IS 2119:1980 provides comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of brick-cum-lime concrete composite floors and roofs, commonly known as Madras terrace. This standard covers material specifications, structural design of joists, laying procedures, curing, and maintenance practices to ensure durability and performance. It is essential for engineers and builders involved in traditional and composite floor and roof construction in India.
Overview
IS 2119:1980 provides comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of brick-cum-lime concrete composite floors and roofs, commonly known as Madras terrace. This standard covers material specifications, structural design of joists, laying procedures, curing, and maintenance practices to ensure durability and performance. It is essential for engineers and builders involved in traditional and composite floor and roof construction in India.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 2119: Scope Summary
| Parameter | Value/Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Tile Type | Hand-made / Machine-made | As per Part I & II |
| Hand Beater Mass | 1 – 2 kg | For mortar compaction |
| Handle Diameter | 40 mm | |
| Handle Length | 150 mm | |
| Crude Oil for Mortar | Specified in Appendix A | For Madras terrace mortar |
flowchart TD
A[Specification & Design] --> B[Procure Tiles & Materials]
B --> C[Prepare Mortar & Tools]
C --> D[Laying Tiles as per Drawings]
D --> E[Finishing & Curing]
Note: For detailed formulas, dimensions, and testing methods, refer to the full IS 2119 document and associated referenced standards.
IS 2119 - Definitions (Key Points)
| Item | IS Code / Clause | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lime | IS 6508:1972 | Definitions and specifications for building lime |
| Hand Beater | Clause 3.13, Appendix C | Specifications for compacting tool |
| Terracing Tiles (Hand-made) | IS 2119 Part II (rev.) | Specifications for hand-made tiles |
| Terracing Tiles (Machine-made) | IS 2119 Part I (rev.) | Specifications for machine-made tiles |
| Bitumen Felts | Second revision | Waterproofing and damp-proofing |
flowchart TD
A[IS 2119 Definitions] --> B[Lime: IS 6508:1972]
A --> C[Hand Beater: Appendix C]
A --> D[Terracing Tiles Specs]
A --> E[Preparatory Work Info]
IS 2119: Materials Key Points
| Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|
| Burnt Clay Terracing Tiles | IS 1237 (Part I & II) |
| Structural Timber | IS 883 |
| Cement Concrete Flooring Tiles | IS 1237 |
| Bitumen Felts | IS 1322 |
| Precast Concrete Sections | IS 456, IS 1343 |
| Storage & Handling | IS 4082 |
flowchart TD
A[Materials] --> B[Terracing Tiles (IS 1237)]
A --> C[Structural Timber (IS 883)]
A --> D[Cement Concrete Tiles (IS 1237)]
A --> E[Bitumen Felts (IS 1322)]
A --> F[Precast Concrete (IS 456 & IS 1343)]
A --> G[Storage & Handling (IS 4082)]
Ensure all materials meet IS standards for quality and durability before use.
Clause 4.1 - Essential Design Information:
Clause 4.2 - Information Exchange:
| Material/Aspect | Reference/Specification |
|---|---|
| Burnt clay flat terracing tiles (Handmade) | IS Part II (First Revision) |
| Burnt clay flat terracing tiles (Machine-made) | IS Part I (First Revision) |
| Cement concrete flooring tiles | IS (First Revision) |
| Bitumen felts for waterproofing | IS (Second Revision) |
| Structural timber | IS Code for structural timber |
| Concrete flooring & roofing | IS 2118, IS 2792, IS 2858, IS 6061 (Parts I & II), IS 6332 |
flowchart LR
A[Design Engineer] --> B[Provide Surface Area, Support Details, Levels]
B --> C[Architect/Planner]
C --> D[Terrace Laying Team]
D --> E[Construction & Finishing]
E --> F[Inspection & Maintenance]
This ensures a holistic approach to terrace design as per IS 2119, emphasizing communication and detailed planning.
Key Points:
| Parameter | Formula/Specification |
|---|---|
| Flexural Strength | ( f_{cr} = \frac{M}{Z} ) where (M) = moment, (Z) = section modulus |
| Shear Strength | ( V_u \leq V_c + V_s ) (concrete + shear reinforcement) |
| Load Capacity | ( P = f_c \times A ) (compressive strength times area) |
| Stability Check | Ensure factor of safety ( \geq 1.5 ) against overturning/sliding |
| Tile Type | Compressive Strength (Min) | Thickness (mm) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-made Burnt Clay Tile | 10-15 MPa | 10-15 | As per IS 2119 Part II |
| Machine-made Burnt Clay Tile | 15-20 MPa | 8-12 | As per IS 2119 Part I |
| Cement Concrete Tile | 20-30 MPa | 10-15 | As per IS 1237 (specification) |
flowchart TD
A[Material Selection] --> B[Preparation & Laying]
B --> C[Strength Check]
C --> D[Load
IS 2119 – Preparation and Preceding Work: Key Points
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Supporting elements | Complete & cure before terracing |
| Surface finish | Level finished top surface |
| Water quality | As per IS 2119 Clause 3.11 |
| Scheduling | Avoid rainy season & construction clash |
| Documentation | Provide drawings and instructions |
flowchart TD
A[Start Preparation] --> B[Complete Supporting Elements]
B --> C[Cure Supporting Elements]
C --> D[Level Finish Top Surface]
D --> E[Check Water Quality (Clause 3.11)]
E --> F[Provide Drawings & Instructions]
F --> G[Schedule Work (Avoid Rainy Season)]
G --> H[Start Terracing Work]
This ensures a smooth, durable terracing process as per IS 2119 guidelines.
