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CEMENT
literally is a major “building block” both of the
ancient and modern times.
The
Assyrians and Babylonians used cement in the form of
clay, and the Egyptians advanced to the discovery of
lime and gypsum mortar as a binding agent for building
structures such as the pyramids.
The
Greeks made improvements to build temples, until the
Romans developed a variety that produced structures of
remarkable durability as seen in their domes and
coliseums.
In
modern times, the advancement of science and technology
has enabled man to improve the material to build
impressive structures, such as skyscrapers and tunnels,
that go through mountains, under seas and beneath
cities.
Because
cement is a vital material in the construction of
critical structures such as buildings, roads and homes,
governments worldwide has the responsibility to see to
it that the product complies with international-quality
standards to ensure safety in its use.
In the
Philippines the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau
of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) is primarily involved in
standards development and certification of products,
which include cement.
Since
the onset of dry period in the country signals the peak
of construction activities, the DTI-BPS once again
reminds the public to be vigilant and buy only cement
with the Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity
Clearance (ICC) mark to ensure safe and quality material
for construction works.
“Only
those BPS-certified cement are reliable and safe for
construction use because these have passed stringent
tests and inspections based on relevant standards prior
their sale,” said DTI-BPS director Jesus L. Motoomull.
DTI
regulates critical construction products such as cement
not only to protect the interests of businesses but,
more important, to safeguard consumer welfare.
Through
the DTI-BPS Product Certification scheme, manufacturers
and importers are required to have their products tested
based on the specific Philippine National Standard (PNS)
at the BPS Testing Center or any DTI-accredited or
-recognized laboratory prior to their sale or
distribution.
Only
those manufacturers and importers whose products comply
with the quality and safety requirements of the PNS are
issued with the PS license and ICC certificate,
respectively. These manufacturers and importers are
then authorized to affix the PS and ICC marks on their
products to guide consumers in choosing quality and safe
products.
Aside
from looking for the PS or ICC marks when buying cement,
consumers should also check if the cement bag is
properly labeled with the name and type of cement
(Portland or Pozzolan), name and address of
manufacturer/importer, brand, trade name and recognized
trade mark, net mass in kilograms, the country of
manufacture, manufacturing date, and the number of the
particular shipment and batch identification number for
imported cement.
Moreover, cement bags have color bands for consumers to
easily distinguish each type of cement, such as red band
for Portland cement; green band for Pozzolan Type P; and
three yellow stripes band for Pozzolan Type 1P.
Portland
cement, as defined in the standard, is a hydraulic
cement produced by pulverizing Portland-cement clinker
and usually contains calcium sulfate. The five types of
Portland cement are manufactured to meet different
physical and chemical requirements for specific
purposes.
Type I
is suitable for all uses where special properties
specified for any other type are not required. Type II
is used when moderate sulfate resistance or moderate
heat of hydration is desired, like in structures of
considerable mass, such as large piers and heavy
retaining walls.
Type III
is used when high-early strength is desired. Type IV is
used when a low heat of hydration is desired, such as
massive structures where the temperature rise resulting
from heat generated during curing is a critical factor.
Type V, the last type, is used when high sulfate
resistance is desired.
On the
other hand, Pozzolan cement is defined as a hydraulic
cement consisting of an intimate and uniform blend of
Portland cement and fine Pozzolan. It has two types,
namely, Type P, which is used in general concrete
construction where high strength at early ages is not
required, and Type 1P, which is used for general
concrete construction.
Aside
from cement, other construction materials, such as
plywood, steel bars, wire nails, steel pipes, water
pipes, sanitary wares, flat glass, etc., which are
commonly used in building houses, offices, schools,
roads and other infrastructure, are also regulated by
the DTI for they greatly affect life, property and
health.
Thus,
the public is being urged to be vigilant and demand for
quality products to get their hard-earned money’s worth
and, more important, avoid the hazards posed by
substandard critical construction and building
materials.
 DTI-BPS
conducts intensive enforcement operations nationwide, in
support of the regular market-monitoring activities of
the regional and provincial offices, to check
conformance of manufacturers and importers to the
requirements of the relevant standard and other
related-trade laws.
The DTI
enjoins the buying public to patronize only PS- and ICC-marked
products in the market. Consumers can report or file a
complaint against substandard products through DTI’s
consumer hot line (751-3330), text DTI <space> message
and send to 2920 for Globe and Smart subscribers and
2384 for Sun subscribers, e-mail address (cwd-btrcp@dti.gov.ph),
or visit DTI at Trade and Industry Building, 361 Sen.
Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. |
