Method of test for building limes Determination of soundness

IS 6932 Part 9: Determination of Soundness of Building Limes

Key Specifications & Procedures (Foreword & Clause 3.3)

• Test Method: Le-Chatelier mould test for soundness.
• Apparatus: Three Le-Chatelier moulds, greased internally, placed on non-porous plates.
• Procedure:
  1. Fill moulds with lime mortar, keep edges open.
  2. Cover with non-porous plate + small weight.
  3. Leave undisturbed for 1 hour; measure indicator point distance.
  4. Transfer to damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
  5. Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure (boiling water) for 3 hours (no immersion).
  6. Cool and re-measure indicator distance.
• Acceptance Criterion: Net expansion ≤ 10 mm after deducting 1 mm for cement expansion.

Important Amendments & References:

• Cement references updated to IS 712:1984, IS 1070:1992, IS 269:1989, IS 650:1991.
• Soundness test follows IS 5514:1996.
• Reporting per IS 2-1960 rounding rules.

Summary Table: Le-Chatelier Soundness Test

Contact & Reference

• BIS Headquarters: Manak Bhavan, New Delhi
• Central Laboratory: Sahibabad Industrial Area, UP
• Regional & Branch offices available nationwide for standards and sales.

flowchart TD
    A[Fill Le-Chatelier moulds with mortar] --> B[Cover with plate + weight]
    B --> C[Rest undisturbed for 1 hour]
    C --> D[Measure initial indicator distance]
    D --> E[Store in damp air cupboard for 48 hours]
    E --> F[

IS 6932 Part 9 - Scope Summary: Determination of Soundness of Building Limes

• Scope: This part specifies the method to determine soundness (stability and expansion) of building limes.
• It isolates tests previously included in IS 712-1964 for clarity and focused application.
• Applies to qualitative assessment of building limes to ensure durability and performance.

Key Points from Clause 3.3 (Test for Soundness - Le-Chatelier Method)

• Apparatus: 3 Le-Chatelier moulds, internally greased.
• Procedure:
  1. Fill moulds with lime mortar, cover with non-porous plates & place small weight.
  2. Measure initial distance between indicator points after 1 hour.
  3. Cure in damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
  4. Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure (3 hours, boiling water, no immersion).
  5. Measure final distance; net expansion = (final - initial) - 1 mm (correction for cement expansion).
• Acceptance Criteria: Net expansion ≤ 10 mm.

Related Specifications & References

Summary Table: Soundness Test Expansion Limits

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare mortar in Le-Chatelier moulds] --> B[Measure initial indicator distance]
    B --> C[Cure in damp air cupboard (48 hrs)]
    C --> D[Steam treatment (3 hrs, saturated steam)]
    D --> E[Measure final indicator distance]
    E --> F[Calculate net expansion]
    F --> G{Net expansion ≤ 10 mm?}
    G -->|Yes| H[Sample passes soundness test]
    G -->|No| I[Sample fails sound

Key References & Specifications in IS 6932 Part 9 (Test for Soundness)

1. Test Procedure (Clause 3.3):

• Use 3 Le-Chatelier moulds, greased internally.
• Fill with mortar, cover with non-porous plates and weight, rest 1 hour.
• Measure initial distance between indicator points.
• Cure in damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
• Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (boiling water, no immersion).
• Cool and re-measure distance.
• Net expansion due to lime = (Final distance - Initial distance) - 1 mm (allowance).
• Expansion must not exceed 10 mm.

2. Apparatus & Materials:

• Le-Chatelier moulds (specification provided).
• Ordinary, rapid-hardening, and low heat Portland cement (IS specs).
• Standard sand for testing cement (IS specs).
• Distilled water as per IS 1070-1960.

3. Important Notes:

• Expansion measurement accuracy critical for soundness evaluation.
• Use distilled water for reagent purposes.
• Rounding off rules apply as per IS standards.

