Storage of cement

Cement has to be stored in factories where it is manufactured and also at field construction sites where it is to be used . Moisture is the greatest enemy of cement . Cement has great affinity for moisture and hence it should be stored in such a way that moisture may not reach it . If somehow moisture happens to approach cement , it gets set , in form of lumps . If lumps formed are so hard that they cannot be pressed to powder between the fingers , it should be taken for granted that cement has been rendered useless . hence cement should be stored in specially constructed stores having damp proof floors , water proof walls and leak proof roofs . Cement stakes should be raised leaving a clear distance of 30 cm from the walls of the room . height of the stake should not exceed the height of 15 bags . Width of the stake should be limited to 3m . Stocks received first should also be issued first . All the doors , windows and ventilators should also be issued first . All the doors , windows and ventilators should be effectively sealed to prevent ingress of moisture in the store .