Cement is the key ingredient that binds concrete and mortar together, making it essential to nearly every construction project. But not all cement is the same. Depending on the project, environment, and performance requirements, different types of cement offer specific advantages in terms of strength, setting time, durability, and environmental impact.
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While Portland cement is the most commonly used, there are many other varieties, including natural cements, blended cements, and specialty formulations designed for high sulfate resistance, rapid setting, or aesthetic finishes.
At the core of most of these types is hydraulic cement, a category of cements that harden through a chemical reaction with water. Here, we will take a look at the key types of cement, how they differ, and where each is best applied.
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Common Types of Cement
1. Hydraulic Lime
Hydraulic lime is a niche product used primarily in specialized or heritage construction. It’s made from limestone that contains a high proportion of clay (pozzolanic material) and is partially calcined. The free lime content enables it to set and harden in the presence of water. While not commonly used in modern construction, it remains valuable for restoration work and applications requiring breathable, flexible mortars.
2. Natural Cements (Roman Cements)
Natural cements are produced by burning argillaceous limestone - limestone with a naturally high clay content. Sometimes referred to as Roman cements, they were widely used before the advent of modern Portland cement. Their quality and performance can vary depending on the geological composition of the source rock. Today, natural cements are rarely used outside of conservation or traditional masonry projects.
3. Portland Cement
Portland cement is by far the most widely used cement type in modern construction. Unlike natural cements, it’s manufactured by precisely blending raw materials (such as limestone, clay, and iron oxide), then heating the mix to produce clinker. The clinker is finely ground and combined with a small amount of gypsum or another form of calcium sulfate to regulate setting time. Up to 5% ground limestone may also be added. What sets Portland cement apart is its standardized manufacturing process, which delivers reliable strength, setting behavior, and durability across a wide range of structural applications.
Types of Portland Cement
Portland cements are classified by their performance characteristics, each tailored to specific construction needs:
- Type I (CEM I) – General-purpose cement used in most types of construction, including buildings, bridges, and pavements. It's versatile and durable but has the highest environmental impact of all types due to its high clinker content.
- Type II – Formulated for moderate sulfate resistance and lower heat generation during hydration. Commonly used in structures exposed to mild soil or water sulfate conditions.
- Type III – High early strength cement that sets and gains strength rapidly. Ideal for precast elements, cold weather construction, or projects requiring fast turnaround.
- Type IV – Low heat of hydration cement used in large-scale pours (such as dams) to minimize thermal cracking.
- Type V – Offers high sulfate resistance, making it suitable for use in soils or groundwater with high sulfate levels.
Some cements are blended to meet multiple requirements - for example, Type I/II meets the standards of both general use and moderate sulfate resistance.
Additionally, Types I, II, and III are often available with air-entraining agents, which introduce tiny air bubbles to enhance freeze-thaw durability in cold climates.
4. Factory-Made Composite Cements
As used here, the expression 'factory-made composite cements' means any cement that comprises Portland cement clinker (usually Type I) inter-ground with 5 % to 30 % of one or more additional inorganic constituents (power station fly ash, blast furnace slag and/or limestone), plus gypsum.
The British/European standard for common cements, BS EN 197-1, classifies factory-made composite cements into CEM II - V, or any 'non-CEM I' cement specified in the standard.
Two of these, CEM II/M and CEM V, include the word 'composite' in their names. In general, these cements, when used appropriately, perform as well as CEM I cement and with better strength under certain conditions.
Blended cements resist chemicals, are denser, with enhanced flux and reduced heat of hydration, and have comparable strength. Most blended cements today are not factory-made, but blended by cement/concrete production companies.
In the ASTM C-595, blended cements are classified as:
- Portland blast furnace slag cement (IS) with 25 %–70 % slag, for general purpose uses, subcategorized as; type IS (MS) which is moderately sulfate-resistant, type IS (A) which contains air bubbles when placed, and type IS (MH) that has moderate hydration heat.
- Portland-pozzolan cement based on Portland or IS cement, plus 15 %–40 % pozzolans of unspecified type. Two types are distinguished: types IP and P, for general use, with subtypes IP (MS), IP (A), and IP (MH) as before; and type P with less early strength, with the same subcategories, plus type P (LH) with low hydration heat.
