📄 IS 456 · IS 383 · IS 9103 · IS 3812 · IS 16714 · 2026
Materials Used in Concrete
Complete reference guide to every concrete constituent material — cement grades, aggregates, water quality, chemical admixtures, supplementary cementitious materials — with IS standards, properties, test methods and mix design implications
🔢 Portland Cement Types
⚖️ Aggregates
💧 Water Quality
⚡ Admixtures
🌿 SCMs — FA, GGBS, SF
📄Contents
Quick navigation to each material group
🔢Cement — OPC/PPC/PSC
▲️Coarse Aggregate
◎️Fine Aggregate
💧Water Quality
⚡Chemical Admixtures
🌿SCMs: FA, GGBS, SF
⚖️Cement Chemistry
📋Key Test Methods
🔢Cement — Types, Grades & Properties
Portland and blended cements used in Indian concrete construction · Bureau of Indian Standards specifications
Cement is the binding agent in concrete — the only constituent that participates in the hydration reaction to produce the C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate) gel responsible for strength and durability. The choice of cement type and grade is the single most consequential mix design decision, affecting strength, heat of hydration, durability, early strength development and cost.
🔢
OPC 33 GradeIS 269:2015
28d Strength≥ 33 MPa
SG3.10–3.15
Fineness≥ 225 m²/kg
Initial Set≥ 30 min
Final Set≤ 600 min
Heat (7d)≈ 330 J/g
Low-heat application; mortar works, M10–M20 concrete. Less common in modern structural concrete — OPC 53 dominates.
🔢
OPC 43 GradeIS 8112:2013
28d Strength≥ 43 MPa
SG3.12–3.16
Fineness≥ 225 m²/kg
Initial Set≥ 30 min
Final Set≤ 600 min
Heat (7d)≈ 330 J/g
Good balance of strength and heat. Suitable for M20–M35. Common for plastering, flooring, precast. IS 10262 Figure 1 provides strength-w/c curve.
🔢
OPC 53 GradeIS 12269:2013
28d Strength≥ 53 MPa
SG3.14–3.17
Fineness≥ 225 m²/kg
Initial Set≥ 30 min
Final Set≤ 600 min
Heat (7d)≈ 380 J/g
Most widely used in India High early strength. Structural concrete M25–M60. Higher C3S content → faster strength gain, more heat. Mandated for M35+.
🌿
PPC — Portland Pozzolana CementIS 1489 Part 1:2015
28d Strength≥ 33 MPa
FA Content15–35%
SG2.85–3.00
Heat (7d)≈ 250 J/g
k-factor0.25 (FA part)
IS 10262 FigPPC curve
Lower heat than OPC — preferred for mass concrete. Better long-term durability. Slower early strength. Not suitable for prestressed without trial verification.
🌿
PSC — Portland Slag CementIS 455:1989
28d Strength≥ 33 MPa
GGBS Content25–70%
SG2.90–3.00
Heat (7d)≈ 200 J/g
Sulphate R.Excellent
MarinePreferred
Very low heat — ideal for mass concrete and marine structures. Excellent sulphate and chloride resistance. Slow strength gain — extended curing essential.
🔥
SRPC — Sulphate ResistantIS 12330:1988
C3A Content≤ 5%
C4AF+2C3A≤ 25%
28d Strength≥ 33 MPa
UseAggressive soils
Used where sulphate attack is a concern (sulphate-bearing soils, industrial effluents). Low C3A limits ettringite formation and sulphate expansion.
