A Comparative Study of Two Cement Brands:

Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolana Cement;

A Basis for Its Application

Presented by :

Sanidad, Christian Joshua O.

Valencia, Ghio Karlo M.
Zamora, Ted Alden M.
INTRODUCTION

Cement is a binding material which plays an important role in making

concrete and mortar. OPC and PPC cement are most widely used. Now a days
PPC is used as a replacement to OPC. So, the most confusing thing is how to
make the correct choice. There is no need to blindly follow the trend. Knowing
their properties, recommended uses, cost benefits, etc. will give you a better
idea about which cement should be used and where it should be used.
INTRODUCTION
Ordinary Portland Cement

• It is the most common cement used in the world mostly because of the abundance
and low cost to produce it.

• OPC is produced simply by grinding limestone and secondary materials to a powder.

• However manufacturers now a day don’t even manufacture OPC and have switched
to PPC.
RAW MATERIALS (OPC)

• Calcareous (material containing lime).

• Argillaceous (material containing silica and alumina).

• Gypsum

All these materials are mixed in a fixed proportion, are heated in kilns and to form clinkers which are
than grinded to required fineness to obtain this cement.
INTRODUCTION
Pozzolana Cement

• Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is a variation of OPC which includes a mixture of a

pozzolanic material which is known to increase the strength of concrete and reduce
the amount of OPC used.

• Now a day It is being used as a replacement to OPC as it is known to fulfill green

building criteria and hence helps in sustainable development.
RAW MATERIALS (PPC)

• OPC cement

• Gypsum

• Pozzolanic Materials

All these materials are both mixed and grinded together or separately grinded and then mixed to obtain
the cement.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
This research focuses on the study of characterizations of the two different
cement brands; pozzolan cement and Portland cement. Most of the construction uses
these two cement brands. However, many of the construction industry in our country
still looks for the best and good quality of a cement that will reach their standards. In
general, at the end of this research we will be able to differentiate the characteristics
of the two cement brands, identify some of the potential uses of the brands, Identify
the testing factors that affect measured concrete strength in the laboratory and Explain
the term “workability” as it applies to the two cement brands.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Civil Engineering Industry as well as the students have been wondering the
different characterizations of the cements. There are two types of cement, Ordinary
Portland Cement (OPC) which is the most common cement used in general concrete
construction when there is no exposure to sulphate in the soil or groundwateran and
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) which are manufactured by using pozzolanic
materials as one of the main ingredient. This research, studies the properties and
strength of every brand of cement that would contribute to specific construction
industry.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to achieve the following objectives.

• To determine the difference between Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland
Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
• To study the properties and strength (compressive and flexural) of the different
brands of cement.
• To determine the best cement to use on concrete.
• To study the effect of moisture, aggregate type, time of curing and water to cement
(w/c) ratio.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This paper plans to help and contribute to the civil engineering industry through
knowing the different characteristics and quality of a cement. This study is performed
for the welfare of everyone who hopes to build better quality structures. If the study
succeeds, then it will most likely be a valuable contribution to construction industry
and will hopefully be a means to create more cost effective and accessible construction
for the public.
The study also helps on to analyze and evaluate variations in cement properties
and its effect on quality of concrete before choosing a supplier for a sustainable
concrete construction.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Scope of the Study:
This study needs a number of specimen for each category.
According to ASTM C192 4,5, standards, a minimum of three specimens may be molded for each test age.
We will make three test ages for Strength Test:
• 7th day
• 14th day
• 28th day
Strength test would come to three concrete specimens for the batch age containing:
• Holcim OPC
• Buffalo OPC
• Island (Cemex) OPC
• MEGGA OPC
• Holcim PPC
• Rizal (Cemex) PPC
• Eagle PPC
• Republic PPC
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Limitations of the Study:
The experiment is only limit to four lab tests:
• Slump Test
• Compression Strength Test
• Flexural Strength Test
• Water Absorption Test
For each test we will prepare three specimens:
• Holcim OPC
• Buffalo OPC
• Island (Cemex) OPC
• MEGGA OPC
• Holcim PPC
• Rizal (Cemex) PPC
• Eagle PPC
• Republic PPC
HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

• The Portland Pozzolana Cement’s fineness may result to be more durable.

• The different grades in every cement may have an effect to the concrete structure’s
firmness.

