What cement to use for the foundation. What is the difference between brands of cement and which cement to choose Which cement is better for general construction works

When buying cement, many of us know very little about this building material. As a result, brickwork, foundations and mortar screeds are of poor quality and crack under the influence of load, frost and groundwater.

Ignorance of the specifics of the use of various types of cement, its grades and characteristics lead to overspending of this material.

Untimely use and improper storage leads to damage and loss of investment.

In order to confidently navigate when choosing cement for renovation, improvement or new construction, let's take a closer look at its classification, as well as strength and price indicators.

Cement is a powdery building material consisting of a binder base - clinker, filler and modifying additives. On contact with water, it turns into a plastic mass called cement paste. As it hardens, it turns into a solid stone.

Unlike other binders (gypsum, lime), all types of cement harden and gain the necessary strength not only in air, but also in water.

The main characteristic of any cement is its brand. This is a digital designation of its solid strength, expressed in kg / cm2. The brand is determined in accordance with the standards of GOST, carrying out bending and compression tests of samples after a 28-day exposure. Fast-hardening types of cements are tested for strength 3 days after preparation of the solution.

The brands of this group of binders are designated in numbers from 100 to 900(with a step of 100 or 50 kg / cm2). Today, cement grades below 300 are not produced. The most demanded on the market are М400 and М500. High-quality cements (from M600 and higher) are used in military, mine, airfield and hydraulic engineering construction.

When buying a bag of cement in a store, you will see on it not only the brand designation, but also other abbreviations, the meaning of which we will now explain. In the retail network, Portland cement is most often sold, marked with the letters - PC.

To regulate the setting speed, increase frost resistance and water permeability, special additives are introduced into the cement composition. They are designated by the letter D, after which the percentage of additives is indicated (0, 5, 10 or 20%). For example, Portland cement grade 400 with 20% chemical additives is marked as follows: PC 400 D20.

Slag Portland cement

In addition to Portland cement, Portland slag cement is used in construction. In addition to clinker, granulated blast-furnace slag is added to it in an amount of 30 - 65% of the total weight.

It is marked with the letters ШПЦ and differs from Portland cement in several important parameters:

resistant to soft river and aggressive sulfate groundwater;
low resistance to low temperatures;
slowly gaining strength during the first 4 weeks;
withstands high temperatures (from +600 to +800 C) without decreasing strength.

The listed technical characteristics of cement using slag allow us to draw two important conclusions: concrete should not be made on it, which will be operated at low temperatures or undergo periodic freezing and thawing.

In the cold season, it is better to use it for the preparation of mortars and concrete laid in heated rooms, and for open work, use it in the summer.

The light shade of Portland slag cement allows you to use it for the preparation of decorative solutions, saving on the purchase of expensive alkali-resistant dyes.

An important advantage of cement based on blast furnace slag is the low rate of activity loss. Therefore, it can be stored longer than conventional Portland cement.

The beginning of setting (hardening) of this cement occurs 3.5 hours after the preparation of the solution, and ends after 6 hours (air temperature +18 - + 22C). By this time, the solution loses its plasticity, and any mechanical impact on it leads to irreversible destruction of the cement stone. With ordinary Portland cement, the setting process ends in about 2 hours.

Special types of cements

Since cement is used in all sectors of the construction industry, there are many varieties of this binder.

The most famous of them are:

Fast hardening portland cement, abbreviated as BTTS. It gains 60% of the brand strength within 3 days and is used for high-speed construction;
Sulfate resistant cement (SSPC) it is used for massive foundations that experience the destructive effect of sulfate groundwater (dams, piers, breakwaters);
Cement using surfactants... If an additive is introduced into the composition that improves the plasticity and workability of the solution, then the cement marking contains the letters PL. To reduce water permeability, a hydrofibrating substance is added, and the letters GF are added to the marking;
Backfill Portland cement... It is used to isolate boreholes from groundwater penetration.
Waterproof Expanding Cement... It is designated by the letters ВРЦ. It has a very high density and is used for sealing cracks in reinforced concrete structures, waterproofing water pipes and mine structures;
White (BC) and colored cements... They are used for the preparation of decorative concretes and mortars used for laying facade and facing bricks.

The cost of this material depends on its brand and type. In addition, the reputation of the manufacturer (brand) influences the final price of cement.

The price of one bag of Portland cement grade 500 (weight 50 kg), which does not contain additives (PC M500-D0), ranges from 200 to 250 rubles.

Cement with additives is slightly cheaper. A 50 kg bag (M500, 20% additives) will cost you from 190 to 220 rubles.

