India’s cement industry is not just vast but also varied. It is recognised the worldover for the different types of cement that it manufactures–all with the Indian hallmark of quality, that is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Indian cement industry thus caters to all segments with its vast portmanteau of products.

Ordinary Portland Cement. The most important type of cement earlier, OPC as it is known, is further classified into three categories–33 Grade, 43 Grade and 53 Grade- OPC is not used to that extent today and has been overtaken by Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).

Rapid Hardening Cement. As the name implies, this type hardens rapidly and also develops high strength at an earlier stage than OPC. It is used primarily in pre-fabricated concrete construction works and in road repair.

Sulphate Resisting Cement. It has an advantage over other types due to its resistance to sulphate and finds wide use in construction work done in marine conditions, foundations beneath soil containing sulphate compounds and sewage treatment works.

Portland Slag Cement. Portland cement and Ground Granulated Blast Slag are mixed to obtain this type, which is resistant to chemical attacks. It finds usage in water retaining structures or where the structure is vulnerable to any form of chemical attack.

Super Sulphated Cement. This variety has a percentage of granulated slag and a higher sulphate resistance and fineness than OPC. It is used in foundation works (or sea works).

Portland Pozzolana Cement. PPC is the most popular variety of cement for general construction and is obtained by mixing OPC with suitable Pozzolana at a certain temperature. Pozzolana has properties similar to those of cement.

Other types being manufactured include coloured cement manufactured by adding pigments to OPC or PPC obtained from limestone found only near Jodhpur in the country; low heat cement that prevents cracks in structure; hydrophobic cement manufactured by grinding together OPC clinker with substances such as oleic acid or stearic acid; masonry cement used in masonry works; oil well cement used in construction of oil wells; concrete sleeper grade cement manufactured as per specifications of the Indian Railways and high alumina cement.

Varma, S.T. (August 2012). India Now. Sectoral Update. Cementing Growth. (Business and Economy. Volume 03. Issue 03). Gurgaon: India Brand Equity Foundation.

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