Storage:

The cement should be stored carefully. It may absorb moisture from the atmosphere and may become useless for the structural work if not properly stored. Absorption of one to two percent of moisture has no appreciable effect on quality of cement but if it exceeds five percent, the cement becomes useless. Hence, while cement is to be stored for a long period, it should be stored in airtight containers. If moisture is kept away from cement, it is found in which cement will maintain its quality for large period.

It is advisable to avoid storing of cement in jute bags for a period longer than three months. The cement should be tested to check its quality if it is unavoidable,. The loose cement may be stored indefinitely in airtight containers.

The cement bags are stacked in piles. It is economical to create a pile of 10 bags of cement. A distance of about 30cm should be kept between the piles of cement bags and exterior walls of building. The distance among two piles should be about 90 cm.

For long storage and the top and bottom of piles should be covered with waterproof paper or tarpaulins.

The cement, which is finely ground, is more active and therefore it absorbs moisture rapidly from the atmosphere. Thus, more precautions should be taken to store at last ground cement.

When cement bags are to be removed from piles of sufficient height, the steps should be formed by taking out two or three bags from front piles. It is also advisable to remove cement in order of its storage period, i.e. cement that is stored early should be taken out first.

Cement is easily affected by water and even atmospheric humidity. Cement should be stored in dry condition. It should be protected from moisture. Aggregate should be stored in such a manner that its size and grading is not disturbed as it does not get mixed with deleterious impurities.