OPC Grade Comparison — Key Properties
| Property | OPC 33 (IS 269) | OPC 43 (IS 8112) | OPC 53 (IS 12269) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. 28d cube strength (mortar) | 33 MPa | 43 MPa | 53 MPa | IS 4031 Part 6 |
| Min. 3d cube strength | 16 MPa | 23 MPa | 27 MPa | IS 4031 Part 6 |
| Min. 7d cube strength | 22 MPa | 33 MPa | 37 MPa | IS 4031 Part 6 |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 3.10–3.15 | 3.12–3.16 | 3.14–3.17 | IS 4031 Part 11 |
| Fineness (Blaine, m²/kg) | ≥ 225 | ≥ 225 | ≥ 225 | IS 4031 Part 2 |
| Initial setting time (min) | ≥ 30 | ≥ 30 | ≥ 30 | IS 4031 Part 5 |
| Final setting time (min) | ≤ 600 | ≤ 600 | ≤ 600 | IS 4031 Part 5 |
| Soundness (Le Chatelier, mm) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 10 | IS 4031 Part 3 |
| Loss on ignition (%) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 4 | ≤ 4 | IS 4031 Part 1 |
| MgO content (%) | ≤ 6 | ≤ 6 | ≤ 6 | IS 4031 Part 1 |
| SO₃ content (%) | ≤ 3.5 | ≤ 3.5 | ≤ 3.5 | IS 4031 Part 1 |
| Typical heat (7d, J/g) | ≈ 330 | ≈ 330 | ≈ 380 | IS 4031 Part 14 |
| Typical C3S content (%) | 40–50 | 50–60 | 55–65 | Bogue calculation |
| IS 10262 Figure 1 curve | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
⚖️Cement Chemistry — Bogue Calculation
Portland cement clinker phases and their roles in concrete performance
Portland cement clinker consists of four major phases whose relative proportions determine strength gain rate, heat of hydration, durability and chemical resistance. The Bogue calculation estimates phase percentages from oxide analysis.
Bogue Equations — Clinker Phase Estimation
C3S = 4.071 × (CaO%) − 7.600 × (SiO2%) − 6.718 × (Al2O3%)
− 1.430 × (Fe2O3%) − 2.852 × (SO3%)
C2S = 2.867 × (SiO2%) − 0.7544 × (C3S%)
C3A = 2.650 × (Al2O3%) − 1.692 × (Fe2O3%)
C4AF = 3.043 × (Fe2O3%)
Note: Bogue equations require oxide analysis from IS 4031 Part 1.
Results are approximate — actual phase proportions determined by XRD.
| Phase | Name | Typical % in OPC 53 | Contribution | Heat of Hydration (J/g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3S | Tricalcium Silicate (Alite) | 55–65% | Early and long-term strength; main C-S-H producer | ~500 |
| C2S | Dicalcium Silicate (Belite) | 10–20% | Long-term strength (slow reaction); contributes at 28d+ | ~250 |
| C3A | Tricalcium Aluminate | 5–10% | Very fast hydration; high heat; ettringite formation; sulphate vulnerability | ~865 |
| C4AF | Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite | 8–12% | Moderate heat; contributes to early strength marginally; gives cement grey colour | ~420 |
Why C3A Matters for Mix Design: High C3A content increases the risk of sulphate attack and also causes rapid stiffening of the paste when mixed with certain superplasticisers (PCE compatibility issue). For SRPC, C3A is limited to ≤5%. For sulphate-bearing ground conditions, the soil SO4 content should be tested (IS 2720 Part 21) and cement selected accordingly (SRPC or PSC). C3A also governs the dosage at which PCE reaches its saturation point — high C3A cements require more SP for the same workability.
▲️Coarse Aggregate
IS 383:2016 — Coarse and Fine Aggregate for Concrete · Properties, grading, testing and mix design implications
Coarse aggregate (CA) constitutes the largest volume fraction of concrete — typically 35–45% by volume. Its physical and mechanical properties significantly influence concrete strength, durability, workability and density. IS 383:2016 is the governing standard.
