Team Herald
canacona: Based on the current situation arising out of the lockdown, the cement stockists and dealers in Canacona with huge inventories fear that the cement, which they have in stock, is going to lose its properties making it not suitable for construction purposes.
If this happens, they feel that it is going to be a huge financial burden, disposing the ineffective or hardened cement. If the cement remains unused for a considerable time it is better to get it tested for strength, said a civil engineer.
“Normally the cement, which is used in housing construction comes with all the admixtures added, the possibility of the cement absorbing moisture from the surrounding is very high, in such a case the cement may not harden like a rock but it will definitely lose some of its qualities,” informed Viraj Desai, an expert in the field..
“The cement bags, which have remained unused for a longer period for whatever reason, may be used for masonry work added Desai.
“Another area of concern to me is the corrosion taking place on the outer side of steel rods that are exposed to the harsh conditions around. These issues have to be addressed properly if the lockdown prolongs beyond a certain time” Desai suggested.