IS 2119: Storage, Transport, and Handling of Materials - Key Points
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Mass | 1 to 2 kg |
| Handle Diameter | 40 mm |
| Handle Length | 150 mm |
flowchart LR
A[Material Received] --> B[Inspection]
B --> C{Suitable Storage?}
C -->|Yes| D[Store on Dry Platform]
C -->|No| E[Prepare Suitable Storage]
D --> F[Protect from Moisture & Contamination]
F --> G[Use Proper Handling Equipment]
G --> H[Transport with Care]
Note: For detailed stacking heights, spacing, and handling methods, consult IS 4082-1977 and respective IS codes for specific materials.
IS 2119: Key Points on Laying Brickwork and Concrete for Madras Terrace
| Material | Volume Ratio |
|---|---|
| Slaked Lime | 1 |
| Broken Brick Aggregate | 2 |
graph LR
A[Previous Brick Row] --> B[Current Brick Row]
B --> C{Slight Rise ≤ 5 mm}
C --> D[Joists Supported by Wedged Uprights]
This ensures good bonding and arch action without centering.
For detailed steps and quality control, refer to Appendix B of IS 2119 and related IS codes.
IS 2119 - Curing of Lime Concrete and Brickwork
Concrete Curing (Clause 10.3):
Brickwork Curing (Clause 9.4):
| Material | Curing Method | Minimum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lime Concrete | Water sprinkling | 6 days |
| Brickwork | Keep moist | 10 days |
flowchart LR
A[Mix Lime Concrete] --> B[Place & Compact]
B --> C[Cure by Water Sprinkling]
C -->|6 days| D[Ready for Floor/Roof Finish]
E[Brickwork Laid] --> F[Keep Moist]
F -->|10 days| G[Properly Set Brickwork]
This ensures durability and strength development as per IS 2119.
IS 2119 - Key Points on Finishing (Floor/Roof finishes):
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption | ≤ 15% |
| Compressive Strength | ≥ 35 N/mm² |
| Dimensions Tolerance | ± 2 mm |
| Thickness | 10-15 mm (typical) |
flowchart TD
A[Material Selection] --> B[Preparation & Drawing]
B --> C[Laying & Compaction]
C --> D[Finishing & Waterproofing]
D --> E[Maintenance per IS standards]
Note: For detailed values, refer to IS 2119 annexures and referenced IS codes.
| Stage | Inspection Particulars | Possible Failure if Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| i) Before laying terracing tiles | - Even bearing surface after filling gaps between joists over walls/beams<br>- Adequate temporary supports for joists | Cracking |
| ii) During laying terracing bricks | - Soaking of bricks<br>- General inspection | Improper adhesion |
| iii) After laying lime broken brick aggregate concrete | - Amount of beating (compaction) | Sagging |
| iv) Curing | - Number of curing days<br>- General inspection | Lesser strength and cracking |
Hand Beater (Clause 3.13 & Appendix C):
Curing Duration: Adequate curing days are critical to prevent cracking and ensure strength.
flowchart TD
A[Start: Before laying tiles] --> B[Check even bearing surface]
B --> C[Check temporary supports]
C --> D[During laying bricks: Soaking & inspection]
D --> E[After laying concrete: Check beating]
E --> F[Curing: Ensure proper days & inspection]
F --> G[End: Quality terrace construction]
Ensure thorough inspection at each stage to avoid defects like cracking, sagging, and poor adhesion.
IS 2119: Key Specifications for Junctions and Parapet Treatment
Typical Section (Fig. 3):
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Tile inclination | 45° to parapet face |
| Tile embedment depth | 50 mm inside parapet wall |
| Concrete base | Broken brick aggregate concrete |
| Plaster thickness | 12 mm |
| Curing duration | Minimum 3 weeks |
flowchart TB
A[Roof Surface] --> B{Broken Brick Aggregate Concrete}
B --> C[Inclined Tiles at 45°]
C --> D[Tile extends 50 mm inside wall]
D --> E[Parapet Wall]
E --> F[12 mm Plaster (after tile laying)]
This ensures water tightness and durability at the junction of parapet and roof.
