Lumbini Cement (PPC)
What does PPC Means ?
Pozzolana is a natural or artificial material which contains silica in the reactive form. Portland Pozzolana Cement is cement manufactured by combining Pozzolanic materials. This cement comprises of OPC clinker, gypsum and pozzolanic materials in certain proportions. The Pozzolanic materials include fly ash, volcanic ash, calcined clay or silica fumes. These materials are added within a range of 15% to 35% by cement weight.
Production Report of PPC Cement
The following is the Lab test report of LUMBINI ppc Cement:
Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement
The main differences in their characteristics and uses are –
- Portland Pozzolana Cement is a variation of Ordinary Portland Cement. Pozzolana materials namely fly ash, volcanic ash, are added to the OPC so that it becomes PPC. Pozzolana materials are added to the cement in the ratio of 15% to 35% by weight.
- Both are ecofriendly materials but Pozzolana Cement uses natural and industrial waste thus reducing the environmental pollution.
| OPC | PPC |
|---|---|
| It has higher strength than PPC in the initial stage. | The strength of PPC is good than OPC in long terms. |
| It has high heat of hydration making it unfavorable for mass concreting. | The hydration process is slower than OPC resulting low heat of hydration. Therefore, it is suitable for mass concreting. |
| The presence of sulphates, alkalies, chlorides, etc. is higher and less resistant than PPC. | It has low percentage of sulphate alkalis, chlorides, magnesia and free lime in its composition, which makes the concrete durable. |
| OPC is not favorable in aggressive weather. | Show greater resistance to aggressive weather. |
| OPC cement are available in three grades, such as 33 Grade, 43 Grade, 53 Grade | PPC is available in any specific grades. |
| It is slightly costlier than PPC. | Cheaper than OPC. |
Conclusion: Both OPC and PPC are commonly used cements in construction. These days, PPC is used as a substitute of OPC. PPC is a variation of OPC which adds a mixture of a pozzolanic material that helps to enhance the strength of the concrete. PPC also brings down the amount of OPC requirement in making concrete. Interestingly, it is a green material that contribute towards sustainable development. Considering these factors, PPC has a slight edge over OPC. However, it is difficult to come to a definite conclusion.
Use of PPC and OPC
PPC is believed to be future product considering it various applications in the construction industry. They are suitable to use in hostile environmental conditions. They can be reliably utilized in the construction of marine structures, masonry mortars and plastering, hydraulic structures. Besides, they are popularly used in mass concreting works, such as dykes, sewage pipes, dams, etc. PPC is also employed in all other applications where OPC is used. However, OPC is the most commonly used cement worldwide. The cost of production is not expensive making it the sought after cement in the building industry. They are widely used for the construction of high-rise buildings, roads, dams, bridges, flyovers. Also, OPC is used for making grouts and mortars. OPC is ideal for the construction of residential and industrial complexes.
