CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME TYPICAL NIGERIAN PORTLAND CEMENTS

This paper presents the results of chemical analyses of Ashaka Portland cement, Burham Portland Cement and Sokoto Portland Cement The results are evaluated with a view of classifying them according to American Standard Testing and Materials (ASTM C150-86) specification and therefore deduce their appropriate uses thereof. The results of the analysis shows that Ashaka Portland Cement constitutes 60.24% CaO, 1.98% Fefi^ 6.73% Al203, 19.45% SiO2, 2.12% S03f 0.78% MgO and 4.6% carbonate carbon. Burham Cement contains 62. 97% CaO, 2.14% Fe203/ 7.28% Al203, 19.07% SO& 1.89% S03 and 1.84% carbonate carbon and Sokoto Portland Cement comprises of 60.18% CaO, 2.69% Fe-fi^ 5.97% Al203, 20.07 SiO% 1.13% MgO, 2.45% S03 and 5.40% carbonate carbon. According to (ASTM C150-86) specification, the result of the analysis shows that Ashaka Portland cement is type I cement which is required for general concrete constructions, Burham Portland cement is type III which usage are suitable for general concrete constructions that require high early strength and Sokoto Portland cement being type IV which is suitable for structural works that require low heat of hydration.