What is the primary component of hydraulic cement?

Hydraulic cement primarily consists of Portland cement, which is its main ingredient. Portland cement is a binder that sets and hardens when mixed with water due to hydraulic reaction, thereby making it suitable for construction applications, especially in wet conditions. This property of Portland cement ensures that it can gain strength and durability over time, even when submerged in water.

The other components mentioned, such as pozzolan, aggregate, and lime, can be part of the broader category of materials used in concrete or cement mixtures, but they do not define hydraulic cement by themselves. Pozzolan is often used as a supplementary material to enhance the properties of concrete, aggregate serves as a filler material in the concrete mix, and lime can be part of some hydraulic cements but is not the primary component of hydraulic cement. Thus, understanding the significance of Portland cement as the primary ingredient is essential for anyone working with hydraulic cement in construction projects.