Indian cement types, the IS code that governs each, and which one to use for what. OPC for high-strength RCC, PPC for general work, PSC for marine/sulphate, SRC for aggressive ground, IRS-T-40 for railways, white cement for finishes. All values are minimum 28-day compressive strength on 70.6 mm cubes.
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Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Most common cement for structural concrete
Type IS Code Strength Application Note OPC 33 Grade IS 269:2015 33 Plaster, masonry, low-grade PCC, non-structural work Largely phased out; manufacture rare OPC 43 Grade IS 269:2015 43 General RCC work up to M30, residential construction Most widely sold OPC grade in India OPC 53 Grade IS 269:2015 53 High-strength RCC (M30+), prestressed, precast, runways, bridges Higher early strength; needs care in curing
Blended Cements
Better durability, lower heat of hydration
Type IS Code Strength Application Note PPC (Portland Pozzolana) IS 1489 Part 1:2015 33 (≈43 at 90d) General RCC, plaster, masonry, mass concrete Fly-ash blended; gains strength slower but final strength higher; preferred for durability PSC (Portland Slag) IS 455:2015 33 (≈43 at 90d) Marine, foundations in sulphate soil, mass concrete, water tanks GGBS blended; excellent for chloride/sulphate resistance PCC (Portland Composite) IS 16415:2015 33–53 General RCC, residential, commercial Newer; OPC + fly ash + slag combination
Special Cements
Use only when project specifies
Type IS Code Strength Application Note SRC (Sulphate Resistant) IS 12330:1988 33 Foundations in sulphate-bearing soils, sewage works, sea water Limited C₃A (≤5%); slower setting RHPC (Rapid Hardening) IS 8041:1990 27.5 at 3d Repair work, road patching, precast where forms reused fast High early strength; do not confuse with quick-setting IRS-T-40 (Railway) IRS-T-40 37 at 7d Railway sleepers, tunnel lining, viaducts Approved by RDSO; specific to Indian Railways works Hydrophobic Cement IS 8043:1991 33 Cement storage in coastal/humid areas, monsoon-stored stock Coated to resist moisture during storage Low Heat Cement IS 12600:1989 35 at 28d Mass concrete dams, raft foundations, large pours Reduces thermal cracking White Cement IS 8042:2015 33–53 Architectural finishes, terrazzo, decorative work, tile fixing Low iron oxide; ~3× cost of OPC Coloured Cement IS 8042 (modified) 33 Decorative flooring, finishes, exposed walls White cement + pigment
Notes
• Always check the manufacturing date on the bag — cement loses ~5% strength per month of storage
• OPC 53 needs more water than OPC 43 for the same workability — adjust w/c carefully
• PPC develops strength slower; cure 14+ days for full benefit
• Never mix OPC and PPC in the same pour — different setting times can cause cracking
• For raft/mat foundations, prefer PPC or PSC to control heat of hydration
• Reject any bag with lumps that don't break under finger pressure (indicates moisture damage)
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