What is the ideal usage of OPC in construction?  

Construction is the cornerstone of the growth and development of India and the world at large. It facilitates the creation of residential structures that ensure a roof over your and your loved ones' heads regardless of anything. It leads to building industrial and commercial spaces that generate employment opportunities, giving you a chance to earn and live a comfortable life.  

Cement plays a very important role in construction. It is mixed with water and sand to form concrete, while it is mixed with coarse aggregates to form mortar, both of which make construction possible. Cement exists in several types. OPC is the most common cement. Let ue learn what is OPC cement and its usage in construction.  

What is OPC?  

Ordinary Portland Cement is the most common cement used for construction worldwide. It is made by intimately grounding limestone and clay into a homogenous mixture. The mixture is then heated at a high temperature in a kiln to form Clinker. A percentage of gypsum is then added to this Clinker to obtain the OPC Cement. You can source OPC from any cement company.  

However, it is best to source the cement from a reputed cement company so that you can be assured of its quality and pricing. Visit the nearest cement retailer or place an order for your cement requirement. In either case, negotiate for a fair quote. Consider using the construction cost estimator to determine the construction cost. This will help you with budgeting in a practical manner. You can access the estimator freely on any cement company’s website.  

Where is OPC used?  

The ideal usage of OPC depends on the grade of cement you opt for. Here are detailed descriptions of the different OPC grades and their most suitable usage:  

OPC 33  

OPC 33 is the most primary grade of cement available. It has a comprehensive strength of 33 MPa after 28 days of curing, which indicates that this grade of cement provides only moderate strength. Hence, it is suitable for non-structural work such as masonry, plastering, and flooring. It can also be used to manufacture concrete-based decorative products.  

OPC 43  

OPC 43 boasts a comprehensive strength of 43 MPa after 28 days of curing. This means the cement provides modest strength. Given this, cement is used to reinforce pre-cast concrete structures and steel.  

OPC 53  

OPC 53 has an ultimate comprehensive strength of 53 MPa after 28 days of curing. This indicates the cement provides unwavering strength and durability to your structures. Therefore, it is a preferred building material for the construction of mass-concrete structures like high-rise buildings, bridges, dams, and more.  

Now that you know about OPC and its usage, you can consider sourcing it for your upcoming construction projects. As mentioned, you can source the cement from the nearest cement dealer or through the website.