Consider the following statements:
High early strength of cement is obtained as a result of
I. Fine grinding
II. Decreasing the lime content
III. Burning at higher temperatures.
IV. Increasing the quantity of gypsum.
Which of these statements are correct?
• Statement I – Correct: Fine grinding increases the specific surface area of cement, resulting in faster hydration and
hence higher early strength.
• Statement II – Incorrect: Decreasing the lime content does not increase early strength. Adequate lime is required for
the formation of strength-producing compounds, particularly C₃S.
• Statement III – Correct: Burning the raw materials at a higher temperature promotes better clinker formation and the
formation of C₃S (tricalcium silicate), which is mainly responsible for early strength.
• Statement IV – Incorrect: Gypsum is primarily added to control the setting time of cement. Increasing its quantity does
not produce high early strength and excess gypsum may adversely affect cement properties.
Therefore, fine grinding and burning at higher temperatures contribute to high early strength.Preparing students for success in a changing World.
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