PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) is a strong and durable material most commonly used in construction. It is prepared from a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate and water and does not have any steel reinforcement. The main purpose of PCC is to create a strong and level base for construction. This is modern for construction to ensure strength or eye catcher look. PCC serves as an essential building layer, laid on the ground to prevent reinforced concrete from coming into direct contact with soil and moisture, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the structure. Tensile Factory presents a blog as a guide for you about benefits and uses of PCC Concrete in Construction.
Mixing of PCC Concrete
To prepare PCC (Plain Cement Concrete), it is very important to mix cement, sand, gravel and water in the right proportion. Proper mixing increases the strength, durability and ease of workability of PCC.
Hand Mixing of Concrete
Hand mixing is done for small construction works or for making limited quantities of concrete. In this, cement, sand, gravel and water are mixed by human labour. It is suitable for small projects, costs less, but takes more time and labour. In hand mixing, uniformity is less and it is not suitable for large projects.
Process:
- Spread cement, sand and gravel on a clean area.
- Mix the dry mixture thoroughly by hand.
- Add water slowly and prepare a thick, workable mixture.
Automatic Mixing of Concrete
Automatic or machine mixing of concrete is done for large projects to prepare uniform and fast concrete. In this, a mixer with motor and blades is used.
Process
- Add aggregates, sand and cement to the machine.
- Mix the dry mixture.
- Add water slowly and prepare a uniform workable mixture.
- Pour the mixture immediately at the construction site.
Ingredients of PCC Concrete
1. Coarse Aggregates
The gravel used in PCC should not contain any foreign granite or other stone like material. It should not contain hard particles, clay or other impurities. Gravel of size 20 mm and smaller is generally used. Each piece of gravel should be screened with a 5 mm square mesh and should be properly graded so that voids are not more than 42%.
2. Fine Aggregates
- The sand should contain hard, sharp and angular particles.
- The sand should pass through a 5 mm mesh screen.
- The sand should be clean and free from dust, biological debris and any kind of impurities.
- Sea sand should not be used.
3. Cement
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is used in making PCC.
- The cement should be fine enough and should have the required tensile and compressive strength.
- It should be as per all standards and specifications.
4. Water
- The water should be almost impurity-free and crystal clear.
- It should not contain plant growth, oil, chemicals, oxidizing agents, minerals or other contaminants.
Benefits of PCC Concrete
- Provides a strong base: PCC Concrete provides a strong and stable base for the foundation, thereby increasing the durability of the structure.
- Protects RCC from soil and moisture: The PCC layer prevents RCC from coming in direct contact with soil and water, thereby protecting the steel reinforcement from corrosion.
- Durable and long life: PCC prevents shrinkage, cracking and minor deformations, thereby making the construction durable for a long time.
- Creates a smooth and level surface: PCC provides a smooth and level surface on which further brickwork, flooring or RCC slabs are easy to lay.
- Economical and time saving: PCC being non-reinforced is cheaper than RCC and is easy to prepare.
- Perfect load distribution on the ground: The load from PCC is evenly distributed on the foundation, thereby increasing the stability and safety of the structure.
- Useful in Roads and Flooring: PCC provides a strong and durable base layer for roads, industrial floors and pavements.
Uses of PCC Concrete in Construction
- Foundation: As a blinding layer beneath RCC.
- Flooring: For ground floor, terraces and industrial floors.
- Roads & Pavements: Strong base for roads, sidewalks and pavements.
- Drainage & Canals: Stable and water-tight structure in waterways and drainage lines.
- Industrial Platforms: For heavy machinery and equipment bases.
- Temporary Works: Temporary flooring or base layer at construction site.
- Slope Protection & Pavement Bedding: Basing in retaining walls and pavements.
What Should Be Done Using PCC Concrete
- Foundation Blinding: As base layer beneath RCC.
- Floor Base: For ground floor, terraces and industrial floors.
- Roads & Pavements: Strong base for road and sidewalks.
- Drainage & Canals: Water-tight structure in drainage and canals.
- Industrial Platforms: For machine and equipment bases.
- Temporary Flooring: Temporary base on construction sites.
- Slope Protection & Bedding: In retaining walls and pavement bedding.
PCC Concrete provides a strong and durable base in construction. It is required for various structures such as foundations, flooring, roads, canals and industrial platforms. PCC is used to protect RCC from soil and moisture, distribute loads evenly and ensure longevity of the construction. Its cost effectiveness, durability and simple construction process make it an important part of any construction project.
