Super sulphated cement – Specification

IS 6909: Scope Summary

• Scope: Covers specifications for Supersulphated Cement.

• Referenced Standards: Annex A lists essential Indian Standards that complement IS 6909, including:

  • IS 650: Standard sand for cement testing
  • IS 2580: Jute sacks for cement packing
  • IS 3535: Sampling methods for hydraulic cement
  • IS 4031 (Parts 1-14): Physical tests for hydraulic cement
  • IS 4845: Definitions for hydraulic cement
  • IS 4905: Random sampling methods
  • IS 11652, 11653, 11761: Specifications for various cement packing sacks
  • IS 12089: Granulated slag for Portland slag cement manufacturing

• Testing: Clause 11.5.3 mandates prompt testing of hermetically sealed representative samples.

Key Points:

Visual: Scope & References Flow

graph TD
  A[IS 6909: Supersulphated Cement] --> B[Sampling - IS 3535, IS 4905]
  A --> C[Physical Tests - IS 4031 Parts 1-14]
  A --> D[Packing - IS 2580, IS 11652, IS 11653, IS 11761]
  A --> E[Definitions - IS 4845]
  A --> F[Granulated Slag - IS 12089]

This ensures compliance with sampling, testing, and packing requirements for quality assurance of supersulphated cement.

IS 6909 - References: Key Points

1. Referenced Standards (Annex A):
   IS 6909 relies on several Indian Standards essential for cement testing, sampling, packaging, and terminology, including:

   • IS 650: Standard sand for cement testing
   • IS 3535: Methods of sampling hydraulic cement
   • IS 4031 (Parts 1-14): Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement
   • IS 4845: Definitions and terminology relating to hydraulic cement
   • IS 4905: Methods for random sampling
   • IS 2580, 11652, 11653, 11761: Specifications for cement packaging sacks

2. Sampling & Testing (Clause 11.5.3):

   • Samples must be randomly drawn and hermetically sealed.
   • Tests should be conducted promptly to ensure validity.

3. Tolerance for Cement Bag Mass (Annex B, Clause 8.2):

• Average net mass per bag ≥ 50 kg.
• Sampling must follow IS 4905:1968 for randomness.

Summary Diagram of Sampling Process

flowchart TD
    A[Batch of Cement Bags] --> B[Random Sampling per IS 4905]
    B --> C[Hermetically Seal Sample]
    C --> D[Conduct Tests ASAP per IS 6909]
    D --> E[Evaluate Results vs Standards]

This ensures quality control and compliance with IS 6909.

IS 6909 - Definitions Overview

• Clause 3.1: Definitions in IS 6909 refer primarily to IS 4845:1958 — "Definitions and terminology relating to hydraulic cement."
• Annex A lists essential adjunct Indian Standards for related terms and procedures, including:
  • IS 4845:1958 – Core definitions of hydraulic cement.
  • IS 3535:1986 – Sampling methods.
  • IS 4031 (Parts 1-14):1988 – Physical tests of hydraulic cement.
  • IS 2580:1982, IS 650:1966 – Packaging and standard sand for testing.

Key Points:

• Definitions of terms like hydraulic cement, false set, packing, etc., are standardized in IS 4845.
• Sampling and testing procedures follow IS 3535 and IS 4031 series.
• Packaging specifications are covered under IS 2580, IS 11652, IS 11653, and IS 11761.

Summary Table of Referenced Standards for Definitions

For detailed definitions, refer directly to IS 4845:1958. This ensures uniform understanding of terminology across cement testing and use.

IS 6909: Supersulphated Cement – Composition and Manufacture

Key Chemical Requirements (Clause 5.1 & Table 5)

• Calcium Sulphate is a key constituent (Clause 3.3).
• Granulated slag conforming to IS 12089:1987 is recommended for manufacture.
• Total chloride content limits are under review; agreement between purchaser and manufacturer is advised (see IS 12423:1988 for chloride test method).

Manufacture Notes (Clause 4.2)

• Use of approved grinding aids in very small amounts is allowed, similar to clinker grinding.

Summary:

• Supersulphated cement is mainly composed of granulated slag, calcium sulphate, and limited impurities.
• Chemical limits ensure durability and performance.
• Testing per IS 4032:1985 ensures compliance.

flowchart LR
    A[Raw Materials] --> B[Granulated Slag (IS 12089)]
    A --> C[Calcium Sulphate]
    B & C --> D[Grinding + Additives]
    D --> E[Supersulphated Cement]
    E --> F[Chemical Testing (IS 4032)]

This ensures quality control in composition and manufacture as per IS 6909.

IS 6909: Chemical Requirements for Supersulphated Cement

Key Chemical Limits (Clause 5.1 & Table 5)

• These values must be tested as per IS 4032:1985.
• Chloride content: No fixed limit currently; mutually agreed between purchaser & manufacturer (test as per IS 12423:1988).
• Granulated slag used should conform to IS 12089:1987.

