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Nearly every day, we see advertisements in the media promoting “strong” cement. As a discerning user, you should have some knowledge of cement, especially if you are planning to construct a new house. Mentioned below are some facts that will help you in selecting the best cement for house construction.

Which Cement Is Best For House Construction?

There are three primary types of cement that are generally used for residential house construction: (1) Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and (2) Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and (3) Portland Slag Cement (PSC).

• OPC

It is one of the most common types of cement that is used to construct houses. It is manufactured via a chemical combination of calcium, iron, aluminium, silicon and other ingredients in highly controlled conditions. OPC cement that is used in residential construction is available in three different grades: 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade.

33 Grade: This grade of OPC cement is predominantly used for small-scale construction, wherein the strength of concrete does not really matter. For example, small-house construction.

43 Grade: This grade of cement is used in medium-scaled construction activities, wherein strength is needed, and the concrete must take loads of weight above it. For instance, a three-floor house.

53 Grade: This cement grade is used in construction activities wherein an enormous strength of concrete is needed. This grade of OPC cement is primarily used in mass constructions or special projects rather than house construction.

• PPC

The use of PPC is increasing in present times in house construction because it contains pozzolana materials as its active constituents, which successfully impart enhanced properties to this type of cement.

It is manufactured by using pozzolanic materials as one of the primary constituents. The percentage of this material should lie in the range of 10%-30%.

In contrast to OPC cement, PPC cement does not have different grades. The eventual strength of PPC cement can be compared to OPC 43 Grade cement. 

PPC is ideal for house construction because it offers a much better performance in the long term in comparison with OPC cement. 

• PSC

Portland Slag Cement (or PSC) is a type of blended cement. Slag is basically a non-metallic product that is comprised of more than 90% glass along with silicates as well as alumino-silicates of lime. 

PSC is produced with a combination of approximately 45%-50% of slag, 45%-50% of clinker, and 3%-5% of gypsum.

The chemical composition of PSC offers numerous advantages over other types of cement. Besides being eco-friendly, it possesses ultimate compressive strength, while offering phenomenal resistance to sulphate and chloride attacks. This specific feature improves workability, while significantly lowering the risks of cracking. It is known for its superior finish and minimised shrinkage cracks. 

PSC can be successfully used for all types of residential as well as commercial projects. It complements the construction of dams and other water-retaining structures because of its high resistance to alkali-silica reactions and amazingly fewer shrinkage cracks. 

It is also used in special structures such as pre-stressed concrete. Because of its excellent resistance power to corrosion, it is widely used in coastal regions.

To Summarise

When it comes to cement required for house construction, both OPC and PPC are efficient. The only factors that play a definitive role while choosing between the two are the setting time and durability. While OPC has a low setting time, PPC requires more setting time.

So, if you want to get rid of the scaffolding in a lesser time, then you should opt for OPC 43 or 53 Grade cement. That said, if you are ready and willing to extend this setting time, PPC would be your ideal bet.

The sole advantage that PPC has in comparison with OPC is durability. Home construction executed with PPC cement is much more durable than that with OPC cement.

The Final Word:

Always remember that the cement you select is of utmost significance because it will eventually determine your home’s quality, life, durability and structural integrity. If you require expert guidance, you can contact JSW One Homes.