Can cement be stored outside?

Refrain from storing it in damp, moist environments. Instead, store them in a dry, enclosed area which is protected from rain. Stacking cement bags should be covered with tarpaulin or waterproof sheets. Do not store them on concrete or wooden floors.

How cement should be stored?

The shelf life of cement is 3 months

1. Keep cement in dry, leak-proof and moisture-proof environment.
2. Doors and windows must be kept closed.
3. Bags must be stacked on a wooden plank or on a strong tarpaulin at 6 inch above the ground.

What precautions should be taken in the storage of cement at the work site?

(i) Walls, roof and floor of the building in which cement is to be stored should be completely waterproof. (ii) In case the cement store is newly constructed then its interior should have been thoroughly dried before cement is stored in it. (iii) Doors and windows should be properly fitted and should be kept shut.

How can we protect cement from rain?

Even if rain isn’t predicted, you should always be prepared to cover the concrete with a tarp or plastic sheeting just in case. Make sure to seal the edges so rainwater can’t seep underneath. Also scope out the jobsite before the project begins, looking for the presence and location of gutters and downspouts.

What is low heat cement?

Definition of low-heat cement : a portland cement specially prepared to develop a relatively low amount of heat of hydration during the setting and hardening period.

What happens when cement gets wet?

When water is added to a dry concrete mix a chemical reaction occurs which causes it to harden. Once the bag becomes wet , the concrete inside absorbs that moisture, the chemical process begins and the concrete permanently hardens and becomes useless.

What happens to concrete when it rains?

If the rainfall is heavy, it may wash off cement from portions of the concrete surface. It will weaken the structure and also reduce its durability. Unsealed concrete surfaces absorb water and crack due to freeze and thaw cycles. The most damaging effect of water is the scaling of concrete surfaces.

What happens if cement gets wet?

When water is added to a dry concrete mix a chemical reaction occurs which causes it to harden. Once the bag becomes wet, the concrete inside absorbs that moisture, the chemical process begins and the concrete permanently hardens and becomes useless.

How does sunlight affect concrete?

Freshly poured concrete is susceptible to excessive damage from solar radiation. Direct sunlight causes water to evaporate from the concrete prematurely. As a result, concrete will not have enough time (and water) to strengthen its structure before it dries out.

Why cement bag with lumps inside is not good for concrete?

Cement bag with lumps inside will not provide desired strength of concrete construction in future. Not only moisture, but cement should be protected from the rain, direct sunlight, wastage, robbery, etc. To know more, read effect of moisture on cement bag.

What are the effects of UV radiation on concrete?

And once it has dried out, it will experience shrinkage and cracking. UV radiation breaks down the polymers and other bond chains of the concrete structure. Over time, this damage weakens the concrete, turns concrete into fine dust, and causes cracking and spalling away from joins or seams.

Why cement should not be stored normally?

Because the cement hygroscopic nature, the cement absorbs moisture from the atmosphere very actively and hardens like stone which cannot be used for constructional purpose. So, storage of cement should be done with care. Cement should not be stored normally.