The GATE Grind

GATE 2022 CE (CE2) – Question 15

Construction Materials · Cement: hydration, admixtures · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Match cement compounds (i) C₃S, (ii) C₂S, (iii) C₃A with properties:

LabelProperty
PEarly age strength
QLater age strength
RFlash setting
SHighest heat of hydration
TLowest heat of hydration
  1. (i) - (P), (ii) - (Q) and (T), (iii) - (R) and (S)
  2. (i) - (Q) and (T), (ii) - (P) and (S), (iii) - (R)
  3. (i) - (P), (ii) - (Q) and (R), (iii) - (T)
  4. (i) - (T), (ii) - (S), (iii) - (P) and (Q)

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Correct answer: (A) (i) - (P), (ii) - (Q) and (T), (iii) - (R) and (S)

Explanation

C₃S hydrates rapidly and supplies early strength (P). C₂S hydrates more slowly, supplies later strength (Q), and has the lowest heat of hydration among these compounds (T).

C₃A reacts very rapidly, causing flash setting without gypsum (R), and has the highest heat of hydration (S). **Answer: A**.