What is the minimum 28-day compressive strength of 33 Grade OPC?

33 MPa (N/mm²), as tested on standard mortar cubes.

What are the acceptable setting time limits?

The minimum initial setting time is 30 minutes, and the maximum final setting time is 600 minutes.

Is IS 269:1989 still active?

No, it has been replaced by IS 269:2015, which unified the specifications for 33, 43, and 53 grades of OPC.

What is the requirement for cement soundness in this code?

The maximum expansion must not exceed 10 mm by the Le-Chatelier method and 0.8% by the Autoclave test.

IS 269

: 1989

Ordinary Portland Cement, 33 Grade - Specification

SupersededRareSpecificationMaterials Science · Cement

Superseded by IS 269:2015

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This standard covers the manufacturing, chemical, and physical requirements for 33 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). While 33 grade cement is largely obsolete in modern construction, this code was historically essential for quality control to verify properties like setting time, soundness, and compressive strength.

Specifies requirements for 33 grade ordinary portland cement; commonly referenced for older projects.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum 3-day compressive strength16 MPa

Minimum 7-day compressive strength22 MPa

Minimum 28-day compressive strength33 MPa

Initial setting time (minimum)30 minutes

Final setting time (maximum)600 minutes

Minimum specific surface area (Blaine's)225 m²/kg

Maximum Le-Chatelier expansion (Soundness)10 mm

Maximum Autoclave expansion (Soundness)0.8%

Practical Notes

This 1989 standard was superseded by IS 269:2015, which consolidated the specifications for 33, 43, and 53 grades of OPC into a single comprehensive code.

33 grade cement is rarely manufactured or used in structural concrete today, having been widely replaced by 43 and 53 grades to meet faster construction and higher early strength requirements.

Testing for physical properties like setting time and compressive strength must be carried out as per IS 4031.