Conventional cement which is currently commonly used in the world of construction, often known as Portland cement, has strength and ease of use. But it turns out that this cement also has weaknesses that should be considered and avoided because they have an impact on the durability of the building and environmental impacts in the future.
Here are some of the main disadvantages of conventional cement:
Susceptible to cracking. Conventional cement tends to be susceptible to cracking, especially under extreme weather conditions or excessive pressure. These cracks can appear due to drastic temperature changes or unstable humidity. Cracks can affect the structural strength of a building and require ongoing maintenance to prevent further damage.
Influence on the environment. Conventional cement production has a significant environmental impact. The cement manufacturing process produces large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which contribute to global warming. Apart from that, mining of raw materials such as limestone can also damage ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
High water absorption & porous potential. Conventional cement has quite high water absorption properties, which can cause porousness and a decrease in material quality over time. When cement absorbs water, a chemical reaction can occur that causes expansion and contraction, potentially resulting in cracks and structural damage.
Durability to chemicals. Although conventional cement is quite strong, this material is not completely resistant to attack by certain chemicals such as sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can result in corrosion of reinforced concrete structures, ultimately affecting the strength and integrity of the building.
Drying time. Conventional cement requires a relatively long drying time, which can slow down the construction process. Long drying times can also delay subsequent stages of construction and increase the overall cost of the project.
Maintenance. Structures built with conventional cement require regular maintenance to maintain their strength and durability. These maintenance costs, including crack repair and resurfacing, can be an additional burden in the long run.
To overcome the weaknesses above, the construction industry has developed various alternatives and solutions, including the use of environmentally friendly cement which has lower carbon emissions, as well as additional materials such as fly ash and slag which can increase the strength and durability of concrete. The use of high-performance concrete technology and self-healing concrete is also becoming increasingly popular to increase longevity and reduce maintenance requirements. We have implemented all of these innovations in cementitious mix products and we have started to introduce them to the world construction market in Indonesia.
To find out detailed information about this product, you can read it on the product page and select the cementitious mix category or download the Technical Data Sheet on the download page and contact our CS, we will be happy to help you.