- Portland-limestone cement or type IL
- Ternary blended cement or type IT
Blended cements with special performance characteristics include:
- Pozzolan-modified Portland cement or I (PM) based on Portland cement and <15 % pozzolans, for general use, modified as types I(PM)(MS), I(PM)(A); and I(PM)(MH).
- Slag-modified Portland cement or I (SM), with < 25 % slag, for general use, and the same modifiers as before (types I(SM)(MS), I(SM)(A), and I(SM)(MH)).
- Slag cement or type S, containing 70 % or more of slag, and with air entrainers, used to make concrete with Portland cement, or a pozzolan-lime cement (mortar) with lime. In the US, slag cement means unblended 100 % granulated blast furnace slag used in concrete as a cementitious additive or part-replacement for Portland cement, like IS or I (SM) cements.
Factory-made composite cements can be substituted for CEM I cements in masonry mortars on a 1:1 basis .
5. Sulfate-Resisting Cements
Sulfate-resisting Portland cement (SRPC) is designed for environments where concrete is exposed to high sulfate levels - typically found in soil, groundwater, or wastewater.
SRPC is a CEM I cement with a modified mineral composition: it contains low levels of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and a higher proportion of iron oxide, making it less reactive to sulfates. This reduces the risk of sulfate attack, which can lead to expansion, cracking, and long-term degradation of concrete.
In the UK, SRPC was traditionally governed by BS 4027, but it's no longer widely manufactured due to its high clinker content and associated environmental impact.
As a more sustainable option, CEM II/B-V - a Portland-fly ash cement containing 25 % or more fly ash - offers comparable sulfate resistance.
Fly ash contributes to a denser cement matrix and improved chemical durability, making it a preferred choice in sulfate-rich environments today.
6. Rapid-hardening Portland Cements
Rapid-hardening cements are formulated to gain strength faster than ordinary Portland cement, making them ideal for time-sensitive projects or cold weather conditions where early strength is critical.
Rapid-Hardening CEM I, for example, is a finely ground version of standard Portland cement (CEM I) that hydrates more quickly and generates more early heat. It's commonly used in:
- Precast concrete production for quicker mold turnaround
- Cold weather concreting to offset slow strength development
- Projects requiring early load-bearing capacity
Despite the fast strength gain, its long-term performance is comparable to that of regular CEM I.
These cements are typically blends of Portland cement with calcium aluminate or calcium sulfoaluminate components. They offer even faster setting times and are often used for emergency repairs, industrial flooring, and situations requiring rapid reopening to traffic or use.
The choice between rapid-hardening and rapid-setting formulations depends on both the structural requirements and the working time needed during placement.
7. White Cement
White cement is a type of CEM I Portland cement made with raw materials that contain very low levels of iron and manganese oxides - elements that typically give ordinary cement its grey color. Instead, it’s produced from pure chalk, white clay (kaolin), and other carefully selected components to ensure a bright, clean finish.
White cement is used primarily for architectural or decorative purposes, including:
- Precast façade panels
- Terrazzo flooring
- Exposed concrete elements
- Tile grouts and colored mortars (when mixed with pigments)
It performs similarly to grey Portland cement in terms of strength and durability, but is generally more expensive due to the purity of raw materials and stricter production controls.
8. Masonry Cements
Masonry cements are designed for non-structural applications such as bricklaying, blockwork, plastering, and rendering. They’re valued for their workability, cohesion, and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, rather than for structural strength.
These cements are typically blends of:
- Portland cement (CEM I)
- 6 % to 35 % limestone or hydrated lime
- Other additives to improve handling and finish
When Portland cement is combined with lime, the product is more accurately referred to as Portland-lime cement. It produces a soft, pliable mortar with good adhesion and flexibility - ideal for masonry joints and plaster surfaces.
A subtype of masonry cement, plastic cement contains less than 12 % additives, including air-entraining plasticizers. It’s specifically formulated for plastering and stucco work, offering:
- Enhanced adhesion to walls
- Smooth application
- Improved resistance to cracking
These cements are not intended for load-bearing uses and are generally governed by standards like ASTM C91.
9. Expansive Cements
Most conventional cements shrink as they dry, which can lead to cracking - especially in restrained structural elements. Expansive cements are formulated to counteract this shrinkage by either maintaining or slightly increasing volume during the curing process.
