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acid-resistant bricks

IS 4860:1968 specifies requirements and test methods for acid-resistant bricks used primarily in chemical and allied industries to resist acid attack, excluding hydrofluoric and perchloric acids. It defines two classes of bricks based on performance criteria such as water absorption, flexural and compressive strength, acid resistance, and wear resistance. This standard is essential for engineers involved in designing and constructing acid-resistant masonry, flooring, and linings in chemical plants, industrial effluent sewers, and related environments.

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Alternative search terms: IS 4860 PDF, IS 4860 pdf free download, IS 4860 free download pdf, IS4860 PDF, IS-4860 PDF, IS 4860 1968 PDF, IS 4860:1968 PDF, IS 4860-1968 PDF, IS 4860 (1968) PDF, IS 4860 1968 edition PDF, IS 4860 edition 1968 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 4860:1968 specifies requirements and test methods for acid-resistant bricks used primarily in chemical and allied industries to resist acid attack, excluding hydrofluoric and perchloric acids. It defines two classes of bricks based on performance criteria such as water absorption, flexural and compressive strength, acid resistance, and wear resistance. This standard is essential for engineers involved in designing and constructing acid-resistant masonry, flooring, and linings in chemical plants, industrial effluent sewers, and related environments.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Chemical Plant Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Materials Engineers
  • Construction Supervisors
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Industrial Flooring Specialists
  • Procurement Officers in Chemical Industry

Key Topics Covered

Classification of acid-resistant bricks (Class I and II)
Water absorption limits
Flexural strength requirements
Compressive strength criteria
Resistance to acid attack
Wear resistance specifications
Dimensional tolerances and warpage limits
Sampling and conformity criteria
Marking and identification of bricks
Test specimen preparation and testing methods
Application areas and usage recommendations
Performance evaluation procedures

Table of Contents

0Introduction

IS 4860: Introduction - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

1. Dimensions and Tolerances (Clause 2.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
230±3.5
114±2.0
64±1.0

2. Criteria for Conformity - Performance Requirements (Clause 2.2.1)

RequirementCriteria for ConformityClass I BricksClass II Bricks
Water Absorptionx₁ + 0.6R₁ <2%4%
Flexural Strengthx₂ - 0.6R₂ >100 kg/cm²70 kg/cm²
Compressive Strengthx₃ - 0.6R₃ >700 kg/cm²500 kg/cm²
Resistance to Acidx₄ + 0.6R₄ <1.5%4%
  • x = average test result, R = range of test results.

3. Use of Standard Mark (Clause 7.1.2)

  • Governed by Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • License conditions available from BIS.

Summary:

  • Dimensions tolerance ensures size consistency.
  • Performance criteria ensure brick quality (strength, absorption, acid resistance).
  • Standard Mark usage is regulated by BIS.
flowchart TD
    A[Brick Dimensions] -->|Check Tolerances| B{Within Limits?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Proceed to Performance Tests]
    B -->|No| D[Reject Batch]
    C --> E{Performance Criteria}
    E -->|Meets| F[Classify as Class I or II]
    E -->|Fails| D
    F --> G[Use of Standard Mark (BIS License)]

This concise overview aids in understanding IS 4860 introduction essentials.

1Scope

IS 4860: Scope - Key Specifications and Tolerances

  • Scope: Covers dimensions, tolerances, and performance criteria for specified products (e.g., acid-resistant bricks).

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 2.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (± mm)
2303.5
1142.0
641.0

2. Rounding Off (Clause 0.6)

  • Final test/analysis results must be rounded per IS 2-1960.
  • Retain the same significant digits as the specified values.

3. Performance Compliance (Clause 2.2.1)

  • Lot conformity judged using criteria in Table 3 (not provided here).
  • All criteria must be met for acceptance.

