Why Traditional Cement Is Failing: Hidden Challenges

Why Traditional Cement Is Failing: Hidden Challenges

In the construction industry, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) has always been the most widely used building material. Whether you see bridges, highways, or residential and industrial structures, this traditional cement has been holding all kinds of construction for centuries.

The versatility, durability, and compatibility of OPC with other building materials make it a popular choice among builders and constructors. However, like any other material, OPC also comes with its own set of challenges that are often overlooked. Despite its historical success, this century-old material is a constant threat to our environment and the coming generations. Let’s see how.

First, What is Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

The history of cement goes back to ancient Roman times. They used lime-based mortars that set the idea behind. However, for the first time, modern Portland cement was invented by Joseph Aspdin in 1824. Soon it became a global construction standard for its compressive strength, long-term durability, and wide availability. 

Its preparation is a multi-step process with clinkerization being the major step (and threat as well). Clinker, the core ingredient of Portland cement is produced by heating limestone at high temperatures (around 1450°C). No doubt, it is important, but this heating also releases tonnes of CO₂  into the environment, thereby increasing pollution. The clinker is later mixed with gypsum to make OPC Cement.

Even today, the basic composition and manufacturing process of Portland cement has remained largely unchanged, while construction demands, environmental concerns, and engineering challenges have evolved significantly.

Hidden Challenges / Disadvantages of the Traditional Portland Cement (OPC)

Though we all have heard about the durability and longevity of traditional Portland cement, let’s now explore the disadvantages and comes associated with it:

• High Carbon Footprint

One of the most overlooked disadvantages of traditional cement is its environmental impact. OPC manufacturing releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) during clinker production. You might be surprised to find out that it accounts for roughly 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions. Further, during the production of 1 Tonne OPC cement, roughly 780 Kgs of CO₂ emissions is released into the environment.  

• Require High Energy

As mentioned above, clinker production requires higher temperatures around 1450°C. Though it’s feasible, it requires substantial energy, which is produced by using fossil fuels. Further, the process also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, disturbing the ecosystem.  

• Sulphate Attacks

Though Portland cement is durable it has low resistance against Sulphate attacks and Alkali Silica Reactivity. The sulfate attacks and Alkali Silica Reactivity can weaken concrete structures, particularly in marine environments or regions with high sulfate concentrations in soil or water.

• Heat of Hydration

Due to the high clinker content of OPC cement, the heat of hydration is high, leading to cracks in concrete structures. Thereby, affecting the durability of concrete.

Now, let’s see how Navocem’s eco-friendly cement combats these challenges without compromising the durability of your construction projects.

Switch to Navocem’s Green Construction Cement

At Navocem, we recognize the need for eco-friendly alternatives for a safer and greener future. Our Alkali Activated Clinker-Free green cement is an environmentally friendly alternative that removes the most carbon-intensive component (“Clinker”).  It replaces it with granulated blast furnace slag, and our proprietary patented activators.

Our solution significantly reduces carbon emissions by 70 ~ 80% as compared to OPC cement while delivering higher resistance to Sulphate Attacks, Lower Alkali Silica Reactivity, Lower Heat of Hydration, and making the concrete more durable — without compromising compressive and flexural strength of concrete. 

It’s time to evolve and tackle the rising challenges with our greener, sustainable and innovative technology!