TCL Premium Plus was launched in May 2009.
In November of 2007, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) launched its brand of Portland Pozzolanic Cement - “TCL Premium”. In a bid to expand its product portfolio and offer increased benefits to consumers, TCL is now introducing TCL Premium Plus.
TCL Premium Plus
has been developed with the aim of achieving two main objectives:
1. To improve the performance of concrete
2. To produce a product that is environmentally friendly
One of the main processes in cement production is clinker manufacturing, in which CO2 is a by-product. By producing cement with less clinker or, replacing a percentage of clinker with pozzolan (blended cement), less clinker is required to manufacture cement. As such, less clinker manufactured results in less carbon dioxide being produced. Hence by producing a blended cement TCL can realize a 1% reduction in CO2, by mass, emitted for each 1% replacement of clinker by pozzolan. Therefore TCL is able to reduce its Carbon footprint by as much as 20%. Additionally, as a result of the above, fuel consumption decreases, resulting in less CO2 emissions from the combustion of the fuel. This overall impact results in less CO2 being released contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
TCL Premium Plus is the result of years of Research and Development, combined with investment in state of the art cement manufacturing and testing equipment. Clinker, when chemically modified, for enhanced performance is incorporated with volcanic ash (Natural Pozzolan) with excellent cementing potential (high reactivity indices). When inter-ground with clinker the volcanic ash, Portland Pozzolana cement is the result, which brings forth superior performance. When mixed as concrete or grout the cement hardens or hydrates producing a bi-product known as lime. The pozzolan then reacts with the lime to form more of cementitious compounds or “cement glue” which binds the concrete together.
The use of Pozzolanic cements lead to the production of a very dense cement paste, which reduces the ability of acids and sulphates to leach into concrete through micro-pores and cause damage to the actual concrete. Micro-pores are considerably reduced with the use of Portland pozzolanic cements greatly reducing the potential for the ingress of water and salts. This consequently prevents rotting of steel reinforcements and concrete cracking, thereby extending the life of residential, industrial and marine structures. These properties and benefits are all reasons why the use of pozzolanic cements amongst other blended cement are very widespread throughout the global construction industry. This is so much so that in countries like Canada and members of the EU these are the only types of cement used, especially in the construction of bridges and factories which are subject to very aggressive conditions and chemicals.
Although most engineers design structures with 28 day strength of concrete being specified, structures are built with the expectation that they last for generations. The use of Portland-Pozzolanic cements results in strength development well beyond 2 years. This results in overall higher strengths and overall long term cost savings, since the need for concrete repairs or short term building replacements is greatly reduced.
The benefits attributed with the use of TCL Premium Plus are:
• Reduction in Carbon Dioxide output
• Increase durability and wear resistance
• Increased rebar protection
• Reduced heat of hydration
• Higher long term strengths
• Protection against alkali aggregate reaction
• Increased water tightness of concrete
In order to maximize the benefits of any type of concrete, the following best practices can be maintained when mixing and placing concrete:
• All water should be potable (of drinking quality)
• Aggregates should be clean (free of silt and organics)
• Use of properly proportioned mixes
• Excess water should not be used to make concrete soft
• Proper placing techniques e.g. Do not free fall in excess of 6 ft,
• Use recommended curing techniques e.g. Curing compounds, ponding, covering with plastic etc.
Click here to view full ad Click here to view full ad