Additional Notes:

• Grinding aids are permitted in very small quantities similar to clinker grinding (Clause 4.2).
• Manufacturers must provide a certificate of total chloride content within 10 days of dispatch (Clause 9.2).

Summary Table for Quick Reference

This ensures chemical stability and durability of supersulphated cement in concrete applications.

IS 6909: Physical Requirements Summary

Clause 6: Physical Requirements

• Physical tests on supersulphated cement should be conducted at 27 ± 2°C (Clause 11.2).
• Testing temperature control ensures consistent and reliable physical property results.

Key Chemical Limits (Clause 5.1)

Sampling for Bag Mass Tolerance (Annex B, Clause 8.2)

• Average net mass per bag must be ≥ 50 kg.
• Bags are selected randomly per IS 4905:1968.

Additional Notes

• Chloride content limits are under review; agreement needed between purchaser and manufacturer.
• Granulated slag per IS 12089:1987 is suitable for supersulphated cement.

flowchart TD
    A[Physical Testing] --> B[Temperature: 27 ± 2°C]
    A --> C[Chemical Limits]
    C --> D[Insoluble residue ≤ 4%]
    C --> E[MgO ≤ 10%]
    C --> F[Sulphide sulphur ≤ 1.5%]
    A --> G[Sampling for Bag Mass]
    G --> H[Batch Size → Sample Size Table]

This concise summary covers the essential physical and chemical requirements and sampling criteria from IS 6909.

IS 6909: Storage and Handling of Supersulphated Cement

Clause 7.1 - Storage:

• Store cement in a weather-tight building to prevent hydration and deterioration.
• Ensure easy access for inspection.
• Protect cement and clinker components from moisture.

Packaging & Sampling:

• Use HDPE, jute, polypropylene, or multiwall paper sacks as per IS 11652, IS 2580, IS 11653, IS 11761.
• Sampling as per IS 3535 and IS 4905 for random selection.
• Bulk supply (>1000 kg) allowed by agreement (Clause 8.3).

Tolerance for Bag Mass (Annex B, Clause 8.2):

Testing:

• Samples must be hermetically sealed and tested promptly (Clause 11.5.3).

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Storage] --> B[Weather-tight building]
    A --> C[Easy inspection access]
    D[Packaging] --> E[HDPE/Jute/PP/Multiwall sacks]
    F[Sampling] --> G[Random selection per IS 4905]
    H[Bulk Supply] --> I[>1000 kg by agreement]
    J[Testing] --> K[Hermetically sealed samples]
    K --> L[Expeditious testing]

Key takeaway: Proper storage in dry, weather-tight conditions and adherence to sampling/testing protocols ensure cement quality and minimize deterioration.

IS 6909 - Packing and Marking of Cement: Key Points

• Packing Material:
  As per Clause 8.2.2.3, the packing material must be mutually agreed upon between the manufacturer/supplier and purchaser. No fixed material is mandated by the code.

• Packing Units for Export:
  According to Clause 8.2.2, for export cement packing:

  • Cement can be packed in bags or drums.
  • The net mass per bag or drum is as agreed between purchaser and manufacturer.
  • Bags other than those specified in earlier clauses can be used if agreed upon.

Summary Table of Packing Specifications

Important Notes:

• No fixed standard bag size or material is prescribed for export packing.
• Marking details (not specified here) should also be agreed upon.

flowchart TD
    A[Manufacturer/Supplier] -->|Agree on| B[Packing Material]
    A -->|Agree on| C[Net Mass per Bag/Drum]
    B & C --> D[Packing Cement for Export]

In essence: IS 6909 emphasizes flexibility in packing and marking, relying on mutual agreement rather than fixed standards for export cement packing.

IS 6909: Manufacturer's Certificate - Key Points

Manufacturer's Certificate (Clause 9)

• Clause 9.1:
  Manufacturer must ensure cement conforms to IS 6909 requirements and, if requested, provide a certificate confirming conformity.

• Clause 9.2:
  Certificate must indicate total chloride content (% by mass) of cement, provided within 10 days of dispatch.

Bulk Supply Definition (Clause 8.3)

• Bulk supply = a single bag/container with ≥ 1000 kg net mass.
• Intermediate containers (e.g., 200 kg drums) allowed by agreement.

Sampling & Testing (Clause 11.5.3)

• Representative samples must be drawn and hermetically sealed.
• Tests should be conducted expeditiously.

Referenced IS Standards (Annex A)

Summary Table: Manufacturer's Certificate Requirements

flowchart TD
    A[Manufacturer] --> B{Conformity Check}
    B -- Yes --> C[Issue Certificate on Request]
    C --> D[Include Chloride Content %]
    D --> E[Dispatch Cement]
    E --> F[Sample Drawn & Sealed]
    F --> G[Testing as per IS 4031]

Note: Chloride content is critical to prevent corrosion in reinforced concrete. Always verify certificates before use.

IS 6909 Sampling Key Points & Tables

1. Sampling Method:

   • Sampling of supersulphated cement shall follow IS 3535:1986 (Methods of sampling hydraulic cement).
   • Samples must be randomly selected (see IS 4905:1968 for random sampling methods).
   • After sampling, samples must be hermetically sealed and tested promptly (Clause 11.5.3).