Summary Table: Expansion Limits

For detailed apparatus specs and cement standards, refer to IS 6932 Part 9 and related IS codes on cement and sand.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 3 Le-Chatelier Moulds] --> B[Fill with Mortar]
    B --> C[Cover with Plates + Weight]
    C --> D[Rest 1 Hour]
    D --> E[Measure Initial Distance]
    E --> F[Damp Air Cure 48 Hours]
    F --> G[Steam Cure 3 Hours]
    G --> H[Cool & Measure Final Distance]
    H --> I[Calculate Net Expansion]
    I --> J{Expansion ≤ 10 mm?}
    J -- Yes --> K[Pass Soundness Test]
    J -- No --> L[Fail Soundness Test]

IS 6932 Part 9 (1973) – Test for Soundness of Building Limes

Key Points:

• Objective: To determine the soundness (stability) of building limes by checking for volume changes or disintegration.
• Water Used: Distilled water conforming to IS 1070:1992 is mandatory for testing.
• Relevant Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement as per IS 269:1989 is used for comparison or as a reagent.
• Reference Standards:
  • IS 712:1984 (Methods for building limes)
  • IS 5514:1996 (Test methods)
  • IS 650:1991 (Cement specifications)

General Procedure Outline:

1. Prepare lime paste or mortar samples.
2. Immerse samples in distilled water.
3. Observe for:
   • Cracks, disintegration.
   • Volume changes (expansion or shrinkage).
4. Compare results with standard limits for soundness.

Important Specifications:

Rounding off:

• Numerical results should be rounded according to IS 2:1960.

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Lime Sample] --> B[Immerse in Distilled Water (IS 1070)]
    B --> C[Observe for Cracks/Disintegration]
    C --> D{Soundness Criteria Met?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Sample is Sound]
    D -->|No| F[Sample is Unsound]

For detailed stepwise procedure, refer to the full text of IS 6932 Part 9 (1973) and amendments.

IS 6932 Part 9 - Apparatus for Le-Chatelier Test

Key Specifications (Clause 3.1 & 3.3):

• Apparatus: Must conform to IS 5514 - 1969 (Specification for apparatus used in Le-Chatelier test).
• Le-Chatelier moulds:
  • Three moulds, internally well-greased.
  • Each placed on a small non-porous plate.
  • Filled with mortar under test, edges kept open.
  • Covered with another non-porous plate and small weight placed on top.
• Test conditions:
  • Leave moulds undisturbed for 1 hour.
  • Measure initial distance between indicator points.
  • Transfer to damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
  • Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure (boiling water) for 3 hours (not immersed).
  • Measure final indicator distance.
  • Net expansion = Final - Initial - 1 mm (allowance for cement expansion).
  • Max allowable net expansion: 10 mm.

Additional Notes:

• Use distilled water as per IS 1070-1960.
• Follow sample preparation as per IS 712-1973.

Summary Table: Le-Chatelier Test Apparatus & Procedure

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 3 Le-Chatelier Moulds] --> B[Fill with mortar, grease inside]
    B --> C[Place on non-porous plate]
    C --> D[Cover with plate + small weight]
    D --> E[Rest 1 hour undisturbed]
    E --> F[Measure initial indicator distance]
    F --> G[Transfer to damp air cupboard (48 hrs)]
    G --> H[Steam cure 3 hrs, saturated steam

IS 6932 Part 9: Preparation of Sample for Test

Key Specifications & Formulas

• Sample Composition (Clause 3.2):

  • Hydrated lime: 1 part by mass
  • Portland cement (IS 269-1967): 1/3 part by mass of lime
  • Standard sand (IS 650-1971): 4 parts by mass of lime
  • Water: 12% by mass of the dry mixture

• Mixing Procedure:

  1. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Add water (12% by mass) and mix to form mortar.
  3. Use immediately for testing.

• Test Apparatus (Clause 3.1):

  • Use 'Le-Chatelier' apparatus conforming to IS 5514-1969.

• Test Procedure (Clause 3.3):

  • Use 3 greased Le-Chatelier moulds.
  • Fill moulds with mortar, cover with non-porous plates, apply small weight.
  • Measure initial distance between indicator points after 1 hour.
  • Cure in damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
  • Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure (boiling water) for 3 hours.
  • Cool and measure final distance.
  • Net expansion limit: ≤ (measured expansion - 1 mm) ≤ 10 mm.

