which are gray. The color is the result of a mineral pigment mixture. With its diverse colors, colored cement is often used in decorative interior and exterior projects.

That’s the information about different types of cement and their functions that you need to know. As previously discussed, one of the most commonly used types of cement is PCC. For those looking for high-quality PCC cement, Semen Merah Putih can be your top choice.

Semen Merah Putih PCC is specially formulated to exceed expectations in Indonesian construction projects. Our cement products undergo various quality control optimizations at every stage of production to ensure consistent quality until they reach the consumer. Additionally, Semen Merah Putih has met the quality standards of SNI 7064-2014.

Take the next step in ensuring durability and longevity for your projects with Semen Merah Putih. To learn more about our full range of products and how they can benefit your business, please fill out the contact form.

Read also: Protect Your Home with These 3 Fire-Resistant Building Materials

Share
X

Related Articles