The Ultimate Difference 43 Grade 53 Grade Cement Checklist
Cement is graded according to its compressive strength. A block of cement with a higher grade is more durable and stronger. The compressive strength of concrete is directly related to cement grade. Concrete is made up of multiple ingredients that are bound together by cement, resulting in a solid and hard concrete product.
Define 43 Grade Cement
Grade 43 cement is used for reinforced concrete or RCC. In addition to RMC and precast concrete, class 43 cement is also used in precast concrete. Sulfate resistance is one of the best characteristics of the grade 43 cement, and it has low chloride content. Due to its excellent working capacity, class 43 cement can provide a smooth and good exit surface.
Define 53 Grade Cement
In grade 53 cement, low chloride levels were found. Grade 53 cement has good resistance to sulfates. In comparison with other grades of cement, this grade has a higher strength, which results in a smaller amount of cement required.
Key Difference between 43 Grade & 53 Grade Cement
Compression Strength
Water and sand are added in proportion to cement. Concrete is properly mixed after adding water and sand. In a formwork, it is poured and hardened after it has been cured.
Every three days, then every seven days, then every 28 days, the cubes are tested in the lab. During these test periods, cement is tested for strength.
When the cement concrete has been set for 28 days, the cement grade indicates its compression strength. After 28 days of setting, 43 Grade cement reaches a compressive strength of 43 Mpa or megapascals, while 53 Grade cement reaches strength of 53 Mpa.
Initial Strength
Due to the initial strength gain, Grade 53 cement does not gain much strength after 28 days, while Grade 43 cement continues to gain strength after 28 days. 43-grade cement's strength will increase over time to equal that of 53-grade cement. Therefore, OPC 53 cement is the most commonly used type of cement when building concrete that needs to harden quickly.
Hydration Heat
The heat of hydration reaction occurs when the water is added to the cement, which reacts with chemicals in the cement, producing heat. When used for the first time, 53-grade cement releases more hydration heat than 43-grade cement.
Because of this, it is more likely for micro cracks to form; these micro cracks may not be readily apparent. Site supervisors or masonry workers add more cement to the mix.
As a result, they believe the concrete will become stronger and more durable. However, the concrete develops micro cracks as a result.
In the event of higher strength requirements, Grade 53 cement should only be used if it is supervised and quality assured. You take adequate precautions to reduce the greatest amount of heat from hydration via an appropriate healing procedure.
Cost & IS Code
It is more expensive to buy cement Grade 53 than Grade 43. Grade 43 IS 8112 is used, while grade 53 IS 12269 is used.
Uses
The cement grade 43 is typically recommended for PCC and RCC projects whose concrete grades are up to M30. Additionally, it is recommended for plastering, tiling, masonry and stonework, flooring, paths, and other projects where the first day is highly significant but not of primary importance.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: Engineering Motive
Also, it is used for finishing a wide range of structures, such as bridges, culverts, roads, and water-retention structures.
When initial and final strength is the main structural requirements for RCC structures, such as feet, columns, beams, and slabs, Grade 53 OPC cement is recommended. For concrete grades M30 and above, it can also be used for RCC projects.
