CEM IV Cement - Pozzolanic Type, Uses & Properties

CEM IV cement is a pozzolanic cement according to the European standard, characterized by a reduced clinker content and the addition of reactive silicate phases. It is considered a technically mature option when low heat of hydration, robust long-term durability, and a balanced ratio of early and later strength are required. In structures that will be deconstructed later, CEM IV cement influences not only the production and in-service properties of the concrete but also the choice of demolition method and demolition tool. For applications such as concrete demolition and special demolition, building gutting and concrete cutting, or special operations, the behavior of in-situ CEM IV concrete is relevant—for example for sizing concrete demolition shear, stone and concrete splitter, combination shears, or steel shear from Darda GmbH.

Definition: What is meant by CEM IV

CEM IV is a cement type according to EN 197 that consists predominantly of Portland cement clinker and a high proportion of pozzolanic constituents. Pozzolans react with the calcium hydroxide formed during cement hydration to produce additional hydrated silicate phases. Typical pozzolanic constituents are siliceous fly ash or natural pozzolans. CEM IV is classified into subtypes (e.g., CEM IV/A and CEM IV/B) and into strength classes (e.g., 32.5 and 42.5). It is characterized by lower heat of hydration compared to pure Portland cement, delayed early strength development, and often a dense microstructure with good long-term durability.

Properties and composition of CEM IV

The composition of CEM IV includes a combination of clinker and pozzolanic constituents. This pozzolanic reaction binds free calcium hydroxide and leads to additional C-S-H phases. This results in key material characteristics:

Lower heat of hydration: Advantageous for massive members to limit temperature gradients and crack risk.
Strength development: Often moderate at early ages, with generally good later strength.
Durability: Frequently improved resistance to certain chemical attacks (e.g., sulfates) and to chloride ingress; carbonation can be higher depending on the mix design.
Microstructure: Dense ITZ (interfacial transition zone between aggregate and matrix) is possible; this affects crack initiation, crack propagation, and the energy required for controlled crushing.

For deconstruction practice this means: Depending on age and exposure, CEM IV concrete can show a compact, sometimes tough-elastic matrix that responds differently to gripping, crushing, or splitting than pure Portland cement concretes. This affects the design of tool geometries, pressure stages of hydraulic systems, and the sequence of work steps.

Standards, subtypes, and strength classes

CEM IV is specified by composition (type and proportion of pozzolans) and by strength classes. Common classes are 32.5 and 42.5, each as N (normal) or R (rapid) in terms of early strength. In practice, the variety of mix designs is large; it ranges from blends predominantly with siliceous fly ash to variants with natural pozzolans. For planning and deconstruction, the following points are relevant:

The actual concrete quality results from cement type, water/binder ratio, admixtures, aggregates, and curing.
For existing structures, construction records, delivery notes, and core tests are important sources to verify actual concrete properties.
Strength class and exposure classes (according to EN 206) provide indications of durability and potential deconstruction parameters, e.g., required gripping and splitting forces.

Influence of CEM IV on concrete production and construction practice

The selection of CEM IV is often made for temperature control, durability, or sustainability reasons. This leads to aspects for production and use:

Fresh concrete: Sometimes longer workability; consistent curing is important to limit early shrinkage and cracking.
Hardened concrete: Dense microstructure can reduce permeability; the tendency to carbonate depends on the mix.
Member temperatures: Lower heat development reduces thermal stresses, especially relevant for massive foundations, walls, or tunnel linings.

CEM IV in existing structures: relevance for deconstruction, concrete demolition, and special demolition

In deconstruction, the combination of strength, stiffness, reinforcement ratio, member thickness, and crack state determines the work strategy. CEM IV concretes can—depending on aging, exposure, and mix design—show a dense matrix with sometimes tough crack propagation. This leads to practical consequences for concrete demolition and special demolition:

Controlled procedures with matched hydraulic tools reduce secondary damage and uncontrolled residual breakage.
A predefined demolition sequence prevents restraint and uncontrolled load redistribution, especially for massive members with a history of low heat of hydration.
With more carbonated edge zones, cover layers can be more brittle while the core is tougher—this influences gripping and splitting effects.

Concrete demolition shear in CEM IV concrete

Concrete demolition shears act by gripping, crushing, and spalling. In CEM IV-based concrete, the dense microstructure can shift crack initiation. The following has proven effective:

Working from edges toward the core to exploit existing crack and joint lines.
Matching jaw opening and tooth geometry to member thickness and reinforcement ratio.
Combining with steel shear for separate cutting of reinforcement to steer crack propagation deliberately.