• The Ordinary Portland Cement may result to have lesser setting time than Portland
Pozzolana Cement.
TEST SUMMARY
Table 2.1 No. of Sample that have been cure for Compressive Test

Brand of Cement 7th Day 14th Day 28th Day

Holcim OPC 3 3 3

Buffalo OPC 3 3 3

Island (Cemex) OPC 3 3 3

MEGGA OPC 3 3 3

Holcim PPC 3 3 3

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3 3 3

Eagle PPC 3 3 3

Republic PPC 3 3 3

TOTAL = 74 Sample
TEST SUMMARY
Table 2.1 No. of Sample that have been cure for Flexural Test

Brand of Cement 7th Day 14th Day 28th Day

Holcim OPC 3 3 3

Buffalo OPC 3 3 3

Island (Cemex) OPC 3 3 3

MEGGA OPC 3 3 3

Holcim PPC 3 3 3

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3 3 3

Eagle PPC 3 3 3

Republic PPC 3 3 3

TOTAL = 72 Sample
TEST SUMMARY
Table 2.3 No. of Sample for Water absorption

Brand of Cement No. of Sample

Holcim OPC 3

Buffalo OPC 3

Island (Cemex) OPC 3

MEGGA OPC 3

Holcim PPC 3

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3

Eagle PPC 3

Republic PPC 3

TOTAL = 24 Sample
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
• The concrete mix has proportion of 1:2:4 of cement, sand and gravel respectively.
First, the researchers prepared all the materials and equipment needed on mixing.
Using different brands of eight cement brand, four Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
and four Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). Water-cement ratio was maintained
constant at 0.6 for all the concrete mixes. The concrete mixtures undergone a slump
test and results got 2 – 3 inches. After the Slump test, concrete by batched were
molded in the cylindrical mold 6”x 12” 72 pcs., beam mold 6”x6”x21” 72 pcs. and
cylindrical mold 3”x 3” 24 pcs.in dimension with constant compaction of twenty –
five (25) strokes as per cylindrical mold using the tamping rod. Specimens were then
prepared. Molded and de-molded after 24 hours. All samples were immersed in the
fresh water using a curing tank for seven (7) days, fourteen (14) days and twenty-
eight (28) days. The 3”x 3” (24) samples were allowed to dry in air for moisture
content absorption. The other samples were tested using the Universal Testing
Machine to determine the compressive strength and flexural strength.
3.2 RESEARCH SETTING
• Data gathering supporting the study were taken on the internet e.g. international
journals and articles. There are no local journals existing. The molding of specimen
was performed at Brgy. Mayondon, Los Baños, Laguna and the curing, the testing for
water absorption and compressive split tensile strength tests were done at San
Lorenzo Subdivision, Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Perpetual Help Calamba Campus.
3.3 SOURCES OF DATA
MATERIALS
• The materials in this study were
consists of two different types
of cement, Ordinary Portland
Cement and Pozzolana Portland
Cement. Four brands of cement
were used for each type of
cement, Holcim OPC, Buffalo
OPC, Island Cemex OPC, MEGGA
OPC, Holcim PPC, Rizal Cemex
PPC, Eagle PPC, and Republic
PPC.
 Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) - is
the most common cement used in the
world because of its abundance and low
cost of production. OPC is produced by
simply grinding limestone and
secondary materials to a powder.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) - is a
variation of OPC that includes a mixture
of a pozzolanic material that can
increase the strength of the concrete
and reduce the amount of OPC used.
PPC is the result of adding pozzolana or
similar materials such as volcanic ash,
clay, slag, silica, fume, fly ash, or shale
to OPC.
Sand – It is the aggregate most
of which passes 4.75 mm (No.4
sieve) and resulting from the
natural disintegration of rock
and which has been deposited
by streams or produced by
crushing hard stone and
natural gravel.
Gravel –It is the aggregates
that greater than 4.75mm but
generally range from 9.5mm to
37.5mm diameter resulting
from naturally crushed stone.
Equipments
UTM – Universal Testing Machine
is used to test the tensile and
compressive properties of
materials. This is where you
compress an object between two
level plates until a certain load or
distance has been reached or the
product breaks. The typical
measurements are the maximum
force sustained before breakage
(compressive force)
Hot Air Oven – It is a device
which widely used for
determining the effect of
ageing on various physical
properties of different
materials by drying heat.
Generally, they can be
operated from 50 to 300 °C,
using a thermostat to control
the temperature
Slump Cone with Tamping Rod
– It is a right circular cone that
is 12 in high. The base of the
cone is 8 inches in diameter
and the top of the cone is 4
inches in diameter. The
tamping rod is used for stroking
of concrete mixture.
• Weighing Scale – This are
devices that measures weight
or calculate mass.

