What is the Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement? Which One is Better For Construction?

PPC Cement: Pozzolana is a natural or synthetic substance that includes reactive silica. Cement made from a combination of pozzolanic minerals is known as Portland Pozzolana Cement. Gypsum, pozzolanic ingredients, and OPC clinker are all included in this cement in varying amounts. Fly ash, volcanic ash, calcined clay, and silica fumes are some examples of pozzolanic materials. These ingredients are added between 15% and 35% of the weight of the cement.

OPC Cement, also known as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is made by finely powdering a combination of limestone and other raw materials including gypsum, argillaceous rock, and calcareous rock. Three different grades of this cement are offered, including OPC 33, OPC 43, and OPC 53. The most widely used cement in the world is OPC. This kind of cement is suitable if the building is carried out quickly. However, the production of OPC has greatly decreased as blended cements like PPC provide benefits including lower energy use and environmental damage.

This is a quick summary of the difference between OPC and PPC. Let’s further understand the in-depth difference between OPC and PPC cement.

Difference between Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement

Their primary distinctions in traits and applications are:

An alternative to regular Portland cement is Portland Pozzolana Cement. Fly ash and volcanic ash, both pozzolana ingredients, are added to the OPC to transform it into PPC. The proportion of pozzolana materials added to the cement is 15% to 35% by weight.
Both materials are environmentally benign, however, Pozzolana Cement employs natural and industrial waste to lessen pollution.

Below is a table showing the difference between OPC and PPC cement.

OPC	PPC
In the early stages, it is stronger than PPC.	In the long run, PPC’s strength is superior to OPC.
2. It is not suitable for mass concreting because of its high heat of hydration.	2. Due to the slower hydration rate than OPC, there is less heat generated during hydration. It is therefore appropriate for bulk concreting.
3. Sulphates, alkalies, chlorides, etc. are more prevalent and less resistant than PPC.	3. The concrete is durable because it contains little in the way of sulphate alkalis, chlorides, magnesia, and free lime.
4. Inclement weather is unfavourable for OPC.	4. Increases ability to withstand harsh weather.
5. OPC cement is offered in three grades, including 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade.	5. PPC is available in any specified grade.
6. It is a little more expensive than PPC.	6. More affordable than OPC.

Difference Between PPC and OPC based on it’s Utilization

The following is a list of PPC uses:

PPC is viewed as a future product because of all the ways it may be used in the construction industry.
They are suitable for use in demanding environmental conditions.
They may be relied upon to be employed in the building of marine structures, masonry mortars, plastering, and hydraulic structures.
Large-scale concrete constructions like dykes, sewage pipelines, dams, etc. regularly use them. PPC is used by every other programme that utilises OPC.

Here are some applications for OPC:

The most widely used cement in the world is OPC.
Due to its low manufacturing costs, it is the most sought-after cement in the building sector.
They are extensively employed in the construction of flyovers, roadways, dams, and high-rise structures.
Grouts and mortars are made using OPC. Residential and commercial complexes are best built with OPC.

Difference Between OPC & PPC Grade

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has divided OPC into three distinct grades: 33 grade, 43 grade, and 53 grade. Due to its low compressive strength, 33 grade is normally not used when a high grade of concrete, such as M-20 and above, is required. 43 grade is widely employed in a number of contexts.

This grade is especially popular in the construction industry. The 53 grade’s high strength may satisfy the need for sturdy concrete. The OPC 33, OPC 43, and OPC 53 grades of cement have the same chemical composition, despite the fact that the higher grade cement is substantially stronger and more durable. However, PPC currently offers compressive strength that is similar to 33-grade OPC, according to B

OPC’s (Ordinary Portland Cement) Benefits

OPC is recommended because it sets up more quickly than PPC for applications where props will be removed early.
Greater initial strength compared to PPC.
Decreased curing costs as a result of a faster curing process.

PPC’s (Portland Pozzolana Cement) Benefits

PPC uses natural and industrial waste to reduce environmental pollution.
Given PPC is particularly resistant to sulphate assaults, it is used in the construction of dams, foundations, seaside buildings, reservoirs, and marine constructions.
PPC is less expensive than OPC.
Initially, PPC is weaker than OPC, but with appropriate treatment, it eventually gains strength.
The best choice for bulk concrete, plastering, and masonry.
Superior toughness compared to OPC.

Conclusion

OPC and PPC cement are both often used in buildings. Nowadays, PPC is employed in place of OPC. PPC is an adaptation of OPC that increases the strength of the concrete by adding a combination of pozzolanic materials.

PPC reduces the quantity of OPC used to make concrete as well. It’s interesting because it’s a green substance that promotes sustainable growth. In light of these elements, PPC edges over OPC by a small margin. However, it is challenging to draw a firm judgment.

Difference Between OPC and PPC FAQ’s:

1. For a construction project, which cement is preferable?

In summary, OPC is usually utilized in business settings, whereas PPC is typically used in residential settings.

2. OPC or PPC, which is more expensive?

In PPC, clinker, which is more costly than pozzolanic materials like fly ash, is used. And last, PPC costs less than OPC.

3. OPC vs PPC, which cement is stronger?

Compared to PPC, initial strength is greater. Over a longer length of time, PPC concrete is stronger than OPC concrete. It is less suited for bulk casting because the hydration process produces more heat than PPC does. It produces less heat than OPC because its hydration process is sluggish.