Specification for Concrete Admixtures

IS 9103: Scope - Key Specifications & Tables

Scope (Clause 3.0):
Defines admixtures for concrete, their types, and performance requirements.

Key Tables & Specifications

1. Additional Information by Manufacturer (Clause 10.2)

• Physical state & colour
• Composition: generic type, dry material, ash content, relative density, chloride ion content
• Chloride ion content relative to cement mass (%)
• Storage conditions, expiry, safety, incompatibilities
• Recommended dosage and effects of under/over dosage

2. Uniformity Tests & Requirements (Table 2, Clause 9)

3. Physical Requirements for Admixtures (Table 1A, Clause 4)

IS 9103: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

Clause 3.0: Definitions

• Defines terms related to concrete admixtures, their properties, and testing methods used in the standard.

Clause 10.2: Manufacturer's Information Requirements

Manufacturers must provide:

• Physical State & Colour
• Composition:
  • Generic type (e.g., lignosulphonate)
  • Dry material content (%)
  • Ash content (%)
  • Relative density (liquid admixture)
  • Chloride ion content (% by mass)
• Chloride ion content relative to cement mass
• Storage conditions, shelf life, safety
• Incompatibilities
• Recommended dosage & effects of over/underdosage
• Expiry date

Table 2: Uniformity Tests & Requirements (Clause 9)

Note: Ash content uniformity not applicable for accelerating admixtures with >1% chloride.

Flow Table Apparatus (Clause 1.5)

• Top Plate: 700 mm × 700 mm, thickness ≥ 1.5 mm, flatness ≤ 1.5 mm
• Mass: 16 ± 1 kg
• Lift height: 40 ± 1 mm
• Hinged to base frame with stops to prevent bounce

Additional Notes

• Referenced IS standards for cement, aggregates, and testing methods are listed in Annex A.
• Durability tests for freezing-thawing cycles and dynamic modulus calculations are in Annex B.

flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer Info] --> B[Physical State & Colour]
    A --> C[Composition]
    C --> C1[Generic Type]
    C --> C2[Dry Material Content]
    C --> C3[Ash Content]
    C --> C4[

IS 9103: Requirements for Admixtures - Key Points

1. Physical & Performance Requirements (Table 1A & 1B)

2. High Workability Mix (Table 1B)

• Flow: 510 mm - 620 mm
• Loss of Workability:
  • Normal type: slump at 45 min ≥ control at 15 min
  • Retarding type: slump at 2 hr ≥ control at 15 min
• Compressive Strength: Min 90% of control at 7, 28 days, 6 months, 1 year

3. Uniformity Tests (Table 2)

Sampling of Admixture (IS 9103: Clause 5.1)

• Liquid admixture must be thoroughly agitated before sampling.
• Grab samples:
  • Maximum volume represented: 9000 litres.
  • Minimum volume per grab sample: 1 litre.
  • Minimum number of grab samples: 4.
• Composite sample:
  • Mix all grab samples thoroughly.
  • Take at least 4 litres from the mixture for testing.

Key Formulas for Residue on Drying (Clause 1.1)

Specifications Summary (Table 1A & 1B Highlights)

• Water content: Max 80-95% of control (depends on admixture type).
• Slump loss: Max 15 mm less than control.
• Setting time deviation: ±1 to ±4 hours depending on admixture.
• Compressive strength: Minimum 90-125% of control at various ages.
• Bleeding increase: Max 5% over control.
• Length change (shrinkage): Max 0.01% increase over control at 28 days to 1 year.
• Loss of workability: Slump at 45 min or 2 h should not be less than control at 15 min.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Liquid Admixture] --> B[Agitate Thoroughly]
    B --> C[Take 4 Grab Samples (≥1 L each)]
    C --> D[Mix Grab Samples to form Composite Sample]
    D --> E[Take ≥4 L Composite Sample for Testing]
    E --> F[Conduct Tests as per IS

IS 9103: Preparation of Test Samples - Key Points

• Clause 6.2.3.3:
  Samples must be thoroughly mixed as per manufacturer’s instructions to ensure uniformity before testing.

• Clause 6.1.1:
  Test samples should be prepared using the same materials proposed for actual work to ensure representativeness.

• Clause 5.2.2:
  Samples must be packed in moisture-proof, airtight containers to preserve properties.

Important Tables for Admixture Testing (Clause 4)

Sampling & Testing Flow (Mermaid Diagram)

flowchart TD
    A[Obtain Admixture Sample] --> B[Pack in Moisture-proof Airtight Container]
    B --> C[Prepare Test Sample with Proposed Materials]
    C --> D[Mix Thoroughly as per Manufacturer]
    D --> E[Conduct Tests (Slump, Strength, Setting Time, etc.)]

Summary:
Ensure uniform mixing of samples, use materials identical to the job, and maintain proper sample storage. Follow Table 1A/1B limits for physical & mechanical properties during testing.

IS 9103: Sampling and Testing of Fresh Concrete

Sampling (Clause 7.1 & 2.1)

• Sample concrete per IS 1199.
• Obtain samples from at least 3 separate batches for each concrete condition.

Tests on Fresh Concrete (Clauses 7.2.1 to 7.2.5)

Key Formula for Slump Test:

• Slump (mm) = Height of cone - Height of subsided concrete

Flow Table Diameter Measurement:

• Measure diameter in two perpendicular directions.
• Flow = (D1 + D2) / 2 (in mm)

Tamping Bar Dimensions (from Fig.3 IS 1199):

• Length: 600 mm
• Diameter: 16 mm
• Rounded ends

flowchart LR
    A[Sampling fresh concrete] --> B[Testing Workability]
    B --> C[Slump Test (IS 1199)]
    B --> D[Flow Table Test (IS 1199)]
    B --> E[Bleeding Test (Annex D)]
    A --> F[Mixing (IS 516)]

Summary: Follow IS 1199 for sampling and workability tests; use mechanical mixers per IS 516; measure flow and bleeding as per IS 9103 Annex D.

Testing of Hardened Concrete as per IS 9103

1. Compressive Strength (Clause 8.2.1)

• Test at least 3 specimens per concrete type and age.
• Use IS 516 method for compressive strength.
• Strength of concrete with admixture compared to control concrete.

2. Relative Water Content (Clause 7.2.5.2)

[ \text{Relative Water Content (%)} = \frac{\text{Average water content of test concrete}}{\text{Average water content of reference concrete}} \times 100 ]

3. Durability Against Freezing and Thawing (Annex B)

• Freeze-thaw cycle: from (4 \pm 1^\circ C) to (-18 \pm 2^\circ C) and back in 2-5 hours.

• Use concrete prisms or cylinders.

• Relative dynamic modulus of elasticity: [ P_c = \left(\frac{n_2}{n_1}\right)^2 \times 100 ] where (n_1) = frequency at 0 cycles, (n_2) = frequency after (C) cycles.

• Durability Factor (DF): [ DF = \frac{P \times N}{300} \times 100 ] where (P) = relative dynamic modulus (%) at cycle (N), (N) = cycle when (P) reaches 60% or 300 cycles max.

4. Physical Requirements for Admixtures (Table 1A & 1B Highlights)

5. Flow of High Workability Concrete (Annex C)

• Flow range: 510 mm to 620 mm for superplasticized concrete.
• Loss of work

IS 9103: Uniformity Test and Requirements for Admixtures

Uniformity Test (Clause 9 & Table 2):
A batch must match the physical state and composition of the accepted admixture. Tests on a representative sample must satisfy:

Additional Manufacturer Info (Clause 10.2):

• Physical state, color
• Composition (active constituents, dry material, ash, density, chloride content)
• