Questions & Answers
Common questions about cement grades, use, storage and delivery
Which cement should I choose for a foundation?
For most foundations, CEM I 42.5N (M500) Portland cement is a good choice — it provides high strength for loaded and monolithic structures. For light, shallow foundations, CEM I 32.5N (M400) is sufficient. The exact choice depends on the load, soil and concrete grade — consult our technologist if needed.
What is the difference between CEM I and CEM II?
CEM I is Portland cement without mineral additives (clinker 95–100%); it gives high strength and is used for critical reinforced-concrete and monolithic structures. CEM II/A-S contains granulated blast-furnace slag (6–20%) — it is more economical and well suited for general construction, masonry and plaster mortars.
What do grades M400/M500 and classes 32.5/42.5 mean?
M400 and M500 are the legacy strength designation (GOST 10178). Under the current GOST 31108-2020 they correspond to strength classes 32.5 (≈ M400) and 42.5 (≈ M500); the number is the 28-day compressive strength in MPa. The letter “N” means normal-hardening cement.
Which cement is needed for a floor screed?
For a floor screed, CEM I 32.5N (M400) or CEM II/A-S 32.5N is typically used — they provide sufficient strength at a reasonable consumption. For heavily loaded screeds, CEM I 42.5N can be used.
Which cement is used in aggressive environments and hydraulic structures?
For underwater, underground and hydraulic structures, and concrete in aggressive (sulfate) environments, sulfate-resistant Portland cement SRPC 400 D0 (CEM I 32.5N SR) with limited C₃A (≤ 5%) is used. It resists corrosion in aggressive groundwater.
How much cement is needed per 1 m³ of concrete?
The approximate cement consumption depends on the concrete grade: for M200 — about 240–260 kg, for M300 — 320–340 kg, for M400 — about 400 kg per 1 m³. The exact mix is selected based on aggregates, water-cement ratio and admixtures.
How should cement be stored and what is its shelf life?
Cement should be stored in a dry, enclosed space on pallets, protected from moisture and away from floor and walls. In packaging, the shelf life is usually about 60 days — cement loses activity over time, so use it fresh.
What packaging do you supply and how to order delivery?
We ship cement in bulk, in big bags (1 t) and in 50 kg bags. Delivery is by road and rail across Kazakhstan, with self-pickup available. To find out the price, minimum batch and lead times, leave a request on the site or contact our sales department.