Definition of Cement:

Cement is defined as the product manufactured by burning and crushing to powder an intimate and well-proportioned mixture of calcareous and argillaceous materials.

Cement is manufactured in a variety of forms these days. The cement, which is generally used for preparing concrete, is the Ordinary Portland Cement. But for special purposes other qualities of cement such as Low Heat Cement, Rapid Hardening Cement, High Alumina Cement, White Cement, Blast Furnace Slag Cement, Sulphate Resisting Cement and etc. are also used.

The selection of a particular type of cement to be used for manufacturing of concrete, depends upon the following factors:

(a)        The required strength of the concrete structure.

(b)       The type of structure.

(c)        The conditions under that the construction of structure is to take place.