Which Cement Is Best for House Construction?
Which Cement is Best for House Construction is a common question to ask people who are thinking about constructing a new home themselves. Yes, Nothing wrong in this question everyone. Must think about this question Which Cement is Best for House Construction.
The followings are two best types of cement for house construction.
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
There are two most common types of cement which are generally used in house construction:
#1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
OPC is popular and widely used for construction works from a very large time and it is the most popular choice for usage in every type of construction work. Some of the advantages of using OPC are-
OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) is one of the most popular construction building materials used all across the globe.
This name ‘Portland’ was given by the British cement manufacturer Joseph Aspdin at 1824 because of its strong resemblance to Portland Stone, a type of white-grey limestone found at this isle of Portland, Dorset at England.
Joseph Aspdin is also credited to have patented this first true artificial cement, which he named as the Portland cement.
OPC Benefits-
- It attains strength in less time.
- It is available in three grades: Grade 33, Grade 43, and Grade 53.
#2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)-
PPC has now become the first choice because of the use of pozzolanic materials that’s imparts better properties to the cement. The strength of this cement is equivalent to OPC 53 Grade cement. Some of the advantages of using PPC are-
Portland-pozzolana cement (PPC) is produced by grinding together Portland cement clinker and artificial pozzolana (Fly ash) with this addition of gypsum or calcium sulfate.
Fly ash is a very fine material produced as a residue precipitated electro-statically or mechanically from the exhaust gases of a coal-fired thermal power station.
Generally, 15-25% fly ash is mixed and ground together with 65-75% Portland clinker and 3-6% gypsum
PPC Benefits:
- It is cheaper than the OPC.
- Better resistance against chemicals.
- It facilitates better workability.
Different Types of Cement and Use
| Cement | Properties | Uses |
| Masonry cement | Inert materials like dolomite lime stones, gypsum, and air-entraining agent are mixed with clinkers of portland cement. Concrete is workable, and possesses, fattiness, cohesiveness, and plasticity. It contains mixing water then comes in contract with dry bricks. Not suitable for works other than masonry work. | Specially prepared for masonry work |
| Oil well cement | It should capable of being pumped for 3 hours under high pressure and temperature, It sets slowly and hardens quickly. | Filling space between steel& liming and well of well |
| Ordinary Portland cement | Fineness – Residue 10% when sieved on IS No 9 soundness – Expansion 10 mm, Compressive quickly 3 days 160 kg/cm2 7 days 220 kg/cm2 setting time Initial 30 min Final10 hours |
All types of ordinary construction works |
| Pozzolanic cement | 20 to 40% pozzolana is mixed with 60 to 80% Portland cement while grinding. Volcanic ash, pumice, or powered burnt brick can be used as pozzolana. Produces less heat of hydration, resists sulfate action, develops strength slowly, imparts water tightness, more workability and plastically, possesses high strength and is cheap. | Mass concrete construction in coastal areas sewage works construction below ground |
| Quick setting cement | Sets in 5 minutes and gets hard in 30 minutes. Fine grinding after adding a small percentage of aluminum sulfate. The percentage of gypsum and retarders are reduced. | Construction under running or stable water |
| Rapid Hardening cement | High strength is achieved earlier due to a higher degree of fineness in grinding clinker at high temperature 7 days, and 28 days strength of ordinary concrete is obtained in 3 days and 7 days only Not suitable for mass concrete. | Concrete in cold weather climate, early removal of forms, speed in construction, early use of structure |
| Sulphate resistant cement | The proportion of C3A is reduced and C2S is increased. Hardness is slow, a longer period of curing. | Culverts, canal siphon canal lining in alkaline soil |
| Super Sulphate cement | 80 to 85% well granulated slag is mixed with 10 to 15% calcium sulfate and 1 to 2% Portland cement. Mir is finely ground. Low heat of hydration, hence suitable for mass concrete. lt should NOT be mixed with ordinary Portland cement or High alumina cement. Resistive to chemical attack, cement expands when used underwater and shrinks when cured in air. Forms a good bond with set concrete. | Suitable for all-purpose mass concrete places where a chemical attack is suspected. |
| Water Proof Cement | Calcium stearate. Aluminum stearate and gypsum-treated tannic acid are added to ordinary Portland cement while grinding. Resistive to water penetration Resistive to corrosive action of acid and alkalies. | Tanks, reservoirs drams, bridge piers swimming pools |
| White cement | The percentage of Iron Oxide was reduced to 1% to avoid greyish colour oil is used as fuel. Chalks and limestones having low iron content and white clay are used as raw materials strength less than ordinary concrete. High cosot | Production of light coloured cement floor finish, plaster work, ornamental works, and precast concrete blocks |
