What are the physical and chemical properties of OPC 43 Grade cement?

The quality of the construction can be easily evaluated by the quality of the materials (like cement) used to build it. And the quality of the cement grade is defined by its chemical and physical properties.

Before purchasing any cement, it is highly recommended to check whether the cement properties of that brand adhere to the Indian Standard codes.

Physical properties of OPC 43 Grade cement:
Sl. NoCharacteristicsRequired Value
1.Fineness (by Blaines apparatus)Not less than 225 m2/Kg
2.Soundness
a) Le Chatelier methodNot more than 10 mm
b) Autoclave testNot more than 0.8%
3.Setting time
a) Initial setting time in minutesNot less than 30
b) Final setting time in minutesNot less than 600
4.Compressive strength
a) 72 +/- 1 hour (3 days)Not less than 27 MPa
b) 168 +/- 2 hours (7 days)Not less than 37 MPa
c) 672 +/- 4 hours (28 days)Min -43 MPa, Max -58 MPa
Chemical properties of OPC 43 Grade cement:
Sl. NoCharacteristicsRequired value
1.Loss on ignition %Not more than 4.0%
2.Magnesia %Not more than 6.0%
3. Insoluble residue %Not more than 4.0%
4. Sulphuric anhydride %Not more than 3.5%
5.Total chloride content %Not more than 0.10%
6.Net proportion of lime to Silica, Alumina and Iron oxide0.66 – 1.02%
7.Net proportion of Alumina to Iron oxideNot less than 0.66%

IS Code of OPC 43 Grade cement is IS: 8112 (Read more)

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