Portland blast-furnace cement is made by blending Portland cement clinker with granulated blast-furnace slag, which accounts for 25 to 65 percent of the cement's weight. Despite its similarities to ordinary Portland (Type I) cement in terms of fineness and setting times, its early strength is lower, though it achieves comparable strength later on. It's particularly suited for mass concrete structures and marine environments due to its lower heat of hydration and superior sulfate resistance.
White and colored Portland cements are used primarily where aesthetic considerations are paramount, such as precast curtain-wall panels, facing panels, terrazzo floors, stucco, finish-coat plaster, and tile grout. These cements are more expensive due to stringent production requirements to avoid impurities and achieve color uniformity.
Expansive cement expands during the early hardening period to compensate for drying shrinkage. There are three types available: K, M, and S, which differ primarily in their chemical composition. Type K is designed for general shrinkage control, Type M is for sulfate resistance, and Type S is for high sulfate exposure. Each type is designed to minimize cracking by countering the effects of shrinkage. This type is suitable for situations requiring minimal volume change to prevent cracking.
Waterproof Portland cement includes additives like calcium stearate or aluminum stearate mixed into the Portland cement clinker during grinding, enhancing the cement's resistance to moisture penetration.
