Storage of Cement
Effective storage of Portland cement is paramount for making sure the sturdiness and structural integrity of construction tasks. The susceptibility of cement to moisture absorption underscores the need for meticulous precautions for the duration of storage. While the article has already outlined essential measures, this exploration delves further into considerations like temperature control, ventilation, labeling, and quality testing. By comprehensively addressing these aspects, stakeholders can optimize storage practices, contributing to the consistent quality and performance of cement in construction endeavors.
A finely ground material, Portland cement effortlessly absorbs moisture from the surroundings. It is, consequently, important to guard it from dampness at some stage in garage to save you the setting of cement or a reduction in its energy because of partial placing. Storing the cement requires taking the following precautions:
Precautions for During Storage of Cement
(i) Ensure that the walls, roof, and ground of the constructing in which cement is to be stored are absolutely water-proof.
(ii) If the cement shop construction is newly built, thoroughly dry its indoors before storing cement in it.
(iii) Properly fit doors and windows, keeping them shut or closed.
(iv) Except in the case of a dry concrete floor, stack cement bags on wooden planks.
(v) Stack the bags a little away from the walls, leaving a gap of 6” all around between the exterior walls and the piles.
(vi) Pile the bags close together.
(vii) Do now not pile baggage more than 15 bags excessive or 2 m in peak.
(viii) Stack each incoming consignment separately and attach a placard bearing the date of arrival of the consignment. This helps in using cement in the same order as it arrives, avoiding dead storage where a stack remains in position for a long time while other consignments of cement come in and go out.
(ix) For temporary storage of cement at the site of work, do not stack bags on the ground. Pile the minimum number of required bags upon a raised dry platform and cover them with polythene sheets.
(x) Note that lengthy storage of cement reduces its strength, despite all precautions exercised.
(xi) Elevate your storage game by using wooden pallets to keep bags off the ground, further minimizing moisture contact. Raise the stored cement bags on pallets or wooden pallets at least 6 inches above the ground to avoid ground moisture absorption.
(xii) While it’s important to keep cement dry, avoid excessive ventilation as it can dry out the bags too much, impacting their strength. Aim for moderate air circulation.
(xiii) Make sure the storage of Cement area has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation from leaks or rain.
Cement Age vs Strength Reduction
| Duration of Storage | %age Reduction in Strength |
|———————–|—————————|
| 1 Month Duration | 2% |
| 3 Month Period | 5% |
| 6 up toMonth | 40% |
Moisture Control
- Ventilation: While it’s important to keep cement dry, avoid excessive ventilation as it can dry out the bags too much, impacting their strength. Aim for moderate air circulation.
- Drainage: Make sure the storage area has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation from leaks or rain.
- Ground Clearance: Raise the stored cement bags on pallets or wooden pallets at least 6 inches above the ground to avoid ground moisture absorption.
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