IS 269:2013 specifies the requirements for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 33 grade used in general construction. It covers chemical and physical properties, manufacturing processes, packaging, sampling, testing, and marking requirements to ensure consistent quality and performance. This standard is essential for cement manufacturers, suppliers, and construction professionals involved in producing, procuring, and using 33 grade OPC in India.
Overview
IS 269:2013 specifies the requirements for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 33 grade used in general construction. It covers chemical and physical properties, manufacturing processes, packaging, sampling, testing, and marking requirements to ensure consistent quality and performance. This standard is essential for cement manufacturers, suppliers, and construction professionals involved in producing, procuring, and using 33 grade OPC in India.
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Contents
Structure
IS 269: Scope & Key Specifications for Ordinary Portland Cement (33 Grade)
This standard covers manufacture, chemical, and physical requirements.
| Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lime to combined silica, alumina, iron oxide ratio (CaO - 0.7 SO3) / (2.8 SiO2 + 1.2 Al2O3 + 0.65 Fe2O3) | 0.66 to 1.02 |
| Alumina to iron oxide ratio (Al2O3 / Fe2O3) | Minimum 0.66 |
| Insoluble residue | Max 5.0% by mass |
| Magnesia (MgO) | Max 6.0% by mass |
| Loss on ignition | Max 5.0% by mass |
| Chloride content | Max 0.1% by mass |
| Alkali content (as Na2O equivalent) | Max 0.05% (lower for prestressed concrete) |
| Improver | Max % Addition | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Fly ash | 5% | IS 3812 (Part 1) |
| Granulated slag | 5% | IS 12089 |
| Silica fume | 5% | IS 15388 |
| Limestone | 5% | IS 1760 (Part 3) |
| Rice husk ash | 5% | IS 3812 (Part 1), IS 1727 |
| Metakaolin | 5% | IS 1727, IS 4032 |
[ \text{Lime ratio} = \frac{\text{CaO} - 0.7 \times \text{SO}_3}{2.8 \times \text{SiO}_2 + 1.2 \times \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + 0.65 \
| Performance Improver | Max % Addition (by mass) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Fly ash | 5% | IS 3812 (Part 1) |
| Granulated slag | 5% | IS 12089 |
| Silica fume | 5% | IS 15388 |
| Limestone | 5% | CaCO3 ≥ 75% (IS 1760 Part 3) |
| Rice husk ash | 5% | Reactive silica ≥ 80%, Pozzolanic index ≥ 90%, LOI ≤ 5% (IS 1727) |
| Metakaolin | 5% | SiO2 + Al2O3 ≥ 94%, LOI ≤ 2%, Alkalis ≤ 1.5%, Particles retained ≤ 1.5% (IS 1727, IS 4032) |
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lime ratio (CaO - 0.7 SO3) / (2.8 SiO2 + 1.2 Al2O3 + 0.65 Fe2O3) | 0.66 - 1.02 |
| Alumina/Iron oxide ratio (Al2O3/Fe2O3) | ≥ 0.66 |
| Insoluble residue | ≤ 5.0% |
| Magnesia (MgO) | ≤ 6.0% |
| Loss on Ignition (LOI) | ≤ 5.0% |
| Chloride content | ≤ 0.1% |
| Alkali content | ≤ 0.05% (prestressed structures note) |
[ \text{Lime Ratio} = \frac
IS 269 - Key Definitions & Specifications Summary
| Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lime ratio: (CaO - 0.7 SO3) / (2.8 SiO2 + 1.2 Al2O3 + 0.65 Fe2O3) | 0.66 - 1.02 |
| Alumina to Iron Oxide ratio (Al2O3 / Fe2O3) | Min 0.66 |
| Insoluble residue | Max 5.0% |
| Magnesia (MgO) | Max 6.0% |
| Loss on ignition | Max 5.0% |
| Chloride content | Max 0.1% (0.05% for prestressed) |
| Alkali content (as Na2O) | Max 0.05% |
[ \text{Lime Ratio} = \frac{CaO - 0.7 \times SO_3}{2.8 \times SiO_2 + 1.2 \times Al_2O_3 + 0.65 \times Fe_2O_3} ]
Note: Definitions align with IS 4845 for cement terminology.
flowchart LR
A[Performance Improvers] --> B[Max 5% Addition]
B --> C[Fly Ash, Slag, Silica Fume, etc.]