• Shovel – Is a tool for digging,

lifting and moving bulk
materials,such as
soil,coal,gravel,snow sand, or
ore. Shovels are used
extensively in
agriculture,construction, and
gardening.
• Trowel – Is one of several
similar hand tools used for
digging, smoothing, or
otherwise moving around small
amounts of viscous or
particulate material

• Cylindrical Mold - Polyvinyl

Chloride (PVC) pipe with size
6”x12”for Compressive strength
test. This is hard clay mold for
making a very simple cylindrical
object. It is where the concrete
mixture is molded
• Rectangular beam -Rectangular
beam mold made of steel with
size 21”x 6” x6” for Flexural
strength test.
• LCD Digital Temperature
Humidity Meter Thermometer -
This Digital Thermometer
Hygrometer is a battery meter
for measuring relative humidity
and temperature. The
Thermometer Hygrometer can
display three types of
temperatures around the
sensor’s air via several
convenient procedures: The
ambient temperature, the dew-
point temperature and the wet
bulb temperature
3.4.1 Preparation of Two Different Brands
of Cement
The two different brands of cement were gathered at Buendia, Manila, Sta.
Rosa, Laguna, Calamba, Laguna and Los Baños, Laguna.

The material that will be used in preliminary laboratory experiment such as

coarse aggregates and sand were provided by the researchers and conducted at
Brgy. Mayondon Los Baños, Laguna.
3.5 PROJECT DESIGN

A total of thirty-six (36) pieces of beam and twelve (12) cylindrical molds with
dimensions 6”x12” and 3”x3” were made to cast for compressive test and water
absorption test respectively, and another thirty-six (36) molds of flexural beam
with dimensions 21”x 6”x 6” were also prepared for the flexural strength test.
3.5.2.Mix Proportioning for Concrete
Cylinder
Table 3.5.1 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Cylinder

Materials Density Part in Vol. Vol (m³) Mass (Kg)

Cement 2750.36 1 part 0.0008 m³ 2.2 Kg

Sand 2173.69 2 parts 0.0016 m³ 3.48 Kg

Gravel 2289.56 4 parts 0.0032 m³ 6.87 Kg

3.5.3 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Beam
Table 3.5.2 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Beam

Materials Density Part in Vol. Vol (m³) Mass (Kg)

Cement 2750.36 1 part 0.00123 m³ 3.38 Kg

Sand 2173.69 2 parts 0.00246 m³ 5.34 Kg

Gravel 2289.56 4 parts 0.00491 m³ 11.25 Kg

3.5.1 Mix Proportioning

Mixing of concrete was made manually for about 20-25 mins, using mixer for
about 10-15 mins and the design samples has a volume equals to 0.0056 m3.
Adopting Class A mixture with a proportion (1:2:4) for sand, cement, gravel and
for the cylindrical samples with replacement. The design proportion is as
follows.
3.4.2 Mixing and Concreting Procedure

1.MIXING PLATFORM
2. DRY MIXING OF CEMENT & SAND
3. DRY MIXING OF C.A. WITH CEMENT-SAND MIX
4. ADDITION OF WATER
5.CHECK FOR CONSISTENCY
Procedure of Concrete Slump test:
1. Obtain a representative sample of concrete from entire batch. It shall be obtained in
accordance with method C-172 (ASTM volume 4.02 1987).
2. Dampen the mold and place it in a flat, moist, rigid non- absorbent surface.
3. Fill immediately the mold three layers. Each layer approximately one-third of the
volume of the mold. Upon filling the first layer which is approximately 2 5/8” (67mm)
• Tamper rod is 25 strokes. Uniformly distribute the stroke to the cross section to
ensure good result. For the first layer these necessities inclining the rod slightly and
progressing with vertical strokes spirally towards the center. The rod should
penetrate approximately 6 1/8” (155mm) and top layer in accordance with the
underlying depth. After the top layer has been filled and rodded, strike off the
surface of the concrete by means of accreting and rolling motion of the trowel.
4. Remove immediately the mold from the concrete by raising carefully in a vertical
direction. Be sure not to strike the sample and introduced torsional movement while
raising the mold.
5. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between the
top of the mold and displaced volume of ample at its center.
 Figure 3.17 Different Types of Slump

Figure 3.19 Slump Test of Concrete Mixture

3.4.4 Curing
After the test specimens are stored in moist air for 24hours, marked and removed from
the mold it will be kept submerged in clear fresh water until taken out prior to test.