A standard bag of M400 cement from different manufacturers costs from 160 to 190 rubles.

Prices for domestically produced white cement M500 start at 390 rubles. Turkish white cement M600 D0 (50 kg) is much more expensive. Its cost ranges from 540-570 rubles.

Consumption rates

Answering the question, how much cement is needed per cube of concrete, you need to take into account its brand and the required structural strength. The date of release is also of great importance, since this type of binder loses activity over time and is very sensitive to storage conditions.

Practice shows that it is more profitable to buy cement of a higher grade, since for the preparation of concrete or mortar of the same strength, it can be taken 15-20% less than low-grade cement.

For example, the consumption of cement per 1 m3 of a "three hundred" grade solution is: M500 - 500 kg, and M400 - 600 kg. To prepare one cubic meter of M200 concrete, you need to buy 400 kg of M500 cement or half a ton of M400 Portland cement.

To simplify the calculation of the composition of concrete or mortar, you can use the following formula: for structures that do not carry a large load (paths, floor screed, plaster), a ratio of M500 cement and sand 1: 5 is sufficient.

For foundations, floors and other critical structures, the proportion should be 1: 2. For stock solutions, a ratio of 1: 4 is usually used.

Deciding for yourself which cement is better to choose, remember that the date of its release is just as important as the brand. Even if all storage conditions are met, it loses about 10% of its activity every 30 days. This means that if 3 months have passed since the production date, then instead of the M500 you will buy the M350.

If the cement has been in the warehouse for six months, then its brand will not exceed 200 kg / cm2. It is unrealistic to make a high-quality mortar on such a material, and even more durable concrete. Therefore, before buying, ask the seller for a document that clearly indicates the date of manufacture.

Cement is used everywhere: from laying the foundation to arranging brickwork and carrying out interior decoration. Such a wide and even immense scope of use of cement has led to the emergence of materials with different compositions and characteristics. You can't just buy the first cement you come across and start work - first it is important to make sure that the composition is suitable for the task at hand. When going to a hardware store, it is important to know the theoretical foundations, so it's time to figure out how to choose cement, find out what brands and types of cement exist, where these or those compositions are used, and also what to take into account directly when choosing.

# 1. Main types of cement

Cement is an inorganic binder. Cement powder, when interacting with water, forms a plastic mass, which quickly sets and forms a stone-like body. It is often used for the manufacture of mortars and mortars. The composition of the cement can vary greatly. Accordingly, the properties and scope of use will differ.

Today the following main types of cement are manufactured:

