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- This cement is similar to ordinary Portland cement. As the name indicates it develops strength rapidly and as such it may be more appropriate to call it as high early strength cement.
- Rapid hardening cement which develops higher rate of development of strength should not be confused with quick-setting cement which only sets quickly.
- Rapid hardening cement develops at the age of three days, the same strength as that is expected of ordinary Portland cement at seven days.
- The rapid rate of development of strength is attributed to the higher fineness of grinding and higher C3S and lower C2S content.
- The higher fineness of cement particles expose greater surface area for action of water and also higher proportion of C3S results in quicker hydration.
- Therefore, rapid hardening cement should not be used in mass concrete construction.
Uses:
- In pre-fabricated concrete construction.
- Where formwork is required to be removed early for reuse.
- Road repair works.
- In cold weather concrete where the rapid rate of development of strength reduces the vulnerability of concrete to the frost damage.
