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Storage of cement
The binding property and strength of cement depends upon its capacity for chemical reaction, which can take place in the presence of water. Cement tends to absorb moisture, and react with it chemically.

Basic requirement is that cement should not come in contact with water or moisture till it is put to use. If it comes in contact, it will react and form lumps. Then it loses its reactivity and this in turn will result in less strength. The site engineer should bear in mind that even the atmospheric moisture is sufficient for deterioration of cement. Hence cement should be stored in such a manner that no moisture or dampness is allowed to reach cement either from the ground or from the environment.

Cement loses strength as it ages.

Approximate reduction in strength with age (in standard water tight storage condition)
S no Age in months Loss of strength in %
1 3 5 to 10
2 6 20-30
3 12 30-40

Note: BIS prescribes that cement should be used within 90 days of its production. In case it is used at a later date then it should be tested before use.
Good axioms of proper inventory management are:
• Buy only the quantity required for the week or for the fortnight
• Please see that cement bag is not torn
• No windows/ventilators should be allowed in godown, if unavoidable, it should be kept closed all the time
• Do not allow workers to use hooks or sharp tools to lift the bags
• Do not allow workers to use hooks or sharp tools to lift the bags
• The cement should be stored in a godown built with minimum 300mm plinth height
• Check whether the roof of the shed leaks, if so, repair it
• Always store cement away from the wall
• Do not store cement directly on the floor. Use wooden planks/pallets or polythene sheets
• Place cement bags one layer lengthwise and one layer widthwise (header and stretcher style) for better stability of the pile
• Always adopt first in first out approach (FIFO system).
• Sometimes, when the cement bag is brought down, it may appear hard (pack lumps) because of the load of the bags above it. Roll the bag two to three times before opening it.
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