Figure 3.20 Drums for Cylindrical Specimen Figure 3.21 Hydraulic Tilting Flume tank
3.4.5 Compressive Strength Test
• 1. Measure and determine the average diameter of the specimen and also the height
including the cap.
• 2. Place and set the machine, wipe and clean the bearing faces of the upper and
lower bearing blocks and centrally place the specimen with the center of thrust of
the spherically seated block. As the gently movable portion to obtain uniform
seating.
• 3. Apply the load continuously and without shock about 20-50 psi. (0.14 to 0.34
MPa) per second.
3.4.6 Flexural Strength Test
• B. TESTING THE SPECIMEN BY SIMPLE BEAM WITH THIRD POINT LOADING
• 1.Test the specimen in the same position as when molded. Center on upper surface
at the third between supports.
• NOTE: Mark the middle third of the specimen for future reference. Apply the load as
such a rate that the increase in extreme stress. Increase the load until the specimen
fails. Record the maximum load carried by specimen.
2.After the test measure the test specimen’s average width and depth at the section
failure.

Figure 3.23 Flexural Strength test of the Specimen on UTM

3.4.7 Water Absorption Test
• Procedure for Concrete Specimen
• The 12 specimens having a dimension of 3” x 3” containing various percentage of
replacement except the control sample were immersed in water at agreed upon
conditions, 23°C for 24 hours. Specimens are removed, patted dry with a lint free
cloth, and weighed. Then the specimens are dried in an oven for 12 hours with a
temperature of 100°C, and then removed to cool. Immediately upon cooling the
specimens are weighed.
3.6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSSIONS
• Slump is to determine the workability of concrete prior to casting. In this
investigation, slump test were carried for concrete with different brands of cement.
The concrete mixtures had undergone a slump test and results got to 2-3 inches and
classified it as a true slump.as shown in Fig 3.6.1. Slump of different cement samples
were shown in table 3.6.1
Table 3.6.1 Result of Slump Test for Compression and Flexural Strength Test
Concrete Samples Water Cement Ratio Slump (mm) Slump (in)

Holcim OPC 0.5 – 0.6 70.36 2.77

Buffalo OPC 0.5 – 0.6 68.33 2.69

Island (Cemex) OPC 0.5 – 0.6 62.23 2.45

MEGGA OPC 0.5 – 0.6 63.25 2.49

Holcim PPC 0.5 – 0.6 63.5 2.50

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 0.5 – 0.6 55.12 2.17

Eagle PPC 0.5 – 0.6 57.91 2.28

Republic PPC 0.5 – 0.6 58.67 2.31

3.6.2 Compressive Strength test
For designers, compressive strength is one of the most important engineering
properties of concrete. It is a standard industrial practice that the concrete is classified
based on grades. This grade is nothing but the Compressive Strength of the concrete
cube or cylinder. Cube or Cylinder samples are usually tested under a compression
testing machine to obtain the compressive strength of concrete. The test requisites
differ country to country based on the design code.

The test was conducted on a cylinder 6”x12” specimen. The obtained results shown in
Table 3.6.2, 3.6.3 and 3.6.4 , Compressive strength test were analyzed and assessed.
 Table 3.6.2 Compressive Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 8.65 9.77 14.14 10.85

Buffalo OPC 9.87 11.06 9.73 10.22

Island(Cemex) OPC 10.02 10.38 10.92 10.44

7th day MEGGA OPC 6.35 13.16 8 9.17

Holcim PPC 7.46 12.08 7.1 8.88

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.94 6.74 8.58 8.09

Eagle PPC 7.74 9.2 10.02 8.99

Republic PPC 8.13 9.15 8.5 8.59

 Chart 3.6.2 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing
Strength Development of Concrete after 7 days of Curing

12
10.85
10.22 10.44

Compressive Strength (MPa)

10 9.17 8.88 8.99
8.59
8.09
8

0
MEGGA Republic
Holcim OPC Buffalo Opc Island OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
OPC PPC
7th Day 10.85 10.22 10.44 9.17 8.88 8.09 8.99 8.59

The compressive strength for 7 days curing period in Chart 3.6.2 show that Holcim OPC has

the highest Compressive Strength which is 10.85 Mpa in total average and the Rizal PPC has

the lowest Compressive Strength which has an average of 8.09 Mpa.