| Acid Resistance cement | Quartz Quartzites are used as aggregates + Soluble glass for increasing resistance against acid and to act as binding material. | Chemical industries, Acid resistant, Heat resistant |
| Air entraining Cement | Air entraining against – oils, fatty acids, dorex resin mixed during during grinding. Strength reduced lay 10 to 15%, workable, plastic, resists froest action. | Concrete roads in cold regions frost resistance |
| Blast furnace slag cement | Granulated blast furnace slag mixed while grinding workable plastic, resistive to dampness, sulfate action, corrosive effect less heat of hydration economical not suitable for cold weather. | Prefabricated RCC units Alkaline soil, mass, concrete marine works underground works. |
| Coloured cement | Raw materials – china clay, pure lime. White cement is used to light color
Colour – Pigment |
Floor finish artificial marble stair treads window sills. |
| Expanding cement | Sulphate Aluminates and stabilizing agents are added to ordinary cement. This cement expands while hardening. | Water retaining structures problems of leakages requirements |
| High Aluminum cement | Obtained by calcinating lime stone and Bauxite. Resists chemical effect high temperature, corrosive action on acid, and seawater, evolves head during setting. Higher initial setting time and lower final setting time. Compressive strength double than of ordinary cement, should not come in contact with lime or ordinary cement. | Frost regions, seawater, refractory and heat resistant. Concrete concreting against internal water flow, high early strength. |
| Extra Rapid hardening cement | 20% calcium chloride ground with Rapid hardening cement, strength – 25% higher then Rapid harding more shrinkages | When very high early strength is required, cold weather concreting and Early removal of Form work. |
| High-strength ordinary cement | Higher Compressive strength | Pre-cast and pre-stressed units. Indian railways. |
| Hydrophobic cement | Obtained by grinding naptha, acidol, and soap with cement clinkers formation of thin films on grains of concrete can be stored for longer periods. | Cold and frost-forming weather. |
| Low Heat cement | Percentages of C3A and C3S are reduced and C2S and C4AF are increased. Less compressive strength. Greater sulphate resistance.Delay in construction speed not suitable for ordinary works. | Mass concrete works resistant to sulfate action. |
Best Cement in India 2020 or Top 10 Cement in India
The following are the best cement in India 2019-20. This are the top 10 cement in India nowadays.
- UltraTech CementÂ
- Ambuja Cement
- Birla Cement
- JK CementÂ
- Binani CementÂ
- ACC CementÂ
- Jaypee Cement
- Shree CementÂ
- Dalmia Cement
- The India Cement
FAQs about Choosing the Best Cement for House Construction
What is Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)?
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is a widely used type of cement that attains high strength relatively quickly. It comes in different grades such as Grade 33, Grade 43, and Grade 53.
What are the advantages of OPC for house construction?
OPC offers early strength development, making it suitable for various construction works. It is available in different grades to suit specific project requirements.
What is Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)?
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is produced by blending Portland cement clinker with pozzolanic materials like fly ash or calcined clay. It is known for its better resistance to chemicals and improved workability.
Why choose PPC over OPC?
PPC is often preferred for its lower cost, better workability, and enhanced durability due to the pozzolanic materials it contains. It also offers good resistance against chemical attacks.
Which cement is cheaper, OPC or PPC?
Generally, PPC is cheaper compared to OPC, which makes it a cost-effective choice for house construction.
What are the different grades of OPC available?
OPC is available in Grade 33, Grade 43, and Grade 53, with Grade 53 offering higher strength compared to Grade 33.
How do I choose between OPC and PPC for my house construction?
The choice between OPC and PPC depends on factors like project requirements, budget, and local availability. OPC is preferred for early strength, while PPC is chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Are there any specific uses for OPC and PPC in house construction?
Both OPC and PPC can be used for various construction purposes including foundations, columns, slabs, and plastering. The choice depends on specific project needs and engineering requirements.
Can PPC be used interchangeably with OPC in all construction applications?
PPC can generally be used as a substitute for OPC in most construction applications. However, specific engineering requirements and local building codes should be considered.
What are some of the best brands of OPC and PPC available in India?
Some of the top brands of cement in India include UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cement, Birla Cement, JK Cement, and ACC Cement, among others.
