Cement is the most important construction material which is used widely. Cement is generally used to prepare concrete and mortar which are used to make RCC framed structures. Cement has binding properties and can easily mix with aggregates and forms a homogeneous mixture, which hardens to give a stone-like strength. The strength and durability of the structure are mainly dependent on strength of cement.

 

There are several makers of cement worldwide. Persistently they adopt unhealthy practices to manufacture and pack cement to extend their profits. The price of cement is quite alternative construction materials (coarse aggregates, fine aggregates etc.) and it conjointly affects your overall project value. Hence we must be aware before buying cement bags because sometimes cement bags arriving on the site may be a duplicate. Duplicate or adulterated cement will decrease the life of the structure. You have to check some basic standard specifications before you buy it. You must check the information that is printed on a standard cement bag. Here are some points to check on a cement bag, at the time of purchasing or receiving cement bags to ensure the quality.

 

• Check the manufacturer’s name and their registered trademark. If the trademark and name is not printed properly or there is any spelling mistake, then the cement bag may be duplicated.

 

• ISI mark should be printed on the cement bags in black color. That confirms that the cement packed in the bag has fulfilled every requirement as mentioned in its specifications.

 

• The most important point to check on a cement bag is its grade and type of cement. The cement bag of OPC 53 must mentioned the words ‘Ordinary Portland Cement, 53 Grade ’or‘ Ordinary Portland Cement, 53-S Grade whichever is applicable.

 

• The net weight of cement in kg i.e. 25 Kg, 50 Kg etc. must be mentioned on the cement bag.

 

• Check the brand of cement. It is important that the cement is of a reputable brand. One must also check the cut-sheet provided by the brand, to know the technical details about the product.

 

• MRP (Maximum Retail Price) is an important thing to check on a cement bag. The retailer or seller can fool us by selling the cement bag for more price than MRP. Hence checking the MRP before buying the cement bag will help the consumer to avoid any kinds of frauds.

 

• Words ‘Use no Hooks’ or its symbol are printed on standard cement bag.

 

• The batch/control unit number in terms of week, month and year of packing must be mentioned on the cement bag. It is preferred to use a cement bag which is recently packed, usually less than 3 months.

 

• The address of the manufacturer must be mentioned on the bag for contacting him for future enquiries.

 

• The type and percentage of performance improver(s) added, if added must be mentioned on the cement bag.

 

• Particular IS code number should be printed on the cement bag(i.e. )if you have ordered OPC 53 grade cement, then “IS-12269-1987” should be printed on the cement bag, and if you have ordered Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), “IS 1489-1991” should be printed on the cement bags.

 

The above points are essential to check on a cement bag, before buying it. This will help to ensure the cement bags are from a standard manufacturer or seller and helps in avoiding any loss to the customer. After buying cement bags, they must be properly stored and used within few days.