Quick answer: PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) is concrete made of cement, sand, aggregate and water with no steel reinforcement. It resists compression only, and is used as a levelling and protective base — typically a 75–100 mm bed under foundations, plus flooring and pavements. RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) is the same concrete with steel bars added, which gives it tensile strength as well. RCC carries the structure: footings, columns, beams and slabs. In short — PCC is a base layer, RCC is a load-bearing structure.
Both are used on every building site, usually within days of each other, so knowing which does what helps you read a quotation, a BOQ or a site drawing correctly. Here’s the full comparison.
What is PCC (Plain Cement Concrete)?
Plain cement concrete is a mix of cement, sand (fine aggregate), coarse aggregate and water — with no steel. It is strong in compression but weak in tension, so it is never used to carry structural loads.
What PCC actually does on site:
- Creates a clean, level surface to lay the foundation on
- Stops the structural concrete from touching the soil directly, preventing moisture ingress and the cement slurry from leaching into the ground
- Provides a firm working base for placing reinforcement accurately
Common PCC grades and mixes:
| Grade | Nominal mix (cement : sand : aggregate) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| M7.5 | 1 : 4 : 8 | Levelling course, mass filling |
| M10 | 1 : 3 : 6 | Standard PCC bed under footings |
| M15 | 1 : 2 : 4 | Flooring base, pavements, boundary wall base |
Typical thickness: a PCC bed under a foundation is usually 75–100 mm (3–4 inches) thick.
Where it’s used: foundation beds, floor bases, pavements and walkways, garden paths, boundary wall bases, and levelling courses.
What is RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete)?
Reinforced cement concrete is concrete with steel reinforcement bars embedded in it. Concrete is strong in compression; steel is strong in tension. Combining them produces a material that handles both — which is what a load-bearing structure needs.
Steel used in Indian RCC: TMT bars to IS 1786, most commonly Fe500 (500 N/mm² yield strength), with Fe415 and Fe550 also used. Bar diameters typically range from 8 mm to 25 mm depending on the member.
Common RCC grades: M20 (1:1.5:3) for smaller residential work and M25 (1:1:2) or higher for structural members — M25 and above are design mixes under IS 456:2000.
Clear cover (the concrete protecting the steel from corrosion), per IS 456:
| Member | Minimum clear cover |
|---|---|
| Footings | 50 mm |
| Columns | 40 mm |
| Beams | 25 mm |
| Slabs | 20 mm |
Getting the cover right is one of the most important things on an RCC site — too little cover and the steel corrodes within years.
Where it’s used: footings, columns, beams, slabs, retaining walls, staircases, lintels and water tanks.
PCC vs RCC — the key differences
| Feature | PCC | RCC |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cement, sand, aggregate, water | Same + steel reinforcement |
| Tensile strength | Very low — cannot resist tension | High, provided by the steel |
| Compressive strength | Good | Good |
| Load-bearing | Non-structural only | Structural — carries the building |
| Typical grades | M7.5, M10, M15 | M20, M25 and above |
| Typical use | Foundation bed, flooring, pavements | Footings, columns, beams, slabs |
| Thickness | Usually 75–100 mm as a bed | Sized by structural design |
| Cost | Lower — no steel, less labour | Higher — steel, bar bending, formwork |
| Formwork | Minimal or none | Required for most members |
| Compaction | Light compaction | Needs vibration for proper compaction |
| Curing | Standard curing | Careful curing, critical for strength |
| Design flexibility | Limited — simple flat layers | High — spans, cantilevers, complex shapes |
How to choose between PCC and RCC
The choice is not really a preference — it’s determined by whether the element carries load:
- Will it carry structural load, span a distance, or experience bending or tension? → RCC. Anything holding up the building: footings, columns, beams, slabs, staircases.
- Is it a flat base, a levelling layer, or a surface that only takes direct compression? → PCC. Foundation beds, floor bases, pavements, paths.
A note on cost: RCC costs significantly more per unit volume than PCC, because of the steel, bar bending and formwork. But using PCC where RCC is required is never a saving — it’s a structural failure waiting to happen. Conversely, using RCC where PCC would do is money spent for no benefit.
How both appear in a real build
On a typical house, PCC and RCC are used within days of each other:
- Excavation: the foundation trench is dug to the design depth
- PCC bed: a 75–100 mm layer of M10 PCC is poured to level the base and isolate the structure from the soil
- RCC footing: reinforcement is placed on cover blocks over the cured PCC, then the footing is cast
- RCC columns: cast up from the footings
- RCC beams and slab: cast to tie the structure together
- PCC again: later, as a base under floor finishes and for external paving
So PCC does not compete with RCC. It prepares the ground for it.
Build with the right concrete
Getting grades, cover and curing right is what separates a structure that lasts 50 years from one that shows distress in ten. At Walls & Dreams, every structural element is designed and executed to spec. See our construction projects, our guide to types of footings, or talk to our team about your build.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between PCC and RCC?
PCC has no steel reinforcement and resists only compression, so it is used as a levelling and protective base. RCC contains steel bars that give it tensile strength, so it carries structural loads — footings, columns, beams and slabs.
What is the mix ratio of PCC?
PCC commonly uses M7.5 (1:4:8), M10 (1:3:6) or M15 (1:2:4) — cement : sand : aggregate by volume. M10 is the usual choice for a foundation bed.
What thickness of PCC is used under a foundation?
Typically 75–100 mm (3–4 inches), enough to level the base and prevent the structural concrete from contacting the soil directly.
Which steel is used in RCC in India?
TMT bars conforming to IS 1786 — most commonly Fe500 (500 N/mm² yield strength), with Fe415 and Fe550 also used depending on the design.
Why is PCC laid before RCC footing?
It creates a level, clean working surface, prevents the footing concrete from touching the soil, stops moisture ingress and cement leaching into the ground, and allows the reinforcement to be positioned accurately.
Is PCC cheaper than RCC?
Yes, considerably — PCC has no steel, needs little or no formwork and less labour. But PCC cannot replace RCC in any load-bearing element.
What grade of concrete is used for RCC?
M20 (1:1.5:3) for lighter residential work, and M25 (1:1:2) or higher for structural members. M25 and above are design mixes under IS 456:2000.
Does PCC need vibration?
PCC needs only light compaction, not mechanical vibration. RCC does require vibration to compact the concrete fully around the reinforcement and remove air voids.
