What Is Grade of Cement?
The grade of cement indicates the compressive strength of cement. Higher the grade of cement superior will be the quality and strength of cement used in construction work. Cement grade directly affects the compressive strength of the concrete mix. In concrete, cement is an essential ingredient that play important role in binding all other ingredients together and make the solid and hard concrete product. You buying cement we buy known about different grades of cement which are available in the market. The strength of cement is denoted by the grade of cement. There are mainly 3 types of cement grades available in the market which you can use for your house construction.
Different grades of cement are as follows,
1. OPC 53 Grade
2. OPC 43 Grade
3. OPC 33 Grade
4. PPC Grade Cement
5. PSC Grade Cement
6. Super Grade Cement
1. OPC 33 Grade.
OPC 33 grade cement means ordinary portland 33-grade cement. In these, the number 33 represents the compressive strength of cement at end of 28 days of curing and tested as per Indian standard code recommendation. It means, if cement mortar cube are tested for compressive strength after 28 day, it should be more than 28 N/mm for OPC 33 grade cement. This cement grade was popularly used in plain cement concrete work and other unimportant work. OPC 33 grade cement is not recommended to be used for making a concrete mix of higher grade (More than M20). It can be used at a place where the strength of cement is not a big factor or lower strength can be accepted for work.
The OPC 33 grade is not used for important work as there is a higher grade of cement available in the market. In fact, Most cement manufacturing companies have already stopped their production for many years. So, keep these recommendations in mind while going to purchase the cement for house construction. Do not but the lower grade of cement for quality construction work.
2. OPC 43 Grade Cement.
The OPC 43 Grade cement gives compressive strength at end of 28 days curing is 43 N/mm. These cement grades are used for making a concrete mix of higher grade up to M 30 grade of concrete.
The 43 grade of cement is manufactured by many companies like Ultratect, Ambuja, ACC cement. It can be used for making precast concrete members, sewer pipes and fence posts,s, etc. But, it is popularly used in plain cement concrete work and plastering work. It is recommended for work where strength and lower setting time can be accepted during construction. Due to higher 53 grade of cement is available for construction, it used is limited in some area. So, you always go for a higher grade if you are constructing your own home.
3. OPC 53 Grade.
The OPC 53 grade cement is the most popular grade of cement used in construction. In fact, all the construction work where it is a bridge, road, dam, building, water tanks, tunnel are using OPC 53-grade cement. OPC 53 means, It gives compressive strength of 53 N/mm when it is tested for compressive strength as per Indian standard guidelines.
OPC 53 grade cement has better quality, strength and less setting time compare to 33 and 43 grade of cement. Due to its high strength, is used for making concrete of higher grade (Above M20). It is the best choice for all houses, buildings, apartments, and high-rise building construction work. It is also being used for pressing concrete work in bridges and other precast concrete works. So, OPC 53 will be your final choice while purchasing cement for your dream home. But Just selecting OPC 53 is sufficient, the cement brand also has equal importance. Be sure about which brand 53-grade cement is best and give you assurance about the quality of cement.
4. PPC Grade of Cement.
PPC full form is Portland Pozzolana cement is made of gypsum and pozzolanic material and fly ash which is waste material of power plant. These types of cement are used where low heat of hydration is required during concreting work. It is mostly suitable for mass concrete work like bridge and dam construction work. It offers a good finished surface of the concrete.
5. PSC Grade of Cement.
PSC means Portland Slag Cement is produced by internal grinding of Portland cement clinker. This cement is manufacturing use partial slag and partial ordinary portland cement. As the slag is a waste product of power plant is eco-friendly construction materials.
6. Super Grade of Cement.
Super grade cement is possessed high compressive strength. This is one of the advance and latest high strength cement types manufactured by limited companies like Ultratech, Ramco cement.
Best Cement In India For House
1. Construction 2021
2. UltraTech Cement
3. ACC Cement
4. Ambuja Cement
5. Shree Cement
6. Ramco Cement
7.The India Cements Limited
8. Binani Cement
9. Wonder Cement
10. JSW Cement