IS codes to follow while using materials for construction
Introduction
The versatility and durability of concrete make it the first choice to build structures. Think of how much development has happened in the last 75 years! And more is yet to happen. But what makes it possible to build such structures?
Materials.
Materials are an integral part of construction and take up to 60% of the total construction cost. It is therefore pertinent to diligently use materials while adhering to quality construction practices.
But how to ensure the quality of materials? Refer to IS codes.
The Bureau of Indian Standards publishes IS codes for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. These codes are prepared after extensive research done across the country by reputed construction companies and organizations. The IS codes are freely available in public resources and can be downloaded from the internet.
By referring to these standards, you can follow best practices for construction quality control at your site.
Here are IS codes on materials for concrete structure
1. IS 456: 2000
IS 456 is the most widely used IS code meant for general construction works. It specifies most of the key ingredients required for concrete. Let's see what the code has to say about the use of various materials:
a. Cement
Clause 5.1 covers the precautions to be observed while using cement for construction. The code also highlights ten variants of cement and their references
b. Mineral admixtures
Admixtures include Pozzolana, Rice Husk Ash, Silica Fume, Metakaoline, GGBS, etc. The code suggests referring to the relevant codes on each of these materials.
c. Aggregates
Aggregates should adhere to the requirements mentioned in IS 383
d. Water
Water used in preparing concrete should follow the requirements mentioned in clause 5.4 of IS 456: 2000.
Water used for mixing and curing shall be clean and free from injurious amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials, or other deleterious substances. Potable water is considered satisfactory for mixing concrete.
e. Reinforcement
Reinforcement should adhere to the requirements mentioned in the respective codes:
a) Mild steel and medium tensile steel bars adhering to IS 432 (Part I).
b) High-strength deformed steel bars adhering to IS 1786
c) Hard-drawn steel wire fabric adhering to IS 1566
d) Structural steel adhering to Grade A of IS 2062
2. IS 1542: 1992
IS 1542:1992 is an Indian Standard code for "Specification for sand for plaster." This code lays down the requirements for the quality of sand used in the plastering of buildings.
It covers the grading, physical and chemical requirements, and the limits of impurities of sand used for plastering. The grading of sand is based on the particle size distribution, which is divided into four zones based on the percentage of material retained on specific sieves. The chemical requirements include the maximum permissible limit of chloride, sulfates, and carbonates. The physical requirements include the fineness modulus and the water absorption.
3. IS 1077: 1992
IS 1077:1992 is an Indian Standard code for "Common burnt clay building bricks." This code lays down the requirements for the quality and strength of common burnt clay bricks used in construction.
It covers the physical and mechanical properties of bricks, including their dimensions, shape, weight, compressive strength, water absorption, and efflorescence. The code also lays down the requirements for the manufacturing process, including the types of clay and other raw materials that can be used, the method of molding, and the firing temperature.
The code is intended to ensure that bricks used in construction are of consistent quality and strength. It helps to ensure that the bricks will withstand the loads and stresses to which they are subjected.
It is important to note that IS 1077 is for Common burnt clay building bricks, it covers only the bricks made of clay and not other materials like fly ash, concrete, etc.
4. IS 3952: 1988
Specification for burnt clay hollow bricks for walls and partitions(second revision)
IS 3952:1988 is an Indian Standard code for "Specification for burnt clay hollow bricks for walls and partitions." This code lays down the requirements for the quality and strength of hollow clay bricks used in construction.
It covers the physical and mechanical properties of bricks, including their dimensions, shape, weight, compressive strength, water absorption, and efflorescence. The code also lays down the requirements for the manufacturing process, including the types of clay and other raw materials that can be used, the method of molding, and the firing temperature.
The code is intended to ensure that the hollow clay bricks used in construction are of consistent quality and strength.
5. IS 1237: 2012
IS 1237: 2012 is an Indian Standard code for "Specification for cement concrete flooring tiles." This code lays down the requirements for the quality and strength of cement concrete flooring tiles used in construction.
It covers the physical and mechanical properties of tiles, including their dimensions, shape, weight, compressive strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance. The code also lays down the requirements for the manufacturing process, including the types of cement, aggregates, and other raw materials that can be used, and the method of molding and curing.
The code helps to ensure that the tiles will withstand the loads and stresses to which they are subjected during construction and use and that they will not deteriorate over time.
6. IS 15622: 2006
IS 15622:2006 is an Indian Standard code for "Pressed Ceramic Tiles - Specification." This code lays down the requirements for the quality and strength of pressed ceramic tiles used in construction.
It covers the physical and mechanical properties of tiles, including their dimensions, shape, weight, compressive strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance. The code also lays down the requirements for the manufacturing process, including the types of raw materials that can be used, and the method of pressing and glazing.
7. IS 4082: 1996
IS 4082:1996 is about recommendations on stacking and storage of construction materials and components at the site. This code is an essential read at the time of the commencement of any construction project. The code provides guidelines for the safe and effective storage of construction materials at the site.
IS 4082:1996 is a standard that provides recommendations for the proper handling and storage of construction materials and components on construction sites. It covers a wide range of materials, including bricks, blocks, timber, steel, and other materials that are used in construction.
The standard provides guidelines for the selection of stacking and storage sites, including criteria for selecting suitable areas for stacking and storage, such as accessibility, level of the ground, drainage, and exposure to weather. It also covers the construction of stacks, including guidelines for proper alignment, leveling, and support of stacks to ensure stability and prevent damage to the materials.
The standard also provides guidance on protecting materials from weather, including recommendations for covering materials to protect them from rain, snow, and sunlight. It also covers the prevention of damage from moisture, including recommendations for storing materials in dry areas and providing ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture.
It also includes guidelines for the safe handling and storage of materials, including recommendations for the safe loading, unloading, and movement of materials, and guidelines for the proper labeling and identification of materials to ensure that they are properly handled and stored.
Conclusion
In this article, we saw different IS codes that ensure best practices to handle materials at the construction site. We covered almost every key material and its quality standard required for concrete works.
These codes are intended to ensure that the materials used in construction are of consistent quality and strength. The code also helps to ensure that these materials will withstand the loads and stresses to which they are subjected during construction and use and that they will not deteriorate over time.
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