Summary Table: Sample Mixing Ratio

flowchart TD
    A[Hydrated Lime] --> B[Dry Mix]
    C[Portland Cement (1/3 mass)] --> B
    D[Standard Sand (4 mass)] --> B
    B --> E[Add 12% Water]
    E --> F[Mortar Sample]
    F --> G[Fill Le-Chatelier Moulds]
    G --> H[1 hr Rest & Measure]
    H -->

IS 6932 Part 9 — Procedure for Le-Chatelier Soundness Test

Key Procedure Steps (Clause 3.3):

• Use three Le-Chatelier moulds, internally greased.
• Place each mould on a non-porous plate, fill with mortar, keep edges open.
• Cover with another non-porous plate and place a small weight on top.
• Leave moulds undisturbed for 1 hour.
• Measure distance between indicator points.
• Transfer moulds to damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
• Then expose moulds (with covers) to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (boiling water, no immersion).
• Cool moulds and re-measure indicator point distance.
• Calculate net expansion:

[ \text{Net Expansion} = (\text{Final distance} - \text{Initial distance}) - 1, \text{mm} ]

• Maximum allowed net expansion: 10 mm.

Specifications:

• Apparatus per IS 5514:1969.
• Sample preparation per IS 712:1973 (7.3).
• Cement types covered: ordinary, rapid-hardening, low heat Portland cement.
• Standard sand per relevant IS standards.

Summary Table of Timings and Conditions

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare mortar sample] --> B[Fill and grease Le-Chatelier moulds]
    B --> C[Place moulds on non-porous plate]
    C --> D[Cover with plate + weight]
    D --> E[Rest for 1 hour]
    E --> F[Measure initial distance]
    F --> G[48 hours in damp air cupboard]
    G --> H[3 hours saturated steam at 100°C]
    H --> I[Cool moulds]
    I --> J[Measure final distance]
    J --> K[Calculate net expansion]

This

IS 6932 Part 9 - Expression of Results for Soundness Test (Le-Chatelier Method)

Key Formula for Net Expansion:

[ \text{Net Expansion} = (\text{Expansion after steaming}) - (\text{Expansion after 1 hour}) - 1 \text{ mm} ]

• 1 mm is deducted to account for expansion due to added cement.
• The maximum permissible net expansion = 10 mm.

Procedure Summary:

• Use three Le-Chatelier moulds, greased internally.
• Fill moulds with mortar; cover with non-porous plates and small weight.
• Measure initial distance between indicator points after 1 hour.
• Cure moulds in damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
• Subject moulds to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (do not immerse in water).
• Measure distance between indicator points again.
• Calculate net expansion as above.

Specifications:

• Use distilled water as per IS 1070-1960.
• Follow IS 712-1973 for sample preparation.
• Apparatus and materials must conform to relevant IS specifications for cement, sand, and lime.

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Sample as per IS 712] --> B[Fill Le-Chatelier Moulds]
    B --> C[Measure Initial Distance after 1 hour]
    C --> D[Cure in Damp Air Cupboard for 48 hours]
    D --> E[Steam Cure for 3 hours (Saturated Steam)]
    E --> F[Measure Final Distance]
    F --> G[Calculate Net Expansion = Final - Initial - 1 mm]
    G --> H{Net Expansion ≤ 10 mm?}
    H -->|Yes| I[Pass Soundness Test]
    H -->|No| J[Fail Soundness Test]

Summary: Net expansion after steam curing must not exceed 10 mm (after deducting 1 mm). This ensures cement soundness per IS 6932 Part 9.

IS 6932 Part 9 — Precision and Interpretation (Soundness Test)

Key Procedure (Clause 3.3):

• Use 3 Le-Chatelier moulds, internally greased.
• Fill with mortar, cover with non-porous plates + small weight.
• Measure initial distance between indicator points after 1 hour.
• Cure moulds in damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
• Subject moulds to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (boiling water, no immersion).
• Cool and re-measure distance between indicator points.

Expansion Calculation:
[ \text{Net expansion} = \text{Final distance} - \text{Initial distance} - 1 \text{ mm (cement expansion allowance)} ]

• Maximum allowed net expansion: 10 mm (beyond which lime is unsound).

Specifications & References

• Use distilled water as per IS 1070.
• Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement conforming to IS 269.
• Apparatus: Le-Chatelier moulds as per IS 5514.
• Standard sand and reagent water as per respective IS codes.