 Table 3.6.3 Compressive Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 15.5 11.95 15.38 14.27

Buffalo OPC 14.14 12.08 10.99 12.4

Island(Cemex) OPC 10.7 14.56 17.02 14.02

14th day MEGGA OPC 16.77 13.7 11.35 13.94

Holcim PPC 12.41 14.65 17.04 14.7

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 12.5 8.63 8.04 9.69

Eagle PPC 9.76 12.96 10.18 10.97

Republic PPC 10.52 8.98 8.37 9.29

 Strength Development of Concrete after 14 days of Curing

16 14.7
14.27 14.02 13.94

Compressive Strength (MPa)

14
12.4
12 10.97
9.69 9.29
10

0
Holcim Buffalo MEGGA Republic
Island OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
OPC Opc OPC PPC
14th Day 14.27 12.4 14.02 13.94 14.7 9.69 10.97 9.29

Chart 3.6.3 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

The compressive strength for 14 days curing period in Chart 3.6.3, this time Portland

Pozzolana Cement Holcim (PPC) got the highest Compressive Strength which is 14.7 MPa in total

average and the Republic PPC has the lowest Compressive Strength which has an average of 9.29

MPa.
 Table 3.6.4 Compressive Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 15.51 14.88 18.31 16.23

Buffalo OPC 14.97 15.2 15.88 15.35

Island(Cemex) OPC 13.12 14.7 16.55 14.79

28th day MEGGA OPC 13.16 14.9 16.55 14.72

Holcim PPC 16.2 11.66 16.25 14.70

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 10.78 12.1 18.03 13.64

Eagle PPC 15.08 12.08 10.32 12.49

Republic PPC 8.78 11.08 9.49 8.78

 Strength Development of Concrete after 28 days of Curing

18
16.23
16 15.35
14.79 14.72 14.7

Compressive Strength (MPa)

13.64
14 12.49
12

10 8.78
8

0
Holcim Buffalo MEGGA Holcim Republic
Island OPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
OPC Opc OPC PPC PPC
28th Day 16.23 15.35 14.79 14.72 14.7 13.64 12.49 8.78

Chart 3.6.4 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

The compressive strength for 28 days curing period in Chart 3.6.4 show that Holcim

OPC has the highest Compressive Strength which is 16.83 MPa in total average and the

Republic PPC has the lowest Compressive Strength which has an average of 8.78 Mpa.
RANKING OF CEMENT ACCORDING TO ITS
COMPRESSIVE TEST RESULT
Cement Brand Test Result (Mpa) Price (Php)
1. Holcim OPC 16.23 221
2. Buffalo OPC 15.35 210
3. Island Portland (Cemex) OPC 14.79 217
4. MEGGA OPC 14.72 200
5. Holcim PPC 14.70 211
6. Rizal (Cemex) PPC 13.64 180
7. Eagle PPC 12.49 195
8. Republic PPC 8.78 212
3.6.3 Flexural Strength Test
• Flexural testing is used to determine the flex or bending properties of a material.
Sometimes referred to as a transverse beam test, it involves placing a sample
between two points or supports and initiating a load using a single point loading
based on ASTM C293 and WSDOT Test Method No. 802.
• The prepared design proportion of specimens was molded into a size of 21”x6”x6”
rectangular. Three (3) samples each was made respectively. After molding, the
samples were immersed in water for seven (7), fourteen (14) and twenty-eight (28)
days before to be cast for Flexural strength test.
 Table 3.6.5 Flexural Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 9.78 9.98 8.49 8.38

Buffalo OPC 7.72 8.72 8.7 8.38

Island(Cemex) OPC 9.18 9.48 9.16 9.27

7th day MEGGA OPC 8.99 8.86 8.15 8.67

Holcim PPC 8.51 8.25 8.55 8.44

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 7.97 7.88 2.5 6.12

Eagle PPC 5.68 6.83 - 6.26

Republic PPC 5.67 5.51 5.45 5.54

 Strength Development of Concrete after 7 days of Curing

10 9.42 9.27
9 8.67 8.44
8.38

Flexural Strength (MPa)

8
7 6.12 6.26
6 5.54

5
4
3
2
1
0
Holcim MEGGA Republic
Buffalo Opc Island OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
OPC OPC PPC
7th Day 9.42 8.38 9.27 8.67 8.44 6.12 6.26 5.54

Chart 3.6.5 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

The flexural strength for 7 days curing period in Chart 3.6.5 show that Holcim OPC has the

highest Flexural Strength which is 9.42 MPa in total average and the Republic PPC has the

lowest Flexural Strength which has an average of 5.54 MPa.

