Code of practice for laying in-situ terrazzo floor finish

IS 2114: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

Scope:
IS 2114 covers specifications for colored cement concrete floor finishes, including materials, mix proportions, and execution.

Key Points from the Code:

• Definitions: Refer IS 10403-1983 for terms.
• Rounding Off: Values must be rounded per IS 2-1960, matching significant figures.
• Mix Proportions (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3):
  All proportions are by mass.

Programming Work (Clause 3.1):

• Floor area and openings
• Sub-floor base details
• Aggregate type and grade
• Desired pattern, colour, appearance
• Treatment at corners and edges

This ensures proper planning and quality control for colored cement floor finishes.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Planning] --> B[Determine Floor Area & Openings]
    B --> C[Assess Sub-floor Base]
    C --> D[Select Aggregate Type & Grade]
    D --> E[Choose Pigment & Mix Proportions]

IS 2114: Information Required for Planning

Key Information for Planning (Clause 3.1)

• Floor area to be covered.
• Location and size of openings (if any).
• Details of the base or sub-floor.
• Type and grade of aggregates; specific requirements for pattern, color, appearance.
• Treatment details at corners and adjacent floors/walls.

Mix Proportions & Pigment Specifications (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

All proportions are by mass.

Additional Notes

• Use IS:10403-1983 for definitions.
• Round off test results as per IS:2-1960.
• Mix proportions must be strictly followed for consistent quality and appearance.

flowchart TD
    A[Planning Information] --> B[Floor Area]
    A --> C[Openings Size & Location]
    A -->

IS 2114: Key Material Specifications & Mix Proportions

1. Pigment & Cement Proportions (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

2. Terrazzo Mix Proportions (Clause 5.3.2)

• Cement : Marble powder = 3 : 1 (by mass)
• Aggregate : Binder mix (cement + marble powder) by volume:

3. Notes

• All proportions are by mass unless otherwise specified.
• Pigments must conform to relevant IS standards (e.g., IS:44 for iron oxides).
• Mixing of materials should follow Clause 7.2 to ensure

IS 2114: Design Considerations - Key Specifications

Thickness Requirements (Clause 5.2)

• Base concrete thickness: ≥ 100 mm
• Cushioning layer thickness: ≥ 75 mm
• Combined under layer + topping:
  • Flooring: ≥ 30 mm
  • Dado/Skirting: ≥ 20 mm

Terrazzo Topping Thickness (depends on chip size)

Dividing Strips (Clause 4.6)

• Materials: Aluminium (with bitumen coating), brass, copper, glass, plastic, or similar wear-resistant materials
• Thickness: ≥ 1.5 mm
• Width: ≥ 25 mm

Rounding Off (Clause 0.5)

• Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test/analysis results
• Maintain the same number of significant figures as specified values

This ensures durability, wear resistance, and compliance with IS standards for flooring and terrazzo design.

IS 2114: Programming of Work Related to Floor Finish

Key Points from Clause 6 (Programming)

• Preliminary Information Needed (Clause 3.1):

  • Floor area to cover
  • Openings location & size
  • Sub-floor base details
  • Aggregate type/grade & finish requirements (pattern, color)
  • Treatment at corners & junctions with walls or adjacent floors

• Scheduling Considerations (Clause 6.1):

  • Allow time for laying services affecting flooring schedule
  • Ensure adequate curing/hardening of base concrete before floor finish

• Marking Levels & Slopes (Clause 6.4):

  • Mark finished surface levels before starting
  • Mark slopes and outlets accurately; prepare outlet openings in advance

Summary Table: Work Programming Checklist

Notes on Pigmented Floor Finishes (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

• Pigment to cement/white cement ratios vary by color (e.g., Red oxide: 1:15-20 cement)
• All proportions by mass
• Pigment types: Red oxide, Carbon black, Chromium oxide, Yellow oxide, etc.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Planning Floor Finish] --> B[Gather Info: Area, Openings, Sub-floor]
    B --> C[Decide Aggregate & Finish Type]
    C --> D[Schedule Preliminary Works & Concrete Curing]
    D --> E[Mark Levels & Slopes on Site]
    E --> F[Prepare Outlets & Openings]
    F --> G[Start Floor Finishing Work]

In brief: Proper programming ensures timely services installation, concrete curing, accurate level marking, and outlet preparation for quality floor finishes per IS 2114.

