Quick Summary

• This article explains the importance of cement in construction and why it has replaced older materials like lime and clay.
• It covers the various uses of cement in concrete, mortar, plaster, grouts, and pre-cast elements.
• Describes how cement supports national infrastructure growth and contributes to economic development.
• Lists the advantages of cement, such as high strength, durability, availability, and quick setting time.
• Mentions the natural raw materials used in cement production and how it remains a cost-effective building material.

Cement is very important building material among other in the construction industry. Cement has replaced all other building materials, like clay and lime, which ruled high for hundreds of years, in construction from last century. It has an ability to hold the structure together.

To know, what is cement? Click here.

Cement is now used in many construction trade items like plain Cement concrete, Reinforced Cement Concrete, Mortar, Plaster, Grouts, Paints and in Pre-cast Elements.

One of the Characteristic of a developed country is its growing infrastructure and hence cement is an important element for the development of the country and its economy.

Courtesy: AI Generated

As on date natural materials like lime has many limitations, while modern binder materials like polymers, epoxy etc. are very costly and hence cement is the best alternative. Thus, polymer and epoxy have solved many limitations of cement as a binding material.

Importance of Cement

Some of the reasons for its popularity and universal acceptance are listed below:

1. Cement can be produced in large volumes in the controlled condition, packed and transported.
2. Cement is a several times stronger binding material than lime and clay.
3. It can be mixed and used at will with locally available materials at a site.
4. When stored properly in the ordinary atmosphere, it does not deteriorate for reasonably longer time (at least 3 to 4 month).
5. When mixed with water, starts setting and gain sufficient strength in a day or two, where as other binding materials require much longer time. Hence increase the speed of construction.
6. It can withstand compressive stresses well. Where tension and shear stresses occur, it gives a good bond to steel reinforcement and transfers excess stresses to steel.
7. It is produced from the materials like limestone, hematite, bauxite, clay, etc. which are plentifully available in the upper crust of the earth.
8. It imparts strength and durability to building elements. Not only that with cement, the speed of construction also gets faster.
9. It is comparatively cheaper material.

Conclusion

The importance of cement in construction lies in its unmatched ability to bind materials, ensure strength, and enhance durability. As a cost-effective and reliable material, cement continues to be the foundation of infrastructure and development worldwide.

Also Read: Why do We Use Cement for Constructing a House?

FAQs: Importance of Cement in Construction

1. What is the importance of cement in construction?

Cement is essential in construction because it binds materials together, giving strength, stability, and durability to structures.

2. How is cement used in building works?

Cement is used in concrete, mortar, plastering, grouting, and producing pre-cast construction components.

3. Why has cement replaced lime and clay in construction?

Cement offers better compressive strength, faster setting, and long-term durability compared to lime and clay.

4. What are the key benefits of cement?

Cement is strong, versatile, easy to mix, widely available, and supports fast and economical construction.

5. How does cement influence a country’s development?

Cement drives infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings, which are crucial for economic progress.