The raw materials of cement also called clinker phases or minerals are C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF.

Each of these chemical compounds contributes and affects differently the cement.

C3S: Also called Alite or tricalcium silicate, has a chemical composition of 3CaOSiO2. This
compound is responsible for the early strength development. 70% of C3S will be reacted by
28 days.They constitute 40%-70% of cement.

C2S: Also called Belite or dicalcium silicate, has a chemical composition of 2CaOSiO2. This
compound is responsible for the late strength development. Only 30% of C2S will be
reacted by 28 days. They constitute 20%-40% of cement.

C3A: Also called Aluminate or tricalcium aluminate, has a chemical composition of

3CaOAl2O3. This compound contributes little to long term strength. It provides early high
heat generation in hydration(rapid hydration) thus responsible for the setting time of
cement.(10 F - 15 F for 100 lb cement). C3A has a weak resistance against sulfate.

As far as type 2 cement is concerned, it is used where heat build up is a concern. Since, C3A
has a tendency to liberate large amount of heat during it's initial setting, it defies the
purpose of type 2 cement and therefore is low in content.

C4AF: Also called Ferrite or tetra calcium alumina ferrite, has a chemical composition of
4CaOAl2O3Fe2O3. Little to now contribution to strength. It gives the color of cement.

Tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) is responsible for early setting of cement and It is also
related to heat of hydration. This compound is formed within 24 hours. Generally high
quantity of this compound is avoided as it leads to cracking.

It is clear that C3S and C2S are responsible for strength of cement due to the presence of
silica. When mixed with water they produce CH and CSH.

C3A can be responsible cracks (ex: shrinkage cracks) due to the high temperature release. As
result a 4%-6% gypsum CaSO4.2H20 must be added to attack C3A and regulate the setting
time of cement.When mixed with water C3A produce ettringite and mono sulfate hydrate.

Different proportions of these chemical compounds give us five types of cement each can
be used in different situation and case.

The short-hand notation for these compounds used in cement industry is C3S, C2S,C3A,
and C4AF respectively. C3S is responsible for early strength development, setting and
hardening of concrete; C2S determines later strength development, C3Acontrols heat
evolution during hydration, and C4AF is for sulfate resistance.

In Type I Ordinary Portland Cement clinker the amount of C3A+C4AF rarely exceeds 18%.
While C3A accelerates cement hydration, C4AF is more a consequence of clinker
pyroprocessing than a necessary component. The C4AF acts as a powerful flux in the rotary
kiln. Together with the C3A it forms a liquid phase at 1338C, necessary to the formation of
C3S from C2S and free CaO. The C3A activity during hydration is controlled by the addition
of gypsum to the finish mill. C4AF is responsible for the color of cement. In order to make
white cement the C4AF has to be reduced to trace values.

In cement clinker, the C3A acts as a flux, as part of the liquid phase developed in the
burning zone. C3A itself is quite refractory but with C4AF it forms most of the 22 to 28%
clinker melt necessary for C3S and C2S formation. Ordinary Portland Clinker contains
between 8 and 11% C3A.

But your question is about the role of C3A in cement, not in the clinker. In cement, C3A’s
role is related to the kinetics of cement hydration.

Cement hydration occurs in 3 different steps:

a) pre-induction period, where C3S and C3A quickly react with water releasing heat and
forming the Ettringite gel.

followed by

b) the dormant period where the cement particles are temporarily shielded from water by a
layer of gel.

followed by

c) the destabilization of the gel followed by a continuation of the hydration process.

So, C3A is responsible for the rapid initial hydration of cement as soon as it contacts water.
It is also the cement component with the highest heat of hydration. If not controlled, C3A
will cause the quick setting of the cement paste, making it unworkable. And here comes the
role of Gypsum in set control: it controls the hydration of C3A because the presence of
Sulfates in the liquid slows down the hydration of C3A and C3S.

As far as cement strength, C3A has but a moderate contribution.