The rapid hardening Portland cement is obtained by ______.a)grinding t...
Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (RHPC) is a special purpose cement used in concrete to achieve a higher rate of early strength development, compared to using Normal Cement. The improved early performance of RHPC is achieved principally through increased product fineness.
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The rapid hardening Portland cement is obtained by ______.a)grinding t...
Answer:
Rapid hardening Portland cement is a type of cement that sets and hardens quickly. It is obtained by grinding the clinker to a high degree of fineness. Let's understand the process in detail:
1. Clinker Formation:
- Portland cement is produced by heating a mixture of limestone (calcium carbonate) and clay (mainly silica, alumina, and iron oxide) in a kiln at a high temperature.
- The mixture is heated to about 1450 degrees Celsius, which causes chemical reactions to occur and form clinker.
- Clinker is a nodular material that is greyish-black in color and consists of small pellets or nodules.
2. Grinding the Clinker:
- The clinker is then cooled and ground into a fine powder.
- The grinding process involves passing the clinker through a roller mill, which reduces it to a fine powder.
- The process increases the surface area of the clinker, making it easier for chemical reactions to occur.
3. High Degree of Fineness:
- Grinding the clinker to a high degree of fineness is crucial for rapid hardening Portland cement.
- The finer the clinker particles, the faster the cement will set and harden.
- The high degree of fineness increases the reactivity of the cement, allowing it to develop strength quickly.
4. Chemical Reactions:
- When water is added to the rapid hardening cement, it undergoes a process called hydration.
- During hydration, chemical reactions occur between the cement particles and water, forming C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate) gel and other compounds.
- The C-S-H gel is responsible for the strength and hardening of the cement.
5. Advantages of Rapid Hardening Portland Cement:
- Rapid hardening Portland cement offers several advantages, such as early strength development and faster construction.
- It is particularly useful in cold weather conditions or when a quick turnaround time is required.
- The high degree of fineness achieved through grinding the clinker allows for faster hydration and setting of the cement.
In conclusion, rapid hardening Portland cement is obtained by grinding the clinker to a high degree of fineness. This process increases the surface area of the clinker, making it more reactive and allowing for faster hydration and hardening of the cement.