IS 4139:1989 specifies the requirements for calcium silicate bricks used in building construction, covering classification by compressive strength, dimensions, tolerances, physical characteristics, and drying shrinkage. It applies to manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in producing or specifying calcium silicate bricks, including those incorporating fly ash as a raw material. The standard ensures bricks meet quality, strength, and durability criteria suitable for structural and non-structural applications.
Overview
IS 4139:1989 specifies the requirements for calcium silicate bricks used in building construction, covering classification by compressive strength, dimensions, tolerances, physical characteristics, and drying shrinkage. It applies to manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in producing or specifying calcium silicate bricks, including those incorporating fly ash as a raw material. The standard ensures bricks meet quality, strength, and durability criteria suitable for structural and non-structural applications.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
IS 4139 covers methods for testing and evaluating drying shrinkage of bricks.
Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):
Rounding Off (General):
[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Wet Length | Length of specimen before drying |
| Dry Length | Length after drying |
| Shrinkage (%) | Percentage length reduction |
flowchart TD
A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Measure Wet Length]
B --> C[Dry Specimen]
C --> D[Measure Dry Length]
D --> E[Calculate Shrinkage %]
E --> F[Average of 3 Specimens]
Note: Always refer to the latest edition of IS 4139 and IS 2 for precise compliance and rounding rules.
IS 4139 Referenced Standards & Specifications Summary
Rounding off values: Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical results, retaining significant figures as per specified values.
Referenced Indian Standards (Clause 2.1):
| IS Number | Year | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| IS 3495 (Parts 1-4) | 1992 | Tests on burnt clay bricks: compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, warpage |
| IS 5454 | 1978 | Sampling methods for burnt clay bricks |
| IS 15648 | 2006 | Pulverized fuel ash for lime-pozzolana mixtures |
Pulverized Fuel Ash Usage: Limited quantities conforming to IS 15648 may be added to mixes (Clause 4.1).
Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1):
[
\text{Drying Shrinkage %} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100
]
Average of three specimens is taken as batch value.
Standard Mark: Products conforming to IS 4139 carry the BIS mark, ensuring quality and compliance.
flowchart LR
A[IS 4139 Standard] --> B[Testing Methods: IS 3495]
A --> C[Sampling: IS 5454]
A --> D[Pozzolana Ash: IS 15648]
B --> E[Compressive Strength, Water Absorption, Efflorescence, Warpage]
D --> F[Limited use in mix]
For detailed test procedures and values, consult the respective IS codes.
IS 4139 - General Quality: Key Formulas and Specifications
[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]
| Class Designation | Max Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
flowchart LR
A[Wet Length] --> B[Measure Dry Length]
B --> C[Calculate Shrinkage %]
C --> D[Compare with Table 1 Limits]
D --> E{Conforms?}
E -->|Yes| F[Accept Batch]
E -->|No| G[Reject Batch]
This ensures quality control of calcium silicate bricks per IS 4139.
IS 4139: Physical Characteristics of Calcium Silicate Bricks
| Class | Min Strength (N/mm²) | Max Strength (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 |
| 10 | 10 | 15 |
| 15 | 15 | 20 |
| 20 | 20 | - |
| Class | Max Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
[ \text{Drying Shrinkage} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100% ]
This concise summary provides key physical specs, classification, and shrinkage criteria as per IS 4139.
IS 4139: Classification of Calcium Silicate Bricks
| Class Designation | Average Compressive Strength (N/mm²) |
|---|---|
| Not Less Than | |
| 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 10 | 10 |
| 15 | 15 |
| 20 | 20 |
| Class Designation | Max Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
flowchart TD
A[Raw Materials: Sand + Lime + Fly Ash] --> B[Manufacturing Process]
B --> C[Calcium Silicate Brick]
C --> D{Check Compressive Strength}
D -->|7.5 to <10| Class_7_5[Class 7.5]
D -->|10 to <15| Class_10[Class 10]
D -->|15 to <20| Class_15[Class 15]
D -->|≥20| Class_20[Class 20]
C --> E{Drying Shrinkage Test}
E -->|Yes| Check_Shrinkage[Compare with class limits]
E -->|No (damp conditions)| Skip_Test[No test needed]
IS 4139: Dimensions and Tolerances for Calcium Silicate Bricks
Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):
Classification by Compressive Strength (Clause 5.1):
| Class | Min Strength (N/mm²) | Max Strength (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 |
| 10 | 10 | 15 |
| 15 | 15 | 20 |
| 20 | 20 | - |
[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]
graph LR
A[Specimen] -->|5 mm ball| B[Measuring Frame]
B -->|Dial Gauge 0.001 mm| C[Reading]
B -->|5 mm ball| D[Specimen]
Note: Use calibrated instruments and follow IS 2 for rounding off numerical results.