Portland cement- the most popular type of cement in construction. It is made from Portland cement clinker, gypsum and special additives. Clinker is obtained from limestone, clay and additives by firing. Ready Portland cement consists of 70-80% calcium silicates, the rest is gypsum (it regulates the setting rate) and corrective additives. Portland cement is produced by grades M400-M600, used to create mortars, asbestos-cement and other materials. Not suitable for the construction of structures exposed to the influence of sea water;
white portland cement made on the basis of gypsum, diatomite and clay-sandy rocks with a minimum content of dyes. The result is a composition with high strength, resistance to weathering and fast setting. Produced only in two brands M400 and M500. Often the composition is used for external finishing work, as it has an aesthetic appearance and is not prone to cracking. It is used for the manufacture of decorative elements (statues,), when organizing self-leveling floors, in road construction, c. Based on white Portland cement, they are made colored compositions;
sulfate resistant Portland cement produced on the basis of Portland cement clinker and gypsum. The composition is characterized by a low content of calcium aluminates, which provides resistance to sulfates. The cement can be without additives or with additives in the form of granular slag. M400 and M500 brands. It is used in the creation and erection of structures that will be operated under the influence of saline waters. Such cement is used in the manufacture of piles, bridge supports, in the arrangement of external elements of hydraulic structures;
pozzolanic portland cement obtained from Portland cement clinker, gypsum and additives of sedimentary origin, part of which is 20-30%. The composition is distinguished by resistance to fresh and sulfate-containing waters, water-tightness. Among the disadvantages are low frost resistance and low speed of hardening. They are used for filling and laying basements of industrial and civil buildings, for the construction of subways, mines, canals, sluices, water supply lines;
slag cements- a group of cements, which includes slag portland cement (SHPC) and lime and slag cement (ISHTs)... The first is obtained on the basis of Portland cement clinker, gypsum and blast-furnace slag, part of which is 21-60%. The composition is distinguished by a slow increase in strength, increased resistance to aggressive media, but not resistant to temperature extremes. It is used in hydraulic engineering. IShTs is obtained from a mixture of slag with lime (its part is about 30%), small additions of gypsum and Portland cement are allowed. The composition slowly hardens, is most stable in fresh and sulphate waters, can be used for the manufacture of low-grade concrete, in mortars for and masonry;
fast hardening portland cement, as the name suggests, is characterized by a rapid set of strength in the first hours of hardening. Such properties are explained by the precise selection and dosage of special additives. As a result, the composition reaches its ultimate strength in 3 days, which speeds up the production of reinforced concrete structures;
alumina cement also has a high speed of hardening and strength development. It is produced on the basis of bauxite or alumina with the addition of limestone. According to the alumina content, ordinary (up to 55% alumina), high-alumina (up to 65%) and extra-pure high-alumina cements are distinguished. The formulations are highly resistant to fire, corrosion and rapidly build up strength. Such cement has found application in emergency work, high-speed construction and winter concreting;
expanding cements- a group of cements that are distinguished by an increase in volume during hardening. A similar effect is achieved through a reaction between the powder and water, resulting in the formation of calcium hydrosulfoaluminate, a substance capable of binding large amounts of water. In the group of expanding cements, waterproof, tensile, gypsum-alumina compositions and expanding Portland cement are distinguished. Let's consider all of them separately;
waterproof expanding cement made of gypsum, alumina cement and calcium hydroaluminate. The composition begins to set in 4 minutes, and after 10 minutes the hardening process ends. It is used in underground and underwater construction, for sealing cracks and for creating monolithic structures from individual precast concrete elements;
tensile expanding cement made from Portland cement clinker, lime, alumina slag and gypsum stone. The composition hardens relatively quickly and is waterproof. Used for concreting bowls, production of pressure pipes;
gypsum-alumina expanding cement are made from alumina blast-furnace slag and gypsum. The composition sets within 4 hours, the expansion ends in 3 days. Cement is characterized by high frost resistance, strength and deformation resistance. With its help, waterproofing work is carried out;
expanding portland cement Is a mixture of Portland cement clinker, high alumina slag, gypsum and mineral additives. Depending on the composition, the expansion ranges from 0.3 to 2.5%. The expansion period is long, so the volume is filled evenly. It is used in the arrangement of road surfaces and the repair of hydraulic structures;
oil well cement it is used only for plugging oil and gas wells in order to isolate them from groundwater. Made from clinker and plaster;
hydrophobic cement in its composition, in addition to gypsum and clinker, it contains oleic acid or other hydrophobic substances, which make it possible to create a waterproof film on the surface of the dried cement. Such cement is ideal for foundations;
magnesia cement differs in the content of magnesium oxide, thereby increasing the elasticity of the composition, its resistance to aggressive substances. Used in the arrangement;
waterproof nonshrinking cement obtained on the basis of alumina cement, gypsum and hydrated lime. The composition sets quickly and is not afraid of water;
acid resistant quartz cement- a product of mixing quartz sand, sodium fluorosilicate and liquid sodium glass. The composition is resistant to aggressive substances, but loses its strength in water;
surfactant cement has increased mobility and is used when working on objects that are complex from an architectural point of view.

# 2. Cement grades by strength

The most important characteristic of any kind of cement is its strength. This indicator is determined experimentally: a solution is prepared from cement and in a ratio of 1: 3, a sample is created in the form of a parallelepiped with sides of 40 * 40 * 160 mm. The resulting sample is subjected to a gradually increasing load. The experiment is slightly different only for some types of cement.

The data obtained in the course of laboratory tests are reflected in the stamps. If the sample can withstand a load of 300 kg / cm 2, then this is the M300 brand, 500 kg / cm 2 - M500, etc. The brands are designated by the letter M and the subsequent index from 200 to 600 in increments of 50 or 100. The higher the brand, the more durable the composition is in front of us, and the more durable and high-quality concrete it will turn out to be:

Today, next to the classifications of cement by strength grades, a division into strength classes... If the brand is an average indicator, then the class is more accurate and provides a 95% guarantee of compliance with the specified data. Strength classes vary from 30 to 60:

52.5 - cement withstands a pressure of 52.5 MPa, corresponds to cement grade M600;
42.5 corresponds to M500 cement;
32.5 corresponds to M400 cement;
22.5 corresponds to M300 cement.

No. 3. Marking of additives in cement

In addition to the strength grade, on the packaging you can see the marking of the percentage of various additives in the cement. This indicator is indicated by the letter D, followed by a numerical indicator in percent. For example, cement D20 means that it contains 20% additives. The higher the amount of additives, the lower the price of the composition.

No. 4. Strength rate marking

The time it takes for cement to reach its maximum strength is another important compositional indicator. In some cases, it is required that it hardens instantly, in others, on the contrary, an excessive speed of curing will only hurt. According to this parameter, cement is divided into the following types:

No. 5. What else can be in the marking of cement?

In the characteristics of the composition, after the designation of the brand of cement and the percentage of additives, there may be various abbreviations indicating the specific qualities of cement:

No. 6. What to look for when choosing a cement?

The demand for cement is huge, which has given rise to the emergence of many unscrupulous manufacturers, who often mix additives into cement that greatly reduce the quality of the finished composition. In order not to be mistaken when choosing a cement and buy a really high-quality product, you need to know something about how good cement looks and what properties it should have:

cement is sold in bags and in loose form... It is better to take cement in bags, since this way it is protected from external influences, retains its qualities longer, and on the packaging of the bag you can always find out information about the composition, production date, characteristics of the cement and about its manufacturer. Bags are usually made of two layers of paper, the inner one protects the cement from getting wet. By the way, the absence of any information on the packaging is also a sign that you may have low-quality material in front of you;
if you buy cement in bulk, and it is packaged in bags, then it is better to check carefully shelf life on each, since in the general mass you can be sold stale goods. The activity of cement after 6 months from the date of production drops several times;
verify freshness of cement it is possible and empirically. It is enough to hit the bag - the sensations should not resemble hitting a stone. The first to stone is the cement in the corners of the bag, so it doesn't hurt to check them either. Naturally, if the production date is not on the package at all, then it is better not to take such a product;
cement must be stored in dry and well-ventilated areas, otherwise it will turn to stone quickly;
quality cement color- gray, more precisely from light gray to dark gray and even greenish. Dark and boggy shades are not allowed. Good cement should crumble in the hand, and not crumple into a lump when squeezed;
the fineness of the grind affects the hardening process. The finer the fraction of particles, the faster the composition will harden and the higher its price. A too small fraction increases water consumption, therefore, ideally, it is better to take cement, where fractions from 40 to 80 microns are found;
does not interfere with assessment of the composition and characteristics of cement... It is not difficult to do this, but in advance it is necessary to prepare bicarbonate-sodium water (Borjomi is suitable) or bicarbonate-chloride-sodium water. Gas must be released from the water. Next, we use it to knead the cement paste and form a cake with a diameter of 15 cm from it. In the center it should be thicker (5 cm), towards the edges - narrower (1 cm). High-quality cement should begin to set no later than after 10 minutes, and the thickened part will noticeably heat up. If setting does not occur even within 30 minutes, then this is a composition of low quality.

No. 7. Top cement manufacturers

Finally, we emphasize once again the need for information on the packaging about the brand of cement, its properties, production date and manufacturer's contact information.

Updated: 18.09.2019 22:30:15

Expert: Boris Mendel

* Review of the best according to the editors of the site. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

No construction site today can do without such an important material as cement. Every year manufacturers improve manufacturing technologies, modernize equipment, which leads to the creation of high-quality compositions. The scope of the product is very wide, the material is used not only at construction sites, but also in other industries. Therefore, for each case, a cement with a certain set of characteristics is required. Before heading to a store or placing an order online, you should heed the advice of experts.

How to choose quality cement

Cement composition... The basis of the cement composition is crushed inorganic substances, for example, limestone, clay, mineral additives and fillers. There are many types of material depending on the recipe. The most popular in our country is Portland cement. It is suitable for the construction and manufacture of reinforced concrete structures. But sea water destroys concrete based on Portland cement.
Strength... The most important characteristic of any cement is strength. This indicator is incorporated in the marking of the material. Cement M400 can withstand a pressure of 32.5 MPa, this number is called a strength class. The five hundredth grade must correspond to the strength class 42.5. Military cement (M600) has the highest strength. It can withstand a load of 52.5 MPa. Most often, cement brands M400 and M500 are used in everyday life.
Purity... Another designation worries potential buyers. On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates a number next to the letter D. It indicates the content of the additives. For example, cement mixture D20 contains up to 20% fillers, plasticizers and other compounds. The D0 marking indicates the purity of the cement, there are no additives in it.
Curing speed... Depending on the type of work to be performed, the concrete solution should harden faster or slower. Therefore, manufacturers offer cement modifications with different hardening rates. If the package has the CEM I mark, then the concrete will harden as quickly as possible. For M400 construction concrete, CEM V marking is considered normal.
Packing... Manufacturers use multilayer paper bags and sacks for packaging loose and hygroscopic material. For a construction site, a large package (50 kg each) is optimal. And when small volumes of work are performed, it is more profitable to take packages weighing 5-30 kg.
Shelf life... A distinctive feature of cement is its limited shelf life. The date of manufacture is indicated on the package, so when buying, you should calculate whether the composition will be used before the expiration date. Most often, the manufacturer guarantees the safety of the product from 3 to 6 months, while the time of transportation and storage in warehouses should be taken into account. Experts recommend checking the freshness of the composition yourself by hitting the corner of the bag with your hand. It is in these places that cement begins to turn to stone.