These cements typically combine:
- Portland cement
- Calcium sulfoaluminate clinker
- An optimized amount of gypsum to control the expansion rate
Expansive cements are commonly used in grouting (where tight filling without shrinkage is critical), floor slabs (to reduce joint spacing or control cracking), concrete repair (to minimize cracking and ensure tight bonding), and post-tensioned structures (where volume stability is essential).
By reducing shrinkage-related cracking, expansive cements help improve durability, minimize maintenance, and extend the lifespan of concrete structures.
10. Environmental Cements
Environmental cements are designed to reduce environmental impact, either by treating waste or lowering carbon emissions.
There are generally two main types:
- Remediation cements: Used to stabilize and contain contaminated soils, sludges, or industrial waste - preventing harmful leaching.
- Low-carbon (eco) cements: Made with reduced clinker content, recycled materials, or alternative binders. They use less energy and produce fewer emissions than traditional Portland cement.
These cements support more sustainable construction, though their performance and availability often depend on local materials and standards.
11. Non-Portland Cements
While environmental or “eco” cements are typically lower-impact versions of Portland cement, non-Portland cements use entirely different chemistries. They don't rely on Portland clinker at all and are often used in specialized applications where conventional cement isn't suitable.
These alternatives usually offer lower carbon footprints and unique performance characteristics, but their use is still limited compared to mainstream cements.
Common types include:
- Calcium aluminate cement: High alumina content; used for refractory work or rapid-hardening needs
- Magnesium oxychloride cement: Often used in flooring for its smooth finish and chemical resistance
- Magnesium phosphate cement: Rapid-setting; ideal for emergency repairs on roads and airfields
Cement Comparisons
Understanding how different cements compare helps in choosing the right material for specific applications. Here are a few key comparisons:
Hydraulic Cement vs. Portland Cement
All Portland cements are hydraulic, but not all hydraulic cements are Portland. The category also includes alternatives like calcium aluminate and blended cements.
| Feature |
Hydraulic Cement |
Portland Cement |
| Hardens with water |
Yes |
Yes |
| Common types |
Portland, Calcium Aluminate |
OPC, Type I-V |
| Applications |
Repair, sealing, and general construction |
General construction |
| Setting time |
Varies |
Standardized by type |
Natural Cement vs. Portland Cement
Natural cement is less processed and more variable. Portland cement is engineered for consistency and strength.
| Feature |
Natural Cement |
Portland Cement |
| Source |
Natural limestone |
Mixed materials |
| Performance |
Variable |
Standardized |
| Modern use |
Rare, heritage work |
Mainstream construction |
| Environmental impact |
Lower processing energy |
Higher emissions |
Portland Cement vs. Plastic Cement
Plastic cement is a modified masonry cement with additives for better workability in finishes. It’s not suitable for structural use.
| Feature |
Portland Cement |
Plastic Cement |
| Strength |
High |
Low |
| Use |
Structural concrete/mortar |
Plastering, masonry finish |
| Contains additives |
Optional |
Required (e.g., plasticizers) |
| ASTM Classification |
C150 |
C91 or proprietary |
ASTM C-1157 Cement Classification
Unlike other standards that focus on composition, ASTM C-1157 classifies cement based on performance characteristics. This allows more flexibility in formulation as long as the cement meets the required behavior in service.
ASTM C-1157 is a performance-based classification:
- Type GU: General use cement (performs like Type I in ASTM C-150)
- Type HE: High early strength cement (like Type III)
- Type MS: Moderate sulfate resistance (like Type II)
- Type HS: High sulfate resistance (like Type V)
- Type MH: Moderate heat of hydration (like Type II)
- Type LH: Low heat of hydration (like Type IV)
If the cement is non-alkali-reactive, the designation will include an “R” (e.g., GU-R).
This classification helps specifiers focus on what the cement does, rather than how it’s made - especially useful in performance-driven or sustainability-focused projects.
Choosing the Right Cement for the Job
Choosing the right type of cement is essential to ensuring durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness in any construction project. Whether you're working on general structural concrete, architectural finishes, rapid repairs, or sustainable builds, understanding the strengths and limitations of each cement type helps you make informed, project-specific decisions.
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Sources and Further Reading