The IS SP Part 62 (1997) handbook offers an exhaustive reference on effective building construction techniques covering diverse materials and methods, excluding electrical work. It is designed to assist engineers, architects, and construction professionals in all phases of building projects, from design to execution, including masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, demolition, and seismic reinforcement.
Overview
The IS SP Part 62 (1997) handbook offers an exhaustive reference on effective building construction techniques covering diverse materials and methods, excluding electrical work. It is designed to assist engineers, architects, and construction professionals in all phases of building projects, from design to execution, including masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, demolition, and seismic reinforcement.
Audience
Contents
Structure
This section outlines the fundamental coverage of the handbook, emphasizing site preparation, excavation support, and safety protocols during construction. It includes specifications tailored to soil types and trench depths, guidelines for protecting openings during demolition, and references to related Indian Standards for materials and safety.
Details appropriate mortar mix ratios for varying brick strengths, mortar preparation techniques including slump and sand quality, and mix designs for hollow concrete blocks under different loading conditions.
Defines stone dimensions, dressing requirements, bonding methods including the use of bond stones, hearting characteristics, and mortar standards for different masonry types.
Provides building height limitations by seismic zones, site selection criteria, foundation depth recommendations, and bracing systems using timber or bamboo to improve lateral stability.
Discusses internal bracing methods for high seismic zones, minimum timber member sizes for bracing, jointing specifications, and detailed diagrams illustrating bracing concepts.
Specifies characteristics of glass fibre tissue, suitable bitumen types and penetration values, application thicknesses, laying procedures, and curing requirements for durable waterproofing.
Explains precasting procedures, reinforcement placement, grouting, curing durations, handling, and design considerations in accordance with reinforced concrete standards.
Covers dimensional requirements, lateral bracing for tall walls, demolition sequencing, debris management, safety walkways, underpinning needs, and protection of floor openings.
Presents mix designs and thicknesses for cement concrete floors over ground and structural slabs, granolithic toppings, and layering techniques for durability.
Details panel sizes, jointing methods, nail spacing, types of nails, edge sealing, and standards for various board materials including plywood, particle, and fibre boards.
Describes different roof types, installation details for sloped roofs using galvanized steel sheets, flashing around openings, minimum slopes, overlaps, and fixing techniques for leak prevention.
Outlines types of waterproofing including integral and surface methods, joint and crack treatment, drainage provisions, surface preparation, application methods, and curing for effective moisture resistance.
Includes joinery types such as tenon joints, joint finishing styles, expansion joint sealing, attachment details, minimum timber sizes, and hardware specifications like nail sizes and gusset thickness.
Provides guidance on permanent ventilation louvres using glass strips, groove dimensions and angles, overlap requirements, hardware fittings, and design parameters concerning wind loads.
Describes external and internal termite protection measures including metal shields, concrete sub-bases, sand layers, timber treatment standards, shield dimensions, and chemical soil treatment specifications.
Frequently Asked
The standard advises using mortars whose strength matches or is lower than the masonry units, including cement, lime, or cement-lime mixes as per IS 2250:1981. Class C hydrated lime (IS 712:1984) and slaked quick lime (IS 1635:1992) are specified. Pozzolanic materials should conform to IS 4098:1983, and aggregates must meet IS 3068:1986 or IS 383:1970. Clean potable water free from contaminants is essential for mixing. Mortar mixing and quality control follow the guidelines in Clause 3.3 and Annexes A and B, ensuring proper workability and durability.
The handbook mandates adherence to IS 1893:1984 for seismic design criteria, emphasizing structural integrity for weaker materials such as low-strength masonry and earthen buildings. It provides recommendations on lateral strength, stiffness, proper load paths, and detailing for ductility to enhance seismic resilience. It covers construction types including masonry, timber, and prefabricated flooring and roofing, focusing on fundamental seismic resistance principles tailored for different materials.
Waterproofing guidelines include preventing moisture ingress via integral and surface waterproofing methods. Surface preparation per IS 3067:1988 is critical, involving cleaning, drying, and priming with bitumen primer (0.2 to 0.4 l/m²). Materials such as lime concrete, bitumen felts, bitumen mastic, glass fibre reinforced bitumen, polyethylene films, and silicone-based water repellents are recommended as per respective IS codes. Proper layering and curing times ensure effective damp-proofing and waterproofing performance.
Precast concrete components must be cured thoroughly and stored correctly. Piles should be driven with suitable hammers ensuring correct penetration without damage, with pile heads protected by resilient packing. Installation requires accurate placement, typically beginning from the center outward or side to side. Precast blocks must conform to IS 2185 series with waterproofing and durability for exposed surfaces. Corrosion-resistant cramps and well-finished surfaces without plastering are specified. During demolition, joints and supports must be assessed, and temporary supports provided to maintain safety and stability.
The standard emphasizes thorough pre-demolition planning, including structural assessment, detailed demolition sequencing, and worker briefings on safety. Site safety measures include posting danger signs, barricading openings, maintaining clean walkways with lighting, and employing watchmen outside working hours. Utilities must be shut off at property boundaries. Structural shoring is required for compromised walls or roofs, and protective measures like screens prevent injury from debris. Personal protective equipment such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety belts are mandatory. Mechanical demolition must be carefully controlled with proper barricading and no workers in hazardous zones during operation.
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