Portland cement will set and harden under water: True or False?

Portland cement will set and harden under water: True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only with additives

Answer: (A)

Portland cement is hydraulic, meaning it reacts with water to harden. When mixed with water, chemical hydration forms calcium silicate hydrates and calcium hydroxide that bind the paste and any aggregates, and these reactions proceed whether the mixture is in air or underwater. So it will set and harden underwater. Additives aren’t required for underwater setting, though they can adjust setting time or workability and special underwater concrete methods can help control washout.

Portland cement is hydraulic, meaning it reacts with water to harden. When mixed with water, chemical hydration forms calcium silicate hydrates and calcium hydroxide that bind the paste and any aggregates, and these reactions proceed whether the mixture is in air or underwater. So it will set and harden underwater. Additives aren’t required for underwater setting, though they can adjust setting time or workability and special underwater concrete methods can help control washout.