# Procedure for Storing and Preserving Construction Materials at a Construction Site Proper storage and preservation of construction materials at a construction site are essential for maintaining their quality, strength, durability and serviceability. Materials exposed to moisture, sunlight, contamination, corrosion, pests, fire or improper handling may deteriorate before they are used. Therefore, materials should be received, inspected, transported, stored and preserved according to their physical and chemical characteristics. The storage area should be properly planned so that materials are protected from weather conditions, theft, damage and deterioration, while also allowing easy identification and withdrawal for construction work. a) Cement Cement is highly sensitive to moisture. Even a small amount of moisture can cause partial hydration and formation of lumps, resulting in loss of strength. Therefore, cement requires particularly careful storage. Cement should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated and waterproof building or storehouse. The roof and walls should be free from leakage, and doors and windows should be properly protected against rain and damp air. The floor of the storage room should be raised above ground level to prevent moisture from entering through the floor. Cement bags should preferably be placed on a raised wooden platform or waterproof pallets, generally at least 150 mm above the ground. The bags should not be placed directly against walls because moisture may penetrate through them. A small gap should be maintained between the stack and the walls to permit air circulation and inspection. Cement bags should be arranged in compact stacks, with the number of bags in a stack limited to prevent excessive pressure and damage to the bags.