This standard delineates the specifications for instruments, referred to as length comparators, utilized to quantify dimensional changes in hardened cement paste, mortar, and concrete. It encompasses the apparatus design, constituent materials, construction details, and calibration protocols involving micrometers or dial gauges to measure shrinkage, moisture-induced movements, and other length variations in cement-based substances. It is indispensable for professionals and laboratories aiming to obtain precise length change data ensuring the reliability and longevity of cementitious products.
Overview
This standard delineates the specifications for instruments, referred to as length comparators, utilized to quantify dimensional changes in hardened cement paste, mortar, and concrete. It encompasses the apparatus design, constituent materials, construction details, and calibration protocols involving micrometers or dial gauges to measure shrinkage, moisture-induced movements, and other length variations in cement-based substances. It is indispensable for professionals and laboratories aiming to obtain precise length change data ensuring the reliability and longevity of cementitious products.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
| Component | Material | Special Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (formerly Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for precise adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, and polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
graph LR
Base[Base: Channel Mild Steel] --> Yoke[Yoke: Threaded Mild Steel]
Yoke --> ReferenceBar[Reference Bar: Hardened Stainless Steel]
Yoke --> Micrometer[Micrometer Screw Gauge]
Base --> Bracket[Bracket: Mild Steel]
ReferenceBar -.-> RubberTube[Rubber Tube]
This standard guarantees precision and uniformity in apparatus for measuring length changes in cement and concrete.
Overview of IS 9459 Apparatus - Core Specifications
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
graph LR
Base --> Yoke
Yoke --> Bracket
Bracket --> ReferenceBar
ReferenceBar --> Micrometer
RubberTube -.-> Base
This configuration ensures accurate length change measurement in compliance with IS 9459.
Key Construction and Dimension Elements in IS 9459
Clause 3.3: Dimensions stated are nominal except where specific tolerances are indicated, following standard engineering tolerance practices.
Clause 4.1 & Table 1: Material Details
| Component | Material | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | ISLC 150 or ISMC 150 channel sections |
| Pillars | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, and polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
Additional notes:
Typical dimensional notes:
graph LR
Base[Channel Mild Steel] --> Pillars[Threaded Mild Steel]
Pillars --> Bracket[Mild Steel]
Bracket --> ReferenceBar[Hardened Stainless Steel]
ReferenceBar --> MicrometerScrewGauge
MicrometerScrewGauge --> Anvil[Cylindrical/Conical Recess]
RubberTube -.-> ReferenceBar
This summary aids in the selection of materials, design, and fabrication of length comparators according to IS 9459.
Material Requirements for Length Comparator per IS 9459 (Clause 4.1, Table 1)
| Component | Material | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | ISLC 150 or ISMC 150 channel types |
| Pillars (Yoke) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished; thermal expansion coefficient ≤ 2×10⁻⁶ /°C; diameter 20 mm; length 150 or 300 mm ± tolerance; ends machined to 6 mm spherical or fitted with balls |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | Used for insulating the reference bar |
graph TD
LengthComparator --> Base[Base: Channel Mild Steel]
LengthComparator --> Pillars[Yoke: Threaded Mild Steel]
LengthComparator --> Bracket[Mild Steel]
LengthComparator --> ReferenceBar[Reference Bar: Stainless Steel, Heat-treated Ends]
ReferenceBar --> RubberTube[Rubber Tube for Insulation]
This ensures robustness, dimensional stability, and measurement accuracy for cement and concrete specimens.
Marking Requirements for Apparatus per IS 9459
| Marking Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Identification | Name or trademark of manufacturer |
| Manufacture Date | Clearly indicated date of production |
| Standard Mark | Optional, subject to BIS license regulations |
flowchart TD
Apparatus --> ManufacturerName[Mark Manufacturer Name/Trademark]
Apparatus --> ManufactureDate[Mark Date of Manufacture]
Apparatus --> OptionalMark{Optional}
OptionalMark --> StandardMark[Standard Mark (BIS)]
StandardMark --> License[License from BIS]
This marking system ensures traceability and conformity with IS 9459 requirements.
Calibration and Accuracy Requirements per IS 9459
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
[ L_{T} = L_{0} \times [1 + \alpha (T - T_{0})] ]
Where:
graph LR
ReferenceBar[Reference Bar] --> StainlessSteel[Stainless Steel, Ø12 mm]
ReferenceBar --> LengthSpec[Length 150 or 300 mm ± tolerance]
ReferenceBar --> Ends[6 mm spherical, hardened & polished ends]
ReferenceBar --> Insulation[Central 100 mm insulated with 6 mm rubber tube]
ReferenceBar --> Calibration[Calibration charts for temperature correction]
Ensures precise and repeatable length measurements with thermal compensation.
