After the manufacturing process and before using it on the construction site, proper storage precautions such as duration and location of storage, arrangement, atmospheric moisture content, and so on are required. Because of the hygroscopic characteristic of cement, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere quickly and hardens like stone, making it unsuitable for construction. As a result, cement storage should be done with caution. The biggest concern for cement is moisture content or dampness. The amount of moisture in the air causes the cement to degrade and become ineffective. The cement must be stored in such a way that it does not come into contact with the air. As a result, the cement is packed in airtight bags. Moisture absorption is a term used to describe the process of absorbing moisture from.
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Precautions for Proper Storage
The quality of cement will also have an impact on the environment. If the cement is finely grained and of high quality, it will readily absorb moisture. As a result, extra caution should be exercised when using this type of cement, and it is best to use it while it is still fresh. If it is exposed to the atmosphere in any way, the moisture content must be evaluated. It is not suitable for building if the moisture level is greater than 5%.Moisture Content in the Storage Area. Cement Storage Timeframe The length of time the cement is stored has an impact on its strength. The cement’s strength decreases as the time goes on. It is preferable if the cement is not kept.
If the cement is stored for an extended period of time and its strength is weakened, it is not suitable for construction. However, alternative processes, such as vibro grinding, can be used to revive it. Vibratory grinding improves the fineness of long-term stored cement and makes it suitable for construction. Storage Time for Cement. Cement Storage Location Cement sacks should not be left out in the open. Cement storage is best done in specially designed storage sheds. They have the advantage of being able to be utilised for longer periods of time. The major goal of special design is to make floors, roofs, and walls waterproof. The shed’s floor should be several feet above the ground. There should be small windows with airtight doors.
Moisture Content at Place of Storage
In any event, drainage should be provided both inside and outside the shed to drain water. In usually, one bag of cement holds 50 kilos of cement, and storing 20 bags of cement will take up one cubic metre. The dimensions of the storage shed are calculated based on this. Cement Bags Arrangement To avoid direct contact between the floors and the cement bags, a wooden platform of 150 to 200 mm is built above the storage shed’s floor. The cement bags should be placed one on top of the other on the prepared wooden platform, forming a stack of cement bags. There should be no more than 10 bags of cement in each stack. The stack should not touch the shed’s walls and should be kept away from the doors.
Cross-arrangement of bags one above the other is desirable to avoid collapsing of high stacks. For long-term protection, all of the stacks are covered with a water-resistant coating. Between the stacks, a passage width of 900mm to 1000mm is provided. The stacks should be made up of the same type of cement, and the date of placement should be noted for each stack so that the storage duration may be determined. Bags of Cement Arranged Cement Bags Withdrawal When the time comes to use the cement bags, they are removed from the stacks. The cement bags should be removed in such a way that the bag that was first placed in the storage shed is removed first.
Duration of Cement Storage
Cement storage is the most common type of storage for building projects. It is usual practise to purchase a large quantity of cement at one time in order to save money and maintain a smooth flow of work. As a result, suitable arrangements for storing this quantity of cement are required. The quality and fitness of the cement to be utilised is preserved by properly maintained storage facilities. Cement has the potential to be an absorbent building material. It readily reacts to moisture, whether in liquid or vapour form. Cement goes through a chemical process called hydration when it becomes wet. When the hydration process is used, cement becomes ineffective. Cement will maintain its shape as long as it is exposed to moisture. Moisture is a great enemy of cement, hence cement baggage is never used.
Because of the cement’s quality and use, it’s critical to store it properly. Once we’ve purchased the cement, the next step is to store it properly. The Impact of Moisture on Cement Strength If cement is not stored properly, it will collect moisture from the surrounding air or other sources, causing it to react chemically. Cement’s capacity to bond and its strength are both determined by its chemical process capabilities. The strength of cement will be affected as a result of this. Effect of Storage Time on Cement Quality Long-term storage of cement in places where wet air can get to it reduces the cement’s strength and makes it appear coarser, as does the amount of water required to generate a smooth cement paste of regular consistency.
Place of Cement Storage
Cement bags should be used anywhere no water or moisture is allowed to enter the cement, whether from the ground, walls, or the environment, for example. Hooks should not be used to help in cement storage. Because it exposes the cement to the outdoor weather, which might be moist and misty, exploitation hooks have been labelled as a dangerous practise for managing luggage. Never store the cement bags with fertilisers or other products, since contamination will compromise the screen’s quality and performance. Avoid storing cement in the basement; rather, the storage should be drained on the first or second floors. The little windows are usually installed at the sill level and are tightly closed as a result.
The strangest and most significant aspect of keeping cement is climatic or atmospheric moisture comfort. The presence of moisture in the environment will cause cement to deteriorate, rendering it worthless. Cement must be stored in a godown in an airtight workplace or jobsite. The quality and quantity of cement also influence the amount of moisture absorbed from the environment. This necessitates particular caution in maintaining the cement’s freshness and quality. If there’s a danger of being exposed to airtightness, cement tests must be performed. If the moisture content is greater than 5%, it should not be used in construction. Cement Storage’s Longevity For improved comfort when keeping cement, time is the most crucial component. Long-term storage may result in harm.
Arrangement of Cement Bags
Designing a cement storage facility, such as a godown, should ideally be done in wood. The wooden storage is ideal for adjusting the atmosphere while collecting and storing cement for longer periods of time. As a result, the condition and situation of the storehouse influence how cement bags are organised and gathered. Above 150 mm to 200 mm from the floor ground, the cement should be laid on a wooden platform. Each cement bag bundle should be firmly linked so that air cannot move through or penetrate it. Of course, the dates and locations of manufacture should be noted on the bags so that workers can understand the state of the cement.
Walls, roof and floor of the building in which cement is to be stored should be completely waterproof.
Refrain from storing it in damp, moist environments.
Due to long storage of cement, cement loses its strength, cement becomes lumpy.
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