Introduction of Cement
Important Point
Cement is one of the most important engineering construction materials. It is widely used in the construction of various Structures.
It is the key ingredient of the concrete. Concrete is made by mixing sand, aggregate, and cement along with water in the fixed proportion. The Strength of the Concrete is mainly achieved by the Cement.
In this article, you will get to know about different grades of cement, their properties, and uses.
Introduction of OPC
OPC is one of the most important types and widely used cement in the Construction Industry. OPC Cement full form Ordinary Portland cement.
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the commonly used cement around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty grout.
The Ordinary Portland Cement is mainly categorized into three types, which are 33-Grade Cement, 43-Grade Cement, and 53-Grade Cement. This grade of cement is classified depending upon the compressive strength of the cement, which is tested after 28 days.
Compressive Strength of Cement =( Apply Load / Unit Area)
The unit of compressive strength is N/mm2
Also, read: What Is Cement | Type of Cement
Which Grade Cement Is Used for Slab
Ordinary Portland cement of 53 Grade is suitable for all types of RCC structures and is mainly used for the construction of slabs. Because in the Construction of slabs, initial and ultimate strength is the major structural requirement.
The 53 Grade Cement is highly preferred for the construction of the structures which require high strength such as the construction of high rise building and bridges.
Types of Cement Grades
There are different grades of cement, which are specified by IS 1489: 1991 as below of cement grade list.
- OPC 33 Grade Cement
- OPC 43 Grade Cement
- OPC 53 Grade cement
Also, read: Mortar Vs Cement | Type of Cement | Type of Mortar
OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 33 Grade Cement
The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 33 N/ mm2 after the 28 days when tested, is known as 33-Grade Cement.
Fineness (specific area) of 33 Grade Cement = 300 m2/kg
- 3 days compressive strength = 16 N/mm2
- 7 days compressive strength = 22 N/mm2
- 28 days compressive strength = 33 N/mm2
Properties of 33-Grade Cement
- This grade of cement has high workability and is mainly used for masonry work and for plastering work.
- The initial strength of 33 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.
- The heat of hydration of 33 Grade Cement is lower as compared to the 43 grade and 53-grade cement.
Uses of 33-Grade Cement
- It is widely used in plastering work.
- It is also used for the brickwork of walls.
- In the tiling work.
- It is generally used for work, which required low compressive strength of below M20.
The Code of reference for 33-grade cement is IS Code – IS 269: 1989.
Also, read: Which Cement Is Best for House Construction | Different Types of Cement and Use
OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 43 Grade Cement
The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 43 N/ mm2 after the 28 days when tested, is known as 43-Grade Cement. Fineness (specific area) of 43 Grade Cement = 225 m2/kg
- 3 days compressive strength = 23 N/mm2
- 7 days compressive strength = 33 N/mm2
- 28 days compressive strength = 43 N/mm2
Properties of 43-Gradee Cement
- It has low chloride content, so it doesn’t cause corrosion of steel reinforcement.
- It gives good workability of concrete.
- The initial strength of 43 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.
- The heat of hydration of 43 Grade Cement is medium.
- This will give a better surface finish to the structures.
- It is moderately sulfate resisting.
Uses of 43 Grade Cement
- It is used in the preparation of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC).
- It is used for PCC and RCC work.
- It is used in the construction of RCC bridges.
- For Construction of Silos and Chimneys.
- It is used for finishing of all types of structures like buildings, bridges, roads, and water retaining structures.
- It is used in precast and prestressed concrete.
- It is also used in Ship form Construction.
- It is used in the construction where a grade of concrete up to M30.
The Code of reference for 43-Grade Cement is IS Code – IS 8112: 1989.
Also, read: 23 Different Types Cements Available in India and As Per IS Standards
OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 53 Grade Cement
The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 53 N/ mm2 after the 28 days when tested, is known as 53-Grade Cement. Fineness (specific area) of 53 Grade Cement = 225 m2/kg
- 3 days compressive strength = 27 N/mm2
- 7 days compressive strength = 37 N/mm2
- 28 days compressive strength = 53 N/mm2
Properties of 53 Grade Cement
- It is a Sulphate resisting cement.
- It has low chloride content.
- It can be used in speedy Construction.
- It saves shuttering cost due to early removal.
- The initial strength of 53 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.
Uses of 53 Grade Cement
- It is used the construction of concrete sleepers for Railways.
