Civil Engineering - Building Materials - Discussion

What is the difference between tricalcium and dicalcium silicate?

It might be the proportion of calcium in the compound.

Why ultimate strength to cement of di-calcium silicate?

Tri calcium cement contributes in initial strength of concrete whereas di calcium silicate contributes in strength after 7 days.

The quality of cement is good, if it has more of Tricalcium silicate.

What is the purpose of tricalcium cement?

When water is added to cement, each of the compounds undergoes hydration and contributes to the final concrete product. Only the calcium silicates contribute to strength. Tricalcium silicate is responsible for most of the early strength (first 7 days). Dicalcium silicate, which reacts more slowly, contributes only to the strength at later times. Once set, concrete continues to harden (cure) and become stronger for a long period of time, often up to several years. So Ca2SiO4 gives ultimate strength.

Then what about tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium aluminoferrite?

Basically Silica is an strength parameter and alumina is an setting parameter. If we need our structure to attain quick setting we need to increase the quantity of alumina (tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium aluminoferrite). Vise versa for silica.

What is the purpose of di-calcium silicate?