Which type of cement is typically used for aggressive environments?

Sulphate-Resisting Cement is specifically designed for use in environments that are subject to high concentrations of sulphates, which can lead to the deterioration of ordinary Portland cement in concrete structures. This type of cement is formulated to have a lower C3A (tricalcium aluminate) content, which significantly reduces the potential for expansive reactions caused by sulphate exposure.

When concrete comes into contact with sulphate-laden soils or waters, the sulphates can react with the compounds in cement, causing expansion and cracking over time. Sulphate-Resisting Cement helps mitigate these issues and is, therefore, the preferred choice in aggressive environments where sulphate attack is a concern, such as in coastal areas or regions with high soil and groundwater sulphate levels.

Other types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement, High-Alumina Cement, and Low Heat Cement, do not have the same resistance to sulphate attacks and are generally not formulated with the same protective measures, making them less suitable for such challenging conditions.