Moderate Sulfate-resisting Portland Cement

This is manufactured to comply with ASTM C 150 Type II and BS/EN CEM 1:Class 42.5 N and exceeds the minimum strength required by both standards by a considerable margin. This product carries the BSI KITEMARK. The C3A is between 5 and 8% and the Total Alkali, Na2O+0.658K2O does not exceed 0.60%. USES This cement is used in applications such as foundations and drainage structures where the concentration of sulfates in the soil or ground water is higher than normal. In certain applications where high levels of chloride are encountered, the controlled C3A may reduce the rate of chloride ion penetration. The ratio of water to cement and the amount of cement used principally determine the strength of concrete. Temperature and the compaction of the mix are also influential. The resistance of hardened concrete to erosion and chemical attack is directly related to the water cement ratio and the degree of compaction. Because of its low alkali content this cement can be used if potentially alkali reactive aggregates are known to be present. Alkali Silica Reaction Under certain conditions an expansive reaction can occur between reactive alkali from cement or other sources and certain forms of silica present in some aggregates. This can lead to cracking and destruction of the concrete. The use of a cement with low total alkali can reduce the risk of alkali silica reaction or allow the use of aggregates prone to alkali silica reaction where they cannot be avoided.