Which is the best cement for construction? OPC, PPC or Wonder Xtreme?

Brick, steel bars, sand, stone chips, etc., are some of the most essential elements of construction. Cement binds them all together. The strength of this binding correlates with the durability and longevity of the structure. That’s why it’s highly important to use the best quality cement. But there are multiple types of cement, all with different features, how can you choose the best amongst them all?

To help you with this question, we have compiled the following information. 

Although there are multiple types of cement, we are going to discuss just three: Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and Wonder Cement Xtreme. As these three are the primary types of cement products that are generally used in day-to-day construction works. 

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)

Wonder Cement PPC is also known as the “Product of Future.” At Wonder Cement it’s prepared by a fully-automated, dry manufacturing process under a strict quality controlled environment using best-in-class technology like The "ROBOTIC (POLAB)" system. 

Well-burnt OPC clinker is inter-grinded with gypsum and pozzolanic materials like power-station fly ash or siliceous earth to manufacture PPC. 

Ideal Applications:

• Plaster and brickwork

• Marine work 

• Mass concrete work 

• RCC work in residential and construction

Benefits of using PPC:

• Due to less permeability of water, it provides more durability

• Work as a resistant towards the attack of sulphates, chlorides, chemicals, alkalies

• PPC has better cohesion with aggregates and creates more dense concrete due to its high fineness

• Increases the compressive strength of the concrete due to its comparatively low use of water

• Provides better workability and a smoother surface finish 

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Just like PPC, Wonder Cement OPC is also prepared by a fully-automated, dry manufacturing process under a strict quality controlled environment using best-in-class technology like The "ROBOTIC (POLAB)" system. 

OPC comes in a range of specifications such as general-purpose ready-mixes, dry-lean mixes, high-strength precast and prestressed concrete, and more. It’s available in two grades: OPC-43 and OPC-53. Many consider OPC-53 to be the best cement for roof construction. 

Ideal Applications:

• High-rise building construction 

• Commercial and industrial complexes 

• Roads, runways, bridges, and flyovers 

• Heavy defence structures 

Benefits of using OPC:

• It has a low percentage of alkalis, chlorides, and magnesia and its composition is free of lime, due to this, the concrete produced with OPC is highly durable and sound

• The negligible chloride content in OPC helps in keeping the structure safe from corrosion even in the extremest of conditions

• Due to its high strength, you can significantly save in cement consumption while making concrete grades of M35, M25, M20, M15 and precast segments

Wonder Cement Xtreme:

Xtreme is a specially formulated cement. It is made as per IS 1489 norms and delivers high performance. Wonder Cement created this cement based on years of research, market experience and feedback from hundreds of civil engineers.  

The product comes in a beautiful BOPP bag which not just prevents spillage but also gives the product a premium feel. 

Ideal Applications:

• Cement work (foundation, beam, roof, slabs, etc.)

• RCC work in residents 

• RCC work in high rises

Benefits of using OPC:

• Xtreme is made with superior components which results in high compressive strength

• The special formulation of Xtreme protects the structure from moisture and cracks and makes it durable

• It gives the structure an optimum fineness and provides a smoother finish

• The resulting concrete from Xtreme is extremely workable in terms of mixing, transportation, placement, and compaction

What are the top 5 types of cement used in India and what are their applications?

Cement is a crucial component in the production of concrete. In fact, cement is a binder. It's a building material that hardens, sets, and adheres to other materials. It aids in their bonding. Cement is rarely used on its own. It's mainly used to hold sand and gravel together. India is the second largest producer of cement in the world. Generally, it is categorized through grades and these grades define the strength of the cement. There are many types of cement used in India, let's look at the most commonly used cement and their applications.

1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):

One of the most common types of cement is Ordinary Portland cement. Ordinary Portland Cement is made of argillaceous or alumina silicates (clay and shale) and calcareous or calcium carbonate as raw materials (limestone, chalk, and marl). 

Applications of Ordinary Portland Cement:

• It is used for general construction purposes like plastering and flooring

• It is used for high-rise buildings, commercial and industrial buildings

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC):

Portland Pozzolana Cement is made from OPC clinker, Gypsum, and Pozzolanic Materials. PPC is an eco-sustainable product because it is made from fly ash, a byproduct of thermal power plants. It is more resistant to alkali-silica reactions. 

Applications of Portland Pozzolana Cement:

• Because of its low hydration heat, it is preferred in mass construction

• It is also used to construct marine structures, hydraulic structures, dam constructions, etc.

3. Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC):

Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) is a speciality cement used when sulphates are present at levels that damage concrete made with CEM I or CEM II cement. Also, it is used where concrete is in contact with soil, groundwater, seawater, or exposed to shore. 

Applications of Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement:

• It is used in foundations and piling works

• It is used in sewage and water treatment plants

4. Portland Slag Cement (PSC):

Portland slag cement is one of the types of blended cement. It is made by mixing Portland cement clinker, gypsum, and granular blast furnace slag in proper proportions and grinding the mixture to obtain a thorough and intimate blend between the components. 

Applications of Portland Slag Cement:

• It is used in residential, commercial, and industrial works

• Due to its high compressive strength, it is used to build roads and bridges, and dams. 

5. White Cement:

White cement is similar to ordinary grey cement in all facets except for its high whiteness. White cement is used in combination with white aggregate to produce white concrete for prestigious construction and decorative works. White cement is also used in combination with inorganic pigments to produce light-coloured concrete and mortar.

Applications of White Cement:

• It is used for tiles and flooring works

• It is used to increase architectural beauty

As Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) are the most commonly used cement in construction works, it is not an easy task to choose the perfect cement for your construction. Let’s make your choice easier. Wonder Cement produces the best quality Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pozzolana Portland Cement (PPC), which is made of limestone. And, Wonder Cement has the best source of limestone in India.