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Product Dimensions] --> B[Check Tolerances per Table]
    B --> C{Within Tolerance?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Perform Tests]
    C -- No --> E[Reject Lot]
    D --> F[Round Results (IS 2-1960)]
    F --> G{Meet Performance Criteria (Table 3)?}
    G -- Yes --> H[Accept Lot]
    G -- No --> E

This ensures dimensional accuracy and performance compliance for materials under IS 4860.

2Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 4860 – Dimensions and Tolerances for Acid-Resistant Bricks

Key Specifications (Clause 2.2)

Dimension (mm)Tolerance (± mm)
2303.5
1142.0
641.0
  • These tolerances apply to the nominal brick dimensions as per Clause 2.1.
  • The standard aligns with ISO R 475-1966 for rectangular refractory bricks.

Warpage (Clause 2.4)

  • Maximum permissible warpage from a plane surface: 2.5 mm.
  • Measurement method as per Clause 2.4.1 (not detailed here).

Summary:

  • Length: 230 mm ±3.5 mm
  • Width: 114 mm ±2.0 mm
  • Height: 64 mm ±1.0 mm
  • Max warpage: 2.5 mm from plane surface

These ensure dimensional accuracy and flatness essential for acid-resistant brick applications.

flowchart LR
    A[Nominal Dimensions] --> B[Tolerances]
    B --> C[Length: 230 ±3.5 mm]
    B --> D[Width: 114 ±2.0 mm]
    B --> E[Height: 64 ±1.0 mm]
    A --> F[Warpage]
    F --> G[Max 2.5 mm deviation]
3Physical Requirements

IS 4860: Physical Requirements Summary

1. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 2.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
230±3.5
114±2.0
64±1.0

2. Performance Criteria for Conformity (Clause 2.2.1, Table 3)

PropertyTest Results (X)Average (x̄)Range (R)Criteria for ConformityClass I BricksClass II Bricks
Water AbsorptionX11, X18, ... XnRx̄ + 0.6R <2%4%
Flexural StrengthXE1, X11, ... XanRx̄ - 0.6R >100 kg/cm²70 kg/cm²
Compressive StrengthXar, Xa, ... XanRx̄ - 0.6R >700 kg/cm²500 kg/cm²
Resistance to AcidX4Rx̄ + 0.6R <1.5% loss4% loss

3. Additional Specifications

  • Loss in weight due to acid/chemical attack:
    • Class I: ≤ 1.5%
    • Class II: ≤ 4%
  • Resistance to wear (optional):
    • Average wear ≤ 2 mm (per IS 1237-1959 Appendix A)

Notes:

  • Conformity: A lot is accepted if all criteria in Table 3 are met.
  • Tests involve averaging results and considering variability (range).

flowchart TD
    A[Brick Sample Testing] --> B{Measure Properties}
    B --> C[Water Absorption]
    B
4Classification

IS 4860 - Classification of Acid-Resistant Bricks

1. Classes of Bricks:

  • Class I Bricks
  • Class II Bricks

2. Performance Requirements (Table 1):

CharacteristicClass I Bricks (Min/Max)Class II Bricks (Min/Max)Test Method (Appendix)
Water Absorption (%)≤ 2≤ 4Appendix A
Flexural Strength (kg/cm²)≥ 100≥ 70Appendix B
Compressive Strength (kg/cm²)≥ 700≥ 500Appendix C
Resistance to Acid (Weight loss %)≤ 1.5≤ 4Appendix D
Resistance to Wear (mm)≤ 2 (average wear)Not specifiedAppendix A of IS:1237-1959

3. Criteria for Conformity (Table 3):

For a lot to conform, the following must be satisfied:

RequirementTest Result Average (x̄)Range (R)Conformity Criterion
Water AbsorptionRx̄ + 0.6R < 2% (Class I) or < 4% (Class II)
Flexural StrengthRx̄ - 0.6R > 100 (Class I) or > 70 (Class II)
Compressive StrengthRx̄ - 0.6R > 700 (Class I) or > 500 (Class II)
Resistance to AcidRx̄ + 0.6R < 1.5% (Class I) or < 4% (Class II)

4. Additional Specifications:

  • Bricks must be fine-grained, dense, homogenous, true to shape, flat, and free from defects (Clause 3.1).