We have selected 11 of the best cement compositions for our review. The distribution of places in the rating was influenced by the opinion of the expert community and the reviews of Russian consumers.

Rating of the best cement manufacturers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best cement brand M400	1		372 ₽
	2		263 ₽
	3		690 ₽
	4		298 ₽
The best cement brand M500	1		382 ₽
	2		311 ₽
	3		379 ₽
	4		255 ₽
The best cement brand M600	1		820 ₽
	2		980 ₽
	3		592 ₽

The best cement brand M400

Cement compositions of the M400 brand are intended for the preparation of medium-strength concrete. They are most often used for screed construction, erection of internal partitions, leveling surfaces with large differences. The experts noted several proven manufacturers.

The leading position in the Russian construction market is held by the domestic company "Eurocement Group". The most popular brand of cement is Eurocement M400 D20. The holding's production facilities are located in different regions of the country. The composition with this designation is produced by such enterprises as "Mordovcement", "Mikhailovcement", "Pikalevsky cement". The product meets all the requirements of international standards, therefore it is exported to a number of neighboring countries. The building mixture is used in the construction industry and in industry. Cement is used to make floor slabs, reinforced concrete structures, foundations, walls, etc. The domestic product is distinguished by moisture resistance and frost resistance. The composition can be stored in closed bags for up to 6 months.

Dignity

acceptable price;
water and frost resistance;
high quality;
wide range of applications.

disadvantages

not detected.

Cement Holtsim M400 is produced at the Shchurovsky plant in Kolomna. The company is part of the international concern LafargeHolcim, founded in Switzerland (1912). The products are distinguished by their whiteness, the level of which in the M400 brand reaches 70-74%. The cement obtained its unique properties due to the use of a special clinker with a low iron content. To increase the coefficient of light reflectance, additives such as diatomite and gypsum are added to the composition. The list of products also includes classic brands of Portland cement with a strength class of more than 32.5.

Cement Holzim M400 has earned high marks from experts and users for quality and strength. The product takes the second place only for the deficit in the trade network of provincial cities.

Dignity

high quality;
White color;
acceptable price;
versatility.

disadvantages

deficit in the trading network.

Experts recommend buying Portland M400 Hercules cement for filling the floor screed. The product is highly durable after drying. Within a day, you can continue repairs, perform other finishing work. The assortment of the company includes different types of packages, it is especially convenient to transport 5-kg white and blue bags with slits for fingers. The composition meets Russian standards, its strength class is more than 32.5. Therefore, the screed will serve for a long time, and cracks and chips will not appear on it.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the cement, its strength and durability. The product is on the 3rd place in the rating due to the large amount of counterfeit products in the construction market.

Dignity

environmental friendliness;
high strength;
versatility of application;
not afraid of low temperatures.

disadvantages

high price;
low shelf life (2 months).

Cement CEM II 32.5 (M400 D20) gray De Luxe

Cement CEM II 32.5 (M400 D20) of Favorit LLC is distinguished by stable quality and affordable price. It is sold in the retail chain under the TM "De Luxe" brand. Through the use of innovative technologies, the manufacturer managed to occupy its niche in the domestic market. Experts highly appreciate the resistance of concrete to temperature changes and resistance to moisture. The cement provides the mortar strength at the level of 32.5, it is worth noting the good adhesion of the composition.

Users like the speed of setting of the mortar, the quick set of hardness, the strength of the hardened concrete. Cement did not make it to the top three of the rating because of one type of packaging (50 kg), as well as the need to work only at positive temperatures (above + 5 ° С).

Dignity

strength and durability of concrete;
good adhesion;
fast solidification;
affordable price.

disadvantages

packing in large bags;
installation work can be carried out at temperatures above + 5 ° C.

The best cement brand M500

Cement M500 has increased strength and durability. This composition is recommended not only for creating internal screeds, but also for pouring the foundation, erecting walls. Experts noted several high-quality products.