| Property | Requirement (IS 383:2016) | Typical Values | Test Method | Mix Design Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity (SSD) | ≥ 2.6 (structural) | 2.60–2.75 (granite) 2.68–2.80 (basalt) |
IS 2386 Part III | Used in absolute volume calc; governs CA mass |
| Dry-Rodded Bulk Density (DRBD) | Measured per IS 2386 III | 1350–1550 kg/m³ | IS 2386 Part III | CA = jc × DRBD (IS 10262 Step A) |
| Water Absorption (%) | ≤ 2% (preferred) | 0.3–1.5% typical | IS 2386 Part III | Moisture correction (Annex A) |
| Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) | ≤ 30% (≤25% for HSC) | 15–28% | IS 2386 Part IV | Aggregate not strength-limiting for M≤40 |
| Los Angeles Abrasion (LA) | ≤ 30% (≤25% HSC) | 18–28% | IS 2386 Part IV | HSC check — agg must not be weaker than paste |
| Impact Value (AIV) | ≤ 30% | 15–25% | IS 2386 Part IV | Impact-resistant elements |
| Flakiness Index (FI) | ≤ 40% (≤25% for M30+) | 15–35% (crushed) | IS 2386 Part I | High FI increases water demand; weakens paste-agg bond |
| Elongation Index (EI) | ≤ 40% | 10–30% | IS 2386 Part I | Elongated particles reduce packing efficiency |
| Soundness (Na2SO4, 5 cycles) | ≤ 12% loss | 5–10% | IS 2386 Part V | Freeze-thaw durability; weathering resistance |
| Deleterious materials | ≤ 5% total soft/friable | <2% quality | IS 2386 Part II | Contamination check — reject if clay lumps present |
| Chloride content | ≤ 0.06% (for RCC) | <0.03% | IS 2386 Part VII | Critical for reinforcement corrosion |
| Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) | Not reactive (IS 383) | — | IS 2386 Part VII | Use low-alkali cement or SCM if reactive |
📌 Common Coarse Aggregate Types in India
- Crushed Granite: SG ≈ 2.65–2.68; LA 18–25%; Hard, angular; most common in South India; excellent for M25–M55
- Crushed Basalt: SG ≈ 2.70–2.85; LA 15–22%; Very hard, dense; preferred for M40–M60 HSC; Deccan plateau regions
- Crushed Quartzite: SG ≈ 2.65; Good strength; North India; check for silica reactivity
- River Gravel (Rounded): SG ≈ 2.60–2.68; Smooth surface — reduce jc Table 3 by 0.02; IS 10262 Table 2 deduct 10 L/m³ water; lower bond strength than crushed
- Crushed Limestone: SG ≈ 2.60–2.70; LA 25–35%; Check for sulphate content; not suitable for M40+
⚠️ Flakiness and Elongation at M30+: IS 383:2016 recommends Flakiness Index ≤ 25% for concrete M30 and above. High flakiness (flat particles) increases water demand, reduces packing efficiency and creates weak planes in the hardened concrete. Always request IS 2386 Part I test certificates from the quarry before accepting aggregate for structural concrete.
◎️Fine Aggregate — River Sand & M-Sand
IS 383:2016 — Grading zones, properties, M-Sand vs river sand, sieve analysis requirements
Fine aggregate (FA) fills the voids between coarse aggregate particles, contributes to workability through paste lubrication, and influences water demand, bleeding, segregation and surface finish. IS 383:2016 classifies FA into four grading zones based on the percentage passing 600 µm sieve.
| IS Sieve | Zone I | Zone II ★ | Zone III | Zone IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.75 mm | 90–100 | 90–100 | 90–100 | 95–100 |
| 2.36 mm | 60–95 | 75–100 | 85–100 | 95–100 |
| 1.18 mm | 30–70 | 55–90 | 75–100 | 90–100 |
| 600 µm ★ | 15–34 | 35–59 | 60–79 | 80–100 |
| 300 µm | 5–20 | 8–30 | 12–40 | 15–50 |
| 150 µm | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–15 |
| Fineness Modulus | 3.5–2.9 | 2.9–2.2 ★ | 2.2–1.5 | 1.5–0.8 |
All values are % passing. ★ Zone II is the standard reference for IS 10262 Table 2 and Table 3 jc values.
| Property | River Sand | M-Sand (IS 383) | Test Method | Mix Design Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural river beds | Crushed rock, stone dust | — | — |
| Shape | Rounded, smooth | Angular, rough | IS 2386 Part I | M-Sand: +5–12 L/m³ water demand |
| SG (SSD) | 2.60–2.65 | 2.60–2.70 | IS 2386 Part III | Absolute volume calculation |
| Water absorption (%) | 0.5–2.0% | 1.0–3.0% | IS 2386 Part III | Moisture correction critical for M-Sand |
| Stone dust / fines (% passing 75µm) | ≤ 3% | ≤ 15% (IS 383 permitted) | IS 2386 Part II | High fines increase water demand; improve pump-ability |
| Organic impurities | Possible — colour test | None (crushed rock) | IS 2386 Part II | Organics delay hydration; check river sand |
| Bulking behaviour | 15–30% at 4–8% moisture | Low bulking | IS 2386 Part III | Volume batching with river sand unreliable |
| Availability | Restricted (MSME rules) | Widely available | — | M-Sand increasingly dominant in South/West India |
| 2026 Cost (India) | ₹1,200–2,200/t | ₹900–1,400/t | — | M-Sand typically 20–40% cheaper |
Fineness Modulus (FM) and IS 10262: FM = Σ(cumulative % retained on standard sieves) / 100. For Zone II sand, FM typically ranges 2.2–2.9. IS 10262 does not use FM directly in proportioning (unlike ACI 211.1 which applies an FM correction to FA content). However, FM informs zone classification which determines the jc value from IS 10262 Table 3 — so FM indirectly governs CA:FA proportioning. Always report FM alongside zone classification.
