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Plain Cement Concrete (PCC): Foundation Base for Strong Structures

By PMG Engineering ·

What is Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)?

Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a lean concrete mixture made of cement, sand, and coarse aggregate in fixed proportions. It is used as a non-reinforced surface base before laying reinforced concrete (RCC) footings, plinths, and raft foundations.

Common Mix Ratios:

  • M7.5 – 1:4:8
  • M10 – 1:3:6
  • M15 – 1:2:4

PCC provides a firm, level, and clean surface for placing reinforcement cages and ensures moisture insulation from subsoil.

Why is PCC Used in Construction?

How is PCC Made and Laid?

Materials:

  • Cement (Ordinary Portland Cement)
  • Fine aggregate (sand)
  • Coarse aggregate (nominal size: 20mm)

Procedure:

  1. Ground preparation:
  • Clean, level, and compact the soil surface
  • Water is sprinkled for settling fine particles
  1. Mixing:
  • Manually or using a concrete mixture machine
  • Consistent, homogenous blend achieved
  1. Pouring:
  • Laid directly on prepared ground
  • Leveled with a screed board
  • Compacted using manual tamping or mechanical vibrators

Civil construction consultants ensure proper water-cement ratio and thickness for site-specific needs.

Measurement of PCC (As per CPWD 1200 Norms)

PCC quantity is measured in cubic meters (m³).

✅ Formula:

Volume = Length × Width × Thickness

This measurement is critical for:

  • BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
  • Contractor billing and estimation
  • Material planning and procurement

Example: For a 4m × 2m footing base with 0.1m thickness:

Volume = 4 × 2 × 0.1 = 0.8 m³

Where is PCC Used?

  • Foundation bases (RCC columns, plinths, footings)
  • Pavements and industrial floors
  • Sub-base for raft and mat foundations
  • Drainage channels, ducts, boundary walls

Tips for Quality PCC Work

  • Use fresh materials and clean water
  • Avoid excessive water which weakens the mix
  • Compact and level properly to prevent voids
  • Cure the PCC for at least 3–7 days if exposed
  • Ensure no honeycombing or segregation

Conclusion: PCC is the First Step Toward Long-Lasting Construction

Plain Cement Concrete is a simple yet essential layer in structural foundations. It sets the stage for safe, strong, and compliant RCC construction. With accurate mix design, surface prep, and curing, PCC ensures:

  • Uniform base conditions
  • Load stability
  • Resistance to subsoil moisture
  • Cost-efficient long-term durability

Partnering with an experienced civil engineering consultant ensures:

  • Proper mix design and implementation
  • Volume estimation and cost optimization
  • Quality control and site supervision
Frequently asked
What exactly is PCC and where does it sit in the foundation sequence?
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is a lean, non-reinforced mixture of cement, sand and coarse aggregate in fixed proportions. It is laid as a surface base before reinforced concrete (RCC) footings, plinths and raft foundations are cast. PCC gives a firm, level and clean surface on which reinforcement cages can be placed, and it insulates the structure above from subsoil moisture.
Which mix ratios are normally used for PCC?
The common nominal mixes for Plain Cement Concrete are M7.5 at 1:4:8, M10 at 1:3:6 and M15 at 1:2:4, expressed as cement to fine aggregate to coarse aggregate. Materials are Ordinary Portland Cement, sand as fine aggregate and coarse aggregate of 20mm nominal size. A civil construction consultant fixes the appropriate grade, water-cement ratio and thickness for site-specific conditions.
How is PCC laid on site, step by step?
PCC laying starts with ground preparation: the soil surface is cleaned, levelled and compacted, and water is sprinkled to settle fine particles. The mix is then blended manually or in a concrete mixture machine until consistent and homogenous. It is poured directly on the prepared ground, levelled with a screed board, and compacted by manual tamping or mechanical vibrators.
How do we measure and bill PCC quantities for the BOQ?
As per CPWD 1200 norms, Plain Cement Concrete is measured in cubic metres, using Volume = Length × Width × Thickness. For example, a 4m × 2m footing base at 0.1m thickness gives 4 × 2 × 0.1 = 0.8 m³. This measurement drives the Bill of Quantities, contractor billing and estimation, and material planning and procurement.
What are the common quality failures in PCC work and how do we avoid them?
The main PCC defects are honeycombing, segregation and voids from poor compaction. Avoid them by using fresh materials and clean water, keeping water content controlled since excess water weakens the mix, compacting and levelling properly, and curing exposed PCC for at least 3 to 7 days. Correct mix design, surface preparation and site supervision are the practical safeguards.
Apart from foundations, where else is PCC applied in a plant?
Plain Cement Concrete is used for foundation bases under RCC columns, plinths and footings, as a sub-base for raft and mat foundations, for pavements and industrial floors, and for drainage channels, ducts and boundary walls. In each case it delivers uniform base conditions, load stability, resistance to subsoil moisture and cost-efficient long-term durability.
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PMG Engineering. (2024). Plain Cement Concrete (PCC): Foundation Base for Strong Structures. PMG Engineering. https://pmg.engineering/Presentation/62/plain-cement-concrete-pcc-foundation-base-for-strong-structures/

https://pmg.engineering/Presentation/62/plain-cement-concrete-pcc-foundation-base-for-strong-structures/