1. Materials (Clause 4.1, Table 1):
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | For insulation and handling |
2. Reference Bar Details (Clause 3.2):
3. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 3.3):
4. Setup Summary:
graph LR
Base[Base (Channel Mild Steel)] --> Yoke[Yoke (Threaded Mild Steel)]
Yoke --> ReferenceBar[Reference Bar (Stainless Steel)]
ReferenceBar --> Micrometer[Micrometer Screw Gauge]
ReferenceBar --> RubberTube[Rubber Tube Insulation]
[ L_{T} = L_{0} \times [1 + \alpha (T - T_{0})] ]
Note: Anti-corrosion treatment is mandatory for all mild steel parts.
Materials Breakdown (Clause 4.1, Table 1):
| Component | Material | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Pillars (Yoke) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for fine adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, and polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
Additional Notes:
graph LR
Base[Channel Mild Steel] --> Pillars[Yoke: Mild Steel, Threaded]
Pillars --> Bracket[Mild Steel]
Bracket --> ReferenceBar[Stainless Steel, Hardened Ends]
ReferenceBar --> MicrometerScrewGauge
Pillars --> RubberTube
For detailed tolerances and setup, consult IS 9459 and IS 2102 (Part 1).
Material Protection:
Dimensional Tolerances:
Maintenance Guidelines:
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
graph LR
Inspection --> Cleaning --> Lubrication --> Calibration --> Storage --> Inspection
Following these maintenance practices ensures the apparatus maintains precision and longevity per IS 9459 standards.
Materials and Corrosion Protection (Clause 4.1 and Notes):
Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 3.3):
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel | ISLC 150 or ISMC 150 (IS: 226-1975) |
| Pillars/Yoke | Mild steel | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
flowchart TD
Apparatus --> Base[Base: Mild Steel]
Apparatus --> Yoke[Pillars/Yoke: Mild Steel, Threaded]
Apparatus --> Bracket[Bracket: Mild Steel]
Apparatus --> ReferenceBar[Reference Bar: Stainless Steel, Heat-treated]
Apparatus --> RubberTube[Rubber Tube]
Base & Yoke & Bracket --> AntiCorrosion[Anti-corrosive Treatment]
ReferenceBar --> HandleCare[Handle with Care]
Refer to IS 2102 (Part 1):1980 for detailed tolerance requirements. Proper handling and corrosion protection are crucial for maintaining measurement accuracy.
References and Related Standards for IS 9459
Clause 3.3: Dimensions must comply with tolerances defined in IS 2102 (Part 1): 1980 — General tolerances for linear and angular dimensions.
Referenced Standards:
| IS Code | Title/Description |
|---|---|
| IS 2102 (Part 1): 1980 | General tolerances for linear/angular dimensions |
| IS 1199:1959 | Sampling and analysis methods for concrete |
| IS 2386 (Part VII):1963 | Test methods for aggregates: Alkali aggregate reactivity |
| IS 4031:1968 | Physical testing methods for hydraulic cement |
| IS 2:1960 | Rules for rounding off numerical values |
| IS 226:1975 | Specification for structural steel |
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
[ \Delta L = L_0 \times \alpha \times \Delta T ]
Where:
This formula is essential for temperature compensation in length measurements.
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Yoke (Pillars) | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | Threaded for adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS:226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends heat-treated, hardened, polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
graph LR
Base[Channel Mild Steel] --> Yoke[Threaded Mild Steel Yoke]
Yoke --> Bracket[Mild Steel Bracket]
Bracket --> ReferenceBar[Hardened Stainless Steel Reference Bar]
ReferenceBar --> MicrometerAnvil[Micrometer End with Anvil]
Yoke --> RubberTube
Ensure the latest amendments are integrated for compliant fabrication and usage.
Frequently Asked
Per IS 9459 Clause 4.1 and Table 1, the length comparator apparatus must be constructed using the following materials:
| Component | Material | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Channel mild steel (IS: 226-1975) | - |
| Pillars | Mild steel (IS: 226-1975) | Threaded to enable adjustment |
| Bracket | Mild steel (IS: 226-1975) | - |
| Reference Bar | Stainless steel | Ends must be heat-treated, hardened, and polished |
| Rubber Tube | Rubber | - |
Additional points include:
These specifications ensure the apparatus is durable, precise, and minimally affected by temperature variations.
The reference bar, according to IS 9459, is calibrated and specified as follows:
This calibration process, combined with high-precision micrometers, ensures accurate and repeatable length measurements accounting for thermal effects.
As per IS 9459 Clause 3.1.1, the micrometer employed in the length comparator must meet these criteria:
Additional features include:
These specifications guarantee highly accurate length change measurements in cementitious materials.
Thermal expansion is managed in the apparatus primarily through the carefully designed reference bar:
Together, these features allow accurate length measurements that account for any dimensional changes due to temperature variations.
According to IS 9459:1980 Clause 5.1, the apparatus must be marked with:
This ensures traceability and facilitates quality control of the instruments used for measuring length changes in hardened cement paste, mortar, and concrete.
Optional marking includes the Standard Mark (BIS certification mark) subject to licensing under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
These marking requirements are essential for equipment identification and compliance with the standard.
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