TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
THAPATHALI CAMPUS
A Lab Report On:
Evaluating Cement Varieties in Practical Construction: Case Study from Kathmandu, Nepal
Submitted By:
Submitted To:
NAME: KARAN CHAUDHARY
Er. Gaurav Panth,
ROLLNO: THA078BCE048
Department of Civil Engineering
GROUP: “B”
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For this assignment, I selected a construction site in Kathmandu, Nepal, where a
residential building project is currently underway. The site is situated in a
bustling neighborhood and represents a typical urban construction scenario.
Site Details:
Location: Kathmandu ,Nepal
Project Type: Residential Building Construction
Rationale for Site Selection:
The residential building project provides an excellent opportunity to explore the
use of various cement types in different construction applications. Residential
buildings often require a combination of load-bearing elements, finishes, and
specialized components, making it likely that multiple types of cement are being
utilized.
Location: 𝟐𝟕°𝟒𝟐′ 𝟎𝟖. 𝟓 N
85°19'49.9"𝑬
Types of Cement Identification:
Through discussions with site engineers and visual inspections, I have identified
the following types of cement being used at the site:
❖ Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):
In terms of its application, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is commonly
utilized in the construction of foundational elements, load-bearing walls, and
structural columns. The decision to use OPC in these contexts is driven by its
notable high compressive strength and its suitability for fulfilling the
requirements of essential structural components.
❖ Portland Portland Cement (PPC):
Regarding its application, Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is employed for
the purpose of plastering and finishing on both interior and exterior surfaces.
The rationale behind choosing PPC for these tasks lies in its capacity to enhance
workability, thereby contributing to smoother application processes. Moreover,
the adoption of PPC also serves to diminish the likelihood of cracks occurring
during plastering applications, thus bolstering the quality of the finished
surfaces.
Fig. Plastering using ppc
Visual Inspection and Comparative Analysis
❖ Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):
OPC typically presents a fine and smooth texture, appearing in shades of
grayish-white or light gray. When used in construction, the resulting surface
finish can range from relatively smooth to slightly rough, depending on curing
methods and finishing techniques applied.
❖ Portland Portland Cement (PPC):
PPC is known for its finer and smoother texture compared to OPC. Its color is
usually a darker gray, sometimes with a hint of greenish tint. In construction,
PPC often contributes to a smoother and more uniform surface finish, enhancing
the overall aesthetic quality, especially in plastering and finishing tasks.
Engagement with Construction Experts
Dialogues with Construction Experts:
To delve deeper into the effectiveness of distinct cement varieties within the construction
venture, I orchestrated conversations with diverse construction experts engaged in the project.
These exchanges encompassed on-site engineers, contractors, and labor force.
Experiences, Hurdles, and Notable Points:
Throughout these exchanges, I probed into their encounters, obstacles, and observations
pertaining to the efficacy of distinct cement types:
✓ Site Engineer (Structural Engineer):
Experiences: The on-site engineer emphasized that Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was
opted for load-bearing elements to ensure structural robustness and endure substantial
weights. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) was selected for plastering to attain a refined
surface.
Challenges: Ensuring proper curing for elements constructed with OPC proved challenging
due to its accelerated hydration process, carrying the potential for cracks.
Observations: The engineer remarked that finishes using PPC demonstrated decreased
instances of cracking and offered enhanced visual appeal.
✓ Contractor (Finishing Contractor):
Experiences: The contractor disclosed that PPC-based plastering facilitated better
maneuverability and extended work duration, resulting in a more fluid application procedure.
Challenges: Maintaining adequate moisture during the curing phase posed a challenge, as
PPC necessitates a prolonged curing period to attain desired properties.
Observations: The contractor observed that concrete pavements formulated with Blast
Furnace Slag Cement (BFSC) retained their surface integrity and displayed minimal signs of
deterioration, even in heavily traversed zones.
✓ Laborer (Concrete Work Specialist):
Experiences: The laborer lauded the smoother consistency and simplified application
associated with PPC-based plastering.
Challenges: Handling OPC demanded meticulous execution due to its rapid solidification,
necessitating swift action during concrete placement.
Observations: The laborer identified that concrete walkways composed of BFSC preserved
their surface quality despite exposure to pedestrian traffic and environmental elements.
These conversations yielded invaluable firsthand insights into the performance of diverse
cement types across distinct construction applications.
Fig: Field visit
Conclusion:
In this context, the right choice of cement type becomes a critical consideration, depending
on the project's specific requirements and objectives. The benefits of each cement type are
aligned with certain construction needs, while the challenges need to be managed through
appropriate techniques and planning. The project exemplifies how cement selection
contributes to the overall success of a construction endeavor by catering to structural
integrity, workability, durability, aesthetics, and environmental considerations.