D[Chemical Requirements] --> E[Lime Ratio
| Performance Improver | Max % Addition | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Fly ash | 5% | IS 3812 (Part 1) |
| Granulated slag | 5% | IS 12089 |
| Silica fume | 5% | IS 15388 |
| Limestone | 5% | CaCO3 ≥ 75% (IS 1760 Part 3) |
| Rice husk ash | 5% | Reactive silica ≥ 80%, Pozzolanic activity ≥ 90%, LOI ≤ 5% (IS 1727) |
| Metakaolin | 5% | SiO2 + Al2O3 ≥ 94%, LOI ≤ 2%, Alkalis ≤ 1.5%, Particles > 45μ ≤ 1.5% |
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS 4031) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | ≥ 225 m²/kg | Part 2 |
| Soundness | ≤ 10 mm (Le Chatelier), ≤ 0.8% (Autoclave) | Part 3 |
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min, Final ≤ 600 min | Part 5 |
| Compressive Strength | 72h ≥ 16 MPa, 168h ≥ 22 MPa, 672h ≥ 33 MPa | Part 6 |
IS 269: Chemical Requirements Summary
| Parameter | Limit/Range | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| SiO2 + Al2O3 (mass %) | ≥ 94.0% | IS 1727 |
| Loss on Ignition (mass %) | ≤ 2.0% (Metakaolin), ≤ 5.0% (OPC) | IS 1727 |
| Total Alkalis as Na2O (mass %) | ≤ 1.5% (Metakaolin), 0.05% (OPC for prestressed) | IS 4032 |
| Particles retained on 45 micron sieve | ≤ 1.5% (Metakaolin) | IS 1727 (wet sieving) |
| Ratio CaO - 0.7 SO3 to (2.8 SiO2 + 1.2 Al2O3 + 0.65 Fe2O3) | 0.66 to 1.02 | IS 269 Table 2 |
| Al2O3 / Fe2O3 ratio (min) | 0.66 | IS 269 Table 2 |
| Insoluble residue (max %) | 5.0 | IS 269 Table 2 |
| Magnesia (MgO max %) | 6.0 | IS 269 Table 2 |
| Chloride content (max %) | 0.1 | IS 269 Table 2 |
| Improver | Max % Addition | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Fly ash | 5% | IS 3812 (Part 1) |
| Granulated slag | 5% | IS 12089 |
| Silica fume | 5% | IS 15388 |
| Limestone | 5% | CaCO3 ≥ 75% (IS 1760 Part 3) |
| Rice husk ash | 5% | Reactive silica ≥ 80%, Pozzolanic index ≥ 90%, LOI ≤ 5% |
| Metakaolin | 5% | SiO2 + Al2O3 ≥ 94%, LOI ≤ 2%, Alkalis ≤ 1. |
IS 269: Physical Requirements for Ordinary Portland Cement (33 Grade)
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | Min 225 m²/kg | IS 4031 (Part 2) |
| Soundness | a) Le Chatelier: Max 10 mm<br>b) Autoclave: Max 0.8% | IS 4031 (Part 3) |
| Setting Time | a) Initial: Min 30 min<br>b) Final: Max 600 min | IS 4031 (Part 5) |
| Compressive Strength | a) 72 h: Min 16 MPa<br>b) 168 h: Min 22 MPa<br>c) 672 h: Min 33 MPa, Max 48 MPa | IS 4031 (Part 6) |
| Transverse Strength (optional) | As agreed | IS 4031 (Part 8) |
flowchart TD
A[Ordinary Portland Cement] --> B[Fineness ≥ 225 m²/kg]
A --> C[Soundness ≤
IS 269 - Sampling Key Points
Sampling Method: As per Clause 11.2, sampling of cement must follow IS 3535:1986 (Methods of sampling hydraulic cement).
