IS 41391989AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

calcium silicate bricks

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.

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1989Edition
Building Limes and Gypsum ProductsCategory
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What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Construction Material Manufacturers
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Architects
  • Building Contractors
  • Laboratory Technicians

Key Topics Covered

Classification by compressive strength
General quality requirements
Dimensions and tolerances
Physical characteristics and composition
Use of fly ash in brick mix
Drying shrinkage limits and testing
Sampling and conformity criteria
Marking and identification of bricks
Test methods for compressive strength
Apparatus for drying shrinkage measurement
Preparation of test specimens
Quality control procedures

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 4139: Scope - Key Points & Formulas

Scope:
IS 4139 covers methods for testing and evaluating drying shrinkage of bricks.


Key Specifications:

  • Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):

    • Use a micrometer or dial gauge accurate to 0.002 mm.
    • Gauge mounted on a frame with 5 mm diameter steel balls or Invar steel rods as reference points.
  • Rounding Off (General):

    • Results rounded as per IS 2:1960, maintaining the same significant figures as specified values.

Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1):

[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]

  • Average the shrinkage of 3 bricks to represent the batch.

Summary Table: Drying Shrinkage Calculation

ParameterDescription
Wet LengthLength of specimen before drying
Dry LengthLength 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.

2Referenced Standards

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 NumberYearSubject
    IS 3495 (Parts 1-4)1992Tests on burnt clay bricks: compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, warpage
    IS 54541978Sampling methods for burnt clay bricks
    IS 156482006Pulverized 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.


Key Takeaway

  • Use IS 2:1960 for rounding.
  • Refer to IS 3495 for brick testing methods.
  • Use IS 15648 for pulverized fuel ash specifications.
  • Calculate drying shrinkage as % difference between wet and dry lengths.
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.

3General Quality

IS 4139 - General Quality: Key Formulas and Specifications

1. Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1 & Table A-5.1)

  • Formula:

[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]

  • Average drying shrinkage is the mean of 3 specimens.

2. Drying Shrinkage Limits (Clause 7.2, Table 1)

Class DesignationMax Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04
  • Note: Drying shrinkage test may be skipped for bricks used under permanently damp conditions.

3. Rounding Off (Clause 3)

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
  • Retain the same number of significant figures as specified.

4. Related Standards

  • IS 3495 (Methods of test for burnt clay bricks)
  • IS 3812 (Fly ash specification)
  • IS 5454 (Sampling of burnt clay bricks)

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.

4Physical Characteristics

IS 4139: Physical Characteristics of Calcium Silicate Bricks


1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 6.1)

  • Standard sizes:
    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm
    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 40 mm
  • Tolerances:
    • Length: ± 3 mm
    • Breadth & Height: ± 2 mm
  • Other sizes allowed by agreement, same tolerances apply.

2. Classification by Compressive Strength (Clause 5.1)

ClassMin Strength (N/mm²)Max Strength (N/mm²)
7.57.510
101015
151520
2020-

3. Drying Shrinkage Limits (Clause 7.2 & Table 1)

ClassMax Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04
  • Shrinkage test may be skipped for bricks used under permanently damp conditions.

4. Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Annex A-5.1)

[ \text{Drying Shrinkage} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100% ]

  • Average of 3 specimens used for batch evaluation.

This concise summary provides key physical specs, classification, and shrinkage criteria as per IS 4139.

5Classification

IS 4139: Classification of Calcium Silicate Bricks

1. Classification by Compressive Strength (Clause 5.1)

Class DesignationAverage Compressive Strength (N/mm²)
Not Less Than
7.57.5
1010
1515
2020

2. Drying Shrinkage Limits (Clause 7.2, Table 1)

Class DesignationMax Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04
  • Drying shrinkage test may be omitted for bricks used under permanently damp conditions.

3. Material Composition (Clause 4.1)

  • Made from finely ground sand/siliceous rock and lime.
  • Fly ash (IS 3812:1981) can be added in limited quantity.