💧Water Quality
IS 456:2000 Cl. 5.4 — Requirements for water used in concrete mixing and curing
Water serves two roles in concrete: it hydrates the cement (chemical reaction) and provides workability (physical lubricant). The quality of mixing water directly affects strength, setting time, durability and reinforcement corrosion risk. Curing water is held to the same standard.
| Parameter | IS 456:2000 Limit | Effect if Exceeded | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | ≥ 6.0 (not acidic) | Acid attacks cement paste; reduced strength | IS 3025 Part 11 |
| Organic content (permissible) | ≤ 200 mg/L | Retards setting; reduces strength; air entrainment | IS 3025 Part 18 |
| Inorganic solids | ≤ 3000 mg/L | Varied effects; salts can affect setting and strength | IS 3025 Part 18 |
| Sulphates (as SO4) | ≤ 400 mg/L | Ettringite formation; expansion; cracking | IS 3025 Part 24 |
| Chlorides (as Cl, for RCC) | ≤ 500 mg/L | Reinforcement corrosion; reduces durability | IS 3025 Part 32 |
| Chlorides (for PSC / prestressed) | ≤ 100 mg/L | More critical — active steel at high stress | IS 3025 Part 32 |
| Suspended solids | ≤ 2000 mg/L | Turbid water may contain harmful silts | IS 3025 Part 17 |
| Alkali content (as Na2O equivalent) | No IS 456 limit; ACI max 600 ppm | Alkali-silica reaction if reactive aggregates used | IS 3025 Part 16 |
| Potable water | Acceptable without testing | — | IS 456 Cl. 5.4 waiver |
IS 456:2000 Cl. 5.4 — Simple Acceptability Test:
If potable water is not available, conduct comparison cube tests:
Control: 100% distilled/potable water
Test: 100% water under question
28-day cube strength of test specimen ≥ 90% of control → ACCEPTABLE
Initial setting time of test ≥ initial setting of control − 30 min → ACCEPTABLE
Final setting time of test ≤ final setting of control + 30 min → ACCEPTABLE
This test supersedes chemical testing requirements per IS 456 Cl. 5.4.3
⚠️ Seawater in Concrete: IS 456 Cl. 5.4 prohibits seawater for use in concrete containing reinforcement or prestressing steel. Seawater contains approximately 3.5% dissolved salts (predominantly NaCl and MgSO4) — the chloride content (~19,000 mg/L) far exceeds the IS 456 limit of 500 mg/L for RCC and will cause rapid reinforcement corrosion. Seawater may be used for mass plain concrete (PCC) blinding layers only, with engineer’s approval.
⚡Chemical Admixtures
IS 9103:1999 — Types, mechanisms, dosage guidance and mix design integration
Chemical admixtures are materials other than cement, water, and aggregates that are added to the concrete mixture before or during mixing to modify properties of fresh or hardened concrete. IS 9103:1999 classifies admixtures by their primary function.
Type A — IS 9103
Water-Reducing Admixture (WRA)
Reduces water by 5–10% at same workability. Lignosulphonate-based. Inexpensive. Limited efficiency for M30+. Mild retarding side effect. Common in M15–M25 concrete.
Type B — IS 9103
Retarding Admixture
Delays initial setting by 1–4 hours. Used in hot weather, long transit, large pours. Sugar-based or phosphonate. Risk of over-retardation at high dose. Essential in India’s summer months.
Type C — IS 9103
Accelerating Admixture
Advances setting and early strength. Calcium chloride (not for RCC), sodium nitrite, thiocyanate, triethanolamino. Cold weather concreting. Precast demoulding. Never CaCl₂ in RCC.
Type F — IS 9103
HRWRA / Superplasticiser (Non-Retarding)
Reduces water by 12–30%. PCE or NSF-based. Enables M30–M60 without excess cement. Saturation dosage must be determined. Essential for IS 456 compliance at M40+.
Type G — IS 9103
HRWRA / SP (Retarding)
12–30% WR with retarding effect. PCE Type G. Extended slump retention. Ideal for long transit (>45 min), hot weather (>30°C), congested high-rise elements. Preferred for M35+ summer pours.