IS 4139: Physical Characteristics of Calcium Silicate Bricks
| Class | Avg. Compressive Strength (N/mm²) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | ≥ 7.5 and < 10 |
| 10 | ≥ 10 and < 15 |
| 15 | ≥ 15 and < 20 |
| 20 | ≥ 20 |
| Class | Max Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
flowchart TD
A[Calcium Silicate Brick] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances]
B --> C{Size}
C -->|Standard| D[190×90×90 or 190×90×40 mm]
C -->|Other| E[By Agreement]
A --> F[Physical Properties]
F --> G[Compressive Strength Class]
G --> H[7.5, 10,
IS 4139: Sampling and Criterion for Conformity
| Class Designation | Maximum Drying Shrinkage (% of wet length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
flowchart LR
A[Sampling as per IS 5454] --> B[Testing bricks]
B --> C{Drying Shrinkage}
C -->|Class 7.5 or 10| D[Max 0.06% shrinkage]
C -->|Class 15 or 20| E[Max 0.04% shrinkage]
B --> F[Measure length change]
F --> G[Use micrometer gauge (0.002 mm)]
G --> H[Result rounded as per IS 2]
H --> I[Conformity decision]
Marking Requirement:
Each brick shall be marked with:
Purpose:
Ensures traceability and compliance with the standard.
Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1):
[
\text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100
]
Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Marking on each brick | Manufacturer's ID + Brick Class |
| Measuring instrument | Micrometer/dial gauge (0.002 mm) |
| Reference points | 5 mm diameter steel balls |
flowchart TD
A[Brick Sample] --> B[Mark with Manufacturer ID & Class]
B --> C[Measure Wet Length]
C --> D[Dry Brick]
D --> E[Measure Dry Length]
E --> F[Calculate Drying Shrinkage %]
This marking and measurement ensure quality control and standard compliance per IS 4139.
IS 4139: Method for Determination of Drying Shrinkage of Calcium Silicate Bricks
Test Specimen: As per Annex A (Clause 7.2), specimens are dried with free air access; no wet specimens placed simultaneously in the oven (Clause A-4.4).
Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1, Table A-5):
[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{L_{\text{wet}} - L_{\text{dry}}}{L_{\text{wet}}} \times 100 ]
Where:
(L_{\text{wet}}) = Length of specimen before drying
(L_{\text{dry}}) = Length of specimen after drying
Average drying shrinkage is the mean of three specimens.
| Class Designation | Max Drying Shrinkage (% of wet length) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 0.06 |
| 10 | 0.06 |
| 15 | 0.04 |
| 20 | 0.04 |
Note: Drying shrinkage test is not required for bricks used under permanently damp conditions.
flowchart TD
A[Test Specimen Preparation] --> B[Measure Wet Length \(L_{wet}\)]
B --> C[Dry Specimen (free air access)]
C --> D[Measure Dry Length \(L_{dry}\)]
D --> E[Calculate Drying Shrinkage %]
E --> F[Compare with Table 1 Limits]
F --> G{Conforms?}
G -->|Yes| H[Accept Batch]
G -->|No| I[Reject Batch]
This method ensures quality control by limiting dimensional changes due to drying, critical for brick performance.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 4139 (1989), Clause 5.1, calcium silicate bricks are classified based on their average compressive strength as follows:
| Class Designation | Average Compressive Strength (N/mm²) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | ≥ 7.5 and < 10 |
| 10 | ≥ 10 and < 15 |
| 15 | ≥ 15 and < 20 |
| 20 | ≥ 20 |
Key points:
This classification ensures consistent quality and strength for structural use of calcium silicate bricks.
According to IS 4139 (1989) - Calcium Silicate Bricks, the use of fly ash in manufacturing calcium silicate bricks is permitted but with conditions:
This promotes sustainable use of industrial by-products while ensuring brick performance.
IS 4139: Dimensions and Tolerances for Calcium Silicate Bricks
Standard Sizes:
Tolerances per brick:
Note: Other sizes may be manufactured by mutual agreement, but the above tolerances apply regardless.
| Dimension | Size (mm) | Tolerance (± mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190 | 3 |
| Breadth | 90 | 2 |
| Height | 90 or 40 | 2 |
This ensures uniformity and interchangeability in masonry works using calcium silicate bricks as per IS 4139.
Drying Shrinkage Measurement as per IS 4139
Specimen Lengths:
Calculation: [ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{L_w - L_d}{L_w} \times 100 ]
Batch Result:
Drying Process Notes:
IS 4139 does not explicitly specify limits here; typically, drying shrinkage for bricks should be minimal to avoid cracks and structural issues. Common practice:
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This method ensures reliable drying shrinkage data for quality control of bricks.
Quality Control & Sampling Procedures as per IS 4139
These controls ensure consistent brick quality and reliable conformity assessment.
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