IS 2547 Part 1 (1976) specifies requirements for gypsum building plasters excluding premixed lightweight plasters, focusing on their chemical composition, physical properties, classification, sampling, and testing methods. It applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and users involved in producing or utilizing gypsum plasters for undercoat and finishing coats in building construction, ensuring quality and performance standards for different plaster types such as Plaster of Paris, retarded hemihydrate, and Keene's plaster.
Overview
IS 2547 Part 1 (1976) specifies requirements for gypsum building plasters excluding premixed lightweight plasters, focusing on their chemical composition, physical properties, classification, sampling, and testing methods. It applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and users involved in producing or utilizing gypsum plasters for undercoat and finishing coats in building construction, ensuring quality and performance standards for different plaster types such as Plaster of Paris, retarded hemihydrate, and Keene's plaster.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
Covers physical requirements and test methods for gypsum plasters.
Rounding off test values:
Final test values must be rounded per IS 2-1960, retaining significant figures as specified.
Test result evaluation (Clause 6.4.1):
For setting time, transverse strength, and residue on 1.18 mm sieve:
[
\text{Calculate average } (X), \text{ range } (R) \
\text{Check } X - 0.4R \geq \text{min limit} \
\text{and } X + 0.4R \leq \text{max limit}
]
| Particulars | Requirement (Range or Max) |
|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |
| - Plaster sand mixture | 120 - 900 |
| - Neat plaster | 20 - 40 (varies by type) |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | Min 5 to 14* |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, pitting |
| Mechanical Resistance (Indentation diameter) | 3 mm to 4.5 mm (varies by type) |
| Residue on 1.18 mm IS Sieve (%) | Max 1.0 - 5.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | Max 0.2 to 0.5 (at 24 to 96 hrs) |
flowchart LR
A[Test Samples] --> B[Calculate Average (X) & Range (R)]
B --> C{Check Limits}
C -->|X - 0.4R >= Min Limit| D[Pass Lower Bound]
C -->|X + 0.4R <= Max Limit| E
IS 2547 Part 1 - Key Definitions & Specifications Summary
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemi-hydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Neat plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14* | - |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 (24 h) | ≤ 0.5 (96 h) |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, or pitting in set plaster pats (all types) |
This concise summary captures key definitions, formulas, and physical requirements for gypsum plaster per IS 2547 Part 1. For detailed test methods, refer to IS 2542 (Part I)-1964.
1. Classification Basis:
2. Rounding Off:
3. Physical Requirements (Table 2 Highlights):
| Particulars | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemi-hydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Neat plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14 | - |
| Residue on 1.18-mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 at 24 h | ≤ 0.5 at 96 h |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, or pitting in set plaster pats |
4. Mechanical Resistance:
flowchart TD
A[Test Results: Setting time, Strength, Residue] --> B[Calculate X and R]
B --> C[Calculate X + 0.4R
IS 2547 Part 1: Chemical Requirements for Gypsum Plasters
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Anhydrous Gypsum | Keene's Plaster | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3 % by mass (Min) | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 | IS:1288-1973 |
| CaO % by mass (Min) | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 | IS:1288-1973 |
| Soluble Mg salts (as % MgO Max) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Soluble Na salts (as % Na2O Max) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Appendix A |
| Loss on ignition % by mass | 4 to 9 max | 4 to 9 max | 3 max | 2 max | Appendix B |
| Free lime % (Min) | - | 3+ | - | - | Appendix C |
| Property | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Keene's Plaster | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setting time (min) neat plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 | IS:2542 (Part 1)-1964 |