Sample Size for Bagged Cement (Annex B):
| Batch Size (bags) | Sample Size (bags) |
|---|---|
| 100 - 150 | 20 |
| 151 - 280 | 32 |
| 281 - 500 | 50 |
| 501 - 1200 | 80 |
| 1201 - 3200 | 125 |
| >3200 | 200 |
Sampling Procedure:
Testing Timeline: Tests on samples should be conducted as soon as possible after sampling (Clause 12.2.3).
Re-testing: Cement stored > 6 months in bulk or > 3 months in bags after testing must be retested before use (Clause 13.2).
flowchart TD
A[Start: Cement Batch] --> B[Random Sampling as per IS 3535]
B --> C[Sample Size as per Batch Size (Annex B)]
C --> D[Carry out Tests ASAP (Clause 12.2.3)]
D --> E{Pass Tests?}
E -->|Yes| F[Use Cement]
E -->|No| G[Reject Cement]
F --> H[Monitor Storage Time]
H --> I{Storage > 3/6 months?}
I -->|Yes| J[Retest Cement]
I -->|No| K[Continue Use]
References:
This ensures representative, reliable sampling and testing for cement quality control.
Clause 8.1:
Clause 8.2:
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS 4031 Part) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | ≥ 225 m²/kg | Part 2 |
| Soundness | Le Chatelier ≤ 10 mm | Part 3 |
| Autoclave ≤ 0.8% | ||
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min | Part 5 |
| Final ≤ 600 min | ||
| Compressive Strength | 72h ≥ 16 MPa | Part 6 |
| 168h ≥ 22 MPa | ||
| 672h ≥ 33 MPa | ||
| Max 48 MPa |
flowchart TD
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Tests cement as per IS 269]
B --> C{Request for Alkali Content?}
C -- Yes --> D[Include Alkali Content in Certificate]
C -- No --> E[Standard Certificate]
D --> F[Send Certificate to Purchaser within 10 days]
E --> F
Summary: Manufacturer's certificate must confirm compliance with IS 269 physical and chemical specs
IS 269: Packing and Marking Key Points
Packing Material: As per Clause 9.4.3, packing material is mutually agreed between manufacturer and purchaser.
Packing Types (Clause 9.4):
Marking Requirements (Clause 9.4.2):
Delivery Advice (Clause 10.2):
| Marking on Bag/Drum | Description |
|---|---|
| FOR EXPORT | Export designation |
| Net Weight: 50 kg | Net quantity of cement |
| Manufacturer’s Name | Identification |
| IS 269 Mark | Standard compliance |
This ensures traceability, quality, and compliance for export cement shipments.
1. Delivery Advice & Documentation (Clause 10.2):
2. Sampling & Testing (Clause 11.1.1):
3. Storage & Retesting (Clause 13.2):
4. Packing & Quantity Tolerance (Annex B):
| Batch Size (bags) | Sample Size (bags) |
|---|---|
| 100–150 | 20 |
| 151–280 | 32 |
| 281–500 | 50 |
| 501–1200 | 80 |
| 1201–3200 | 125 |
| >3200 | 200 |
5. Reference Standards for Packaging & Testing:
flowchart TD
A[Shipment of Cement] --> B[Delivery Advice]
B --> C[Sampling within 3 weeks]
C --> D[Testing within 1 week]
D --> E{Storage Duration}
E -- >6 months bulk or >3 months bags --> F[Retesting]
F --> G{Pass?}
G -- Yes --> H[Use Cement]
G -- No --> I[Reject Cement]
This ensures cement quality and compliance from dispatch to site use.
