Course Details

This course is appropriate for a wide range of professionals but not limited to:

• Cement industry professionals (engineers, chemists, production managers, plant operators).
• Construction professionals (civil engineers, concrete technologists, and quality control experts).
• Research and development personnel in materials science and cement technology.
• Environmental specialists focusing on cement production and sustainability.
• Academics pursuing higher studies in materials science or civil engineering.

• Expert-led sessions with dynamic visual aids
• Comprehensive course manual to support practical application and reinforcement
• Interactive discussions addressing participants’ real-world projects and challenges
• Insightful case studies and proven best practices to enhance learning

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental chemistry of cement and clinker formation.
• Identify the role of different raw materials in cement production.
• Recognize the key chemical reactions that occur during cement hydration.
• Understand the influence of cement chemistry on the properties of concrete.
• Analyze how to improve cement quality through chemistry.
• Develop a basic understanding of quality control and testing techniques.
• Apply cement chemistry knowledge to optimize cement production and concrete performance.

DAY 1

Introduction to Cement Chemistry

• Welcome and introduction
• Pre-test
• Overview of Cement and Concrete

• Definition and significance of cement in construction
• Cement vs. concrete: What is the difference?
• Historical development of cement

• The Raw Materials of Cement

• Composition of limestone, clay, and other raw materials
• Selection and analysis of raw materials
• The role of additives in cement production

• Overview of the Cement Manufacturing Process

• Quarrying and grinding
• Clinkerization process and kiln technology

DAY 2

Cement Clinker Chemistry

• Clinker Composition and Phases

• The four major clinker phases: C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF
• Effects of each phase on cement properties

• The Chemistry of Clinker Formation

• Chemical reactions during clinkerization
• Thermodynamics of clinker formation

• Quality Control and Testing of Clinker

• Tools for evaluating clinker quality
• Real-time monitoring and analysis techniques

DAY 3

Hydration of Cement

• The Hydration Process

• How cement reacts with water
• The role of calcium silicate and calcium aluminate in hydration

• Heat of Hydration and Its Control

• The exothermic nature of hydration
• How hydration affects curing and setting times

• Cement Paste and Microstructure

• Formation of hydration products: calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), ettringite, and monosulfate
• The impact of hydration on concrete properties

DAY 4

Properties of Cement and Concrete

• Mechanical Properties of Cement

• Compressive strength, tensile strength, and bonding
• How cement chemistry influences durability

• Chemical Resistance of Cement

• Sulfate attack, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and chloride-induced corrosion
• Strategies for improving chemical resistance

• Setting and Hardening of Concrete

• Factors influencing setting times and hardening rates
• How chemical composition affects setting and curing processes

DAY 5

Innovations in Cement Chemistry and Sustainable Practices

• Alternative Cements and Materials

• Geopolymer cements, blended cements, and low-carbon alternatives
• The role of waste products in cement chemistry (e.g., fly ash, slag)

• Environmental Impact and Sustainability

• The carbon footprint of cement production
• Carbon capture and storage in cement manufacturing

• Future Trends in Cement Chemistry

• Innovations in material science and cement technology
• The role of cement chemistry in sustainable construction

• Post-test
• Certificate ceremony