IS 2114: Preparatory Work Key Points

1. Mix Proportions for Pigmented Floors (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

• All proportions are by mass.
• Pigment-to-cement and pigment-to-white cement ratios vary by color:

2. Programming & Planning (Clause 3.1 & 6.1)

• Preliminary info required:
  • Floor area, openings, sub-floor base details
  • Aggregate type, pattern, color, appearance
  • Treatment at corners and joints
• Time scheduling:
  • Allow time for laying services before flooring
  • Allow concrete base to harden before floor finish

3. Mixing Materials (Clause 7.2)

• Follow specified mix proportions strictly.
• Ensure uniform mixing for consistent color and strength.

Summary Diagram: Preparatory Work Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Gather Floor Details] --> B[Select Pigment & Cement Ratios]
    B --> C

IS 2114 – Spreading the Under Layer: Key Points & Specifications

Mix Specifications

• Under layer concrete mix: 1 : 2 : 4 (cement : sand : aggregate) by volume (Clause 5.3.1)
• Max aggregate size: 10 mm
• For vertical surfaces (skirtings/dadoes): Stiff cement mortar 1 : 3 (cement : sand) (Clause 12.1)

Surface Preparation (Clause 8.3)

• Clean base thoroughly (remove dirt, laitance, loose material)
• Wet the surface uniformly without water pooling
• Apply cement slurry immediately before spreading the under layer

Time Limit for Use (Clause 7.2.5)

• Use the mix within 30 minutes of adding water

Cement Slurry for Bonding

• Mix cement and water in a ratio approx. 1:2 by volume to form slurry

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Clean Base] --> B[Wet Surface (No Pools)]
    B --> C[Apply Cement Slurry]
    C --> D[Spread Under Layer Mix (1:2:4)]
    D --> E[Finish Surface (Rough for Vertical)]

This ensures proper bonding and durability of the under layer for terrazzo finishes.

IS 2114: Key Specifications & Formulas for Laying Terrazzo Topping

1. Mix Proportions (Clause 5.3.2)

Binder mix = Cement + Marble powder

2. Layer Arrangement (Clause 5.1)

• Over Ground (Fig. 1):
  Sub-base (consolidated earth/sand) → Cushioning layer (lime concrete) → Base concrete (1:5:10 lean cement concrete or lime concrete) → Terrazzo topping

• On Structural Slab (Fig. 2):
  Structural slab → Terrazzo topping

3. Thickness (Clause 12.2.1)

• Minimum terrazzo topping thickness: 6 mm

4. Summary Diagram

flowchart TB
    subgraph OverGround
        A[Sub-base (Earth/Sand)]
        B[Cushioning Layer (Lime Concrete)]
        C[Base Concrete (1:5:10)]
        D[Terrazzo Topping (≥6 mm)]
        A --> B --> C --> D
    end

    subgraph OnStructuralSlab
        E[Structural Slab]
        F[Terrazzo Topping (≥6 mm)]
        E --> F
    end

Use this guide for correct mix and layering to achieve durable terrazzo finishes as per IS 2114.

IS 2114 - Curing of Cement Concrete Floors

Key Specifications (Clauses 10.1 & 11.3.6)

• Initial air-drying: Surface left dry for 12 to 18 hours (depending on temperature).
• Wet curing: Water ponding on surface for minimum 4 days.
• Temperature precautions: Avoid extreme temperatures during curing.
• Re-wetting: After washing clean, dry for 12 h and again wet cure for 4 days.

Important Notes:

• Water used for mixing and curing must comply with IS 456:1978 Clause 4.3 (clean, potable water).
• Proper curing ensures hydration, strength, and durability.

