Grades of Cement | Types of Cement Grades | Which Grade Cement Is Used for Slab

Introduction of Cement

Cement is one of the most important engineering construction materials. It is widely used in the construction of various Structures.

It is the key ingredient of the concrete. Concrete is made by mixing sand, aggregate, and cement along with water in the fixed proportion. The Strength of the Concrete is mainly achieved by the Cement.

In this article, you will get to know about different grades of cement, their properties, and uses.

Introduction of OPC

OPC is one of the most important types and widely used cement in the Construction Industry. OPC Cement full form Ordinary Portland cement.

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the commonly used cement around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty grout.

The Ordinary Portland Cement is mainly categorized into three types, which are 33-Grade Cement, 43-Grade Cement, and 53-Grade Cement. This grade of cement is classified depending upon the compressive strength of the cement, which is tested after 28 days.

Compressive Strength of Cement =( Apply Load / Unit Area)

The unit of compressive strength is N/mm²

Also, read: What Is Cement | Type of Cement

Which Grade Cement Is Used for Slab

Ordinary Portland cement of 53 Grade is suitable for all types of RCC structures and is mainly used for the construction of slabs. Because in the Construction of slabs, initial and ultimate strength is the major structural requirement.

The 53 Grade Cement is highly preferred for the construction of the structures which require high strength such as the construction of high rise building and bridges.

Types of Cement Grades

There are different grades of cement, which are specified by IS 1489: 1991 as below of cement grade list.

• OPC 33 Grade Cement
• OPC 43 Grade Cement
• OPC 53 Grade cement

Also, read: Mortar Vs Cement | Type of Cement | Type of Mortar

OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 33 Grade Cement

The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 33 N/ mm² after the 28 days when tested, is known as 33-Grade Cement.

Fineness (specific area) of 33 Grade Cement = 300 m²/kg

• 3 days compressive strength = 16 N/mm²
• 7 days compressive strength = 22 N/mm²
• 28 days compressive strength = 33 N/mm²

Properties of 33-Grade Cement

• This grade of cement has high workability and is mainly used for masonry work and for plastering work.
• The initial strength of 33 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.
• The heat of hydration of 33 Grade Cement is lower as compared to the 43 grade and 53-grade cement.

Uses of 33-Grade Cement

• It is widely used in plastering work.
• It is also used for the brickwork of walls.
• In the tiling work.
• It is generally used for work, which required low compressive strength of below M20.

The Code of reference for 33-grade cement is IS Code – IS 269: 1989.

Also, read: Which Cement Is Best for House Construction | Different Types of Cement  and Use

OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 43 Grade Cement

The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 43 N/ mm² after the 28 days when tested, is known as 43-Grade Cement. Fineness (specific area) of 43 Grade Cement = 225 m²/kg

• 3 days compressive strength = 23 N/mm²
• 7 days compressive strength = 33 N/mm²
• 28 days compressive strength = 43 N/mm²

Properties of 43-Gradee Cement

• It has low chloride content, so it doesn’t cause corrosion of steel reinforcement.
• It gives good workability of concrete.
• The initial strength of 43 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.
• The heat of hydration of 43 Grade Cement is medium.
• This will give a better surface finish to the structures.
• It is moderately sulfate resisting.

Uses of 43 Grade Cement

• It is used in the preparation of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC).
• It is used for PCC and RCC work.
• It is used in the construction of RCC bridges.
• For Construction of Silos and Chimneys.
• It is used for finishing of all types of structures like buildings, bridges, roads, and water retaining structures.
• It is used in precast and prestressed concrete.
• It is also used in Ship form Construction.
• It is used in the construction where a grade of concrete up to M30.

The Code of reference for 43-Grade Cement is IS Code – IS 8112: 1989.

Also, read: 23 Different Types Cements Available in India and As Per IS Standards

OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) 53 Grade Cement

The Cement, which has Compressive strength of 53 N/ mm² after the 28 days when tested, is known as 53-Grade Cement. Fineness (specific area) of 53 Grade Cement = 225 m²/kg

• 3 days compressive strength = 27 N/mm²
• 7 days compressive strength = 37 N/mm²
• 28 days compressive strength = 53 N/mm²

Properties of 53 Grade Cement

• It is a Sulphate resisting cement.
• It has low chloride content.
• It can be used in speedy Construction.
• It saves shuttering cost due to early removal.
• The initial strength of 53 Grade Cement continues to gain even after 28 days.

Uses of 53 Grade Cement

• It is used the construction of concrete sleepers for Railways.
• It is used in pre-stressed girders.
• The 53-Grade Cement achieves early strength.
• It is used in industrial buildings roads and runways.
• It is used in the construction of RCC bridges and precast concrete.
• Generally used for M25 and above concretes.
• It is used in the construction of all RCC components like a beam, columns, footings, and slabs.

The Code of reference for 53-Grade Cement is IS Code – IS 12269: 1987.