Summary:

  • Use **Table
5Performance Requirements

IS 4860: Performance Requirements - Key Formulas & Tables

1. Criteria for Conformity (Table 3, Clause 2.2.1)

RequirementTest Results (X)Average (x̄)Range (R)Conformity CriteriaClass I BricksClass II Bricks
Water absorptionX₁, X₂, ... XₙRx̄ + 0.6R <2%4%
Flexural strengthX₁, X₂, ... XₙRx̄ - 0.6R >100 kg/cm²70 kg/cm²
Compressive strengthX₁, X₂, ... XₙRx̄ - 0.6R >700 kg/cm²500 kg/cm²
Resistance to acidX₁, X₂, ... XₙRx̄ + 0.6R <1.5%4%
  • = Average of test results
  • R = Range (max - min) of test results

2. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 2.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
230±3.5
114±2.0
64±1.0

3. Notes

  • Individual test results must be reported (Clause 4.1.1).
  • Acid resistance tests use specified nitric and sulfuric acid concentrations (refer to latest specifications).

flowchart TD
    A[Test Samples] --> B{Calculate Average (x̄) & Range (R)}
    B --> C[Check Water Absorption: x̄ + 0.6R < Limit]
   
6Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

IS 4860: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity of Acid-Resistant Bricks

Sampling Procedure (Clause 1.2 & Table 2)

  • Lot size determines sample size and permissible defective bricks.
  • Randomly select bricks as per:
Lot SizeSample SizeMax Defective Bricks AllowedSub-sample Size
Up to 1,00050224
1,001 to 3,00080328
3,001 to 10,000125532
Over 10,000200740

Criteria for Conformity (Clause 2.2.1 & Appendix E)

  • A lot conforms if all criteria in Table 3 (performance requirements) are met.
  • Testing is done on each lot separately (Clause E-1.1.1).
  • Sampling and testing methods are detailed in Appendix E (Clause 6.1).

Summary:

  • Draw sample size based on lot size (see table).
  • Accept lot if defective bricks ≤ permissible limit.
  • Test sub-samples for performance criteria.
  • Non-conforming lots must be rejected or reprocessed.
flowchart TD
    A[Start: Define Lot Size] --> B{Lot Size?}
    B -->|≤1000| C[Sample 50 bricks]
    B -->|1001-3000| D[Sample 80 bricks]
    B -->|3001-10000| E[Sample 125 bricks]
    B -->|>10000| F[Sample 200 bricks]
    C --> G[Check defective bricks ≤ 2]
    D --> H[Check defective bricks ≤ 3]
    E --> I[Check defective bricks ≤ 5]
    F --> J[Check defective bricks ≤ 7]
    G --> K{Pass?}
    H --> K
    I --> K
    J --> K
    K -->|Yes| L[Lot Conforms]
    K -->|No| M[Lot Rejected]

This ensures quality control per IS 4860 standards.

7Marking

IS 4860: Marking and Key Specifications

Marking (Clauses 7.1.1 & 7.1.2)

  • Each brick may be marked with the Standard Mark to indicate conformity.
  • Use of the Standard Mark is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Licence conditions for using the Standard Mark are provided by BIS.

Key Performance Criteria (Table 3, Clause 2.2.1)

PropertyTest Results (X)Average (x̄)Range (R)Conformity CriterionClass I BricksClass II Bricks
Water AbsorptionX1, X2, ..., XnRx̄ + 0.6R << 2%< 4%
Flexural StrengthX1, X2, ..., XnRx̄ - 0.6R >100 kg/cm²70 kg/cm²
Compressive StrengthX1, X2, ..., XnRx̄ - 0.6R >700 kg/cm²500 kg/cm²
Resistance to AcidX1, X2, ..., XnRx̄ + 0.6R <1.5%4%

Notes:

  • = average of test results.
  • R = range (max - min) of test results.
  • Lot conformity requires all criteria to be satisfied.
  • Water absorption test specimen preparation is detailed in Appendix A.

flowchart LR
    A[Brick Production] --> B[Testing for Performance]
    B --> C{Check Criteria}
    C -->|All Passed| D[Mark with Standard Mark]
    C -->|Any Fail| E[Reject or Reprocess]

This ensures bricks meet BIS quality before marking.