AEA — IS 9103
Air-Entraining Admixture
Creates stable micro-air voids (0.05–1.25 mm). Freeze-thaw resistance. Improves workability marginally. Reduces strength ~5% per 1% air. IS 9103; use only where F-T exposure exists (hill stations).
VMA — IS 9103
Viscosity-Modifying Admixture
Increases paste viscosity. Used in SCC, underwater concrete, tremie. Prevents bleeding and segregation in fluid mixes. Cellulose or welan gum based. Not common in standard Indian RMC.
Corrosion Inhib.
Corrosion Inhibitor
Calcium nitrite (anodic type) or organic film-forming. Extends time to corrosion initiation. Used in marine, parking, de-icing salt exposure. Adds ₹150–400/m³ but significantly improves service life.
NSF vs PCE Superplasticiser Comparison
| Parameter | NSF (Naphthalene Sulphonate) | PCE (Polycarboxylate Ether) |
|---|---|---|
| IS 9103 Type | Type F (non-retarding) | Type F or Type G |
| Water reduction | 10–20% | 20–40% |
| Typical dose (% cement mass) | 0.4–1.5% | 0.2–0.8% |
| Slump retention at 30°C | 30–45 min | 60–120 min (Type G longer) |
| 2026 Cost (India) | ₹18–32/L | ₹55–85/L |
| Cost for 20% WR at 380 kg/m³ cement | ~₹80/m³ (NSF) | ~₹120/m³ (PCE) |
| Net cement saving at 20% WR | ~₹250/m³ | ~₹250/m³ |
| Net saving (material cost) | ~₹170/m³ | ~₹130/m³ |
| Suitable for M55+ | No — insufficient WR | Yes — preferred for HSC |
| Compatibility with OPC 53 | Good | Good; Marsh cone test recommended |
| Air entrainment risk | Low | Moderate at high dose |
🌿Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)
Fly Ash (IS 3812), GGBS (IS 16714), Silica Fume (IS 15388) — Properties, k-factors and IS 10262 integration
SCMs partially replace or supplement OPC cement, contributing to strength through pozzolanic or latent hydraulic reactions. IS 10262:2019 Cl. 5.7 formalises the k-factor efficiency method for IS 456 effective w/c calculation.
🔥 Fly Ash (FA)
k = 0.25
- Standard: IS 3812 Part 1:2013
- Type: Class F (low calcium, <10% CaO)
- Replacement: 15–35% of OPC
- SG: ≈ 2.20
- Reaction: Pozzolanic (SiO2 + Ca(OH)2 → C-S-H)
- Strength: Slow; 28d ≈ OPC, 90d > OPC
- Heat: 210–280 J/g (LOW)
- Water demand: Reduces 5–8 L/m³ (spherical particles)
- 2026 cost: ₹800–1,200/t
- Best for: Mass concrete, economy, durability
🌿 GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag)
k = 0.60
- Standard: IS 16714:2018
- Source: Steel plant byproduct
- Replacement: 25–65% of OPC
- SG: ≈ 2.90
- Reaction: Latent hydraulic (activated by Ca(OH)2)
- Strength: Moderate; approaches OPC at 28d
- Heat: 170–240 J/g (VERY LOW)
- Water demand: Neutral to slight increase
- 2026 cost: ₹2,200–3,500/t
- Best for: Marine, sulphate resistance, mass pours
🔢 Silica Fume (SF)
k = 2.50
- Standard: IS 15388:2003 (IS 3812 Pt 1 referenced)
- Source: Silicon metal production byproduct
- Addition: 5–15% of OPC (not replacement)
- SG: ≈ 2.20
- Reaction: High pozzolanic (SiO2 >85%, very fine)
- Strength: High; significant 28d boost
- Heat: ≈ 14 J/g per kg (low — but added mass)
- Water demand: +2 L/m³ per 1% SF
- 2026 cost: ₹15,000–22,000/t
- Best for: HSC M50+, chloride resistance, impermeability
IS 10262:2019 Cl. 5.7 — Effective w/c with SCMs:
(w/c)_eff = W / (C_OPC + k_FA×FA + k_GGBS×GGBS + k_SF×SF)
Example (M40 design, OPC 53):
W = 155 L/m³, OPC = 388 kg/m³, FA = 78 kg/m³ (20%)
(w/c)_eff = 155 / (388 + 0.25×78) = 155 / 407.5 = 0.380
IS 456 check (Extreme max 0.40): 0.380 ≤ 0.40 ✓
With GGBS instead (30%): GGBS = 116 kg/m³
(w/c)_eff = 155 / (388 + 0.60×116) = 155 / 457.6 = 0.339 → even better ✓