Summary

  • Classification is primarily based on compressive strength.
  • Shrinkage limits decrease with higher strength classes.
  • Proper rounding off of test results as per IS 2:1960 is mandatory.
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]
6Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 4139: Dimensions and Tolerances for Calcium Silicate Bricks

Key Specifications:

  • Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):

    • Use a micrometer or dial gauge accurate to 0.002 mm.
    • Gauge mounted on a frame with 5 mm diameter balls as reference points.
    • Invar steel rods with hemispherical ends (5 mm diameter) recommended for precise measurement.
  • Classification by Compressive Strength (Clause 5.1):

ClassMin Strength (N/mm²)Max Strength (N/mm²)
7.57.510
101015
151520
2020-
  • Tolerance Guidelines:
    • Final test values rounded as per IS 2:1960.
    • Dimensional tolerances are implied to be very tight due to the precise measurement method.

Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Annex A-5):

[ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]

  • Average drying shrinkage is the mean of three specimens.

Summary Diagram of Measurement Setup:

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.

7Physical Characteristics

IS 4139: Physical Characteristics of Calcium Silicate Bricks


1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 6.1)

  • Standard Sizes:
    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm
    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 40 mm
  • Tolerances:
    • Length: ± 3 mm
    • Breadth & Height: ± 2 mm
  • Other sizes allowed by agreement, same tolerances apply.

2. Compressive Strength Classes (Clause 5.1)

ClassAvg. Compressive Strength (N/mm²)
7.5≥ 7.5 and < 10
10≥ 10 and < 15
15≥ 15 and < 20
20≥ 20

3. Drying Shrinkage Limits (Clause 7.2 & Table 1)

ClassMax Drying Shrinkage (% of Wet Length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04
  • Shrinkage calculated as:
    [ \text{Drying Shrinkage} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]

4. Sampling & Conformity (Clause 8 & Annex A-5)

  • Average drying shrinkage is mean of 3 specimens.
  • Bricks under permanently damp conditions may skip shrinkage test.

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,
8Sampling and Criterion for Conformity

IS 4139: Sampling and Criterion for Conformity

1. Sampling & Criterion Reference

  • Sampling of bricks and conformity criteria are governed by IS 5454:1978 (Clause 8.1).
  • Final test results should be rounded per IS 2:1960 rules, maintaining the same significant figures as specified values.

2. Drying Shrinkage Limits (Table 1, Clause 7.2)

Class DesignationMaximum Drying Shrinkage (% of wet length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04
  • Drying shrinkage test may be skipped for bricks used under permanently damp conditions.

3. Measuring Apparatus (Annex A, Clause 2.1)

  • Use a micrometer or dial gauge accurate to 0.002 mm.
  • Gauge mounted in a frame with recessed ends seating on 5 mm diameter balls fixed on the specimen.
  • Invar steel rod with hemispherical ends or steel balls ensures precise length measurement.

Summary:

  • Follow IS 5454 for sampling.
  • Round off results as per IS 2.
  • Drying shrinkage limits depend on class designation.
  • Use precise measuring apparatus with 0.002 mm accuracy.
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]
9Marking

IS 4139 - Marking (Clause 9.1) & Related Specifications

  • Marking Requirement:
    Each brick shall be marked with:

    • Manufacturer's identification mark or initials
    • Class of brick
  • Purpose:
    Ensures traceability and compliance with the standard.


Measurement & Testing (Related Clauses)

  • Drying Shrinkage Calculation (Clause 5.1):
    [ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Length} - \text{Dry Length}}{\text{Wet Length}} \times 100 ]

    • Average of 3 bricks is taken as batch drying shrinkage.
  • Measuring Apparatus (Clause 2.1):

    • Use a micrometer or dial gauge accurate to 0.002 mm.
    • Gauge mounted on a frame with 5 mm diameter steel balls as reference points on specimens.
    • Use Invar steel rods with hemispherical ends or steel balls for precise length measurement.

Summary Table for Marking

ParameterSpecification
Marking on each brickManufacturer's ID + Brick Class
Measuring instrumentMicrometer/dial gauge (0.002 mm)
Reference points5 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.

Annex AMethod for Determination of Drying Shrinkage

IS 4139: Method for Determination of Drying Shrinkage of Calcium Silicate Bricks

Key Specifications & Formulas:

  • 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.

Acceptable Drying Shrinkage Limits (Table 1, Clause 7.2):

Class DesignationMax Drying Shrinkage (% of wet length)
7.50.06
100.06
150.04
200.04

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.

