There are two main types of cement: hydraulic and non-hydraulic.

• Hydraulic cement hardens by reacting with water. This is the most common type of cement and is used in all types of construction, including underwater construction projects. Portland cement is a type of hydraulic cement that is the most widely used cement in the world.

Non-hydraulic cement hardens by a process called carbonation. This type of cement cannot be used underwater and is not as common as hydraulic cement.

Hydraulic cement can be further broken down into several different type of cement, each with its own unique properties:
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):

• The king of cements, OPC is the most widely used globally for its versatility and affordability.
• It’s a type of cement made by grinding clinker (limestone and clay heated together) with gypsum.
• Available in different grades based on strength:
  • 33 Grade: Ideal for basic construction, plastering, and masonry due to its moderate strength (33 MPa at 28 days).
  • 43 Grade: The most common choice in India, offering good strength (43 MPa at 28 days) for general construction.
  • 53 Grade: The strongest OPC variant (53 MPa at 28 days), suitable for high-rise buildings, bridges, and precast concrete.

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC):

• Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is a type of cement that stands out as an eco-friendly option. It’s made by blending Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with volcanic ash or fly ash (pozzolanic materials).
• Offers superior resistance to sulfate attacks compared to OPC, making it ideal for:
  • Marine constructions exposed to seawater.
  • Infrastructure projects in sulfate-rich soil.
• These types of cement sets slower than OPC but gains strength steadily over time, leading to more durable concrete.

3. Portland Slag Cement (PSC):

• Portland Slag Cement (PSC) is another type of cement that offers sustainability benefits.
• Combines OPC with ground granulated blast furnace slag, a byproduct of iron production.
• Lowers the heat of hydration during concrete curing, minimizing the risk of cracks.
• Offers good resistance to sulfate attacks and works well in mass concrete projects like dams and bridges.

4. White Cement:

• The aesthetic choice, made with similar materials as OPC but with minimal iron oxide for a bright white color.
• Used for architectural concrete with a polished or exposed finish, decorative elements, and precast concrete products.
• This type of cement are more expensive than OPC due to the complex manufacturing process.

5. Sulfate Resisting Cement (SRC):

• A specialist cement formulated specifically to withstand high sulfate environments.
• Commonly used in:
  • Marine constructions like piers and harbors.
  • Sewage treatment plants due to their sulfate-rich environment.
  • Industrial settings exposed to sulfate-laden chemicals.
• Offers superior resistance to sulfate attack compared to other type of cement, ensuring long-term durability in harsh conditions.

Choosing the Right type of Cement:

The best type of cement depends on your specific project requirements. Here’s a quick guide:

• For basic construction: OPC 33 Grade is sufficient.
• For moderate strength and sulfate resistance: PPC is a good choice.
• For high-strength applications and mass concrete projects: OPC 43 Grade, 53 Grade, or PSC can be used.
• For aesthetics: White cement is the way to go.
• For sulfate-rich environments: Opt for SRC.

Remember, consulting a civil engineer or construction specialist for your specific project is always recommended to ensure you select the most suitable type of cement.