With SF addition (10%): SF = 39 kg/m³
(w/c)_eff = 155 / (388 + 2.50×39) = 155 / 485.5 = 0.319 → excellent ✓
| Property | Fly Ash (IS 3812) | GGBS (IS 16714) | Silica Fume (IS 15388) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiO2 minimum (%) | 35 (Class F) | — | ≥ 85 |
| CaO content (%) | <10 (Class F) | 30–40 | <1 |
| Loss on ignition (%) | ≤ 12 (Class F) | ≤ 3 | ≤ 6 |
| Fineness (m²/kg) | ≥ 320 | ≥ 400 | 15,000–20,000 |
| Activity index (28d, % of OPC) | ≥ 75% | ≥ 90% | ≥ 105% |
| IS 10262 k-factor | 0.25 | 0.60 | 2.50 |
| Max replacement / addition | 35% of OPC | 65% of OPC | 15% of OPC |
| IS 456 effective w/c | Reduces moderately | Reduces significantly | Reduces dramatically |
📋Key Test Methods for Mix Design Materials
Indian Standards for material testing — required before IS 10262 mix design can begin
| Property | Material | IS Standard | Frequency | Mix Design Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG (SSD) and absorption | CA and FA | IS 2386 Part III | Per quarry / each delivery | Absolute volume calc and moisture correction |
| Dry-Rodded Bulk Density | Coarse aggregate | IS 2386 Part III | Per quarry | CA = jc × DRBD (IS 10262 Step A) |
| Sieve analysis / grading | CA and FA | IS 2386 Part I | Each delivery | Zone classification → jc selection |
| Fineness Modulus | Fine aggregate | IS 2386 Part I | Each delivery | Zone ID; quality monitoring |
| Moisture content | CA and FA | IS 2386 Part III | Each shift (daily) | IS 10262 Annex A moisture correction |
| Aggregate Crushing Value | Coarse aggregate | IS 2386 Part IV | Per quarry | Quality check for M35+ concrete |
| LA Abrasion Value | Coarse aggregate | IS 2386 Part IV | Per quarry | HSC check — must be ≤25% for M50+ |
| Flakiness & Elongation | Coarse aggregate | IS 2386 Part I | Each delivery | Quality control; high FI increases water demand |
| Soundness | CA and FA | IS 2386 Part V | Per quarry | Durability of aggregate under freeze-thaw |
| Organic impurities | Fine aggregate | IS 2386 Part II | Each delivery | Reject if colour darker than standard |
| Specific gravity (cement) | Cement | IS 4031 Part 11 | Per delivery lot | Absolute volume calculation |
| Consistency / setting time | Cement | IS 4031 Part 5 | Per delivery lot | Verify before SP Marsh cone test |
| Compressive strength (mortar) | Cement | IS 4031 Part 6 | Per delivery lot | Verify grade meets IS 269/8112/12269 |
| SP Marsh cone saturation | SP + cement | EFNARC / in-house | Per cement lot + SP batch | Determine optimal SP dosage |
| Water quality | Mixing water | IS 3025 Parts 11–34 | Once per source (unless changed) | IS 456 Cl. 5.4 compliance |
| Chloride content | CA, FA, water | IS 2386 VII / IS 3025 Pt 32 | Per source | IS 456 total chloride limit in concrete |
📌 Minimum Testing Programme Before IS 10262 Mix Design
- Coarse Aggregate: SG + absorption (IS 2386 III), DRBD (IS 2386 III), sieve analysis (IS 2386 I), ACV (IS 2386 IV), chloride content
- Fine Aggregate: SG + absorption (IS 2386 III), sieve analysis for FM and zone (IS 2386 I), organic impurities (IS 2386 II)
- Cement: SG (IS 4031 Pt 11), consistency and setting time (IS 4031 Pt 5), 28d mortar strength (IS 4031 Pt 6)
- Admixture (SP): Marsh cone saturation test on the specific cement lot to be used in production
- Water: pH, sulphates, chlorides, organic matter per IS 3025 (unless potable water is used — IS 456 Cl. 5.4 exemption)
- SCM (if used): SG, activity index, LOI as per IS 3812 / IS 16714 / IS 15388