Type II Portland cement is engineered for applications where moderate sulfate resistance is required. By limiting tricalcium aluminate (C₃A) content to a maximum of 8%, it provides significantly better durability than general-purpose Type I cement in environments where soil or groundwater contains elevated — but not severe — sulfate concentrations.
The C₃A Problem
When ordinary Portland cement concrete is exposed to sulfate ions, the sulfates react with the calcium aluminate hydrates in the cement paste to form ettringite — a crystalline mineral whose formation is accompanied by significant expansion. Over time this leads to cracking, scaling, and structural failure. By restricting C₃A to ≤8%, Type II cement substantially slows this destructive reaction, extending service life in moderately aggressive environments.
Reduced Heat of Hydration
A useful secondary benefit of Type II cement is its moderately reduced heat of hydration compared to Type I. In larger pours — bridge piers, mat foundations, dams — this helps minimise thermal cracking caused by rapid temperature rise during curing.
When Type II is Right
ACI 318 recommends Type II cement for soils with water-soluble sulfate (SO₄) concentrations of 150–1,500 ppm, or groundwater concentrations of 150–1,500 ppm. For higher concentrations, Type V cement is required.
| Parameter | Type II Specification | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| C₃S (Tricalcium Silicate) | Typically 45 – 65% | ASTM C150 |
| C₂S (Dicalcium Silicate) | Typically 15 – 30% | ASTM C150 |
| C₃A (Tricalcium Aluminate) | ≤ 8% | ASTM C150 |
| C₄AF (Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite) | 6 – 12% | ASTM C150 |
| Sulfate Resistance | Moderate | ASTM C150 |
| Min. Compressive Strength (3 days) | ≥ 10 MPa (1,450 psi) | ASTM C150 |
| Min. Compressive Strength (7 days) | ≥ 17 MPa (2,470 psi) | ASTM C150 |
| Min. Compressive Strength (28 days) | ≥ 28 MPa | ASTM C150 |
| Blaine Fineness | ≥ 280 m²/kg | ASTM C204 |
| MgO Content | ≤ 6% | ASTM C150 |
| SO₃ Content | ≤ 3% | ASTM C150 |
| Loss on Ignition | ≤ 3% | ASTM C150 |
| Packaging | 50 kg PP bags · 1MT FIBC bags · Bulk | |
| Property | Type II | Type V |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfate Resistance | Moderate | High |
| C₃A Content | ≤ 8% | ≤ 5% |
| Early Strength | Moderate | Slightly Lower |
| Heat of Hydration | Moderate-Low | Lower |
| Recommended SO₄ Range (soil) | 150 – 1,500 ppm | > 1,500 ppm |
| Best For | Moderate sulfate soils, roads, bridges, foundations | Coastal, marine, severe sulfate exposure, sewage |
| Cost | Standard | Premium |
| Availability | Widely available | Specialty production |
Sulfate exposure classifications based on ACI 318 guidelines. Always consult a qualified structural engineer for site-specific cement selection.
Packaging Options
- 50 kg PP bags Standard
- 1 MT jumbo bags Available
- Bulk vessel On request
- Private branding Available
Trade Terms
- FOB Dubai / Jebel Ali ✓
- CIF Destination ✓
- CFR Destination ✓
- L/C, T/T Accepted
Documentation
- Certificate of Analysis Every batch
- Compressive Strength 3/7/28 day
- Bogue Calculation Provided
- Bill of Lading Original
- SGS Inspection On request