What are The Differences Between 33, 43, and 53 Grade Cement?

[Rony]

Cement is an essential ingredient for building construction. It contains concrete, plaster, and mortar and varies in terms of grade and strength. Are you a structural engineer, property developer or building contractor?

Knowing what grade of cement to use is important for any construction project. Generally, there are three types of cement, namely 33, 43, and 53. In this article, you will learn the differences between 33, 43, and 53-grade cement as well as their various applications.

Before we proceed, what does the grade of cement means? It is simply a numerical value to measure the compressive strength of cement cube in Mpa (N/mm2) tested after 28 days (curing).

These values are obtained after a series of experiments that are reliable and have been arrived at after statical analysis. The higher the cement grade, the higher the strength.

With this basic understanding, let us consider the differences between the 33/43/53 grade cement.

 
Grade 33 Cement​

According to the IS-4031 standards, the comprehensive strength of this type of cement is 33N/mm after 28 days. Its fineness indicates that it is not below 225m/kg when tested by Blaine’s air permeability.

Properties​

Minimum compressive strength in N/mm2

• 3 Day: 16 N/mm2
• 7 Day: 22 N/mm2
• 28 Day: 33 N/mm2

Chemical Properties​

• Loss on ignition: 5.0
• Insoluble residue: 2.0
• Magnesia MgO: 6.0

The initial setting time for this cement should be 30 minutes and not below, while the final setting time is 600 minutes.

Uses​

Civil engineers use the grade 33 cement for general construction, including mass concreting of large areas, plastering of surfaces, and cement concreting in plain.

Grade 43 Cement​

Grade 43 cement has a comprehensive strength of 43N/mm when tested per the IS-8112 standards. Blain’s air permeability method indicates that the fineness value of this cement is not less than 225 m/kg.

Properties​

Minimum compressive strength in N/mm2

• 3 Day: 23 N/mm2
• 7 Day: 33 N/mm2
• 28 Day: 43 N/mm2

Chemical Properties​

• Loss on ignition: 5.0
• Insoluble residue: 2.0
• Magnesia MgO: 6.0

The expansion value of this unaerated cement is 0.8% or 10mm. The initial setting time is not less than 30 minutes, while the final setting time is 600 minutes.

Uses​

Cement 43 grade is used in manufacturing precasted items like pipes, blocks, and tiles. Civil engineers use this grade cement in concrete work reinforcement, plastering, flooring, and asbestos products, such as sheets and pipes.

 
Grade 53 Cement​

Grade 53 cement has a comprehensive strength of 53N/mm when tested per the IS 12269:1987 standards.

Properties​

Minimum compressive strength in N/mm2

• 3 Day: 27 N/mm2
• 7 Day: 37 N/mm2
• 28 Day: 53 N/mm2

Chemical Properties​

• Loss on ignition: 4.0
• Insoluble residue: 2.0
• Magnesia MgO: 6.0

The fineness value is 225m/kg according to Blaine’s air permeability. When tested with the Le-Chaelier method, expansion values range from 10mm and 0.8% by the autoclave method. The initial setting time is 30 minutes, while the final setting time is over 600 minutes.

Uses​

Since the 53-grade cement is rich in quality and exceptionally strong, cement suppliers in Malaysia recommend usage in making public roads, bridges, air runaways, and in the reinforcement of concrete works.

Notable Differences Between 33, 43 and 53 Grade Cement​

a. Initial Strength​

In terms of the initial strength, the 53-grade cement is higher than the 33-grade and 43-grade cement.

b. Compressive Strength​

The compressive strength is calculated by mixing, vibrating, and curing cement, sand, and water to form cubes. In 3 days, the compressive strength for 33/43/53 grade cement is 16N/mm2, 23N/mm2, and 27N/mm2 respectively.

In 7 days, the compressive strength for 33/43/53 grade cement is 22N/mm2, 33N/mm2, and 37N/mm2 respectively. In 28 days, the compressive strength for 33/43/53 grade cement is 33N/mm2, 43N/mm2, and 53N/mm2 respectively.

c. Heat of Hydration​

• The 33-grade cement releases low heat of hydration.
• The 43-grade cement releases medium heat of hydration.
• 53-grade cement releases higher heat of hydration which makes it ideal for projects that require making concrete of higher strength and quality assurance.