Guidelines – On-Site Storing of Cement
As mentioned earlier it is advisable to store cement only for three months and not beyond the same. Other points to keep in mind while storing cement on a construction site are –
- Cement needs to be stored in a dry, leak-proof and moisture-proof building.
- The building should have the minimum number of windows.
- The cement bags need to be stacked on wooden planks (off the floor) at a height of about 150 mm to 200 mm.
- The flooring needs to be lean cement concrete or alternatively two layers of dry bricks laid on well-consolidated earth.
- A space of 600 mm needs to be maintained between the exterior walls and the stacks.
- Cement bags need to be stacked as close to each other as possible to reduce air circulation.
- Ascertain that the height of the stack doesn’t exceed 10 bags; and the width of the stacks in not more than four bags length in order to ensure that the stack does not lump under pressure.
- In cases where stacks are more than 8 bags high – arrange the cement bags length-wise and cross-wise alternately to minimize the danger of them toppling over.
- The date of receipt of cement needs to be labelled on each stack of cement bags to facilitate access to the age of cement.
- The cement bags need to be arranged in such a way so as to facilitate their removal and use in the order in which they are received.
- The stack needs to be covered with a water-proofing membrane such as polyethylene during the rainy season or when the cement needs to be stored for a long period of time.
- Different types of cement need to be stacked and stored separately.
Period of Storing of Cement from Manufacturing Date
No authentic documents are available per se which focus on the experiments being done on cement at the various ages of storing. Cement is a hygroscopic construction material. It quickly reacts with moisture (either in liquid or in vapour form). In the presence of moisture, cement undergoes a chemical reaction termed as hydration. Once the hydration process has taken place, the cement becomes redundant. Cement can remain in good condition as long as it does not come in contact with moisture. Moisture is the worst enemy of cement and hence cement bags are generally never stored for a long period.
We have received a similar request to write an article on, what happened if cement stored over long time? Know here –
Can We Use Cement More than Three Months Old?
If a cement bag is more than three months old, then it is advisable to test the cement for its strength before taking it into use. Indian standard specifies that cement may be rejected if it fails to meet the requirements specified in IS 8112 – 2013[364].
Hence it is necessary to test the cement –
01. If cement is stored in bulk at the factory for more than six months.
02. If the cement bags are stored at the vendor warehouse or site for more than three months from the manufacturing date.
Major cement manufacturers have carried out research and development and evidence confirms that cement loses its strength over a period of time as described in the table below:
Therefore experts strongly advice using as fresh cement as is practically possible. The usage of old cement can lead to various problems such as – development of cracks, leakages, corrosion etc. It also increases the maintenance cost of your structure and affects the life of the structure. Gharpedia hopes that this article has been useful in disseminating cues for storing of cement…
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