| Transverse strength (kg/cm² Min) | 5 | 14 | - | IS:2542 (Part 1)-1964 |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, or pitting (all types) | |||
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) Max | 5.0 |
IS 2547 Part 1: Physical Requirements for Gypsum Plaster (Clause 5.2, Table 2)
| Particulars | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Time (minutes) | |||
| - Plaster sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Neat plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm²), Min | 5 | 14* | - |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, or pitting in set plaster pats for all types | Same as Plaster of Paris | Same as Plaster of Paris |
| Mechanical Resistance (Indentation Diameter) | - | 3 mm ≤ diameter ≤ 4.5 mm | ≤ 3.5 mm |
| Residue on 1.18 mm IS Sieve (%) Max | 5.0 | ~1.0 | 1.0 |
| Expansion on Setting (%) Max | - | 0.20 at 24 hours | 0.5 at 96 hours |
| Component | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate | Anhydrous Gypsum | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO₃ (%) Min | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 |
| CaO (%) Min | 2/3 of SO₃ | 2/3 of SO₃ | 2/3 of SO |
IS 2547 Part 1 — Sampling Key Points
| Lot Size (No. of Packages) | Sample Size (No. of Packages) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 3 |
| 101 to 150 | 4 |
| 151 to 300 | 5 |
| 301 to 500 | 7 |
| 501 and above | 10 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Packages] --> B[Determine Lot Size]
B --> C{Lot Size}
C -->|Up to 100| D[Select 3 Packages]
C -->|101-150| E[Select 4 Packages]
C -->|151-300| F[Select 5 Packages]
C -->|301-500| G[Select 7 Packages]
C -->|501+| H[Select 10 Packages]
D & E & F & G & H --> I[Random Selection as per IS 4905-1968]
I --> J[Test Samples Separately]
J --> K[Round Results as per IS 2-1960]
This ensures statistically valid sampling and reliable test results for quality control.
IS 2547 Part 1 – Packaging and Marking Key Points
| Lot Size (No. of Packages) | Sample Size (No. of Packages to Select) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 3 |
| 101 to 150 | 4 |
| 151 to 300 | 5 |
| 301 to 500 | 7 |
| 501 and above | 10 |
flowchart TD
A[Gypsum Plaster Production] --> B[Dry & Lump-Free]
B --> C[Pack in Watertight Bags]
C --> D[Mark Package with Info]
D --> E[Sample Selection per Lot Size]
E --> F[Test Composite Samples]
F --> G{Test Results Satisfactory?}
G -- Yes --> H[Mark with BIS Standard Mark (optional)]
G -- No --> I[Reject Lot]
This ensures quality control and traceability in gypsum plaster packaging per IS 2547 Part 1.
IS 2547 Part 1: Criteria for Conformity (Clause 6.4)
A lot conforms if both 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 are satisfied:
| Particulars | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting time (min): | |||
| - Plaster sand mixture | 120 - 900 | 120 - 900 | - |
| - Neat plaster | 20 - 40 | 60 - 180 | 20 - 360 |
| Transverse strength (kg/cm²) | ≥ 5 | ≥ 14 | - |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping or pitting (set plaster) | Same | Same |
| Mechanical resistance | Indentation diameter > 4 mm | 3 - 4.5 mm | ≤ 3.5 mm |
| Residue on 1.18 mm sieve (%) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 1.01 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | - | ≤ 0.20 (24 h) | ≤ 0.5 (96 h) |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Test a lot of gypsum plaster] --> B[Calculate average (X) and range (
IS 2547 Part 1: Determination of Soluble Sodium and Magnesium Salts
| Parameter | Max % (as oxide) | Method Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble Magnesium Salts (as MgO) | 0.3% | Appendix A |
| Soluble Sodium Salts (as Na2O) | 0.3% | Appendix A |
| Plaster Type | SO3 % Min | CaO % Min (2/3 of SO3) | MgO Max | Na2O Max | Loss on Ignition Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaster of Paris | 35 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4 - 9 |
| Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum | 35 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4 - 9 |
| Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | 40 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 3.0 |
| Keene's Plaster | 47 | 2/3 of SO3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.0 |
IS 2547 Part 1: Determination of Loss on Ignition (LOI)
Loss on Ignition (LOI) is the percentage mass loss when the sample is heated to a specified temperature, indicating moisture, volatile matter, and carbonates.
