Perhaps one could easily say that the decision of which cement to use is perhaps the most crucial thing when constructing a house. For cement to be relevant in construction it has to meet structural strength and durability because it is on it that other structures materials are placed on. To produce this guide, they highlight and explain the various types of cement existing within the market, which cement to use, and how to assess or choose the right market to lay on your house.
What Are the Uses of Cement in Building Construction?
Cement is instrumental in any construction projects since they are very useful and can also be used in many ways. Here are some of its primary uses:
- Concrete Production: Cement is one of the major components of concrete which are widely used in construction of foundation, floor and walls.
- Mortar for Masonry Work: It is applied in masonry works through cementing, for joining bricks and stones and for rendering and jointing.
- Structural Components: Clement concrete is used for construction of pillars, beams, stairs and roof among other constructions.
- Specialized Structures: Cement is used in construction of dams, bridges, tunnels and reservoirs.
- Fireproof and Waterproof Structures: Different concrete blends can make the fire and water resistant surfaces for installations.
Due to this cement is relevant in both minor and major construction projects as it is required in minor projects like fixing at a personal home as well as mega projects like constructing roads and buildings.
What’s the Difference Cement vs. Concrete?
Almost everyone gets confused between cement and concrete, but they are two very different things. Concrete is another name for cement. Concrete is prepared by mixing cement, sand, gravel or crushed stone adding water in the process. Cement usually makes up between 10% and 15% of total volume of concrete in any given concrete mix. As an aggregate cement binds the ingredients together and concrete is the technical structure that gives merely strength and compressed power to the formation.
Types of Cement Used in India for House Construction
In India, three primary types of cement are commonly used for residential construction:
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
One of the construction industry materials that boast of having enhanced strength gain in the shortest time is OPC. It is available in three grades:
- 33 Grade: Good for general purpose work such as in constructions.
- 43 Grade: It has special use in plastering and flooring of buildings and other construction work.
- 53 Grade: Especially applicable to high strength concrete and RCC structures.
2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Nonetheless, PPC is valued for its chemical resistance and is practically non-permeable. They are commonly used where large volumes of concrete are to be poured; for RCC work and in areas that are liable to be moist. Advantages include:
- Cost-effectiveness.
- Better workability than OPC.
- An improvement in the level of chemical resistance.
3. Portland Slag Cement (PSC)
PSC is obtained through blending of OPC and ground granulated blast furnace slag. It is not easily attacked by sulphates and as such is used in constructions that are to be built along the shore and in mass concrete works such as in dams and raft works. PSC is economical compared to other types of cladding for large scale buildings and the best type of cladding for areas with high humidity.
What is Portland Cement and Its Uses?
Portland cement is a fine powder that originated from a combination of calcium and silicone and alumina. When combined with water then it becomes a resistant compound in the form of paste. Its uses include:
- Manufacturing of concrete for formation of floor and footing.
- Sealant works include crack filling in walls and floor.
- Taping/jointing and floating operations.
- Building cost-effective structures.
- Creating crack-resistant and durable constructions.
Portland cement is a general construction material due to its durability, and versatility which should suit all construction whether for commercial, residential or industrial purposes.
Understanding Cement Grades for House Construction
Cement grades define the concrete compressive strength which is indicated in N/mm² for concrete material after 28 days of hardening. Here are the common grades:
- 33 Grade: It is generally employed in light construction applications such as; the application of plastering or flooring material.
- 43 Grade: Applicable in Brick masonry, general Civil work that does not include extensive RCC work and small Basin RCC work.
- 53 Grade: Suited to structures requiring higher strength such as beams, columns and high rise buildings.
The grade of cement determines the durability and strength of the structure thus specifying the right grade is very important.
Factors to Consider When Buying Cement
In selecting cement it is important to consider the quality and applicability of the cement. Consider the following factors:
1. Grade
Make sure the grade meets the needs of your project. For instance, the 53 Grade cement is used on structural members and 43 Grade for ordinary construction.
2. Texture
The texture of good cement should be smooth and powdery without any coc createAction or lumps within it. Again the texture is affected by moisture explicitly coarse cement.
3. Date of Manufacturing
Concrete as a component of cement weakens with time. Buy cement which has not reached 90 days of its production.
4. Labeling
Inspect the bag for the indications such as ISI certification, brand name, manufacturing date, and weight etc.
Therefore when considering the cement for purchase, the following factors will help you arrive at the best type of cement, that will lead to a strong and strong construction.
How to Test Cement Quality
Here are simple tests to check the quality of cement before use:
- Color Test: It is important when buying cement since high quality cement has a greenish-grey color that is rather uniform.
- Lump Check: Cement should not contain lumps since they are an indication of exposure to moisture.
- Rubbing Test: The good cement when rubbed in between fingers will feel smooth.
- Floating Test: Cement is one commodity that should be of high quality and the proof is that when cement is left to float in water it will sink to the bottom.
- Date Check: The manufacturing date should always be confirmed to make sure the products were not produced long ago.
Laying bare these simple tests on any bag of cement can assist you to find good cement and leave out cement that can lead to various construction problems.
Best Cement Brands in India for House Construction
Some of the finest cement manufacturers are based in India. Here are some of the top brands:
1. UltraTech Cement
Branded as UltraTech Cement, this company is part of India’s largest conglomerate the Aditya Birla Group and the company dominates the cement manufacturing sector in India. They sold a number of quality products like OPC, PPC and PSC. UltraTech has an excellent reputation for reliability and can be found at thousands of locations.
2. Ambuja Cement
The company is well known for its acknowledged absorbent manufacturing processes and hence Ambuja is one of the leading cement industries of India. which make it perfect for green buildings and is commonly used for both residential and commercial buildings.
3. JK Cement
Renowned for interior and exterior surfaces applications, JK has a wide range of cement that includes white cement and wall putty. Its high quality products make for easy and elegant surfaces.
4. ACC Cement
ACC Cement is one of the oldest and most trusted players in India known for its Research to innovate and for delivering consistent quality of cement. The company’s offerings find applications mainly in infrastructure construction and housing construction.
5. Birla Cement
Birla Cement manufactures and markets a wide variety of cements such as fly ash based cement and low alkali Portland cement for all construction requirements. This is a preferred material especially for rural projects and also for those that are in urban areas. These brands have gained their reputations as providing high quality cement to suited construction concerns.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cement that will be suitable for the construction of this house is very important. Some of the factors include the type of soil, its grade, texture and the brand that you choose to work with in construction plays a central role in quality construction. This will help you make the right choice since each type is used for a different purpose and you would not want your dream house to have a mushy foundation right? Quality cement is an investment that guarantees that structures are safely strong and comfortable for as long as they are needed. At WallsandDreams, we understand that building your dream house starts with the right materials and expert guidance.
