CEM I 42,5 R

The cement production process begins with the extraction of primary raw materials, primarily limestone and clay. These materials, along with marl and other naturally occurring resources, are extracted from quarries and transported to the production facility. In addition to these primary raw materials, other materials such as iron ore, bauxite, and pumice may also be added to achieve the desired chemical composition for the final product. Portland cement clinker is manufactured from limestone, marl, clay, and iron ore/bauxite as corrector.

The raw materials are initially crushed using crushers to reduce them to smaller sizes. Once crushed, the raw mix is ground in a raw mill and called farin.

Farin is subsequently burned in a rotary kiln at a temperature around 1.450°C. Partial fusion occurs, and nodules of clinker are produced. During the burning process, the raw materials will undergo complex chemical reactions and will eventually leave the kiln as cement clinker. The clinker typically has a composition in the region of 67% CaO, 22% SiO2, 5% Al2O3, 3% Fe2O3, and 3% other components, and normally contains four major phases, called alite, belite, aluminate, and ferrite. Several other phases, such as alkali sulfates and calcium oxide, are normally present in minor amounts. The clinker produced in the kiln is cooled and stored in clinker silos.

For the final production of cement, the clinker is ground in the cement mill, where various additives are mixed in to modify the properties of the cement. These additives may include substances such as gypsum or fly ash, which are incorporated in varying proportions depending on the specific type of cement being produced. The final product - cement - is obtained by grinding the clinker to a fine powder, in a cement mill together with minor/major additives and 3-4% of gypsum. The gypsum is a necessary additive in order to retard the setting time of cement. This stage allows for the adjustment of the cement's characteristics, such as setting time, strength, and durability, according to the requirements of different applications.

Finally, the finished cement is stored in storage silos before being either packaged for shipment or transported directly to construction sites or distribution points for use in various construction projects.

CEM I 42,5R is commonly used in various types of reinforced concrete buildings. These types of cement are suitable for high-strength concrete applications, as well as for reinforced concrete structures with thin sections. They are also ideal for buildings with specialized requirements, high-rise reinforced concrete buildings, and strengthening works for existing structures. These cements are extensively used in the construction of bridges, viaducts, silos, and water tanks. Additionally, they are used in road pavements, runways, and buildings constructed using slip formwork or tunnel formwork systems. Another significant application is in early-strength reinforced concrete production.

In industrial production, these cements are used in the production of gas concrete, tile and ceramic adhesives, and prefabricated, prestressed concrete elements. They are also utilized in the manufacturing of railroad prestressed concrete ties, prefabricated reinforced concrete building components, and for the production of concrete poles for lighting and energy transmission lines. Other industrial applications include the production of concrete pipes and curbstones.