Portland cement is mainly composed of lime, silica, alumina, and iron oxide.
The oxide composition of ordinary Portland cement includes a high percentage of calcium oxide.
Calcium oxide is represented as:
\[
CaO.
\]
It is also called lime.
Lime combines with silica, alumina, and iron oxide to form cement clinker phases such as:
\[
C_3S,\quad C_2S,\quad C_3A,\quad C_3AF.
\]
The usual percentage of \(CaO\) in Portland cement is approximately:
\[
60\text{--}65\%.
\]
If lime is too high, it may cause unsoundness.
If lime is too low, strength development may be poor.
Therefore, the correct percentage of \(CaO\) in Portland cement is:
\[
60\text{--}65\%.
\]