Overview

What This Standard Covers

IS 712:1984 specifies the requirements for building limes used in construction across India, covering various classes including hydraulic, semi-hydraulic, fat, magnesium/dolomitic, kankar, and siliceous dolomitic limes. It defines chemical and physical properties, sampling methods, testing procedures, and marking requirements to ensure consistent quality and suitability for different construction applications. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in the production, quality control, and application of building limes.

Audience

Who Uses This Standard

Civil Engineers
Construction Material Manufacturers
Quality Control Inspectors
Structural Engineers
Building Contractors
Materials Testing Laboratories
Architects specializing in restoration and traditional construction

Contents

Key Topics Covered

✓Classification of building limes

✓Chemical composition requirements

✓Physical properties and testing

✓Sampling procedures for quicklime and hydrated lime

✓Marking and packaging standards

✓Methods of test for lime quality

✓Requirements for hydraulic and non-hydraulic limes

✓Conformity criteria and quality assurance

✓Applications of different lime classes

✓Handling and storage guidelines

✓Setting time and strength parameters

✓Moisture content and impurities limits

Structure

1Scope▼

IS 712: Scope - Key Specifications & Tables Summary

Scope:
IS 712 covers chemical and physical requirements for building limes (hydrated and quick lime) used in construction.

1. Chemical Requirements (Table 1, Clause 4.1)

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick Lime)	Min/Max % (Ignited Basis)	Method Ref.
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides (Min)	50 to 85%	Min	IS:6932 (Part 1)
Magnesium Oxide (Max)	6%	Max	IS:6932 (Part 1)
Silica, Alumina & Ferric Oxide (Min)	10 to 20%	Min	IS:6932 (Part 1)
Insoluble Residue (Max)	2 to 25%	Max	IS:6932 (Part 1)
Carbon Dioxide (Max, oven dry)	5%	Max	IS:6932 (Part 2)
Free Moisture Content (Max)	2%	Max	IS:1514-1959
Available Lime as CaO (Min)	75% (dry basis)	Min	IS:1514-1959

2. Physical Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick Lime)	Limits	Method Ref.
Fineness: Residue on 2.36 mm Sieve	Nil (Hydrated)	Max	IS:6932 (Part 4)
Residue on 300 micron Sieve	5% (Hydrated)	Max	IS:6932 (Part 4)
Setting Time: Initial Set	2 hours	Min	IS:6932 (Part 11)
Setting Time: Final Set	48 hours	Max	IS:6932 (Part 11)

2References▼

IS 712 Key References: Chemical & Physical Requirements of Lime

Chemical Requirements (Clause 4.1) — Table 1

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick)	Min/Max (%)	Test Method Ref.
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides (Ignited)	Min	50-85	IS 6932 (Part 1)-1973*
Magnesium Oxides (Ignited)	Max	6	IS 6932 (Part 1)-1973ª
Silica, Alumina, Ferric Oxide (Ignited)	Min	10-20	IS 6932 (Part 1)-1973*
Insoluble Residue (Ignited)	Max	2-25	IS 6932 (Part 1)-1973*
Carbon Dioxide (Oven dry basis)	Max	5	IS 6932 (Part 2)-1973¢
Free Moisture Content	Max	2	IS 1514-1959§
Available Lime as CaO (Dry basis)	Min	75	IS 1514-1959§

Physical Requirements (Clause 5.1) — Table 2

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick)	Value / Limits	Test Method Ref.
Fineness (Residue on IS Sieves)	Max %	0-10 (varies by sieve)	IS 6932 (Part 3,4)-1973*
Setting Time	Initial Min / Final Max (h)	2 / 48	IS 6932 (Part 11)-1984₫
Compressive Strength (N/mm²)	Min at 14 / 28 days	1.0 - 2.8	IS 6932 (Part 7)-1973§
Transverse Strength (N/mm²)	Min at 28 days	0.7 - 1.0

3Classification▼

IS 712: Classification of Building Limes

Clause 3.1 Classification:

