Plain Cement Concrete (PCC full form in engineering) is a widely used construction material in civil engineering. It is a simple mixture of cement, water, and aggregates and is known for its strength and durability. PCC has been used for centuries in various construction projects, ranging from small residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects. PCC can be traced back to the Roman era when it was used extensively for building structures and roads.
Over time, advancements in technology and engineering practices have allowed for the development of better-quality PCC, making it a popular choice for modern construction projects. Today, PCC is one of the world’s most commonly used construction materials and continues to play a crucial role in developing infrastructure and construction projects.
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See also: Grade of cement: What is it and why is it important in construction projects?
Plain Cement Concrete: What is PCC?
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a construction material that is made by mixing cement, fine aggregates (sand), and coarse aggregates (gravel or crushed stones) with water. It is commonly used in pavement, footpaths, and other small-scale construction works. PCC is a versatile material that can be easily moulded into various shapes and sizes and provides good resistance against weathering and erosion.
PCC has no reinforcement, and its strength depends on the ratio of cement to sand used in its mix. It is a cost-effective solution for construction works that do not require high strength and durability, making it a popular choice for small to medium construction projects.
Plain Cement Concrete: Uses
PCC, or Plain Cement Concrete, is a construction material used in engineering for various applications. Some of its common uses include:
- Foundation: PCC is used as a base material for the foundation of buildings and structures. It provides a strong, stable, level surface for constructing the superstructure.
- Pavement: PCC is commonly used in the construction of pavements, such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. It provides a durable, long-lasting surface that can withstand heavy loads and traffic.
- Retaining walls: PCC is used to construct retaining walls to prevent soil erosion and stabilise the soil structure.
- Floor slabs: PCC is used in the construction of floor slabs, which provide a smooth and level surface for installing flooring materials.
- Culverts: PCC is used in the construction of culverts, which are structures that allow water to flow under roads, railways, or other obstructions.
- Bridges: PCC is used to construct bridge decks and piers to provide a solid and durable surface that can withstand heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions.
- Driveways: PCC is also used for constructing driveways due to its high compressive strength and ability to withstand heavy loads.
- Precast elements: PCC creates precast concrete elements such as pipes, poles, and blocks.
- Water tanks: PCC is commonly used to construct water tanks, as it is water-resistant and can withstand the weight of the water.
PCC vs RCC
PCC or Plain Cement Concrete is a simple mixture of cement, sand, and water used for construction purposes. It is used to make foundations, floors, and other basic structures that only require a little strength. It is the most basic form of concrete.
On the other hand, RCC or Reinforced Cement Concrete is a more advanced form of concrete used for building structures requiring more strength and durability. In RCC, steel bars, or reinforcements, are added to the concrete mixture to give it more strength and to resist tension. It builds columns, beams, slabs, and other complex structures.
In terms of strength, RCC is stronger than PCC. It is because of the reinforcement added to the concrete mixture. RCC is also more durable and long-lasting than PCC. However, RCC is more expensive than PCC because of the added cost of reinforcement.
Overall, PCC is used for primary structures, while RCC is used for more complex and heavy-duty systems that require more strength and durability.
Plain Cement Concrete: Advantages
- High durability: PCC is highly durable and can last several decades if laid properly.
- Low cost: PCC is inexpensive and can be used for various applications without causing a dent in the budget.
- Easy to install: PCC is easy to install and can be poured into any desired shape or size without any hassle.
- High compressive strength: PCC has high compressive strength, making it ideal for foundations and other structural elements.
- Versatile: PCC can be used for a wide range of applications, including building foundations, roads, pavements, and sidewalks.
- Fire-resistant: PCC is fire-resistant and does not emit toxic fumes, making it a safer choice in a fire.
- Low maintenance: PCC requires very little maintenance and is easy to clean and maintain.
Plain Cement Concrete: Disadvantages
- Low tensile strength: PCC has low tensile strength and cannot withstand tensile forces. As a result, it is not suitable for applications where the structure is subjected to tension forces.
- Cracking: PCC is prone to cracking, mainly if not laid correctly. It can weaken the structure and reduce its overall strength and durability.
- Limited applications: PCC has limited applications and is unsuitable for structures exposed to extreme weather conditions or heavy traffic loads.
- Low flexibility: PCC has low flexibility, and it cannot adapt to ground movements or soil settlement. It can cause it to crack and deteriorate over time.
- Time-consuming: PCC requires a lot of time to set and harden, and it cannot be used immediately after installation. It can delay construction and increase project timelines.
- Susceptible to weathering: PCC is susceptible to weathering and can be damaged by freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in cracks and spalling.
FAQs
What is the thickness of PCC?
The thickness of PCC depends on the intended use and the load-bearing capacity required. Typically, it ranges from 100mm to 150mm.
How is PCC mixed?
PCC is mixed by combining cement, aggregates, and water in the correct proportions. The mixture is then placed and compacted in the desired location.
How long does PCC take to cure?
The curing time for PCC varies depending on the temperature, humidity, and other factors. Generally, it takes about 28 days to achieve maximum strength.
What are the different types of aggregates used in PCC?
The aggregates used in PCC are sand, gravel, and crushed stone. The choice of aggregate depends on the intended use and the availability in the local area.
What is the minimum strength of PCC?
The design engineer usually specifies the minimum strength of PCC, which varies depending on the intended use. It is typically in the range of 20-25 MPa.
Can PCC be used for roads?
Yes, PCC can be used for roads, but it is less commonly used than asphalt concrete. PCC is often used for the base layer of roads, while asphalt is used for the surface layer.
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