How soundness of cement is described?

Soundness is defined as the ability of the cement to maintain its volume. Volume change can cause the expansion in the structure and as a result, minor cracks in the structure occur. The reason for the volume change is the presence of the excess lime or unburnt lime while the cement is manufactured. As a result, oxidation of lime occurs and it converts to calcium carbonate. The volume of calcium carbonate is greater than and therefore it leads to crack.