Rapid Set Cement Portland Cement

Rapid Set cement is a rapid-hardening calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, not a portland cement. The selection and proportioning of the raw materials, many refinements during the manufacturing process and comprehensive quality control of Rapid Set Cement yields high-quality, durable long-lasting applications.

Rapid Set cement based products are low shrink and the risk of cracking is greatly reduced. The products are also more resistant to sulfate attack. Rapid Set cement helps achieve stronger and more durable results on your projects.

Traditional cement, also known as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is the most common cement used in concrete. OPC is made by combining a mix of raw materials, usually limestone, clay and shale, at very high temperatures. Although OPC has been used successfully for hundreds of years, it has these limitations.

Portland cement concrete tends to shrink and crack excessively. It is susceptible to attack by prevalent chemicals such as sulfates. These limitations cause the concrete to become unsightly and less durable, increasing the possibility for structural problems.

With OPC based products you will need to repair or replace your projects more often.

Strength & Time

Rapid Set cement concrete achieves structural and drive-on strength in one to two hours, and can achieve a one-day strength that meets or exceeds the 28-day strength of portland cement concrete. When using Rapid Set cement products, you will complete your projects faster and they will last longer.

Portland cement concrete takes approximately 1-7 days to achieve structural or drive-on strength and one month to reach the one-day strength of Rapid Set cement concrete. When using portland cement, you will need more time to complete your projects and they will not last as long.

Comparison of Attributes Rapid Set Cement Concrete Portland Cement Concrete
Structural and Drive-On Strength 1-2 hours 1-7 days
Drying Shrinkage Low Excessive
Cracking Greatly Reduced Excessive
Sulfate Attack Resistant Susceptible
Durability More Less