IS 2119: Maintenance Key Points
| Stage | Inspection Particulars | Possible Failures if Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| i) Before laying tiles | - Even bearing surface after filling spaces between joists<br>- Adequate temporary supports for joists | Cracking |
| ii) During laying bricks | Soaking of bricks and general inspection | Improper adhesion |
| iii) After laying lime broken brick aggregate concrete | Amount of beating | Sagging |
| iv) Curing | Number of curing days and inspection | Lesser strength, cracking |
| Maintenance Aspect | Frequency | Key Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Surface bearing | Before tile laying | Evenness, support adequacy |
| Brick soaking | During brick laying | Proper saturation |
| Concrete compaction | After laying concrete | Adequate beating |
| Curing | Post-laying | Minimum curing days (typically 7-14 days) |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Terrace Construction] --> B[Inspect Bearing Surface]
B -->|Satisfactory| C[Lay Terracing Bricks]
C --> D[Soak Bricks & Inspect]
D -->|Satisfactory| E[Lay Lime Broken Brick Concrete]
E --> F[Compact Concrete with Hand Beater]
F --> G[Cure for Specified Days]
G --> H[Maintenance as per IS Codes]
Note: Refer to IS 2119 Appendix C for hand beater specs and relevant IS codes for roof finish maintenance.
IS 2119: Appendices & Specifications - Key Points
Appendix A:
Specifies requirements for Crude Oil used in mortars for Madras terrace work (Clauses 3.3 & 11.2).
Appendix C:
Details specifications for the Hand Beater used in compacting lime-broken brick aggregate concrete (Clause 3.13).
Clause 4.2:
Mandates provision of all necessary information, drawings, and instructions to personnel laying the terrace.
Related Specifications:
| Appendix | Subject | Reference Clause | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Crude Oil Specification | 3.3, 11.2 | Quality control of mortar oil |
| C | Hand Beater Specification | 3.13 | Tool for compacting concrete |
flowchart TD
A[IS 2119] --> B(Appendix A: Crude Oil)
A --> C(Appendix C: Hand Beater)
A --> D(Clause 4.2: Info & Drawings)
B --> E[Mortar Quality]
C --> F[Compaction Efficiency]
D --> G[Proper Execution]
For detailed dimensions and material specs, refer directly to the appendices in IS 2119.
Frequently Asked
Recommended Materials & Specifications for Madras Terrace (IS 2119)
Terrace Brickwork:
Lime Concrete Layer:
Finishes:
Design Considerations:
| Component | Material & Mix | Thickness/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace Brickwork | Bricks on edge + Lime mortar 1:12 | Supported on joists |
| Lime Concrete Layer | Lime + broken brick aggregate | Thickness per design, total terrace ≤ 185 mm |
| Finishes | Suitable floor & ceiling finishes | As per architectural requirements |
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This construction ensures durability, waterproofing, and efficient load transfer through arch action and composite bonding.
According to IS 2119, the design of joists is as follows:
Steel Joists: Design must comply with IS 800-1962 (Code of practice for use of structural steel in general building construction).
Timber Joists:
Precast Concrete Joists:
| Joist Type | Applicable IS Code(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Joists | IS 800-1962 | Structural steel design standards |
| Timber Joists | IS 3629-1966, IS 883-1970 | Material & design of timber |
| Precast Reinforced | IS 456-1978 | Reinforced concrete design principles |
| Precast Prestressed | IS 1343-1960 | Prestressed concrete design |
This ensures safety, durability, and compliance with Indian standards for joist design.
Procedures for Laying and Curing Brick-Cum-Concrete Composite Floor/Roof (IS 2119):
Laying:
Curing:
This method ensures strength, durability, and waterproofing, leveraging the arch action of bricks combined with lime concrete bonding.
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Key:
IS 2119 on Thermal Insulation and Slope for Drainage
Slope Requirement (Clause 5.4):
Thermal Insulation (Clauses 5.5 & 5.5.1):
Maintenance (Clause 14.1):
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum slope | 1 in 48 (2.08%) |
| Slope provision | Joist / concrete layer / both |
| Thermal insulation | Adequate if terrace > 200 mm |
| Roof finish | As per relevant IS standards |
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To ensure durability of Madras terrace, IS 2119 prescribes the following inspection and maintenance practices:
| Stage | Inspection Particulars | Possible Failure if Not Satisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| Before laying tiles | - Even bearing surface after filling spaces between joists<br>- Adequate temporary supports for joists | Cracking due to uneven support |
| During laying bricks | Soaking bricks and general inspection | Improper adhesion leading to weak bonding |
| After laying lime broken brick concrete | Proper amount of beating | Sagging or deformation |
| Curing | Adequate curing days and inspection | Lesser strength and cracking |
Madras terrace is naturally resistant to temperature and shrinkage cracks due to compatible materials.
Periodic maintenance of:
as per relevant IS codes (11 to 14) ensures long-term durability.
Summary:
Regular inspection at each stage prevents defects like cracking, sagging, and poor adhesion. Consistent maintenance of finishes and supports preserves structural integrity and durability.
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