Popular Questions About IS 4139

?What are the compressive strength classes defined in IS 4139 for calcium silicate bricks?

According to IS 4139 (1989), Clause 5.1, calcium silicate bricks are classified based on their average compressive strength as follows:

Class DesignationAverage Compressive Strength (N/mm²)
7.5≥ 7.5 and < 10
10≥ 10 and < 15
15≥ 15 and < 20
20≥ 20

Key points:

  • The minimum average compressive strength must meet the class limits.
  • No individual brick’s strength should be less than 80% of the class minimum.
  • Test method: IS 3495 (Part 1): 1976.
  • If a test result exceeds the upper limit of a class, it is capped at that upper limit when calculating averages.

This classification ensures consistent quality and strength for structural use of calcium silicate bricks.

?Can fly ash be used in the manufacture of calcium silicate bricks according to this standard?

According to IS 4139 (1989) - Calcium Silicate Bricks, the use of fly ash in manufacturing calcium silicate bricks is permitted but with conditions:

  • Limited quantity of pulverized fuel ash (fly ash) conforming to IS 15648: 2006 may be used in the mix (Clause 4.1).
  • The standard revision explicitly allows the use of fly ash, recognizing it as a waste product from thermal power stations.
  • For fly ash lime bricks specifically, refer to IS 12894: 2002, which covers requirements for pulverized fuel ash lime bricks.

Summary:

  • Fly ash can be used in calcium silicate bricks as per IS 4139, but it must conform to IS 15648.
  • The quantity is limited and controlled to maintain brick quality.

This promotes sustainable use of industrial by-products while ensuring brick performance.

?What are the specified dimensions and tolerances for calcium silicate bricks under IS 4139?

IS 4139: Dimensions and Tolerances for Calcium Silicate Bricks

  • Standard Sizes:

    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm
    • 190 mm × 90 mm × 40 mm
  • Tolerances per brick:

    • Length: ± 3 mm
    • Breadth (width): ± 2 mm
    • Height (thickness): ± 2 mm
  • Note: Other sizes may be manufactured by mutual agreement, but the above tolerances apply regardless.


Summary Table

DimensionSize (mm)Tolerance (± mm)
Length1903
Breadth902
Height90 or 402

This ensures uniformity and interchangeability in masonry works using calcium silicate bricks as per IS 4139.

?How is drying shrinkage measured and what are the acceptable limits?

Drying Shrinkage Measurement as per IS 4139

  • Specimen Lengths:

    • Measure the wet length (L_w) initially.
    • Dry the specimen with cycles of drying and cooling until length stabilizes (difference < 0.005 mm between two readings at least 44 hours apart drying + 4 hours cooling).
    • Measure the dry length (L_d) as the final stabilized length.
  • Calculation: [ \text{Drying Shrinkage (%)} = \frac{L_w - L_d}{L_w} \times 100 ]

  • Batch Result:

    • Take three specimens.
    • Drying shrinkage of batch = Arithmetic mean of three specimens' drying shrinkage.
  • Drying Process Notes:

    • No wet specimens placed in oven during drying.
    • Free air access to all specimen surfaces during drying.

Acceptable Limits

IS 4139 does not explicitly specify limits here; typically, drying shrinkage for bricks should be minimal to avoid cracks and structural issues. Common practice:

  • Acceptable drying shrinkage: Usually < 0.1% to 0.2% for quality bricks.

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This method ensures reliable drying shrinkage data for quality control of bricks.

?What quality control and sampling procedures are recommended to ensure conformity?

Quality Control & Sampling Procedures as per IS 4139

  • Sampling: Follow IS 5454:1978 for sampling methods and conformity criteria of burnt clay bricks.
  • Testing Standards: Use IS 3495 (Parts 1-4):1976 for methods of testing burnt clay bricks.
  • Drying Oven Requirements (Clause 2.2):
    • Minimum internal volume: 50 litres (≥ 8 litres/specimen).
    • Air-tight with a fan for effective air circulation.
    • Temperature controlled at 50 ± 1°C.
    • Humidity maintained at ~17% RH using saturated calcium chloride solution.
  • Specimen Preparation: Round off test results as per IS 2:1960 rules, matching significant figures with specified values.

These controls ensure consistent brick quality and reliable conformity assessment.

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