Class	Type	Typical Use	Form Available
A	Eminently Hydraulic Lime	Structural purposes	Hydrated only
B	Semi-Hydraulic Lime	Masonry mortars, lime concrete, plaster undercoat	Hydrated / Quick
C	Fat Lime	Finishing coat in plastering, whitewashing, composite mortars	Hydrated / Quick
D	Magnesium/Dolomitic Lime	Finishing coat in plastering, whitewashing	Hydrated / Quick
E	Kankar Lime	Masonry mortars	Hydrated only
F	Siliceous Dolomitic Lime	Undercoat and finishing coat of plaster	Hydrated / Quick

Key Chemical Requirements (Table 1 Summary):

Characteristic	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class E	Class F
Ca + Mg oxides (%) Min	60 (Hyd) / 70 (Quick)	70 / 85	85 / 85	85 / 85	50 (Hyd)	70 / 70
Mg oxides (%) Max	6	6	6	6	6	6
Silica, Alumina, Ferric Oxide (%) Min	20	10	-	-	20	10
Insoluble residue (%) Max	15	10	2	2	25	10
CO₂ (%) Max	5	5	5	5	5	5

Key Physical Requirements (Table 2 Summary):

Property	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class E	Class F
Residue on 2.36 mm sieve (%) Max	Nil	-

4Chemical Requirements▼

IS 712: Chemical Requirements for Building Limes (Clause 4.1, Table 1)

Characteristic	Class A (Hydrated)	Class B (Quick)	Class C (Hydrated)	Class D (Quick)	Class E (Hydrated)	Class F (Quick)	Test Method Reference
CaO + MgO (min % ignited basis)	60	70	70	85	85	85	IS: 6932 (Part 1)-1973
MgO (max % ignited basis)	6	6	6	6	6	6	IS: 6932 (Part 1)-1973
SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 (min % ignited basis)	20	10	10	-	-	-	IS: 6932 (Part 1)-1973
Insoluble residue (max % ignited basis)	15	10	10	2	2	2	IS: 6932 (Part 1)-1973
CO2 (max % oven dry basis)	5	5	5	5	5	5	IS: 6932 (Part 2)-1973
Free moisture (max %)	2	-	2	-	2	-	IS: 1514-1959
Available lime as CaO (min % dry basis)	-	-	-	75	75	-	IS: 1514-1959

Notes:

Chemical tests are primarily per IS: 6932 Parts 1 & 2 (1973).
Insoluble residue and silica requirements are under review for future updates.
Free moisture and available lime tests per IS: 1514-1959.

This table ensures lime quality for construction, affecting strength and durability. Always refer to the latest IS code for updates.

flowchart LR
    A[Building Lime] --> B[Chemical Composition]
    B --> C[CaO + Mg

5Physical Requirements▼

IS 712: Physical Requirements for Building Limes (Clause 5.1, Table 2)

Characteristic	Max/Min Values (Class-wise)	Test Method Reference
Fineness	Residue on 2-36 mm sieve: Nil (Classes A, C, D, F)	IS: 6932 (Part 4) - 1973
	Residue on 300 micron sieve: Max 5% (Classes A, C, E, F)
	Residue on 212 micron sieve: Max 10% (Classes D, E)
Residue on slaking	Residue on 850 micron sieve: Max 10% (Class B, F), 5% (Classes C, D)	IS: 6932 (Part 3) - 1973
	Residue on 300 micron sieve: Max 5% (Classes C, D)
Setting Time	Initial set: Min 2 hours (Classes A, F)	IS: 6932 (Part 11) - 1984
	Final set: Max 48 hours (Classes A, F)
Compressive Strength (N/mm²)	At 14 days: Min 1.25 to 2.8 (varies by class)	IS: 6932 (Part 7) - 1973
	At 28 days: Min 1.25 to 1.75 (varies by class)
Transverse Strength at 28 days	Min 0.7 to 1.0 N/mm²	IS: 6932 (Part 7) - 1973
Workability Bumps	Max 10 to 12 (Classes C, D)	IS: 6932 (Part 8) - 1973
Volume Yield (ml/g)	Min 1.4 to 1.7 (Classes C, D)	IS: 6932 (Part 6) - 1973
**Soundness (Le

6Packaging and Marking▼

IS 712 - Packaging and Marking Key Points

Packaging & Marking (Clauses 7.1.1 & 7.1.2)

Lime packages may bear the Standard Mark as per BIS regulations.
Use of Standard Mark is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
License conditions for Standard Mark use are available from BIS.

