You sent your questions to my DMs. In this episode, I answer them — with the science, the logic and the IS code behind every answer.

This is Part 1 of our listener Q&A series on The CODE – India's No.1 Construction Podcast. Rishabh Aggarwal takes on the first 12 questions, all about cement, concrete and shuttering: what to do on site, why it works, and which Indian Standard says so.

Questions answered in this episode:

1. What's the real difference between cement and concrete?

2. 33, 43 or 53 grade — which cement should you use for your home?

3. OPC, PPC or PSC — which is better?

4. Why does cement have a 30-minute minimum setting time?

5. Does cement expire, and how should you store it?

6. How do you check a cement bag on site?

7. What do M15, M20 and M25 mean, and what mix ratio should you use?

8. What happens when you add extra water to concrete?

9. What slump should your concrete have?

10. Why does concrete crack?

11. How many days should you cure concrete?

12. When should shuttering be removed?

This is general guidance. Structural decisions should always come from a licensed structural engineer.

Have a question for Part 2? Send it to Rishabh on Instagram.

If this episode helped you, follow The CODE and leave a rating — it helps more builders, architects and homeowners find the show.

🎙️ The CODE – India's No.1 Construction Podcast

Hosted by Rishabh Aggarwal

📺 Watch on YouTube: @indiasno1constructionpodcast