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Concrete & Masonryaka: OPCaka: ordinary Portland cementaka: Type I cement

Portland Cement

In Plain English

The most common type of cement — the gray powder that is the key ingredient in concrete and mortar.

Definition

The standard hydraulic cement used as the primary binding agent in concrete, mortar, and grout, produced by burning limestone and clay at high temperatures and grinding the resulting clinker with gypsum. It was named for its resemblance to Portland stone from England. There are five ASTM types (I through V) with varying properties for different applications and environmental exposures.

Example

Type V Portland cement was specified for the foundation in sulfate-rich soil to resist chemical attack.

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