Appendix ATest for Water Absorption

IS 4860: Test for Water Absorption of Bricks

Procedure Summary:

  • Specimens: Whole bricks, measure dimensions to nearest 1 mm.
  • Conditioning: Immerse in distilled water at 27 ± 2°C for 24 hours.
  • Boiling: Boil specimens in distilled water for 2 hours without contact with container bottom.
  • Immersion: After boiling, keep immersed for 20 hours in cold water.
  • Weighing: Wipe surface with damp cloth, weigh immediately (Ww).
  • Drying: Oven-dry specimen and weigh (Wa).

Key Formula:

[ \text{Percentage Water Absorption} = \frac{W_w - W_a}{W_a} \times 100 ]

Where:

  • (W_w) = Weight after boiling and immersion (g)
  • (W_a) = Oven-dry weight (g)

Important Notes:

  • Weigh to an accuracy of 5 g.
  • Support specimens during boiling to avoid direct contact with container bottom.
  • Minimum 5 bricks tested for averaging results.

flowchart LR
    A[Weigh Oven-Dry Specimen (Wa)] --> B[Boil in Distilled Water for 2 hrs]
    B --> C[Immerse in Cold Water for 20 hrs]
    C --> D[Wipe Surface & Weigh (Ww)]
    D --> E[Calculate Water Absorption %]

This test ensures bricks meet durability and quality standards per IS 4860.

Appendix BTest for Flexural Strength

IS 4860: Test for Flexural Strength of Bricks

Key Formula (Clause B-3.1)

Flexural strength, ( F ) (kg/cm²), is calculated as:

[ F = \frac{3PL}{2BD^2} ]

Where:

  • ( P ) = Breaking load (kg)
  • ( L ) = Span length between bearers (cm)
  • ( B ) = Width of the brick (cm)
  • ( D ) = Depth (thickness) of the brick (cm)

Test Setup (Appendix B & Fig. 2)

  • Bearers: Mild steel rods, 40 mm diameter, in the same horizontal plane.
  • Span: Distance between outer bearers ( A ) and ( B ) = 3/4th of brick length.
  • Load Application: Uniform rate not exceeding 30 kg/min through central bearer ( C ).
  • Specimen: Dry brick placed on bearers, load applied centrally.

Reporting (Clause 3.1.1)

  • Record individual breaking loads.
  • Calculate and report flexural strength for each specimen.

flowchart LR
    A[Brick Specimen] -->|Placed on| B(Bearers A & B)
    B -->|Load applied at center| C(Bearer C)
    C --> D[Load P recorded]
    D --> E[Calculate Flexural Strength F = 3PL/2BD²]

This method ensures consistent and standardized flexural strength testing as per IS 4860.

Appendix CTest for Compressive Strength

IS 4860: Test for Compressive Strength of Bricks

Key Specifications & Procedure (Clause 2.1)

  • Specimen: Bricks soaked in water, wiped dry before testing.
  • Setup: Place brick between two 3 mm thick plywood or asbestos sheets.
  • Loading: Use compression machine with spherical seating plate centered on brick face.
  • Load Rate: Apply load uniformly at ~140 kg/cm²/min until failure.

Calculation of Compressive Strength (Clause 3.2)

  • Formula:

[ \text{Compressive Strength} = \frac{P}{A} = \frac{P}{L \times B} \quad \text{kg/cm}^2 ]

Where:

  • ( P ) = Load at failure (kg)
  • ( L ) = Length/span of brick face under load (cm)
  • ( B ) = Width of brick face under load (cm)

Reporting (Clause 3.2)

  • Report individual compressive strength values in kg/cm².
  • Average multiple tests for final strength.

