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. No | Characteristics | Required Value |
| 1. | Fineness (by Blaines apparatus) | Not less than 225 m2/Kg |
| 2. | Soundness | |
| a) Le Chatelier method | Not more than 10 mm | |
| b) Autoclave test | Not more than 0.8% | |
| 3. | Setting time | |
| a) Initial setting time in minutes | Not less than 30 | |
| b) Final setting time in minutes | Not 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. No | Characteristics | Required 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 oxide | 0.66 – 1.02% |
| 7. | Net proportion of Alumina to Iron oxide | Not less than 0.66% |
IS Code of OPC 43 Grade cement is IS: 8112 (Read more)
Also read about:
- Physical and chemical properties of 53 Grade cement
- Physical and chemical properties of PPC cement
- Advantages of OPC cement? | Where to use OPC cement?
- Advantages of PPC cement? | Where to use PPC cement?
- What is the difference between cement and concrete? Which one should you use?
thank you for sharing such information.