 Table 3.6.6 Flexural Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 8.81 7.91 8.63 8.41

Buffalo OPC 8.66 8.98 8.83 8.82

Island(Cemex) OPC 9.79 8.81 10.3 9.63

14th day MEGGA OPC 9.18 8.62 9.53 9.11

Holcim PPC 6.95 9.73 7.64 8.11

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.19 7.89 8.07 8.05

Eagle PPC 8.71 8.01 7.67 8.13

Republic PPC 6.82 5.92 6.81 6.52

 Strength Development of Concrete after 14 days of Curing

12

10 9.63
9.11

Flexural Strength (MPa)

8.82
8.41 8.11 8.13
8.05
8
6.52
6

0
Republic
Holcim OPC Buffalo OPC Island OPC MEGGA OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
PPC
14th Day 8.41 8.82 9.63 9.11 8.11 8.05 8.13 6.52

Chart 3.6.6 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

The flexural strength for 14 days curing period in Chart 3.6.6 show that Island Portland cement

(CEMEX) OPC has the highest Flexural Strength which is 9.63 MPa in total average and the Republic

PPC has the lowest Flexural Strength which has an average of 6.52 MPa.
 Table 3.6.7 Flexural Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average

Holcim OPC 9.87 11.06 9.73 10.22

Buffalo OPC 10.42 10.47 8.41 9.77

Island(Cemex) OPC 9.95 9.51 10.34 9.93

28th day MEGGA OPC 8.95 9.19 9.41 9.18

Holcim PPC 9.44 7.94 10.54 9.34

Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.43 8.32 8.94 8.56

Eagle PPC 9.2 9.67 8.43 9.1

Republic PPC 9.09 7.55 8.39 8.34

 Strength Development of Concrete after 28 days of Curing

12
10.22 9.93
9.77
10 9.18 9.34 9.1

Flexural Strength (MPa)

8.56 8.34
8

0
MEGGA Republic
Holcim OPC Buffalo OPC Island OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC
OPC PPC
28th Day 10.22 9.77 9.93 9.18 9.34 8.56 9.1 8.34

Chart 3.6.7 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

The flexural strength for 28 days curing period in Chart 3.6.7 show that Buffalo OPC has the highest

Flexural Strength which is 10.22 MPa in total average and the Republic PPC has the lowest Flexural

Strength which has an average of 8.34 MPa.

RANKING OF CEMENT ACCORDING TO ITS
FLEXURAL TEST RESULT
Cement Brand Test Result (Mpa) Price (Php)
1. Holcim OPC 10.22 221
2. Island Portland (Cemex) OPC 9.93 217
3. Buffalo OPC 9.77 210
4. Holcim PPC 9.34 211
5. MEGGA OPC 9.18 200
6. Eagle PPC 9.10 195
7. Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.56 180
8. Republic PPC 8.34 212
3.6.4 Water Absorption Test
One of the most important properties of a good quality concrete is low permeability,
especially one resistant to freezing and thawing. A concrete with low permeability
resists ingress of water and is not as susceptible to freezing and thawing. Water enters
pores in the cement paste and even in the aggregate.

Water absorption is also strongly affected by the moisture condition of the concrete at
the time of testing including the length of exposure and temperature. The data sheds
light on the performance of the materials in water or humid environments.
Water absorption is expressed as increase in weight percent.

