Cement is a major component of concrete.  Although the terms cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, there is a vast difference between the two products.  Cement is but one ingredient of concrete.  Basic concrete consists of cement, aggregates (gravel, sand) and water.  More sophisticated concrete may be made using ad-mixtures and other cementitious materials to control hardness, set-up time and durability.

Portland cement is a generic term named after the Isle of Portland in England by its inventor, Joseph Aspdin.

To make Portland cement, clay, shale and limestone is ground and baked in a kiln.  During this process, “klinkers” are formed which are then ground up and mixed with gypsum.

Alaska Basic Industries (ABI) supplies throughout Alaska.  ABI has terminals in Anchorage at 1300 Ocean Dock Road, at 11200 Highland Street and also in Fairbanks at 1501 Well Street.  ABI receives shipments of cement at the Port of Anchorage by ships on a regular basis throughout the summer and into late fall.  ABI through its customer base has representation of its products throughout central Alaska and beyond.

Alaska Basic Industries offers two basic products: 

Type I / II Portland Cement   for warmer times of the year and

Type III Portland Cement      for the cooler times. 

MSDS Portland Cement I/II and III
MSDS White Portland Cement

These products are available:

• Bulk (by the ton) at the Anchorage Port
• Jumbo Bags (1, 1-1/2 and 2 tons) at the South Terminal (Klatt Pit)
• Sacked Products (94 lbs and 10 lbs) at the Warehouse/ Sales Counter on Highland Street