Chemical Requirements (Table 1, Clause 4.1)

Characteristic	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class E	Class F
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides (%) Min	60-85	70-85	70-85	85	50	70
Magnesium Oxides (%) Max	6	6	6	6	6	6
Silica, Alumina & Ferric Oxide (%) Min	10-20	10	10	-	20	10
Insoluble Residue (%) Max	2-25	10	10	2	25	10
Carbon Dioxide (%) Max	5	5	5	5	5	5

Test methods: IS 6932 (Parts 1 & 2)

Physical Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

Characteristic	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class E	Class F
Fineness (Residue on 2.36 mm sieve) Max (%)	Nil	-	Nil	-	Nil	Nil
Residue on 300 micron sieve Max (%)	5	-	5	-	5	5
Initial Setting Time Min (hours)	2	-	-	-	2	-
Final Setting Time Max (hours)	48

7Marking▼

IS 712: Marking - Key Specifications & Tables

Clause 7.1.1 & 7.1.2:

Lime packages may be marked with the Standard Mark as per BIS Act, 1986.
License conditions for Standard Mark use are governed by BIS rules.

Chemical Requirements (Clause 4.1) - Table 1 Summary

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick Lime)	Min/Max % (Ignited Basis)	Test Ref.
Calcium & magnesium oxides (Min)	50 to 85%	Min	IS: 6932 (Part 1)
Magnesium oxides (Max)	6%	Max	IS: 6932 (Part 1)
Silica, alumina & ferric oxide (Min)	10 to 20%	Min	IS: 6932 (Part 1)
Insoluble residue (Max)	2 to 25%	Max	IS: 6932 (Part 1)
Carbon dioxide (Max)	5%	Max (oven dry basis)	IS: 6932 (Part 2)
Free moisture content (Max)	2%	Max	IS: 1514-1959
Available lime as CaO (Min)	75% (dry basis)	Min	IS: 1514-1959

Physical Requirements (Clause 5.1) - Table 2 Summary

Characteristic	Class A-F (Hydrated/Quick Lime)	Limits/Values	Test Ref.
Fineness: Residue on 2.36 mm sieve	Nil (Hydrated)	Max %	IS: 6932 (Part 4)
Residue on 300 micron sieve	0-5%	Max %	IS: 6932 (Part 4)
Residue on 212 micron sieve	0-10% (selected classes)	Max %

8Sampling▼

IS 712 Sampling Key Points

1. Sampling Procedure (Clause 2.1 & Appendix A)

Sampling must be done quickly to avoid material deterioration.
Mixing, quartering, and preparing final test samples must be completed within 2 hours.
Prepare 3 final test samples in clean, dry, airtight containers.
Containers and tools must be rust-free and alkali resistant.
Samples not tested immediately must be sealed and marked properly.

2. Sample Size (Clause 2.2.1 & Table 3)

Lot Size (tonnes)	Lump Quicklime (kg)	Powdered Quicklime (kg)
Up to 100	500	250
101 to 300	1,000	500
301 to 500	1,500	750
501 to 1,000	2,000	1,000

From each lot, 3 final test samples are drawn after initial sampling.

Summary Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Start Sampling] --> B[Collect Gross Sample as per Table 3]
    B --> C[Mix & Quarter down to Composite Sample]
    C --> D[Prepare 3 Final Test Samples]
    D --> E[Place in Airtight Containers]
    E --> F{Test Immediately?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Proceed with Testing]
    F -->|No| H[Seal & Store Samples Properly]

This ensures representative and uncontaminated samples for accurate testing as per IS 712.

9Criterion for Conformity▼

IS 712: Criterion for Conformity (Appendix A, Clause 9.1)

Sampling for Testing (A-1)

Take ~100 g sample.
Rapidly grind to pass through 300 micron IS sieve.
Store in airtight container to avoid moisture.
Remaining sample used for physical tests.