| Batch Size (bags) | Sample Size (bags) |
|---|---|
| 100 - 150 | 20 |
| 151 - 280 | 32 |
| 281 - 500 | 50 |
| 501 - 1,200 | 80 |
| 1,201 - 3,200 | 125 |
| > 3,201 | 200 |
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS 4031 Part) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | ≥ 225 m²/kg | Part 2 |
| Soundness | ≤ 10 mm (Le Chatelier) <br> ≤ 0.8% (Autoclave) | Part 3 |
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min <br> Final ≤ 600 min | Part 5 |
| Compressive Strength | 72h ≥ 16 MPa <br> 168h ≥ 22 MPa <br> 672h ≥ 33 MPa | Part 6 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Cement Batch] --> B[Random Sampling per IS 3535 & IS 4905]
B
IS 269: Testing and Independent Verification Key Points
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS 4031 Part) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | ≥ 225 m²/kg | Part 2 |
| Soundness | Le Chatelier ≤ 10 mm; Autoclave ≤ 0.8% | Part 3 |
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min; Final ≤ 600 min | Part 5 |
| Compressive Strength | 72h ≥ 16 MPa; 168h ≥ 22 MPa; 672h ≥ 33 MPa | Part 6 |
flowchart TD
A[Sample Collection] --> B{Timing}
B -->|Before Delivery| C[Test as per IS 269]
B -->|After Delivery| C
C --> D[Physical Tests: Fineness, Soundness, Setting Time, Strength]
D --> E{Pass?}
E -->|Yes| F[Accept Cement]
E -->|No| G[Retest or Reject]
References: IS 4031 (Parts 2,3,5,6), IS 456 (alkali content), IS 4905 (sampling).
Clause 13.1 & 13.2: Rejection Conditions
| Property | Requirement | Test Reference (IS 4031 series) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness (m²/kg) | ≥ 225 | Part 2 |
| Soundness | Le Chatelier ≤ 10 mm; Autoclave ≤ 0.8% | Part 3 |
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min; Final ≤ 600 min | Part 5 |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | 72h: ≥16; 168h: ≥22; 672h: ≥33 | Part 6 |
| Chemical Ratios | Lime ratio: 0.66–1.02; Alumina/Iron oxide ≥ 0.66 | IS 1727, IS 4032 |
| Parameter | Limit for Rejection |
|---|---|
| Storage time in bulk | > 6 months without retest |
| Storage time in bags | > 3 months without retest |
| Fineness | < 225 m²/kg |
| Soundness (Le Chatelier) | > 10 mm expansion |
| Setting time | Initial < 30 min or Final > 600 min |
| Compressive strength | Below specified limits |
| Chemical composition | Outside specified ranges |
flowchart TD
A[Cement Storage] --> B{Storage Duration}
B -->|Bulk > 6 months| C[Retest Required]
B -->|Bags > 3 months| C
B -->|Within limits| D[Use Without Retest]
C --> E{Test Results}
IS 269: List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)
This standard references multiple IS codes essential for cement specification, testing, and packaging:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 456:2000 | Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete |
| IS 650:1991 | Specification for Standard Sand for Testing Cement |
| IS 1727:1967 | Methods of Test for Pozzolanic Materials |
| IS 3535:1986 | Methods of Sampling Hydraulic Cement |
| IS 3812 (Part 1):2013 | Specification for Pulverized Fuel Ash (Pozzolana) |
| IS 1760 (Part 3):1992 | Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Dolomite - Determination of Oxides |
| IS 4031 (Parts 2,3,5,6,8): Various | Methods of Physical Tests for Hydraulic Cement |
| IS 4032:1985 | Methods of Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement |
| IS 4845:1968 | Definitions and Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement |
| IS 4905:1968 | Methods for Random Sampling |
| IS 11652:1986 | Specification for HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Packing Cement |
| IS 11761:1986 | Specification for Multi-wall Paper Sacks for Cement |
| IS 12089:1987 | Specification for Granulated Slag for Portland Slag Cement |
| IS 12154:1987 | Specification for Lightweight Jute Bags for Packing Cement |
| IS 15388:2003 | Recommendations on Stacking and Storage of Construction Materials |
| Batch Size (bags) | Sample Size (bags) | |-------------------
Tolerance Requirements for Quantity of Cement Packed in Bags (IS 269)
Net Quantity per Bag:
Tolerance on Quantity:
| Net Weight (kg) | Maximum Negative Tolerance (kg) | Maximum Positive Tolerance (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | -1.0 | +0.5 |
| 25 | -0.5 | +0.25 |
| 10 | -0.2 | +0.1 |
| 5 | -0.1 | +0.05 |
| 2 | -0.04 | +0.02 |
| 1 | -0.02 | +0.01 |
flowchart LR
A[Specified Net Weight] --> B{Tolerance Check}
B -->|Within Tolerance| C[Acceptable]
B -->|Below Minimum| D[Reject: Underweight]
B -->|Above Max| E[Acceptable: Overfilled]
This ensures bags meet quality and legal packaging standards.
