Cement Rate Today in Pakistan, 29 October 2024

Types and Grades of Cement

1) Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC)

Ordinary Portland Cement OPC is one of the most commonly used cement in construction projects across the globe. It’s a versatile cement that is primarily used for general construction purposes, like houses, dams, bridges, roads, etc. OPC is known for its strength, durability, and workability. its versatility makes it usable in combination with other materials, to create different types of concrete mixes. OPC is produced by grinding clinker along with gypsum. There are 3 grades available for OPC, namely 33,43, and 53 Grade. Each grade varies in strength and usage and can be used for a variety of applications. 

• OPC 33 Grade Cement: OPC 33-grade cement has a minimum compressive strength of 33 MPa(Mega Pascals). Used for plastering and ordinary masonry projects where high strength is not required.OPC 33-grade cement can also be used for tile installation and other non-structural tasks like bricklaying and blocklaying. it can also be used for plastering interior and exterior walls, floors, and ceilings. It is strictly not recommended for RCC constructions.
• OPC 43 Grade Cement: With the minimum compressive strength of 43 MPa after curing for 28 days, OPC 43 Grade cement shows better resistance to cracking, resulting in a closed and smooth surface finish as compared to 33 grade OPC Cement. In concrete and mortar, the finer grains provide better workability and ease of application. OPC 43 grade cement is used for construction in residential buildings, bridges, dams, concrete sleepers, and other structures due to its strength. When it comes to determining what grade of cement is best for plastering and concrete projects, 43-grade OPC offers sufficient strength without wasting material because of its surplus strength. It is an excellent all-purpose grade that may be used in most building projects.
• OPC 53 Grade Cement: After 28 days of curing, 53-grade OPC cement has a high compressive strength of 53 MPa. it is used for building projects that require quick removal of formwork and to reduce project costs and construction times. Primarily used in heavy-duty concrete construction projects like industrial structures, bridges, high-rise buildings, and foundations. Because of its strength, durability, and efficiency, it is often used in concrete runways and roadways. The endurable strength of 53-grade OPC cement reduces the likelihood of structural fractures and stops water from seeping into essential water-retaining infrastructure like reservoirs and dams making it a highly demanded product. The finer particles in the cement result in a denser concrete matrix resulting in a smoother surface finish. However, it’s important to note that its faster setting time may make it slightly less workable in certain scenarios.

2)Portland Pozzolana Cement(PPC)

Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) is a versatile blend of base OPC and pozzolanic materials, like as fly ash and calcined clay. As a result of this unique combination both the strength and durability of the cement enhances. PPC is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of water and sulfate, making it the perfect choice for challenging environments. Its high compatibility with various chemicals not only improves the finishing of concrete but also significantly reduces the likelihood of leaks and cracks.

PPC is well suited for reinforced concrete buildings, precast concrete, and marine architecture. PPC is highly recommended to be used for foundations, walls, retaining walls, sewers, dams, and other water-related structures. PPC enhances concrete building’s lifespan and serviceability.

3) Portland Slag Cement(PSC)

Manufactured by a process that enhances cement in terms of strength, durability, and workability, Portland Slag Cement (PSC) is produced by blending OPC clinker with granulated blast furnace slag. PSC is used in large-scale concrete construction projects, including roads, bridges, narrow towers, pavements, and marine constructions. One notable advantage of PSC is its reduced heat of hydration, allowing for the execution of large-scale concrete pours. Its exceptional resistance to sulfate attacks makes it a particularly best choice for coastal environments. Furthermore, PSC’s finer texture contributes to the increased durability and strength of concrete.

By reducing porosity, it enhances concrete’s resistance to water penetration. PSC’s fracture-reducing attributes make it a valuable asset in earthquake-resistant structures.

4) Portland Lime Cement(PLC)

Portland Lime Cement is produced by combining limestone and clay, which is heated and ground to create a fine powder. Recognized for its strength and durability. Adding Lime in the form of hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) improves the working ability and plasticity of the mixture. By combining the strength of Portland cement and lime a versatile and effective material is produced for various constructional needs.

The addition of lime makes the mixture more easier to work with masonry applications. The involvement of Lime enhances its resistance to shrinkage and cracking. the enhanced binding capability of Lime results in stronger and more durable construction. Due to the self-healing capability of Lime small cracks may be filled over time by itself.

5) Rapid Hardening Cement(RHC)

Rapid-hardening cement (RHC) is specially manufactured to achieve high strength in a shorter curing time compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This property makes it ideal for projects that require quick construction or repairs.

RHC is often used in the manufacturing of precast concrete elements, where rapid strength gain is essential to speed up production cycles. it is also used for maintenance purposes like road repairs to minimize downtime and traffic disruption and emergency constructions or time-sensitive infrastructure projects. its special features include Fast Strength Gain, Reduced Construction Time, and, durability which makes it a perfect choice.

6) Sulphate Resisting Cement

Sulfate-resisting cement (SRC) is a specialized type of cement manufactured to improve durability and resistance to sulfate attacks. composed of a mixture of Limestone and Clay with adjusted proportions to reduce Low Calcium Aluminate(C3A) to avoid cracking and expansion.

Specially designed to resist the aggressive action of sulfates to improve durability and high resistance to chemical attacks leading to a longer lifespan for structures. Recommended for the construction of Foundations, Sewage Treatment Plants, Marine Structures, and Underground Works.

7) Low Heat Cement

Low Heat Cement (LHC) is a type of cement specially designed to minimize the heat generated during the hydration process, making it ideal for large concrete structures where temperature control is crucial. Its helps in preventing thermal cracking, which the longevity and durability of the construction.

LHC has a slower setting time, which can be beneficial for large pours but may require adjustments in construction schedules. LHC is mostly used in the construction of Dams and Reservoirs, Large Foundations, Retaining Walls, Bridge Piers, Spillways, and, Sewage Treatment Plants.

8) High Alumina Cement

High alumina cement (HAC) also known as Calcium aluminate cement (CAC), is a specialized cement specially produced for rapid strength development, resisting high temperatures and aggressive environments by melting a mixture of lime and bauxite and grinding it with clinker. High alumina cement is used in construction where concrete is subjected to high temperatures or chemicals such as Refractory concrete, Marine and Sewer Construction, Rapid Repair Works, and chemical industries. HAC can gain strength below 0°. Therefore, it can be used for concrete applications in cold weather. 

Due to its unique properties like rapid strength development, high temperature resistance, and chemical durability, HAC is considered to be one of the best options for special construction needs.

9) Air entraining Cement

Air-entraining cement incorporates tiny air bubbles into the concrete mix by adding an air-entraining agent to the Portland cement base during manufacturing or mixing. Air-entraining cement is a hydraulic cement that contains air-entraining agents to create microscopic air bubbles in the concrete mixture. Air-entraining cement is mostly used for the construction of Pavements and Highways, Bridges and Dams, and Marine Structures.

Air-entraining cement is an essential material for construction in cold climates and areas subject to freeze-thaw cycles. Its ability to improve durability and workability while reducing maintenance costs makes it a valuable choice for many infrastructure projects.