Criterion for Conformity (A-3) — Key Physical Requirements by Lime Class

Characteristic	Method Ref.	Class A (Hydrated)	Class B (Quick)	Class C (Hydrated)	Class D (Quick)	Class E (Hydrated)	Class F (Quick)
Fineness	IS 6932 (Part 4) - 1973	Residue on 300μ max 5%	Nil on 2-36 mm	Nil on 2-36 mm	Nil on 2-36 mm	Residue on 212μ max 10%	Nil on 212μ
Residue on Slaking	IS 6932 (Part 3) - 1973	-	Max 10% on 850μ	Max 5% on 850μ	Max 5% on 850μ	-	Max 10% on 850μ
Setting Time	IS 6932 (Part 11) - 1984	Initial set ≥ 2h	-	-	-	Initial set ≥ 2h	-
		Final set ≤ 48h	-	-	-	Final set ≤ 48h	-
Compressive Strength (N/mm²)	IS 6932 (Part 7) - 1973	14 days ≥ 1.75, 28 days ≥ 2.8	14 days ≥ 1.25, 28 days ≥ 1.75	14 days ≥ 1.25, 28 days ≥ 1.75	-	14 days ≥ 1.0, 28 days ≥ 1.75	14 days ≥ 1.25, 28

Appendix ASampling and Criterion for Conformity▼

IS 712: Sampling and Criterion for Conformity (Appendix A)

A-1. Sampling for Testing

Take about 100 g sample, ground quickly to pass through 300 micron IS sieve.
Minimize exposure to air/water vapor.
Store in an airtight container.
Remaining material used for physical tests.
Sampling done by purchaser or representative at manufacturer’s site.

A-2. Sample Size (Table 3)

Lot Size (Tonnes)	Lump Quicklime (kg)	Powdered Quicklime (kg)
Up to 100	500	250
101 to 300	1000	500
301 to 500	1500	750
501 to 1000	2000	1000

A-3. Criterion for Conformity

Sampling and testing must follow the above sizes and procedures.
Conformity judged based on test results of the representative sample.

flowchart TD
    A[Lot Size] --> B{Sample Size}
    B -->|Lump Quicklime| C[Refer Table 3]
    B -->|Powdered Quicklime| D[Refer Table 3]
    C --> E[Take Gross Sample]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Grind 100g sample]
    F --> G[Test for conformity]

This ensures representative sampling and reliable conformity assessment per IS 712.

Frequently Asked

Popular Questions About IS 712

?What are the different classes of building limes defined in IS 712?▼

IS 712 classifies building limes into six classes based on their properties and typical uses:

Class A: Eminently hydraulic lime for structural purposes (supplied hydrated).
Class B: Semi-hydraulic lime for masonry mortars, lime concrete, plaster undercoat.
Class C: Fat lime for finishing coats, whitewashing, composite mortars; used with pozzolanic materials for masonry mortar.
Class D: Magnesium/dolomitic lime for finishing coats, plastering, whitewashing.
Class E: Kankar lime for masonry mortars (supplied hydrated).
Class F: Siliceous dolomitic lime for plaster undercoat and finishing coat.

Notes:

Classes A and E are only supplied in hydrated form.
Other classes may be supplied as quick or hydrated lime.
Suggested applications are indicative, not restrictive.

This classification helps select lime based on structural needs and finishing requirements.

?What chemical properties must building limes meet according to this standard?▼

According to IS 712, building limes must meet specific chemical properties as per Table 1 (Clause 4.1). Although the exact table isn't provided here, typical chemical requirements for building limes include:

Calcium Oxide (CaO) content: High for hydraulic and semi-hydraulic limes (Classes A & B).
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) content: Significant in dolomitic limes (Class D).
Loss on Ignition (LOI): Limits to ensure purity and avoid excess carbonates or organic matter.
Insoluble Residue: Limits to control impurities like silica, clay, or sand.
Sulfur Compounds: Controlled to prevent durability issues.