Summary Table

ParameterValue/Description
Load application rate140 kg/cm²/min
Specimen preparationSoaked, wiped dry, placed on sheets
Plate typeSpherical seating plate
Thickness of sheets3 mm (plywood/asbestos)
Strength unitkg/cm²

flowchart LR
    A[Brick soaked in water] --> B[Wipe dry]
    B --> C[Place between 3mm sheets]
    C --> D[Place in compression machine]
    D --> E[Apply load at 140 kg/cm²/min]
    E --> F[Record failure load P]
    F --> G[Calculate compressive strength = P / (L x B)]

This ensures accurate and standardized compressive strength testing of bricks as per IS 4860.

Appendix DTest for Resistance to Acid

IS 4860: Test for Resistance to Acid – Key Points

Test Overview (Appendix D, Table 1, Item iv)

  • Purpose: To evaluate acid-resistant bricks' durability when exposed to acidic environments.
  • Specimen Preparation: No detailed clause; typically, standard brick specimens are used (size as per IS 1077 or IS 2185).
  • Test Procedure:
    • Immerse bricks in a specified acid solution (commonly 5% H₂SO₄ or HCl) for a fixed duration (e.g., 24-48 hours).
    • Measure weight loss or surface degradation.

Key Specifications:

  • Compressive Strength: Reported in kg/cm² (Clause 3.2).
  • Acid Resistance Criteria:
    • Weight loss should not exceed 5% after immersion.
    • No visible surface deterioration or softening.

Typical Test Formula:

[ \text{Weight Loss %} = \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1} \times 100 ]

  • (W_1) = Initial weight of the brick specimen
  • (W_2) = Weight after acid immersion

Notes:

  • Purchaser can specify acid resistance requirements (Note in Table 1).
  • Acid resistance is critical for bricks used in chemical plants, sewage treatment, etc.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Brick Specimen] --> B[Measure Initial Weight (W1)]
    B --> C[Immerse in Acid Solution (5% H2SO4)]
    C --> D[Duration: 24-48 hours]
    D --> E[Remove & Dry Specimen]
    E --> F[Measure Final Weight (W2)]
    F --> G[Calculate Weight Loss %]
    G --> H{Weight Loss ≤ 5%?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Pass Acid Resistance Test]
    H -- No --> J[Fail Acid Resistance Test]

For detailed procedure, refer to IS 4860 and related acid-resistant brick standards.

Appendix ESampling Procedure and Conformity Criteria

IS 4860: Sampling Procedure & Conformity Criteria

1. Sampling Procedure (Clause 1.2 & Table 2)

  • Lot Size determines Sample Size, Permissible Defective Bricks, and Sub-sample Size as below:
Lot SizeSample SizePermissible Defective BricksSub-sample Size
Up to 1,00050224
1,001 to 3,00080328
3,001 to 10,000125532
Over 10,000200740
  • Samples are randomly selected from the lot.
  • Each lot is tested separately for conformity (Clause 1.1.1).

2. Conformity Criteria (Clause 2.2.1 & Appendix E)

  • A lot is conforming if the number of defective bricks ≤ permissible defective bricks (from Table 2).
  • All performance requirements in Table 3 (not provided here) must be met.
  • Sampling and testing methods follow Appendix E.

Summary Flow:

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Identify Lot Size] --> B[Select Sample Size (Table 2)]
    B --> C[Random Sampling of Bricks]
    C --> D[Test Sub-sample (Clause 6.1)]
    D --> E{Defective Bricks ≤ Permissible?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Lot Conforms]
    E -- No --> G[Lot Does Not Conform]

Note: Refer to Appendix E for detailed sampling and testing procedures.

Popular Questions About IS 4860

?What are the key differences between Class I and Class II acid-resistant bricks?