Limits for LOI (% by mass) from Table 1 (Clause 4.1):
| Plaster Type | LOI (%) Max | LOI (%) Min |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster of Paris | 9 | 4 |
| Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum | 9 | 4 |
| Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | 3 | - |
| Keene's Plaster | 2 | - |
For test results (including LOI), calculate:
Then verify:
[ X - 0.4R \geq \text{Minimum Limit} ] [ X + 0.4R \leq \text{Maximum Limit} ]
flowchart LR
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Weigh Sample]
B --> C[Heat to Specified Temp]
C --> D[Cool and Weigh Residue]
D --> E[Calculate LOI = ((Initial - Final)/Initial)*100]
E --> F{Check Limits}
F -->|Within Limits| G[Accept Sample]
F -->|Out of Limits| H[Reject Sample]
This ensures compliance with IS 2547 Part 1 for plaster quality control.
| Particulars | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3, % by mass, Min | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 |
| CaO, % by mass, Min | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 | 2/3 of SO3 |
| Free lime, Min % | - | 3+ | - | - |
[ \text{Free Lime %} = \frac{\text{ml HCl used} \times 0.37}{\text{sample weight in grams}} \times 100 ]
This ensures gypsum plaster quality per IS 2547 Part 1 for durability and performance.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 2547 Part 1 (1976), the chemical composition limits for gypsum building plasters are specified in Table 1, Clause 4.1 as follows:
| Particulars | Plaster of Paris | Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster | Anhydrous Gypsum Plaster | Keene's Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO3, % by mass, Min | 35 | 35 | 40 | 47 |
| CaO, % by mass, Min | 2/3 of SO3 content | 2/3 of SO3 content | 2/3 of SO3 content | 2/3 of SO3 content |
| Soluble magnesium salts (as MgO), Max % | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Soluble sodium salts (as Na2O), Max % | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Loss on ignition, % by mass | 4 to 9 | 4 to 9 | Max 3.0 | Max 2.0 |
| Free lime, Min % | - | 3+ | - | - |
References:
This ensures gypsum plasters meet purity and performance standards for building use.
According to IS 2547 Part 1 (1976), gypsum plasters are classified as follows:
Plaster of Paris (POP)
Retarded Hemihydrate Gypsum Plaster:
Keene's plaster (used only for finishing)
This classification helps select the right plaster type for specific construction stages and finishes.
IS 2547 (Part 1) - Physical Properties & Setting Times for Gypsum Plaster
Gypsum plasters are classified mainly as:
| Type | Plaster-Sand Mix | Neat Plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Type A (Short time setting) | 45 - 120 | 20 - 40 |
| Type B (Long time setting) | 120 - 900 | 60 - 180 |
| Gypsum Plaster (General) | - | 20 - 360 |
| Property | Type A | Type B | Gypsum Plaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transverse Strength (kg/cm², min) | 5 | 4* | - |
| Soundness | No disintegration, popping, or pitting | Same | Same |
| Mechanical Resistance (Indentation diameter) | - | 3 - 4.5 mm | ≤ 3.5 mm |
| Residue on 90 µm sieve (%) | 5.0 | 5.0* (1.0) | 2.0 |
| Expansion on setting (%) | - | 0.20 at 24h | 0.5 at 96h |
*Note: Values marked with * are specific or revised.
Loading diagram...
To ensure conformity as per IS 2547 Part 1, follow these key sampling and testing methods:
Summary:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Sampling | Random, per IS 4905-1968 |
| Sample Prep | Homogenize, separate, airtight storage |
| Tests | Setting time, transverse strength, residue |
| Acceptance Criteria | As per Clause 6.4 |
This ensures reliable quality control of gypsum plaster lots.
According to IS 2547 Part 1 (Clause 5.1), the only additives permitted in gypsum plasters are those necessary for:
Controlling setting time, such as:
Improving working characteristics, e.g., additives like:
Imparting anti-corrosion or fungicidal properties, such as:
Summary Table: Permitted Additives
| Purpose | Examples of Additives |
|---|---|
| Setting control | Sodium citrate, keratin derivatives, potassium sulphate, sodium sulphate, alum, zinc sulphate |
| Working characteristics | Alkyl-Aryl sulphonate |
| Anti-corrosion/fungicidal | Nitrates and nitrites of alkali metals |
These additives ensure performance without compromising plaster purity or strength as per IS 2547 Part 1.
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