Frequently Asked
Chemical Composition Limits for 33 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement (IS 269):
| Component | Limit / Range | Test Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio of CaO - 0.7 SO3 to (2.8 SiO2 + 1.2 Al2O3 + 0.65 Fe2O3) | 0.66 to 1.02 | IS 4032 |
| Ratio of Alumina (Al2O3) to Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) | Minimum 0.66 | IS 4032 |
| Insoluble Residue | Max 5.0% by mass | IS 1727 |
| Magnesia (MgO) | Max 6.0% by mass | IS 1727 |
| Loss on Ignition | Max 5.0% by mass | IS 1727 |
| Chloride Content | Max 0.1% by mass | IS 4032 |
| Alkali Content (as Na2O equivalent) | Max 0.05% (0.6% for non-prestressed) | IS 4032 |
Formula for Lime Saturation Factor (LSF):
[ LSF = \frac{\text{CaO} - 0.7 \times \text{SO}_3}{2.8 \times \text{SiO}_2 + 1.2 \times \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + 0.65 \times \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3} ]
This ratio should be between 0.66 and 1.02 for 33 grade OPC.
If you need a diagram illustrating the chemical composition balance, let me know!
To ensure compliance with IS 269 for OPC 33 grade, the following physical tests are mandatory as per Table 3, Clause 6:
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS 4031 Part) |
|---|---|---|
| Fineness | Min 225 m²/kg | Part 2 (Air Permeability) |
| Soundness | Le Chatelier ≤ 10 mm | Part 3 (Le Chatelier & Autoclave) |
| Autoclave ≤ 0.8% | ||
| Setting Time | Initial ≥ 30 min | Part 5 (Vicat Apparatus) |
| Final ≤ 600 min | ||
| Compressive Strength | 72 h ≥ 16 MPa | Part 6 (Compression Test) |
| 168 h ≥ 22 MPa | ||
| 672 h ≥ 33 MPa |
These tests verify cement's fineness, stability, setting behavior, and strength development, ensuring quality and performance in concrete applications.
IS 269 - Performance Improvers: Types and Limits
According to Clause 4.1.1 and Table 1 of IS 269:
| Performance Improver | Max Addition (%) | Relevant IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Fly ash | 5 | IS 3812 (Part 1) |
| Granulated slag | 5 | IS 12089 |
| Silica fume | 5 | IS 15388 |
| Limestone | 5 | IS 1760 (Part 3) |
| Rice husk ash | 5 | IS 3812 (Part 1), IS 1727 |
| Metakaolin | 5 | IS 1727, IS 4032 |
Total combined addition limit: Maximum 5% by mass if multiple improvers are used together (inclusive of 1% additives).
Additional notes:
This ensures cement quality and performance consistency.
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Summary: Use only IS-approved improvers, max 5% total addition, conforming to specified chemical standards.
According to IS 269:
| Batch Size (bags) | Sample Size (bags) |
|---|---|
| 100 - 150 | 20 |
| 151 - 280 | 32 |
| 281 - 500 | 50 |
| 501 - 1,200 | 80 |
| 1,201 - 3,200 | 125 |
| > 3,201 | 200 |
Summary:
Loading diagram...
This ensures quality compliance per IS 269
Packaging Requirements (IS 269 - Clause 9.1):
Cement shall be packed in one of the following bags, all in good condition at inspection:
Marking Requirements (IS 269 - Clause 10.1):
Each cement bag must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
Additional Notes:
This ensures traceability, quality, and safe handling of cement bags.
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