Summary Table: Soundness Test Limits

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 3 Le-Chatelier Moulds] --> B[Fill with mortar & cover]
    B --> C[Wait 1 hour, measure initial distance]
    C --> D[48 hours in damp air cupboard]
    D --> E[3 hours saturated steam curing]
    E --> F[Cool & measure final distance]
    F --> G[Calculate net expansion]
    G --> H{Net expansion ≤ 10 mm?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Sound Lime]
    H -- No --> J[Unsound Lime]

Note: Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding off numerical values in reports.

IS 6932 Part 9: Notes on Safety and Handling - Key Points

Safety & Handling Summary (from Clause 3.3 and related clauses):

• Use distilled water as per IS:1070-1960 for reagent purposes.
• Handle cement and mortar samples carefully to avoid contamination.
• Use Le-Chatelier moulds (3 units, greased internally) for soundness testing.
• Keep edges visibly open during filling; cover with non-porous plates and apply a small weight.
• After initial setting (1 hour), transfer moulds to a damp air cupboard for 48 hours.
• Subject moulds to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (no immersion).
• Measure expansion between indicator points before and after steam treatment.
• Maximum allowed net expansion (after deducting 1 mm for cement expansion) is 10 mm.

Important Specifications:

• Use standard sand for testing as per IS specifications.
• Use ordinary, rapid-hardening, or low heat Portland cement as specified.
• Follow rules for rounding off numerical values.
• Use building limes and distilled water meeting IS standards.

Key Formula for Net Expansion (Soundness Test):

[ \text{Net Expansion} = (\text{Expansion after steam} - \text{Expansion after 48 hrs}) - 1 \text{ mm} ]

• Must satisfy:
  [ \text{Net Expansion} \leq 10 \text{ mm} ]

Apparatus Summary:

• Le-Chatelier moulds: Internal greasing, non-porous plates, small weight.
• Steam boiler: Vigorous boiling water producing saturated steam at atmospheric pressure.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Sample] --> B[Fill 3 Le-Chatelier Moulds]
    B --> C[Cover with Plates + Weight]
    C --> D[Wait 1 Hour]
    D --> E[Measure Initial Indicator Distance]
    E --> F[Place in Damp Air Cupboard (48 hrs)]
    F --> G[Steam Treatment (3 hrs, saturated steam)]
    G --> H[Cool & Measure Indicator Distance]
    H --> I[Calculate Net Expansion]
    I --> J{Net Expansion ≤ 10 mm?}
    J -->|Yes| K[Sample Passes Soundness Test

IS 6932 Part 9: Bibliography & Cross References Summary

Key References & Specifications:

• Test for Soundness (Clause 3.3):

  • Uses three Le-Chatelier moulds (well greased internally).
  • Procedure: Fill moulds with mortar, cover with non-porous plates + weight, measure initial indicator distance.
  • Cure 1 hour undisturbed, then 48 hours in damp air cupboard.
  • Subject to saturated steam at atmospheric pressure for 3 hours (no immersion).
  • Measure final indicator distance; net expansion due to lime must not exceed 10 mm after deducting 1 mm for cement expansion.

• Referenced Standards:

  • IS 712: 1984 — Specification for building limes (3rd revision)
  • IS 269: 1989 — Ordinary Portland Cement specification
  • IS 650: 1991 — Rapid-hardening Portland Cement
  • IS 5514: 1996 — Standard sand for testing cement
  • IS 2: 1960 — Rules for rounding off numerical values

Important Notes:

• Le-Chatelier apparatus must be non-porous and well-greased internally.
• Expansion measurements before and after steam curing are critical.
• Net expansion = (Final distance - Initial distance) - 1 mm (cement allowance).
• Expansion >10 mm indicates unsound lime.

Contact Points for Standards & Sales Offices

• Headquarters: Manak Bhavan, New Delhi
• Central Laboratory: Sahibabad Industrial Area
• Multiple regional & branch offices across India for standard purchase and inquiries.

Summary Table: Net Expansion Limit

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 3 Le-Chatelier Moulds] --> B[Fill with Mortar]
    B --> C[Cover with Plates + Weight]
    C --> D[Measure Initial Distance]
    D --> E[1 Hour Rest]
    E --> F[48 Hours Damp Air Cupboard]
    F --> G[3 Hours