Different types of cement used in India

 

Going to build your dream home and not sure which type of cement to opt for? Not to worry! The best real estate portal for buying, selling, or renting flats in Kerala, luxurykeralaflats.com has curated the different types of cement used in India. Cement, the primary ingredient in concrete, plays a crucial role in the durability and strength of structures. As the largest producer of cement in the world India has a lot of scope for infrastructure and construction sector development.

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

The most widely used type of cement in India OPC is manufactured by grinding clinker and gypsum, usually in a ratio of 95:5. It is available in different grades like OPC 33, OPC 43, and OPC 53 indicating the compressive strength of the cement after 28 days of curing. Being versatile, OPC is suitable for various construction applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

Pozzolanic materials like fly ash, volcanic ash, or silica fumes are blended with Portland cement clinker to produce PPC. The pozzolanic materials enhance workability, durability, and resistance to chemicals and cracks. PPC is generally used in projects where durability and long-term strength are required like dams, bridges, and marine structures.

Rapid Hardening Cement 

This type of Cement is manufactured by grinding finely ground clinker with a higher percentage of C3S (tricalcium silicate). When compared to OPC, rapid hardening cement gains strength at a faster rate and is useful in projects with time constraints, repairs, and precast concrete elements where early strength development is vital.

Sulphate Resistant Cement (SRC) 

SRC is preferred in regions like coastal areas where soil or water contains a high level of sulphates. With a low percentage of C3A (tricalcium aluminate) SRC provides excellent resistance against sulphate attacks, preventing deterioration and cracks due to chemical reactions.

Low-Heat Cement

A cement that is specifically designed to generate less heat during the hydration process. Low heat Cement is manufactured by reducing the C3S and C3A content, which help in reducing the temperature rise. It is suitable for large-scale projects like mass concrete structures like dams, foundations, and retaining walls where the heat of hydration can cause thermal cracking.

White Cement

Produced from raw materials with low iron content like limestone and China clay, White cement is used for architectural purposes where aesthetics are important. This includes decorative finishes, sculptures, and tiles. The absence of colour impurities permits a wide range of colour options through the addition of pigments.

Blended Cement

A mixture of OPC and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag, or silica fumes, blended cement reduces the carbon footprint and is considered environmentally friendly. These materials improve the properties of cement like workability, durability, and resistance to cracks. 

Now that you know about the different types of cement used in India, it’s easier to make your choice. Contact us at luxurykeralaflats.com to know more on luxury apartments in Kochi.