Percent Water Absorption = [(Wet weight - Dry weight)/ Dry weight] x 100
 Table 3.6.8 Buffalo Cement Percent Water Absorption Table 3.6.9 Island (CEMEX) Cement Percent Water
BUFFALO OPC Holcim OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water
Trial Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption % (g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 900 915 858.9 6.53 % 1 905 923 850.9 8.47 %

2 870 880 832.1 5.76 % 2 900 916 862.3 6.23 %

3 915 925 864.4 7.01 %

3 890 904 840.7 7.53 %

Average 895 906.67 851.8 6.44 % Average 898.33 914.33 851.3 7.4 %

Table 3.6.10 Holcim (OPC) Cement Percent Water Absorption Table 3.6.11 MEGGA Cement Percent Water Absorption
Island OPC MEGGA OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water
Trial Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption % (g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 917 925.3 865.4 6.92 % 1 1009 1022 960.8 6.37 %

2 988 1007 948 6.22 %

2 903 915 855 7.02 %
3 1001 1015 956.7 6.09 %
3 909 920.5 867.8 6.07 %

Average 909.67 920.27 862.73 6.67 % Average 999.33 1014.67 955.17 6.23 %
Table 3.6.12 Rizal (CEMEX) Cement Percent Water Absorption Table 3.6.13 Republic Cement Percent Water Absorption
Rizal (Cemex) PPC Republic PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water
Trial Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption % (g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 940 960 916.5 4.75 % 1 975 990 951.9 4%

2 935 945 903.6 4.58 % 2 920 930 868.8 7.04 %

3 935 945 899 5.12 % 3 940 950 906.7 4.78 %

Average 936.67 950.00 906.37 4.81 %

Average 945.00 956.67 909.13 5.23 %

Table 3.6.14 Holcim (PPC) Cement Percent Water Absorption Table 3.6.15 Eagle Cement Percent Water Absorption
Holcim PPC Eagle PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water
Trial Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption % (g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 970 985 943.8 4.37 1 1010 1015 989.8 2.55

2 980 995 949.4 4.8 2 1000 1005 979.4 2.61

3 985 995 958.2 3.84 3 1000 1005 958.2 4.88

Average 978.33 991.67 950.47 4.33 Average 1003.33 1008.33 975.8 3.33
 Chart 3.6.8 Average Water Absorption Test Result

Average Water Absorption of Concrete Specimens

8
7.4
Water Absorption %

7 6.67
6.44
6.23
6
5.23
4.81
5
4.33
4
3.33
3

0
Holcim OPC Buffalo OPC Island OPC MEGGA OPC Holcim PPC Rizal PPC Eagle PPC Republic PPC
% 7.4 6.44 6.67 6.23 4.33 4.81 3.33 5.23
RANKING OF CEMENT ACCORDING TO ITS WATER
ABSORPTION TEST RESULT
Cement Brand Test Result (%) Price (Php)
1. Holcim OPC 7.4 221
2. Island Portland (Cemex) OPC 6.67 217
3. Buffalo OPC 6.44 210
4. MEGGA OPC 6.23 200
5. Republic PPC 5.23 212
6. Rizal (Cemex) PPC 4.81 180
7. Holcim PPC 4.33 211
8. Eagle PPC 3.33 195
CONCLUSIONS
4.1 CONCLUSION
• Based on Compressive test result after 28 days of curing as can be observe, among
the eight (8) kinds of specimen, the Holcim OPC consistently leads the compressive
test results obtaining an average compressive strength of 16.23 MPa.

• When it comes on Flexural strength test, using the same specimen as can be
observe, the flexural strength for 28 days curing period shows that Holcim OPC has
the highest Flexural strength obtaining an average result of 10.22 MPa and Republic
PPC having the lowest average test result of 8.34 MPa which is weaker compared to
Holcim OPC.

• In water absorption test, it was observed that the Holcim OPC has the highest
percentage of Water Absorption after 28 days of test obtaining 7.4% of water
absorption and the Eagle PPC has the least test result obtaining 3.33% of water
absorption.
CONCLUSIONS
4.1 CONCLUSION

• In summary, Holcim OPC leads all the three (3) tests conducted. Within those limits
experience during the Flexural Strength, Compressive Strength and Water
Absorption Tests has shown that the mixture behaves satisfactorily and produces
good cement and its results passed to all standard requirements of the ASTM and
PNS.
RECOMMENDATION

• The researchers would like to recommend to use the right quality and type of
cement for a particular construction work or project

• PPC is recommended for brick masonry, plastering, tiling and waterproofing

works due to its slower rate of heat hydration. Thereby PPC is prone to less
cracks and better workability and finishing.

• The researchers would like to recommend also Holcim cement for construction
works or projects that needs excellent strength due to its leading strength test.
RECOMMENDATION
• OPC is also recommended for contruction of residential and industrial complexes.

• More trials with different percentage of replacement of coarse aggregate are

recommended to get different outcomes and possible higher strength.
THANK YOU!