Hydraulic splitter (wedge) in CEM IV concrete

Hydraulic splitting techniques use boreholes, wedges, and cylinders to induce tensile stresses in the member. In CEM IV concrete—depending on aggregate, moisture, and density—a tighter drilling pattern may be required to create defined fracture lines. Devices such as hydraulic rock and concrete splitters can support low-vibration, controlled sequences.

Uniform borehole depths and spacing stabilize the fracture front.
Adjust the splitting sequence from edge areas toward the member core to avoid jamming.
In combination with concrete demolition shear, members can be efficiently pre-separated and then crushed in a controlled manner.

Tool selection and hydraulics: parameters for CEM IV members

Darda GmbH’s tools cover different work steps. For CEM IV concrete, coordinated selection is crucial:

Concrete demolition shear: For selective removal, controlled detachment of cover layers, edge demolition, and exposing the reinforcement.
Hydraulic splitter (wedge): For low-vibration removal, especially in sensitive environments or with massive cross-sections.
Combination shears and Multi Cutters: When members include built-ins, utilities, or mixed materials (concrete–steel composites).
Steel shear: For reinforcement, sections, and connection elements made of steel; they reduce tensile stress bridges in the concrete and facilitate crushing.
Tank cutter: For special operations with thick steel walls, e.g., industrial vessels; concrete parts are separated in parallel with concrete demolition shear or hydraulic splitter (wedge).
Hydraulic power pack: Constant flow rates and pressure levels are important to tune tool response time to the fracture characteristics of CEM IV concrete (adjust working pressure and flow).

Application areas: planning and execution with CEM IV in mind

The properties of CEM IV affect different application areas at Darda GmbH in different ways:

Concrete demolition and special demolition: Sequential removal reduces stress redistributions; splitters and concrete demolition shears enable low-vibration work in structurally sensitive zones.
Building gutting and concrete cutting: The cutting path benefits from stable member support; concrete with pozzolanic constituents can influence sawing and separation behavior depending on the mix.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction: For tunnel linings made with CEM IV, low heat development during production may have been advantageous; in deconstruction, controlled splitting sequences are helpful.
Natural stone extraction: Splitting techniques from quarry work can be transferred to CEM IV concrete to achieve defined fracture surfaces.
Special operations: In densely built or vibration-sensitive areas, hydraulic, low-vibration methods are especially suitable.

Recycling and material flow management

The deconstruction of concrete containing CEM IV produces mineral fractions which—after compliant processing—can be used as recycled construction materials. The pozzolanic phases influence particle strength and fines content:

Pre-crushing with concrete demolition shear facilitates separation of concrete and reinforcement.
Targeted splitting sequences reduce fines and improve the particle shape of recycled fractions.
Material flow separation (concrete, steel, built-ins) is the basis for high-quality recovery and recycling.

Legal requirements and quality criteria vary by region and application. Information provided here should always be understood as general; a case-by-case assessment remains necessary.

Occupational safety, emissions, and environmental protection

When demolishing CEM IV concrete, dust, noise, and vibrations are generated. Hydraulic methods often reduce vibrations and secondary damage. General notes:

Dust mitigation by water mist or dust extraction and dust suppression.
Orderly sequence of gripping, splitting, and separating to minimize uncontrolled residual breakage.
Monitoring of member stability, especially with edge-near carbonation and hidden reinforcement corrosion.

Legal requirements for safety and the environment are project-specific; the guidance described here is general and non-binding.

Testing and documentation in existing structures

For a sound deconstruction plan for structures with CEM IV cement, reliable data on material quality is essential. The following have proven effective:

Core extraction for strength and microstructure analysis (concrete cores (specimens)).
Verification of chlorides, carbonation depth, and moisture content.
Survey of reinforcement layout to coordinate concrete demolition shear and steel shear.

Practical recommendations for tool and process selection

Stepwise removal: Divide members into defined segments; first split or break edges, then crush.
Combine methods: Splitters for crack initiation, concrete demolition shear for controlled removal, steel shear for reinforcement.
Fine-tune hydraulics: Adjust pressure and flow rate to the fracture response of CEM IV concrete (working pressure and flow).
Optimize the drilling pattern: For splitting techniques, align borehole spacing, diameter, and depth with member thickness and aggregate composition (borehole drilling parameters).