A lot of positive feedback comes from domestic consumers to the address of Eurocement 500 Super cement. This brand is widely used in the construction of houses. The composition is suitable for making a foundation, for erecting brick and block walls, pouring a screed, etc. Experts highly appreciate the fact that the production of cement is carried out in accordance with GOST. Material corresponds to class 42.5. The resulting concrete solution is characterized by high mobility and quick setting. Therefore, the terms of construction work can be shortened. It is also worth praising the composition for moisture and frost resistance.

The builders in the reviews are flattering about the concrete recipe, which is shown on the package. For quality and durability, the product wins first place in our rating.

Dignity

high-quality manufacturing;
strength and durability;
fast setting;
wide range of applications.

disadvantages

not detected.

Holcim ExtraCem M-500 cement stands out by its fast hardening and endurance. Concrete prepared on its basis can withstand high loads. It does not crack or delaminate. Therefore, experts recommend using the composition when constructing the foundations of multi-storey buildings. The product class corresponds to the indicator 42.5. The manufacturer added special additives to the dry mix that prevent cracking of the structure after drying.

Dignity

strength and endurance;
can be used inside and outside buildings;
plasticity of the working solution;
resistance to cracking.

disadvantages

inconvenient packaging.

Another brand of cement from the holding "Eurocement group" was included in our rating. This is the composition of 500 Extra D20. It is produced at the enterprises of CJSC Maltsovsky Portlandcement and JSC Mikhailovcement. The product attracted the attention of experts with its speed of solidification and high strength. It is convenient to fill voids with the prepared solution, it is easily leveled, and has a minimum setting time. Cement can withstand low temperatures, so builders advise using it during winter concreting.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the cement, its hardness and strength. Of the minuses, there is a slowdown in curing at low temperatures (below + 10 ° C). One of the disadvantages is the high price.

Dignity

great quality;
ease of use;
long shelf life;
no shrinkage cracks.

disadvantages

high price;
delayed curing at low temperatures.

Cement Stone Flower M500 D20 has the best binding properties. The quality of products manufactured at the "Stone Flower" plant meets the modern requirements of domestic and foreign standards. The production uses only raw materials that are safe for humans and the environment. At each stage of manufacturing, strict control of compliance with technological discipline is organized. Therefore, experts recommend this manufacturer's cement for demanding jobs. Special compounds are introduced into the composition, which increase the resistance of concrete to cracking and accelerate the drying process.

The product stops one step behind the leaders of the rating due to inconvenient large bags and a limited shelf life.

Dignity

ease of preparation;
environmental friendliness;
suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
moisture and frost resistance.

disadvantages

uncomfortable bags;
limited shelf life.

The best cement brand M600

To create reinforced concrete structures with maximum strength, M600 cement is required. With its help, sculptors make monuments, steles and concrete figures to decorate personal plots. The experts drew attention to several compositions.

White cement of the Turkish company CimSa is widely popular in the Russian market. The composition is intended primarily for finishing work. The company has been operating on the European market and in the countries of the former Soviet Union for a long time. Therefore, good contact has been established with dealers and end users. Experts attribute to the advantages of CimSa M600 cement an ideal surface in terms of smoothness and evenness, absence of cracks after drying, and resistance to negative weather phenomena. And in reinforced concrete structures, the white mixture protects the steel reinforcement from corrosion. Cement is obtained by "dry method", which makes the final product competitive in the Russian market.

fully complies with the requirements of international standards, and even far exceeds them. In addition to its aesthetic and decorative properties, cement is able to withstand very heavy loads. The whiteness indicator reaches 90%, the class corresponds to the indicator 52.5.

White cement is widely used in the construction of architectural and decorative concrete structures, the production of dry building mixtures and adhesives, the erection of monuments, sculptures, etc.

Dignity

high aesthetic properties;
wide scope;
strength and endurance;
weather resistance.

disadvantages

high price.

The Russian "Rusean Production Company" has been working in the building materials market for over 20 years. The main task of the company is to produce quality goods at affordable prices. A striking example of a combination of price and quality is White Polymer Cement M600. The product is characterized by workability, plasticity, good strength and easy handling. For these properties, experts gave the material the third line of the rating. The composition can be used for both indoor and outdoor work. It is resistant to negative external influences, while maintaining excellent aesthetic qualities.

Users praise the Russian composition for its low shrinkage, fine grinding, and frost resistance. Of the minuses, there is a high price and the need to use quartz sand.

Dignity

fine grinding;
resistance to weathering;
White color;
plastic.

disadvantages

high price;
it is necessary to add quartz sand.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Cement is an important building material, which, like lime, gypsum or clay, belongs to inorganic binders. You need to know what grades of this material are and what they are best used for in order to determine which cement is best. At the same time, the products should not only be of high quality, but also be well preserved for a long time.

