Cement Terminology

Strength 

It is defined as the strength measured upon breaking the cement with a pressure tester after 2, 7 and 28 days from the time the cement has been made into a concrete prism, as described in TS EN 196-1 the standards.                                          

Early Strength 

The early strength of cement is its pressure resistances measured after 2 days and 7 days, as described in TS EN 196-1 standards. Normal early strength is denoted with letter "N", whereas high early strength is denoted with letter "R".

Initial Setting Time

It is the period elapses from the time the cement paste, which is formed in accordance with TS EN 196-3 standards, comes into contact with water until the time it is "set" or, in other words "hardened", in accordance with the standards. It ensures that the time required for workability of the cement in concrete or mortar applications. The minimum initial setting time is 75 minutes for the strength class of "32.5", 60 minutes for the strength class of "42.5", and 45 minutes for the strength class of "52.5", respectively.

Expansion

It is the change in the volume of the mortar consisting of cement paste, which is formed according to TS EN 196-3 standards. Volume expansion is expressed in millimeters (mm) and it must not be more than 10 mm for each strength class.        

Blaine Test (Specific surface)

It's a kind of subtle expression of cement. It refers to the surface area occupied by all the grains forming a gram of cement. TS EN 196-6 is determined by the standard method and is shown in cm ²/Gr.