What does MPa stand for & what is its significance?
MPa is abbreviated form of mega Pascal, which is a unit of pressure. 1 MPa is equivalent to a pressure of 10Kg /cm2. The strength of concrete & cement is expressed in terms of pressure a standard cube can withstand. The Ordinary Portland Cement, commonly called OPC is available in three grades namely 33, 43 & 53 grades. Thus, for a 43 grade cement a standard cement & sand mortar cube would give a minimum strength of 43 MPa or 430 Kg /cm2 when tested under standard curing conditions for 28 days.