Summary Table for Curing Duration

Additional Tips:

• Maintain continuous moisture.
• Prevent rapid drying or temperature shocks.
• Use ponding or wet coverings (burlap, plastic sheets) for curing.

flowchart TD
    A[Fresh Concrete Floor] --> B[Air Dry 12-18 hrs]
    B --> C[Wet Cure 4+ days (Water Ponding)]
    C --> D{Re-washing Needed?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Wash & Dry 12 hrs]
    E --> F[Wet Cure 4+ days]
    D -- No --> G[End of Curing]

This ensures proper hydration and floor durability per IS 2114.

IS 2114 - Grinding and Polishing Key Specifications

Grinding and polishing of concrete surfaces follow sequential steps with specific grit sizes of carborundum stones:

Additional Notes:

• Grinding can be manual or machine-operated.
• The grit size progression ensures gradual smoothing, avoiding surface damage.
• Polishing follows grinding, typically with finer abrasives or polishing compounds (not detailed in clauses provided).

flowchart LR
    A[1st Grinding\n(60 grit)] --> B[2nd Grinding\n(Intermediate grit)]
    B --> C[3rd Grinding\n(120-150 grit)]
    C --> D[4th Grinding\n(320-400 grit)]
    D --> E[Polishing]

This sequence ensures a smooth, defect-free concrete surface ready for finishing.

IS 2114: Terrazzo Finish on Vertical Surfaces (Skirtings & Dadoes)

1. Layer Arrangement (Clause 5.1)

• Over Ground:

  • Sub-base: well consolidated earth/sand
  • Cushioning Layer: lime concrete (min. 75 mm thick)
  • Base Concrete: lean cement concrete 1:5:10 (min. 100 mm thick)
  • Terrazzo Topping

• On Structural Slab:

  • Structural Slab
  • Cushioning Layer (lime concrete)
  • Terrazzo Topping

2. Under Layer (Clause 12.1)

• Cement mortar mix: 1:3 (cement:sand by volume)
• Stiff layer, finished rough for keying the topping
• Thickness combined with topping for dado/skirting: ≥ 20 mm

3. Terrazzo Topping Mix Proportions (Clause 5.3.2)

4. Thickness of Terrazzo Topping (Clause 5.2)

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Sub-base: Earth/Sand] --> B[Cushioning Layer: Lime Concrete (≥75 mm)]
    B --> C[Base Concrete: Lean Cement Concrete (≥100 mm)]
    C --> D[Under Layer: Cement Mortar 1:3 (Rough Finish)]
    D

IS 2114: Inspection and Testing - Key Points

Inspection & Testing (Clause 13)

• Testing and inspection must ensure compliance with the standard.
• Final test values should be rounded as per IS 2:1960 rules, matching the significant figures of specified values.
• Definitions follow IS 10403-1983.

Pigment Proportions for Terrazzo Flooring (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

Additional Notes:

• Grinding is manual (Clause 12.3).
• Mix proportions are by mass.
• Follow curing, laying, and maintenance similar to in-situ terrazzo flooring.

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Round the test results to the same decimal places as the specified values.
• Example: If specified compressive strength is 30.0 MPa, round test results to one decimal place.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Flooring Material] --> B[Mixing Pigments & Cement]
    B --> C[Manual Grinding]
   

IS 2114: Maintenance Key Points & Specifications

1. Inspection Checklist (Clause 13.1)

• Base condition & level relative to flooring
• Aggregate suitability & material proportioning
• Proper mixing & consolidation
• Adequate bonding between layers
• Correct bay size, dividing strips, floor gradient
• Proper curing

2. Maintenance Guidelines (Clause 14.1.1)

• Do NOT use soap for cleaning (makes surface slippery)
• Avoid excessive polishing (also causes slipperiness)
• Keep surface free from oil and grease to prevent slipperiness

3. Pigment Mix Proportions for Colored Terrazzo (Clause 4.4 & Table 5.3)

Summary Diagram: Maintenance Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Terrazzo Floor] --> B[Inspect Base & Level]
    B --> C[Check Aggregate & Mix]
    C --> D[Ensure Proper Mixing & Bonding]
    D --> E[Check Bay Size & Floor Gradient]
    E --> F[Curing & Consolidation