Construction has been integral to the growth of civilization. A significant part of this massive physical and infrastructure development can be attributed to concrete. Did you know that concrete is used in construction twice as much as any other material? Among the various types of concrete, reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and plain cement concrete (PCC) play pivotal roles in construction. While both are concrete mixes, their composition and applications differ significantly. Understanding the difference between PCC and RCC is crucial for choosing the perfect concrete mix for your next project.
Understanding PCC and RCC
What is PCC?
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a mixture of cement, fine aggregate (sand), and coarse aggregate without steel reinforcement. We frequently use it in construction as the foundation for buildings, roadways, floors, and retaining walls. One of the main purposes of PCC structures is to provide a level and robust surface, prevent direct contact between reinforced concrete and soil or water, and avoid mixing concrete with soil. PCC is sometimes referred to as mud mats or binding concrete.
What is RCC?
Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) uses steel reinforcement to increase the strength and stability of the concrete. During the casting process, freshly mixed concrete is combined with sand, aggregates, and water and reinforced with welded wire fabric and steel bars. The reinforcement and concrete work together in RCC structures to resist tensile, compressive, and bending stresses. This property allows RCC to be used in several construction projects, including precast structures, highways, bridges, building rooftops, and foundations.
Applications of RCC and PCC
You must understand the difference between PCC and RCC in terms of applications.
Applications of PCC
PCC is used for non-load-bearing structures. It is a popular option for small to medium-sized building projects and is an affordable solution for construction works that do not require high strength or durability. Applications of PCC include:
- Foundation: PCC provides an impervious bed for RCC in the foundation of buildings and structures, offering a strong, stable, and level surface for constructing the superstructure.
- Flooring: PCC is commonly used for flooring in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, providing a smooth and durable surface that can withstand regular foot traffic.
- Pavement: PCC is used for constructing pavements, such as sidewalks, driveways, and pathways, offering a sturdy and long-lasting surface that can withstand vehicular and pedestrian loads.
- Footings: PCC creates the base for the foundation layer of structures, providing stability and helping distribute the load of the superstructure to the soil.
- Small-scale Construction: PCC is widely used in small-scale construction projects, such as boundary walls, retaining walls, and minor structural elements.
Application of RCC
RCC is essential for constructing load-bearing structures such as beams, columns, slabs, and foundations. Here are some common applications:
- Buildings: RCC is a cost-effective, durable, fireproof, and reliable construction material used in residential and commercial structures. It is suitable for floors, roof slabs, columns, and beams, and is commonly used in large areas like conference halls. RCC’s versatility allows for unique architectural designs. Multistory reinforced concrete buildings are common in residential and office complexes.
- Bridges: There is a growing trend to use RCC bridges of various spans, offering aesthetically superior and economical structures compared to steel bridges. The durability and strength of RCC make it suitable for withstanding heavy loads and adverse environmental conditions. Modern concrete development allows for achieving desired properties like construction efficiency and long-term durability.
- Roads and Pavements: We use RCC in constructing roads designed for heavy traffic and environmental conditions, such as aeroplane runways, highways, and flying-boat slipways.
- Foundations: RCC is used in constructing almost all types of foundations, including pile and raft foundations. Precast and cast-in-situ reinforced concrete piles serve as the foundation for several structures, including buildings and bridges.
- Dams: RCC is ideal for constructing dams due to its ability to resist water pressure and provide stability. It is also used in constructing other dam components, such as dam walls and spillways.
- Industrial Structures: RCC is suitable for constructing industrial structures like factories and warehouses. It can withstand heavy machinery, equipment, and loads associated with industrial operations. RCC is ideal for heavy-duty factory floors due to its resistance to wear and tear and improved durability.
The cost difference between PCC and RCC
Plain cement concrete
Generally less expensive because of the absence of steel reinforcement. This makes PCC a great alternative for projects with limited budget constraints and minimal structural loads.
Reinforced cement concrete
RCC is more expensive than PCC because of steel reinforcement and labour requirements to handle the intricate construction procedure. However, its robustness and longevity justify its high initial cost.
Durability and maintenance difference between PCC and RCC
- PCC: While PCC is durable under compressive loads, it is prone to cracking under tensile stress, leading to maintenance issues over time.
- RCC: Offers superior durability and can withstand substantial stress and strain, resulting in lower maintenance costs over its lifespan. This makes RCC a cost-effective choice for long-term infrastructure projects.
Advantages and disadvantages
PCC
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| PCC is more affordable compared to specialised concrete mixes | Limited tensile strength and is unsuitable for harsh climates. |
| Suitable for a range of applications (foundations, pavements, roads) | Prone to cracking due to improper laying, temperature variations, and shrinkage. |
| Excellent durability, ideal for high-traffic areas. | Limited flexibility can’t adapt to soil settlement. |
| Easy to work with and mould. | PCC requires a high curing time. |
| Excellent compressive strength, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. | PCC is inherently brittle and prone to shrinkage. |
| Uniform load distribution. | Prone to cracking under sudden loads. |
Key factors while choosing between PCC and RCC in construction
While deciding between PCC and RCC you need to consider the particular requirements of your project. Each material has its benefits and applications. PCC or simple concrete cement is a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregates and contractors use it for non-structural components like small-scale buildings, flooring, and walkways. Low-stress applications can benefit from PCC’s cost-effectiveness and smooth, level surface.
RCC, on the other hand, has steel reinforcement bars and is a more robust and long-lasting solution. Because the steel reinforcement can sustain tensile forces, it can be used for structural components such as slabs, columns, and beams. RCC has higher load and stress tolerance and improved structural integrity.
The decision between PCC and RCC depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the project, load capacity, and structural requirements. To select the best option, you must thoroughly review the project specifications and confer with structural engineers.
Indian Standards and Regulations:
- For PCC and RCC mix design, refer to IS 456:, “Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice” published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- For earthquake-resistant construction using RCC, refer to IS 13920: 2016 “Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Loads – Code of Practice” published by BIS.
How Venwiz Can Help You Choose the Right Civil Contractor
How Venwiz Can Help You Choose the Right Civil Contractor
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