GUIDELINES ON STORING OF CEMENT ON SITE

In large work or in major construction works, cement is generally stored at site. The cement must be stored in such a manner so that, it can be easily accessible for proper inspection. The building in which cement is stored should be water tight in order to prevent dampness.

The guidelines given below should be observed while storing the cement.

1.      Cement should not be stored for a long period. During rainy season, the storage time period of cement should be as minimal as possible.

2.      Dampness in godowns must be avoided.

3.      Cement should not be piled against the wall. A minimum space of 30 cm all –round should be left between the exterior walls and the tacks. The distance between two consecutive stacks should be the minimum to reduce circulation of air.

4.      Cement should not be piled directly on the floor; instead it should be piled off the floor on wooden planks so as to be clear of the floor by at least 10 to 20 cm.

5.      There should not be more than 15 bags in one pile. This is done to avoid lumping under pressure.

6.      Cement bags should be arranged that they can be used on the principle of “first come first served”.

7.      If more than 7 bags of cement are to be stored in a pile, then it can be arranged in header and stretcher fashion or alternatively lengthwise and crosswise so as to tie the piles together and to avoid the danger of toppling over.

8.      When cement bags is to be stored for a long period or during rainy season, the stack should be enclosed completely by polythene sheet, tarpaulin or any other suitable water proofing material.

9.      If different brands of cement are meant to be used on one work, they should be stacked separately.

©Ishu Mainali