Key Differences between Class I and Class II Acid-Resistant Bricks (IS 4860: Clause 4.1 & Table 1):

CharacteristicClass I BricksClass II Bricks
Water Absorption (%)Max 2Max 4
Flexural StrengthMin 100 kg/cm²Min 70 kg/cm²
Compressive StrengthMin 700 kg/cm²Min 500 kg/cm²
Resistance to AcidMax weight loss 1.5%Max weight loss 4.0%
Resistance to WearAverage wear ≤ 2 mmNot specified

Usage Recommendations:

  • Class I: Severe corrosive environments (e.g., storage/pickling tanks, heavy-duty floors with frequent acid contact).
  • Class II: Occasional acid spillage, fumes, dry chemicals (e.g., fertilizer silos, skirting, silo linings).

These bricks are made from low lime/iron clays, vitrified at high temperatures, and used with chemical-resistant mortars.

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This classification ensures selection based on severity of chemical exposure and mechanical demands.

?What materials are permitted for manufacturing acid-resistant bricks under IS 4860?

Materials Permitted for Acid-Resistant Bricks (IS 4860):

  • Raw materials:

    • Clay or shale with low lime and iron content
    • Felspar
    • Flint or sand
  • Manufacturing process:

    • Vitrification at high temperatures in ceramic kilns

Key points:

  • Designed to resist acids except hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid
  • Used in chemical plants, sewers, and acid-exposed flooring
  • Typically paired with chemical-resistant mortar
  • Emphasis on minimum water absorption
  • Thermal shock and alkali resistance are not primary considerations
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This ensures durability against acid attack in specified environments per IS 4860.

?How is resistance to acid attack tested and measured?

Resistance to Acid Attack Testing (IS 4860 - Appendix D):

  • Test Principle: Measure weight loss of acid-resistant bricks after exposure to a specified acid.

  • Procedure:

    • Weigh the dry brick sample initially (W₁).
    • Immerse in a specified acid solution for a fixed duration (typically 24 hours).
    • Remove, wash, dry, and weigh again (W₂).
  • Measurement:

    • Calculate percentage loss in weight as:

    [ \text{Loss in weight (%)} = \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1} \times 100 ]

  • Acceptance Criteria:

    • Class I bricks: Loss ≤ 1.5%
    • Class II bricks: Loss ≤ 4.0%

This test ensures durability of bricks in acidic environments, critical for chemical plant linings and sewer constructions.

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?What are the dimensional tolerances and warpage limits specified?

IS 4860: Dimensional Tolerances and Warpage Limits

  • Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 2.2):
Dimension (mm)Tolerance (± mm)
2303.5
1142.0
641.0
  • Warpage Limit (Clause 2.4):
    No surface shall deviate from a plane by more than 2.5 mm at any point.

  • Warpage Measurement (Clause 2.4.1):
    Use a straight edge placed flat on the brick over a plane surface. Measure the maximum gap between the straight edge and the brick surface using a metallic wedge.

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This ensures bricks meet flatness and dimensional accuracy per IS 4860.

?How many bricks must be sampled and tested to ensure conformity with the standard?

According to IS 4860 for brick sampling and testing:

  • Minimum bricks tested per sample: 5 bricks (Clause 1.1).
  • Sample size depends on lot size (Clause 1.2, Table 2):
Lot SizeSample SizePermissible Defective BricksSub-Sample Size (for testing)
Up to 1,00050224
1,001 to 3,00080328
3,001 to 10,000125532
Over 10,000200740
  • Testing procedure:

    • From the sample size, a sub-sample (column 4) is tested.
    • If defects exceed permissible limits, a second sample is tested.
    • Failure in the second test rejects the entire lot (Clause 3.1).
  • Random sampling method: Use random number tables or systematic sampling by selecting every r-th brick, where
    [ r = \left\lfloor \frac{N}{n} \right\rfloor ] (N = lot size, n = sample size) (Clause 1.2.1).


Summary:
For a lot of 3,000 bricks, select 125 bricks randomly, test a sub-sample of 32 bricks, with max 5 defective allowed. If exceeded, retest another sample.

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