PPC vs PSC Cement: Which is Better to Use in Bangladesh

PPC and PSC cement are two of the most commonly used cement in Bangladesh. PPC or Portland Pozzolana Cement is a kind of hydraulic cement used for plaster, waterproof, and brick masonry work.

PSC or Portland Slag Cement is also a type of hydraulic cement that is mainly used in building infrastructures near the seashore. The usage of both cements depends on the nature of the project.

Keep reading this guide on PPC vs PSC Cement: Which is Better to Use in Bangladesh by mircement.com to get your answer.

PPC vs PSC Cement

Feature	PPC Cement	PSC Cement
Abbreviation	Portland Pozzolana Cement	Portland Slag Cement
Material Characteristic	Requires Fineness of Minimum 300 m2/kg	Requires Fineness of Minimum 225 m2/kg
Structure	Pozzolanic Materials with Portland clinker	Granulated Blast Furnace Slag with Portland Clinker.
Cost	Cheap	Expensive
Resistance Against Adverse Weather	Yes	No
Eco Friendly	Yes	Yes
Shows Best Result	Residential and Commercial Projects	Marine Construction
Hydration Process	Slower	Faster
Strength Development	Slow	Fast
Workability	Easier to Handle	Easier Finishiblity

PPC Cement

Portland Pozzolana Cement is a combination of pozzolanic materials such as fly ash and Portland Clinker. A pozzolanic reaction occurs with calcium hydroxide and fly ash.

Furthermore, the presence of water forms extra-binding compounds. It improves the strength of the cement.

Pros

• Strong Pore Refinement: PPC cement has strong pore refinement quality. It helps to improve the density of the concrete. Moreover, bleeding is also reduced due to high refinement in the cement. 

• Amplified Chemical Resistance: The chemical resistance of PPC cement is quite high. So, it is suitable for all kinds of applications. It mitigates the deteriorating effects of regular chemicals and ensures the longevity of the construction.

• Environment Friendly: PPC is extremely eco-friendly. It serves as a great alternative to traditional cement. The production conserves natural resources and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. 

• Decreases Hydration Heat: During the hydration process, it generates heat in less amount. Thus the risk of cracking is reduced and workability is developed. It also minimizes shrinkage and develops strength. 

Cons

• Poor Performance in Certain Situations: PPC cement is fit for most common types of applications. However, it shows a decline in performance in severe conditions like corrosive, high sulfate, or marine environments.

• Low Development of Initial Strength: The development of strength in the early stage of PPC cement is very slow. Few projects require early strength. PPC cement is not suitable for such projects as the preferred strength is not reached fast.

PSC Cement

PSC hydraulic cement is the blend of blast furnace slag and by-products of the steel and iron industry and Portland Clinker. The range of slag content is generally 30% to 70% of total weight. For this reason, this cement comes out with distinct properties. Therefore, it is useful to a variety of sectors in the construction industry.

Pros

• Less Prone to Cracking: PSC cement has spectacular compressive strength. It has amazing resistance against chloride and sulfate. Thus the risk of cracking is significantly lowered by improving workability. It even gives an elevated finish and minimized shrinks. 

• Water Retaining Structure: This type of cement has high resistance to alkali-silica reactions and shrinkage cracks. That’s why it works efficiently on dams and other water-retaining bodies.

• Durability: The durability of concrete structures is significantly amplified by PSC cement. It makes it more combative to different types of deterioration. Thus, repair and maintenance costs are reduced. It ultimately increases the longevity of the construction.

• Polished Finish: PSC cement gives out a superior finish. It has a good level of compaction. Hence, when painting is done over the surface, it shows off a better and smoother finish. 

Cons

• Limited Accessibility: Raw material sourcing for PSC cement is tiresome. This is because the availability of blast furnace slag is limited. If the area doesn’t have it in ample, both supply and price scale will be hampered.

• Extensive Setting Time: PSC cement takes extensive setting time. This longer period is harmful for circumstances that need fast setting. Early load-bearing capacity is also affected by it.

Which is Better to Use in Bangladesh- The Answer of PPC vs PSC Cement

If you are wondering about PPC vs PSC Cement: Which is Better to Use in Bangladesh, the answer is that it solely relies on your project and requirements.

Both of it got their own advantages and disadvantages. Keeping all the factors in mind, you should select one. 

• Suitability of the Project: PPC cement is suitable for sewerage pipes, commercial and residential projects, rendering, masonry work, plastering, and barrages. On the other side, PSC cement is suitable for road construction, mass concrete structures, prefabricated concrete, industrial flooring, railroad ties, and marine projects.

• Durability: The durability of PPC is high in combative environments. PSC has superior resistance to chloride and sulfate. Hence, it performs well in coastal and marine structures.

• Environmental Impact: PPC uses waste materials and PSC utilizes industrial by-products by recycling them. 

• Cost: Budget is one of the most important things you should be aware of while selecting cements. PPC is on the cheaper side whereas PSC is on the expensive side.

• Compatibility: PPC shows compatibility with different aggregates and admixtures. PSC cement is also compatible but it has certain requirements.

Read also: Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement

Conclusion 

The choice of cement is really important to ensure a well-structured construction. PPC vs PSC Cement? This is up to you. Each has its own pros and cons.

However, before coming to a decision, it is recommended to know about the Types of Cement in Bangladesh for 2024!

Hopefully, you got your answer on PPC vs PSC Cement: Which is Better to Use in Bangladesh by mircement.com!

FAQ

What is the Ratio of PSC Cement?

Answer: The most common ratio of PSC cement is 1:2:4. 1 part is for cement. 2 parts are for fine aggregates. 4 parts are for coarse aggregates.

What is the Ratio of PPC Cement?

Answer: PPC is of 33 grade according to the BIS code. It contains 4% Gypsum, 15-35% pozzolanic material and the rest of it is clinker.