Like other materials used in construction, cement has differences in physical and technical characteristics, which depend on the conditions of its operation.

Which cement to buy - in bags or loose?

Despite the constant development and emergence of new technologies, construction is not complete without the use of cement mortar. This material is sold in bulk and in bags. Therefore, the question often arises, which option is the best and better quality? There is an unequivocal answer to this question - the best cement in bags. In addition, it is he who can most often be found on sale. They produce packaged material both abroad and in the CIS countries. It is sold in building supermarkets, at special bases, as well as at cement plants.

Cement packaged in bags is of high quality and is better suited for storage.

Also, cement packed in bags is much more profitable to buy because it is easier to store. But at the same time, the room where it will lie must meet certain criteria. It must be well ventilated, not damp, otherwise the cement will harden. It is advisable not to store this building material for more than six months - after this period, it loses its basic qualities.

Cement packaged in bags can be of different types, each of which has its own markings, depending on the strength of the material in the finished form.

Before going on sale, even at the factory, all products are thoroughly checked, in accordance with which the manufacturer puts on the bag a GO, the corresponding brand, trademark and phone number for consultation.

In order not to be mistaken, it is best to purchase cement from manufacturers well-known in the construction market who value their reputation.

Back to the table of contents

The main signs of quality

Visual signs of high-quality cement can be seen already during construction work:

the mass should be dark in color;
the cement must dry quickly, contact well with the instruments;
there must be no dry matter when compressed;
the cement must set in 28 days;
brickwork, for which the mortar was used, will be durable when using high-quality material.

The requirements for the quality of cement in accordance with the fixed regulations are as follows:

drying time;
fineness of grinding;
the consistency of the solution;
correct storage of various types;
alkali content.

There are various brands of this building material, which have an individual composition and are used for different purposes. To understand which cement is best suited in a given situation, it is necessary to understand in more detail all types.

The main advantage of bulk cement is its low cost.

Lumps most often appear in high grade blends. To avoid water separation and increase strength, an acceptable grind size should be around 350-380 m2 / kg. In this case, the density of the dough is equal to 25-26%. Already in 4.5 hours, the cement should set, and hardening should usually occur in the third hour. If these requirements are met, then the required strength will be provided at the right time.

In accordance with SNiP 2.03.11-85, in order to avoid the appearance of cracks, the alkali content in cement should not exceed 0.6%. But in practice, it is possible to effectively prevent the threat of strength, if you adhere to indicators of 0.7 - 0.72%. Storage conditions and shelf life, as well as the method of transportation, have a certain impact on quality.

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How to choose the right material?

If a material is manufactured in accordance with international standards, it must necessarily have an international ISO-9000 certificate.

It is almost impossible for a layman to determine whether a good cement is selected based on external properties, therefore compliance with the declared characteristics must be determined in laboratory conditions. But at the same time, during its acquisition, it is still worth paying attention to some factors that will help decide which brand of material is the best.

As mentioned above, the most acceptable option is pre-packaged construction composition in bags. They should indicate the weight, manufacturer, GOST, product brand, as well as what additives are included in the composition, etc.

The seller selling this product must have documents confirming the quality. If they are not there, this indicates the dubious origin of the material, which is not desirable to acquire.

Another important factor is the price. When cement meets all the requirements and has quality certificates, it cannot be cheap. It should be noted that its cost is approximately the same in all countries. But at the same time, the delivery price is added to the imported products. Therefore, in the case of a low cost of foreign building material, there is reason to think that it contains components of poor quality, or proportions were violated during the manufacturing process, there is an underweight in the package, or the expiration date has long been out.

It is better to choose products that are produced by well-known brands with an established reputation.

For pouring the foundation, it is customary to buy the highest quality cement with a high strength grade. This is due to the frequent loads exerted on the structure: the weight of the building, soil displacement, the effects of precipitation and capillary water, freezing of the base in winter. Portland cement from M400 and above has proven itself well, but in some cases it is allowed to use a less expensive brand. Each specific grade is selected according to the conditions of construction and operation, it is also important to maintain the correct proportions and carry out concreting, taking into account the requirements of the pouring technology.

The strength of cement is indicated by the letter index "M", followed by an additional abbreviation: d0 - without additives, d20 - with 20% impurities. Varieties with a specialized purpose are marked separately, but they are rarely used when pouring bases. When determining which cement is best for the foundation, the future load, the presence of the basement and the soil conditions are taken into account. It is recommended to choose:

1. M200 - when pouring the base for prefabricated panel structures.

2. M250, M300 - for the foundation of a log house.

3. М350 – М400 - for brick buildings. This is the minimum allowable grade suitable for the construction of buildings with a basement, the foundation of a bathhouse and for objects on clay soils.

