Cement is one of the essential components in any construction industry. It is the base that helps develop solid foundations and structures effectively. The main thing behind the high-end construction cost is the cement.

Each of the cement options available in the marketplace is entirely different. One should know about the other options in detail so that one can easily differentiate between them and pick the best choice for them. 

When it comes to the Indian market, three different types of cement options are pretty familiar, i.e., Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement, and Portland Slag Cement. All of these are used in constructing different structures.

The guide is designed to effectively provide an absolute difference between OPC and PPC cement.

What is Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)?

OPC

Ordinary Portland Cement is one of the most common cement options used in constructing houses. The cement is a perfect combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, and other ingredients and offers a high level of strength to the buildings. 

OPC cement comes up in three different grade options for residential construction, i.e., 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade. 

33 Grade OPC cement is an excellent option for small house construction where the concrete’s strength is not considered. Whereas 43 is suitable for medium-scale construction with medium force, especially for structures above three floors. 53-grade OPC is used for high-strength concrete, especially for more significant projects or mass constructions.

The benefits of using OPC are:

  • This cement helps in attaining higher strength in a lower time.
  • The cement is available in three options from which constructors can easily pick up their preferable one depending upon their construction sites.

What is Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)?

PPC

PPC is another of the most important types of cement options used in house construction these days. The cement is well known for its high-quality performance. PCC is formed from pozzolanic materials that impart its mighty strength.

Like OPC, this cement option doesn’t come up in different grading options. If we talk about the strength of this cement, it is comparable to the OPC 53-grade cement.

This cement option ensures users have better performance and more extended durability than the OPC ones. 

The benefits of using PPC are:

  • PPC is cheaper than that OPC.
  • The cement ensures users have better workability without any issues.
  • It offers better resistance against chemicals and provides more strength usually.

The Differences Between OPC vs PPC?

OPC and PPC are the two most popular types of cement widely used in different kinds of building constructions. OPC vs PPC cement differ significantly in terms of components, strength, heat generation, percentage of various parts, costs, grades, durability, etc. Both cement options are used for different construction purposes and provide additional strength and durability to the projects.

If you are eager to know about the apparent differences between OPC and PPC cement, stay connected to us until the end to explore more.

SourcesOPC CementPPC Cement
Components UsedOPC is a mixture of limestone, argillaceous, calcareous and gypsum which is grinded to create fine powder.PPC is a mixture of OPC clinker, gypsum, and pozzolanic materials.
StrengthThe initial strength of the OPC cement is quite high.PPC aims to provide higher strength than that of the OPC concrete over a longer duration.
Hydration HeatThe hydration heat provided by this type of cement is quite higher than that of the PPC and hence does not suit well to the requirements of the mass casting.The hydration heat is quite low and provides lower heat than that of the OPC cement
DurabilityOPC cement is not designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions for a longer time.PPC cement aims to provide higher durability even during the harsh weather conditions.
AffordabilityPricing of OPC cement is a bit higher.Pricing of PPC cement is a bit lower.
Impact on EnvironmentThe manufacturing process of the OPC cement involves the emission of a lot of CO2 which has a harsh impact on the environment. The industrial waste emitted during the manufacturing of the PPC cement is natural and that makes this cement option eco-friendly.
UsesOPC cement is quite familiar in the fast construction options. The cement doesn’t suit well to the requirements of mass concreting as its hydration heat is quite high.PPC cement is quite suitable for all types of construction works. The cement owes to provide high end strength and can be used in a wide range of work areas.
Required Setting TimeThe required setting time of the OPC cement is quite lower than that of the PPC cement. It requires about 30 minutes to 280 minutes to settle down perfectly. It’s only its higher setting time that works behind its usage in faster construction sites.The setting time of the PPC cement is quite higher than that of the OPC cement. This cement usually takes about 30 minutes to 600 minutes to settle down completely. The higher setting time in PPC cement helps users in acquiring high end finishing without any hassle. 
Fineness    OPC is considered to have lower fineness than that of the PPC. The cement grains are fine as of 225 sq.m/kg and that makes this cement highly permeable and hence less durable.PPC cement does have higher fineness than that of the OPC cement. The cement grains are about 300 sq.m/kg fine and that makes it low permeable and hence highly durable.
Different Grades AvailableOPC cement comes up in three different grades i.e. 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade.PPC does not include any grading system. 
PerformanceOPC cement owes to provide higher performance and workability than that of the PPC cementPPC cement is well known for its higher performance and workability.
Resistance Against Chemical AttacksOPC cement provides lower resistance against chemical attacks including sulfates, chlorides and alkalis etc.PPC cement usually has higher resistance against the different chemical attacks.

OPC vs PPC: Which Cement Is Best for House Construction?

OPC vs PPC cement are both great cement options available in the marketplace. If you are also planning to construct your house and looking forward to the best cement option, PPC is undoubtedly the name everyone would suggest you have on.

Whether it’s about durability or strength, whether it’s about setting time or about workability, this cement option offers high-end results to the users effortlessly. OPC cement is known as artificial cement and is available in three different grades options known as 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade. Whereas it comes from PPC cement, it doesn’t include any grading system but still offers high-end strength and durability to its users. PPC is not only more affordable than that OPC cement but also provides excellent resistance against chemicals as well.

Conclusion

So, Guys! You have learned perfectly about the OPC and PPC cement difference. These are two widely used cement options available in the market that are pretty familiar among the construction industry.

PPC cement has gained enormous popularity over the last few years. The cement option is usually termed the future cement and is participating in a wide range of construction work, including sewage pipes, dams, masonry mortars, marine structures, and much more.

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