Write about the properties of cement

Properties

1. It has huge compressive strength

2. It is free from corrosion and there are no appreciable effect ofatmospheric agents on it.

3. It hardens with age and the process of hardening continues for a long time after the concrete has attained enough strength.

4. It is proved to be more economical than steel

5. It binds rapidly with steel and as it is weak in tension, the steel reinforcement is placed in cement concrete at suitable places to take up the tensile stresses. This is termed as the reinforced cement concrete.

6. It produces a hard surface, capable of resisting abrasion

7. There should be proper grading and consolidating of the aggregates.

8. Minimum water-cement ratio should be adopted.

9. There is initial shrinkage of cement concrete which is mainly because of loss of water by forms, absorption by surfaces of forms etc.