Guidelines for Storage of Cement

IS 4082-1996 laid down the stipulation for storage of cement as follows: 
The height of stack shall not be more than 10 bags to prevent the possibility of lumping up under pressure. The width of the stack shall be not more than four bags length or 3 metres.

In stacks more than 8 bags high, the cement bags shall be arranged alternately length-wise and cross wise so as to tie the stacks together and minimize the danger of toppling over. Cement bags shall be stacked in a manner to facilitate their removal and use in order in which they are received.: a table showing date of receipt of cement shall be put on each stack to know the age of cement.” 
In addition to the above : 
Cement filled in polypropylene , jute or paper bags laid on their sides require 4.5 to 5 sq.m. per tone if laid single layer and proportionately less if laid in more than one layer. 
If bags are stacked about 10 bags high, cement storage may be planned on the basis of 0.75 sq.m. per ton of cement, including 50 % extra area for clearance and path ways. 
Store cement in lots of 10 ton or a normal load of a truck. 



Arrangements for storage. 
(a) Do not store cement in the open. Under exceptional conditions, cement can be stored on a raised damp proof floor and covered with tarpaulins on the top and sides. Ensure that rain water does not stagnate on the tarpaulin. Storage in the open should be limited to the minimum possible time i.e about 48 hours. 

(b) On building contracts, lower stories and other completed portions of buildings may be used for cement storage. In such cases cement should be protected from rain that may blow in through the openings. Also protect cement from water dripping from curing or other operations in the upper floors. 

© Normally store cement in weather proof sheds.

(d) The floor in the shed should be dry and raised at least 150 mm from ground level. 

(e) Do not stack more than 10 to 12 bags high. 

(f) If piles are more than 8 bags high, stack the bags in header-stretcher fashion. 

(g) Place the bags tightly together to avoid air circulation. 

(h) Allow a clear gap of 300 mm between exterior wall and cement stack. 

(i) For long storage, cover piles with tarpaulin. 

(j) Check the cement store / godown for any leaks before and during rains. 

(k) Hydrophobic cement (IS 8043) can be stored for longer duration. 

(l) Rapid hardening cement should be stored with extra care. 

(m) Other type of cements should not be stored for more than a few weeks. About three months is the maximum.

(n) Illuminating inside the godown by Halogen lamps when Humidity is very high. 

Receipt and Issue 

a) Do not use iron hooks for lifting the bags. 

b) Store different types of cement and different brands of cement separately, with proper identification marks. 

c) Follow the first-in-first out principle during issue. The lot received earliest should be removed and used first. 

d) See whether the cement received is cool to the touch. If it is warm do not use it before it becomes cool. (If hot cement fresh from factory is used the mix may stiffen too early.) 

e) Cement stored several bags high may apparently harden (ware-house pack) . if this happens, roll the bags on a hard floor and loosen the cement. 

f) If cement becomes lumpy during storage, check whether the lumps are soft enough to be crushed between thumb and fingers. If lumps are soft and breakable the cement can be used. If hard, the lumps may be removed by screening and the reclaimed cement sent for testing. 

g) Do not use all the of loose cement collected from storage shed or nearby area.