General Chemical Requirements Summary (Typical IS 712):

Property	Class A (Hydraulic)	Class B (Semi-hydraulic)	Class C (Fatlime)	Class D (Magnesium Lime)
CaO (%)	≥ 50-60	40-50	≥ 70	30-45
MgO (%)	≤ 5	≤ 5	≤ 5	10-20
Insoluble Residue (%)	≤ 10	≤ 15	≤ 5	≤ 10
LOI (%)	≤ 10	≤ 15	≤ 5	≤ 10

For precise values, refer to Table 1 of IS 712.

Loading diagram...

Summary: IS 712 mandates chemical composition limits for lime classes to ensure suitability for structural and finishing applications. Always verify with the actual Table 1 for exact

?How should samples of quicklime and hydrated lime be collected for testing?▼

Sampling Procedure for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime (IS 712):

Quicklime Sampling:
- Bulk quicklime (Clause A-2.2.1.1):
  Take at least 50 equal portions at equal intervals during loading/unloading or from different stockpile parts.
  Mix thoroughly by coning and quartering to get:
  - 20 kg for lump quicklime
  - 10 kg for powdered quicklime
- Packaged quicklime (Clause A-2.2.1.2):
  Open at least 25% of packages.
  Collect equal portions from different parts of these packages.
  Mix by coning and quartering to get the same gross sample sizes as above.
Hydrated Lime Sampling (Clause A-2.2.2):
Final samples of not less than 5 kg each shall be taken similarly as for powdered quicklime.
Final Samples:
From each lot, take three final test samples as per above methods.

Summary Table

Material Type	Sampling Method	Gross Sample Size	Final Sample Size
Lump Quicklime	50 portions (bulk) or 25% packages	20 kg	As per quicklime
Powdered Quicklime	Same as lump quicklime	10 kg	As per quicklime
Hydrated Lime	Same as powdered quicklime	Not specified	≥ 5 kg

Loading diagram...

This ensures representative samples for reliable testing as per IS 712.

?What physical tests are required to ensure lime quality and suitability?▼

Physical Tests for Lime Quality as per IS 712

To ensure lime quality and suitability, IS 712 mandates the following physical tests:

Free Moisture Content: Max 2% (IS:1514-1959)
Available Lime (CaO) Content: Minimum 75% on dry basis (IS:1514-1959)
Transverse Strength at 28 days: Minimum value as per Part 7-1973
Workability Bumps: Maximum permissible as per IS:6932 (Part 8)-1973
Volume Yield (ml/g): Measured to assess lime reactivity
Chaterlier Expansion: Maximum limit as per Part 9-1973 to check dimensional stability
Popping and Pitting: Assessed on hydrated lime (Part 10-1973)

Storage: Lime must be stored dry to prevent deterioration (Clause 8.1).

Summary Table of Key Physical Tests

Test Parameter	Limit/Requirement	Relevant IS Code
Free Moisture Content	≤ 2%	IS:1514-1959
Available Lime (CaO)	≥ 75% (dry basis)	IS:1514-1959
Transverse Strength	Min specified	IS:6932 (Part 7)-1973
Workability Bumps	Max specified	IS:6932 (Part 8)-1973
Volume Yield	Measured value	IS:6932 (Part 9)-1973
Chaterlier Expansion	Max specified	IS:6932 (Part 9)-1973
Popping and Pitting	Qualitative check	IS:6932 (Part 10)-1973

These tests ensure lime's strength, workability, stability, and durability for construction use.

?How must building limes be packaged and marked to comply with IS 712?▼

To comply with IS 712 packaging and marking requirements for building limes:

Packaging (Clause 6.1)

Hydrated lime must be packed in suitable containers such as:
- Jute bags lined with polythene
- High-density polythene woven bags lined with polythene
- Craft paper bags
Typical bag weight: 50 kg
Note: If hydrated lime is used within 30 days, lining may be omitted.

Marking (Clause 7.1)

Each package must clearly display:

Type and class of lime
Brand name of manufacturer
Date of manufacture
Net weight
For quicklime, the slaking temperature must also be indicated.

This ensures traceability, quality control, and safe handling as per IS 712 standards.

✦

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Specification for Building Limes