Difference between Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pozzolana Portland Cement (PPC)

by Tutorial Tips Civil · 04/17/2022

Difference between Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pozzolana Portland Cement (PPC)

The choice of cement is the most important decision for any construction project. It is essential for the structure’s strength and durability. We need to choose cement based on the type of the project, location and the availability of a curing facility. Preferably PPC is the first choice of people for the construction of their homes.

There are primarily two types of cement:

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Pozzolana Portland Cement (PPC)

These two types of cement are different in terms of various factors. Let’s find the difference between the Ordinary Portland and Pozzolana Portland Cement below;

BASIS OF DIFFERENCE	ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT (OPC)	POZZOLANA PORTLAND CEMENT (PPC)
Components	OPC is prepared by mixing limestone and other raw materials which consist of argillaceous, calcareous and gypsum.	PPC is prepared by adding pozzolanic materials like volcanic ash, fly ash or silica fumes to OPC.
Strength	The initial strength of OPC is higher than PPC.	PPC has higher strength than OPC over a longer period of time.
Cost	OPC is costlier than PPC.	PPC is cheaper than OPC.
Durability	OPC is less durable in aggressive weather than PPC.	PPC is more durable in aggressive weather than OPC.
Heat during hydration	OPC generates more heat during the hydration reaction which makes it less suitable for mass concreting	PPC generates less heat than OPC during the hydration reaction.
Applications/Uses	OPC is used for fast construction such as high-rise buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and flyovers where high strength and fast setting are required.	PPC is widely used in the housing sector, RCC casting of buildings, mass concreting for bridges and other non-structural works.
Environmental Impact	It releases carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process.	It is more eco friendly as it constitutes natural and industrial waste.
Availability of Grades	OPC is available in 3 grades namely grade 33, grade 44, and grade 53.	PPC is available in only one grade and its strength matches the strength of grade 33 OPC after curing.
Fineness	OPC has a fineness of 225 Sqm/Kg.	PPC has a fineness of 300 Sqm/Kg.
Resistance	It has lower resistance.	It has higher resistance than OPC against sulphates, chlorides etc.