Hydraulic engineering

Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens by chemical reaction with water (known as hydration) and is capable of doing so under water. The term "hydraulic" refers to the water-binding properties of such cements, which distinguish them from non-hydraulic cements.

History

The roots of hydraulic cement can be traced back to ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. They used lime, which reacts with water, as the principal hydraulic agent. The Romans discovered that adding volcanic ash to the mix allowed it to set underwater.

Composition

Hydraulic cement is composed of calcium silicates and calcium aluminates that react with water to form a hard mass. The most common types of hydraulic cements are Portland cement and slag cement.

Types

There are several types of hydraulic cement, including:

• Portland cement: The most common type of cement in general use around the world.
• Slag cement: Also known as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), is one of the most consistent cementitious materials used in concrete.
• Pozzolan cement: A type of cement that includes a mixture of a lime and Pozzolan.

Uses

Hydraulic cement is used in construction and civil engineering, particularly in the building of bridges, dams, and concrete structures. It is also used in the construction of water supply systems and sewage treatment plants due to its ability to set underwater.

See also

• Cement
• Concrete
• Portland cement
• Slag cement
• Pozzolan

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