Special cements are used for certain specific functions in concrete and masonry structures. These functions can change the setting or hardening behavior of concrete, produce different architectural effects, improve workability, impart water retention and plasticity to masonry, resist water penetration in walls or containment, or reduce the cost of cement.
Therefore, these special types of cement are used for specific requirements. Several special cements are now available for the concrete construction industry. Each special cement has specific functions in terms of application, performance and durability. These types of cement can be used at very high or very low temperatures. Among them, some special cements can also be used in acid. Special cements, such as Portland cement, have very high setting rates.
Many special cements are now available in the concrete construction industry. Each type of special cement has specific functions in terms of application, performance and durability. While each can be used alone to meet special structural needs, some can be used with other standard or special types to achieve special aesthetic or functional goals. The following descriptions of various special cements relate only to the basic properties of cements and their applications. Air-entrained cement is useful in situations where careful control of air-entrained concrete is not possible, and air-entrained cement can be used to ensure that at least most of the desired air content is obtained.
There are three types of hybrid hydraulic cements: Portland blast furnace slag cement, Portland pozzolanic cement, and slag cement. These cements resist sea erosion and/or replace Portland cement in the mix for economy. Natural cement is made by finely grinding calcined argillaceous limestone. Due to its high water retention, it is used to manufacture masonry motors. Masonry cement is primarily a mixture of Portland cement, air-entraining additives and finely ground supplementary materials. They are formulated primarily for their ability to impart workability, water retention and plasticity to masonry mortars. White cement is made in a very similar way to Portland cement, except that white cement has lower levels of iron and manganese. Often used for colored concrete mixed with color. The color of light yellow cement usually depends on certain raw materials. Modulated-setting cement is a hydraulic cement related to Portland cement, but with an additional fast-setting, rapid-strength-producing component. With the exception of conditioned set and early strength properties that are particularly important in the first few hours, testing has shown that the physical properties of concrete made with conditioned set cement are similar to comparable mixtures made with standard Portland cement.
