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There are several types of the cheapest cement available in the market. Each of them has different applications and purposes. Here are the various types:
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
This cement type is the most commonly used worldwide. It is a mixture of silica, alumina, iron oxide, and limestone. Its popularity is due to its effectiveness in different construction projects, such as roads, foundations, and structures. OPC comes in three different grades: 33, 43, and 53. The numbers show the compressive strength of the cement in N/mm2, which is attained after 28 days.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
This OPC is mixed with pozzolanic material like volcanic ash, which improves durability and reduces heat of hydration. Pozzolanic materials include calcined clay, fly ash, and silica fume. It is ideal for dams, marine structures, and mass concrete works since it generates less heat during hydration. It is also suitable for structures exposed to sulfate and seawater attacks since it is resistant to chemical water.
Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
This cement is created by mixing steel rods and iron meshes with cement concrete. It is mostly used in structures where strength and durability are needed, like bridges, high-rise buildings, and railway sleeper. The addition of steel reinforcement makes the concrete resistant to tensile strength.
Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC)
This cement minimizes the risk of sulfate attack in concrete, which can weaken and deteriorate structures. It is ideal for foundations and structures in areas with high sulfate soil or water.
Quick Setting Cement
Quick-setting cement is used in projects that require rapidly setting cement. It sets within a few hours and is used in plumbing work.
White Cement
Cheap white cement is used when architectural aesthetics are needed. It is used for decorative works and visible concrete surfaces due to its appealing look.
Oil Well Cement
This cheap cement is specifically designed for the oil and gas industry. It can withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for cementing oil and gas wells.
Geopolymer Cement
Cheap geopolymer cement is an alternative to Portland cement. It is made from industrial waste materials like fly ash or slag activated with alkaline solutions. It has a lower carbon footprint and is suitable for sustainable construction practices.
Strong and durable construction
Cheap cement is used to build strong and long-lasting structures, including buildings, roads, bridges, and foundations. When hardened, concrete made from it can withstand pressure and weight for years, meaning it is suitable for making structures that are stable and safe.
Affordable construction options
It provides an economical option for construction projects with tight budgets. Its lower cost allows builders and developers to control costs while still achieving solid and functional concrete structures. This makes it popular for affordable housing projects, parking lots, sidewalks, and other cost-sensitive construction.
Versatile applications
Cheap cement is versatile and can be used for different applications. It can be used for concrete construction, mortar preparation, and soil stabilization. This versatility makes it a practical choice for many construction projects.
Ease of use
Workability and binding properties of cheap cement are excellent. It mixes well with water, sand, and aggregates, producing concrete that is easy to pour and mold into different shapes and sizes. This ease of use saves time and effort during construction.
Low shrinkage and cracking
Cheap cement has low shrinkage and cracking properties. This means that once the concrete dries, it won't shrink or crack significantly. This helps to maintain the structural integrity and appearance of the concrete structures over time.
Early strength development
This cement usually develops strength quickly. Builders can remove molds and scaffolding after a short time, allowing construction to proceed quickly. Early strength development is essential for projects that require fast completion.
Reduced permeability
Some types of cheap cement produce concrete with low permeability. This means that water and other liquids cannot pass through the concrete easily. Low permeability concrete is suitable for water-retaining structures like reservoirs and swimming pools.
Environmental benefits
Some types of cheap cement incorporate industrial waste materials such as fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume. This reduces the amount of clinker produced during cement manufacturing, which helps to lower carbon emissions. Using recycled materials is also good for the environment.
Consider the Type of Construction
The type of construction significantly determines which type of cement should be purchased. For housing construction and other small projects, bulk purchasing of cheap Portland cement is a good idea. This is because it is versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. On the other hand, for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and dams, it is important to use the right cement type. These projects require high-performance cement, which means finding the most suitable type rather than looking for the cheapest cement.
Watch Out for Additives and Impurities
In addition to knowing the cement types, it is also important to look out for additives and impurities in the cement. The truth is that some manufacturers add extra materials to their cement to make it cheaper. This can include fly ash, gypsum, or other pozzolanic materials. While these materials are not necessarily bad, they can affect the performance of the cement. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between price and quality when purchasing cheap cement in bulk.
Delivery Fees
For those purchasing bulk cheap cement and having it delivered, it is important to consider delivery fees when choosing a supplier. Different suppliers charge different delivery fees depending on the distance and location of the construction site. As such, business owners should take time to calculate the total cost, including delivery fees, to determine which supplier has the most competitive prices.
Assess the Quality of the Cement
Even though the focus is on finding the cheapest cement, it is still important to assess its quality. This can be done by checking the cement's packaging, which should include details like the brand name, type, and production date. Another way to assess the cement's quality is to check its compressive strength, which can be determined by a simple field test.
Q1. What is the cheapest cement type?
A1. Portland cement is generally considered the most inexpensive type of cement due to its widespread use and production. It is often referred to as the ""most common"" type of cement rather than the ""cheapest"" because, while it may be less expensive than other types of cement, it is not appropriate for all uses.
Q2. Which cement has the highest strength?
A2. The Ultra High Strength Cement has the highest strength. This cement is suitable for projects requiring high strength, such as foundations, load-bearing walls, and high-rise buildings. Its compressive strength can reach up to 140 N/mm².
Q3. What is the best quality of cement?
A3. OPC 53 Grade cement is the best quality of cement. It is ideal for construction projects where quick setting and high strength are required. Additionally, it is used in the construction of residential buildings, bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial structures.
Q4. Which is the best cement in the world?
A4. There is no best cement in the world because each type of cement is designed for a specific purpose and application. Therefore, it is only suitable for that purpose or application. However, in terms of market share and production, Portland cement is the best in the world.
Q5. Which cement is best for home construction?
A5. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the best for home construction. As mentioned above, it is suitable for constructing foundations, walls, floors, and roofs. It is also suitable for constructing residential homes.