4. Portland cement M400 d0 - when mixing concrete for pouring the base of a private house, regardless of the number of storeys on a site with moving soil or a high level of groundwater.

5. PC M400 d20 - for the same structures, but with lower requirements for frost and water resistance. This brand of cement is recommended to be chosen for the preparation of foundations and the construction of small buildings.

A binder with a minimum strength of M100 is suitable only for pouring a concrete pad over the backfill of crushed stone and sand when erecting strip types of foundation. In turn, Portland cement with a high grade (M500) is economically unprofitable to use in private construction, it meets the requirements of industrial and residential. But if the other components in concrete for pouring are inferior in quality (for example, crushed stone with low strength was purchased), then the use of an expensive grade becomes not only justified, but also a necessary action. The recommended grade for columnar and pile foundations is M400 Portland cement.

To correctly determine the conditions of the ground and the level of groundwater, they are measured, it is best to do this in the summer. For inactive, dry and sandy soils, it is allowed to use cement for pouring the foundation with a strength of M250. For clayey soils and loams, the minimum is M350. The same strength is the initial one when building houses with a basement. For masonry mortar when erecting foundations from blocks, it is recommended to choose M400 cement without additives, in general this brand is considered optimal in terms of the price / result ratio and meets almost any requirements of private construction.

Influence of slags and impurities

Despite the fact that for the foundation of a house it is better to use Portland cement without mineral additives (they lead to a decrease in the strength of structures), in some cases mixed varieties are also needed. Their main advantage is efficiency (with the exception of formulations with modifying and specialized additives, they, on the contrary, are more expensive), the PPTs M400 d20 brand is considered an example of a good price / quality ratio.

The advantages of using slag and pozzolanic cements include sulfate resistance, they should be chosen with a high proportion of salts in the soil or other aggressive influences. But they are slower to reach the required strength, so the laying of foundations on their basis is carried out in the spring. A significant disadvantage of cement mixed with slags is a decrease in the frost resistance of concrete; it cannot be used on moving soils.

Cooking proportions

To fill the foundation, concrete with a grade of at least M200 should be made. The quality of work is directly dependent on the use of the correct ingredients, their preparation and mixing with proven proportions. Ideally, these are: fresh Portland cement without lumps, dry and sifted river sand, gravel or crushed stone from hard rocks, clean (drinking) water. A coarse-grained filler is selected with a grain size of no more than 30 mm, preferably with a square flakiness, it must be cleaned of debris and, if possible, washed. The kneading is carried out in a concrete mixer, this is required not only to reduce the labor intensity of the process, but also to obtain the desired structure.

The ratio of cement, sand and gravel depends on the type of substrate. So, for columnar foundations, it is better to choose a ratio of 1: 3: 4 with a W / C of no more than 0.65, the same mixture is suitable as a masonry mortar when building it from blocks. In this case, a cement grade of at least M400 is used. For a strip type of foundation, these proportions are 1: 4: 6, with the same with a W / C ratio of 0.65. Excess water is unacceptable, it leads to disruption of the solidification processes and the formation of cracks.

The method of preparing concrete for pouring the foundation has shown itself well, taking into account the recommended brand standards. A proven proportion is chosen: 1 part of cement, 3 - sand and 5 - gravel. The W / C ratio in this case depends on the required parameters of the concrete:

Expected concrete grade	Cement strength grade
Expected concrete grade	300	400	500
200	0,55	0,63	0,71
250	0,5	0,56	0,64
300	0,4	0,5	0,6
400	Not preparing	0,4	0,46

A huge role is played by the moisture content of the sand, the use of undried or the preparation of a solution in wet weather leads to a violation of the proportions. In general, the concrete should be workable, but not liquid, it is recommended to leave some of the water and add it in small portions to the concrete mixer in the last minutes of rotation.

What else do you need to consider?

The quality of the cement is inversely proportional to its shelf life, and given the fact that high-quality (that is, rapidly losing its properties) is acquired for filling the bases, it is necessary to use the freshest powder of a light gray or greenish color that spills through your fingers. The attached certificate is checked, if the volume of work allows, then the material is purchased in plastic big bags, the packaging is opened immediately before preparing the solution.

Strengthening the strength of concrete is very simple: it is enough to add fiber or plasticizers, but this method increases the costs. Strip foundations must be reinforced, for which it is recommended to purchase gravel or hard crushed stone with a maximum size of fractions of up to 20 mm. Regardless of the type of construction, waterproofing works are provided.

Cost of materials.