Introduction

Whether constructing a house, bridge, or commercial building, using high-quality cement is essential to creating robust, long-lasting structures. Weak construction, cracks, and even structural failure can result from low-quality or expired cement.

This guide will assist you in understanding important technical characteristics, ensuring that your construction project uses certified, dependable cement, and checking the quality of cement on-site.

1. Check the Manufacturing Date

• Cement should be used within 90 days of manufacture.
• Cement older than three months is at risk of moisture absorption and reduced strength.
• Always verify the factory-sealed pack and note the date printed on it.

2. Visual Inspection

• High-quality cement is uniformly gray-green.
• Avoid cement with lumps, discoloration, or clumping, as these indicate moisture exposure or poor storage.

3. Feel Test

• Take a small amount of cement and rub it between your fingers:
• Good cement: silky, smooth, free-flowing powder
• Poor cement: coarse, gritty, or sticky indicates moisture absorption

4. Float Test

• Sprinkle a small amount of cement in water:
• High-quality cement: floats briefly before sinking
• Low-quality cement: sinks immediately or forms clumps

This test helps detect moisture-damaged or adulterated cement.

5. Strength Test (Simple On-Site Method)

• Mix about 100 grams of cement with water to form a thick paste.
• Shape it into a small cake with sharp edges.
• Submerge gently in water for 24 hours.

·       After 24 hours:

• Good cement: cake retains shape, feels harder
• Poor cement: cake softens or breaks → do not use

For engineers and contractors, consider compressive strength tests as per NS 572 standards for OPC/PPC to verify performance.

6. Certification & Standards

• Always check for ISI mark or NS certification on the pack.
• Sarbottam Cement products are factory-sealed and certified, meeting NS 572 standards for OPC and PPC.
• Certification ensures the cement is tested for strength, setting time, fineness, and durability.

7. Storage Guidelines

• Store cement in a dry, covered area.
• Avoid direct contact with moisture, water, or the ground.
• Keep cement packs off the floor on wooden pallets or raised platform
• Use older stock first to maintain freshness.

8. Practical Tips for On-Site Use

• Use cement within 3 months of manufacture for best performance.
• Do not mix cement with sand or aggregates until ready to use.
• For mass concreting, consider PPC cement for low heat of hydration and better long-term durability 
• For fast-strength requirements like beams or slabs, OPC 53 ensures early strength gain.

Conclusion

It is very important to check the quality of cement before using it. Safe, durable, and strong construction is possible only by checking the quality. Simple on-site tests like visual inspection, feel test, float test, and strength tests usually help in the early detection of low-quality cement.

Sarbottam Cement: tested, certified, and factory-sealed OPC and PPC to meet Nepal Standard NS 572 for assured performance, long-term durability, and peace of mind-from homes to bridges.