What is Cement And Their History?

What is Cement And Their History?

Cement is a binder, which is a substance used in construction that reacts with water or moisture to form a gel-like paste that sets, hardens, and can bind other materials together to form a homogeneous structure.

The Egyptians were using early forms of concrete over 5000 years ago to build pyramids, they mixed mud and straw to form bricks and used gypsum and lime to make mortars.

• 3000 BC - Egyptian Pyramids
• 300 BC - 476 AD Colosseum

The ancient Romans used a material that is remarkably close to modern cement to build many of their architectural marvels, such as the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. As an early form of admixture, the Romans used animal products in their cement.

The invention of Portland cement is attributed to Joseph Aspdin of England. He named his cement Portland, because of the resemblance between concrete made from his cement and Portland stone, which was commonly used in building in Britain.

In India first attempt to manufacture Portland cement was carried out in 1904 near Madras by South India Industries limited. 

Between 1912 and 1913 the Indian Cement Corporation Ltd. Was established at Porbandar, Gujrat delivered about 1000 tonnes of Portland cement.

Manufacturers have been established to specify Portland cement standards:

• German standard specification - 1877.
• British standard specification  - 1904.
• The first ASTM specification - 1904.