What is white portland cement?

[svahna]

As the title suggests, what is white Portland cement?

I have the opportunity to buy a larger quantity of the above-mentioned
and have considered using the cement when I build a retaining wall.
I plan to mix and cast a footing and then build a retaining wall out of cobblestones.

Best regards, Jimmy

 

[Locke]

Portland cement is "ordinary" cement - the kind used for concrete and mortar.

Is it Danish cement you have gotten hold of?

EDIT: All cement used is classified - see if you can get more information like "CEM II 42.5" etc.

 

[joflopp]

I guess it is Aalborg White SSEN 197-1 CEM I 52,5 R.

 

[joflopp]

Incidentally, the "BASF house" at Linnéplatsen in Gothenburg seems to have at least a surface layer of the aforementioned cement. http://www.heidelbergcement.com/NR/...50-4242-A3D1-C68CE41F2999/0/Vitcement_Eng.pdf

 

[viklar03]

If it's Aalborg cement, make sure to cast quickly. The R after 52.5 stands for rapid and cures faster than regular construction cement (CEM II 42.5 N). Additionally, you should buy some mortar for outdoor use or buy concrete from a concrete manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a very high risk that the retaining wall will freeze and break apart.

 

[svahna]

I guess it's Aalborg White SSEN 197-1 CEM I 52.5 R.

Could be right, I don't really remember, I just remember Aalborg White and CEM I

 

[svahna]

is this cement not intended for outdoor use?

 

[viklar03]

All cement can be used outdoors, but an air-entraining additive should be mixed in. However, I don't think air-entraining agents are available for purchase by private individuals.

 

[Locke]

Air-entraining agent in mortar?

 

[viklar03]

Air-entraining agents in mortar?

My mistake, I didn't read carefully enough to see that the retaining wall was to be mortared. I thought it was going to be cast.

 

[svahna]

So apart from it burning quickly, is it regular cement?
How quickly does it burn?

 

[Locke]

How long is a piece of string?

It depends very much on the ambient temperature. In Sweden, three main types of cement are used: Anläggning, Bygg, and SH (snabbhårdnande).

If you're working in the cold, a slightly faster-setting cement works well. The main difference is the degree of grinding. The finer the grains, the larger the specific surface area, and thus a faster pozzolanic reaction.

Common mortar is mixed with a shovel directly in the mixer. Search online and you'll find recipes.

 

[svahna]

So if I understand correctly, you can use this as "regular" cement, just that it sets faster?

I'm not worried about mixing the mortar, but I am concerned that the mortar will be of poorer quality than if I mix with "regular" std cement....

 

[viklar03]

The mortar will be of the same quality as any Portland cement. Only slightly lighter in color.

 

[svahna]

Thank you so much for your help.
Then it feels like I will probably buy it.

Just one last question...

Viklar03
You say "The bruket will be of the same quality as any Portland cement"
Is there something special about Portland cement?