- It is used in pre-stressed girders.
- The 53-Grade Cement achieves early strength.
- It is used in industrial buildings roads and runways.
- It is used in the construction of RCC bridges and precast concrete.
- Generally used for M25 and above concretes.
- It is used in the construction of all RCC components like a beam, columns, footings, and slabs.
The Code of reference for 53-Grade Cement is IS Code – IS 12269: 1987.
Cement Grade
You may have heard of terms like 33 grade cement or 53 grade cement. These are terms used for describing different grades of cement. A grade of cement indicates the strength of cement that is measured in Mega pascal (Mpa) or N/mm2. Cement is usually measured after 28 days of curing for a standard cube.
Grade of Cement
The strength gets further measured as the comprehensive strength, which is the moulded cement in the standard cube. After 28 days of curing, it gets estimated. The measurements are in Mega-Pascal or N/mm. Generally, there are three types of cement grades; 33-grade, 43-grade, and 53-grade.
Grade Slab
In construction, a grade slab is a relatively flat concrete structure built on top of the soil at ground level. This simple slab design differs from the reinforced slab technique used for elevated concrete floors, and does not require support from underground footers or foundation walls.
What Is Grade of Concrete?
Grades of concrete are defined by the strength and composition of the concrete, and the minimum strength the concrete should have following 28 days of initial construction. The grade of concrete is understood in measurements of MPa, where M stands for mix and the MPa denotes the overall strength.
Cement Types and Grades
Sr.No. | Cement Types and Grades | Setting Time (minutes) |
|
Initial (min) | Final (max) | ||
1 | 33 grade cement OPC (IS 269–1989) | 30 | 600 |
2 | 43 grade cement OPC (IS 8112– 1989) | 30 | 600 |
3 | 53 grade cement OPC (IS 12269–1987) | 30 | 600 |
4 | Sulphate Resisting Cement. SRC (IS 12330–1988) | 30 | 600 |
5 | Portland Pozzolana Cement. PPC (IS 1489–1991) Part-I | 30 | 600 |
6 | Rapid Hardening Cement. PPC (IS 8041–1990) | 30 | 600 |
7 | Portland Slag Cement. PSC (IS 455–1989) | 30 | 600 |
8 | Super Sulphated Cement. (IS6909–1990) | 30 | 600 |
9 | Low Heat Cement. (IS 12600–1989) | 60 | 600 |
10 | Masonry Cement. (IS 3466–1988) | 90 | 1440 |
11 | 43-S grade OPC (IS 8112–1989) | 60 | 600 |
12 | 53-S grade OPC (IS 12269–1987) | 60 | 600 |
Grade of Cement Used in Building Construction
There are commonly three types of cement used in general construction purposes i.e. Ordinary Portland Cement (43 Grade & 53 Grade), Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Slag Cement.
What Is Grade of Cement?
The grade indicates the strength of cement. Strength is generally measured as compressive strength. Before buying the cement, you should check the grades because it highly affects the strength of your structure. These are the types & grades available in the Market.
Cement Grading
The cement grade refers to the cement compressive strength that means how much strength cement can yield or bear. These cement grades are classified according to the compressive strength of the cement, tested after 28 days.
Grades of Cement
Generally, there are three types of cement grades; 33-grade, 43-grade, and 53-grade. Read on to know more about these types of cement that will help you decide on need.
Like this post? Share it with your friends!
Suggested Read –
- West Point Bridge Designer
- Initial Setting Time of Ppc Cement
- Top 15+ Best Plywood Brands in India
- Top 10 Tiles Companies in India 2021
- Top 10 Construction Companies in India
- What Is Plaster | Type of Plaster | Defects In Plastering
- What Is Unit Weight | What Is Density | What Is Unit Weight Material | Unit Weight Building Materials
- What Is Diversion of Headworks (Rivers) | Types of Diversion Headworks | Component Parts of Diversion Headworks (Rivers)
Originally posted 2022-02-28 00:47:11.
cuttingtechnologies says
Quick question: Which grade of cement is the best for tiles? Thank you very much!
Krunal Rajput says
33 Grade Cement
Jenny says
PPC and PSC cements are ideal for general residential construction works, however when it comes to slab installation I would recommend OPC 53 Grade cement which is a recommended by all professional for installation of RCC structures like slabs
, beams, and columns, it is used in cases where initial and ultimate strength is the major structural requirement.