In This Post:
Types of Hydraulic Cement
Types of Non-Hydraulic Cement
Cement is primarily used as a binder in concrete and serves as an essential ingredient in the construction industry all over the world. Houses, apartments, roads, hospitals, dams, port, staircase, driveways are some examples that can’t be built without the usage of a binder. In this blog, we will discuss different types of cement in Pakistan to help you better understand its purposes and scope.
Keep scrolling to find out the different types of cement in Pakistan!
List of Different Types of Cement in Pakistan
Cement can be categorised into two basic groups. We will discuss each of them in detail in the latter part of this blog. That being said, the two basic types of cement in Pakistan are mentioned below:
- Hydraulic Cement
- Non-Hydraulic Cement
Now, let’s take a look at the natural properties that set these two types of cement apart. Along with that, we will also take a look at the sub-categories of these basic types.
Hydraulic Cement
Hydraulic cement – also known as Portland cement – has the ability to develop strength anywhere [whether in the air or under water]. The best thing about hydraulic cement is that it becomes insoluble in water after it has completely dried. Not to mention, it hardens even in the absence of air.
That said, hydraulic cement can be further categorised into the below-mentioned types:
- Blast Furnace Cement
- Portland and Fly Ash Cement
- Portland Pozzolana Cement
- Portland Silica Fume Cement
- Masonry Cement
- Expansive Cement
- White Cement
Blast Furnace Cement
The first entry on our list of different types of cement in Pakistan is blast furnace cement. It is known as slag cement in the local lingo. As the name implies, it is produced from the mixture of three main elements, including ordinary cement [or Portland cement], ground granulated blast furnace slag, Portland clinker, and a little gypsum. The main ingredient in the production of this particular type of cement is ground granulated blast furnace slag, which constitutes around 20 to 70% varying of the total cement by weight. Due to its affordability, it is mostly used as a replacement for sulphate-resistant and low-heat cement.
Portland & Fly Ash Cement
Portland & fly ash cement is among some eco-friendly concrete materials, which also happens to be the best types of cement in Pakistan. The mixture contains up to 30 percent fly ash, and the rest of it is usually Portland cement, which we also know as ordinary cement. Since fly ash is cheaper than pure Portland cement – the mixture of both can be an affordable alternative.
Portland Pozzolana Cement
Portland pozzolana cement is not any different than the one mentioned above since fly ash is pozzolan. The only thing that sets these two apart is the fact that Portland pozzolan cement uses natural or artificial pozzolans. It is widely used as a substitute for cement in concrete mixtures.
Portland Silica Fume Cement
Portland silica fume cement is another interesting type of cement in Pakistan, produced from the combination of silica fume [about 80 percent] and ordinary cement [about 20 percent]. It is widely known for its binding properties, and the combination of both mixtures enhances the strength, abrasion, and resistance of a structure.
Masonry Cement
There are different types of cement in Pakistan, but none as popular and widely used as masonry cement. Procured from the combination of Portland cement, ground limestone, and other fillers, masonry cement is majorly used as a sealant. This cement is articulated in such a way that seems to be useful mortars, which permit fast and predictable masonry work. The combination also includes the addition of air-entraining and water-repellent supplements to make a water-resistant structure.
Expansive Cement
Just like the name sounds, expansive cement supports the formation of large slabs [up to 60 m sq] without any contraction joints. In addition to Portland cement, expansive cement comprises an expanding agent and a natural stabiliser. The expanding agent is produced by burning gypsum, bauxite, and chalk altogether, which later turns into calcium sulphate and calcium aluminate.
White Cement
White cement – also known as white Portland cement – is a variant of the ordinary, grey Portland cement. They are both used as a bonding agent and are quite similar in all aspects except for the colour and the quantity of iron and magnesium. The colour of this particular cement is achieved through high degrees of iron and magnesium and substantial modification during its manufacturing process. Owing to its production process, white cement is expensive in comparison with grey cement.
Non-Hydraulic Cement
Non-hydraulic cement was the basic form of cement used in the early days. Unlike hydraulic cement, it cannot harden if it comes in contact with water. Just like the name suggests, non-hydraulic cement is obtained from minerals having liquid properties such as gypsum, lime, and oxychloride. The most important types of non-hydraulic cement in Pakistan are mentioned below:
- Pozzolan-Lime Cement
- Slag-Lime Cement
- Calcium Aluminate Cement
- Natural Cements
Pozzolan-Lime Cement
Pozzolan Lime cement is produced from a mixture of ground pozzolan and lime. Although the cement matures slowly, its ultimate strength is extremely high. For the evidence of its strength, you can take a look at its historical products in Rome, such as the Pantheon.
Slag-Lime Cement
Slag-lime cement is yet another interesting type of cement in Pakistan. It is produced from a mixture of ground granulated blast furnace slag and activated by adding alkaline, such as lime. This particular type of cement is almost similar to pozzolan-lime cement.
Calcium Aluminate Cement
Just like name sounds, calcium aluminate cement is extracted from limestone and bauxite. This type of cement is popularly used in furnace linings due to its insulating properties. Aluminous cement and high-alumina cement are interchangeable terms used for calcium aluminate cement.
Natural Cements
Natural cement was extracted in the pre-Portland era. It was produced by combustion and combinations of several minerals and natural products, and it was primarily used for construction activities.
This brings us to the end of our post on different types of cement in Pakistan. We have covered the most popular ones in this blog and listed the best types of cement in Pakistan. Using the right cement for your home is extremely important so you must know the difference between all the options.
If you have any further questions or suggestions, write to us at blog@zameen.com.
Moreover, take a look at our recently published blog where we have discussed different types of building materials and the price of cement in Pakistan. Also, if you are looking for popular construction material companies, navigate to our post where we have listed all the popular construction material companies in Pakistan.
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