2. Sample Size (ANNEX B, Clause 8.2):

• Average net mass of cement per bag in sample should be ≥ 50 kg.

3. Facilities & Identification (Clause 10.3):
   • Manufacturer/supplier must provide labor, materials, and facilities for sampling and proper identification.

Summary Flow of Sampling Process

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Cement Batch] --> B[Randomly Select Bags (IS 4905)]
    B --> C[Draw Sample (IS 3535)]
    C --> D[Hermetically Seal Sample]
    D --> E[Transport & Identification]
    E --> F[Test Sample ASAP (Clause 11.5.3)]
    F --> G[Report Results]

References:

• IS 3535:1986 — Sampling methods
• IS 4905:1968 — Random sampling
• IS 6909 Clauses 8.2, 10.2, 10.3, 11.5.3

IS 6909: Testing and Compliance - Key Points

1. Sampling & Testing (Clause 11.5.3)

• Samples must be representative and hermetically sealed.
• Tests should be conducted as quickly as possible after sampling to ensure accuracy.

2. Testing Temperature (Clause 11.2)

• Physical tests are to be performed at 27 ± 2°C for consistency.

3. Non-compliance (Clause 11.4)

• Specifies procedures if test results do not meet standards (details in Clause 11.4).

4. Referenced IS Standards (Annex A)

5. Testing Cost (Table 11.5.2)

• Costs are defined per test/sample (refer to Table 11.5.2 in IS 6909).

Summary Diagram of Testing Process:

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Collection] --> B[Hermetic Sealing]
    B --> C[Testing at 27±2°C]
    C --> D{Test Results}
    D -->|Pass| E[Compliance Certified]
    D -->|Fail| F[Non-compliance Action (Clause 11.4)]

For detailed physical test methods and sampling, refer to IS 4031 and IS 3535 respectively.

IS 6909: List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)

This standard refers to several essential Indian Standards related to hydraulic cement testing, sampling, packaging, and terminology:

Key Notes:

• Clause 2.1: These referenced IS codes are mandatory adjuncts to IS 6909.
• Clause 11.5.3: Testing on hermetically sealed samples must be done promptly.
• Clause 3.1: Definitions from IS 4845:1968 apply.

This list ensures comprehensive coverage of cement testing, sampling, packaging, and terminology as per Indian Standards.

Tolerance Requirements for Mass of Cement Packed in Bags (IS 6909:1990)

Key Points from Clause 8.2 & Annex B:

• Average net mass per bag:
  • Minimum 50 kg (typical) or 25 kg (if agreed).
• Sample size for checking mass tolerance depends on batch size:

• Bags for sampling must be randomly selected (per IS 4905:1968).
• Average net mass in a sample ≥ specified bag weight (50 kg or 25 kg).
• Tolerances follow Section 8.2.1.1 (not detailed here but refer to IS 6909 and Packaged Commodities Rules, 1977).
• Compliance judged after rounding per IS 2:1960.

Summary:

• Ensure average net mass ≥ specified weight.
• Sample size depends on batch size (see table).
• Random sampling mandatory.
• Follow tolerances as per IS and legal standards.

flowchart LR
    A[Batch Size] --> B{Sample Size}
    B -->|100-150| C[20 bags]
    B -->|151-280| D[32 bags]
    B -->|281-500| E[50 bags]
    B -->|501-1200| F[80 bags]
    B -->|1201-3200| G[125 bags]
    B -->|>3200| H[200 bags]
    C & D & E & F & G & H --> I[Random Sampling]
    I --> J[Check Average Net Mass ≥ 50 kg (or 25 kg agreed)]
    J --> K[Apply Tolerance per IS 6909 & Packaged Commodities Rules]

For detailed tolerance limits per bag, refer to Clause 8.2.1.1 and the **Packaged Commodities (

Composition of the Committee (IS 6909 - Cement and Concrete Sectional Committee, CED 2)

The committee comprises experts from various organizations representing industry, research, government, and standards bodies. Key points:

• Chairman: Q & H. C. Visvevaraya (National Council for Cement and Building Materials, New Delhi)
• Members: Representatives from major cement companies (e.g., Larsen & Toubro, India Cements Ltd), research institutes (CSIR labs, Central Building Research Institute), government departments (Public Works, Irrigation, Railways), and industry bodies (Indian Roads Congress, Development Commissioner for Cement Industry).
• Alternates: Each member has designated alternates to ensure continuity.
• Diverse Expertise: Includes engineers, researchers, chemists, and government officials ensuring comprehensive coverage of cement and concrete standards.

This composition ensures balanced representation across manufacturing, testing, research, and application sectors.

Summary Table of Key Committee Members

This committee structure is typical for IS codes, ensuring expert consensus in standard formulation.

graph LR
A[Chairman] --> B[Members]
B --> C[Industry Experts]
B --> D[Research Institutes]
B --> E[Government Departments]
B --> F[Standards Organizations]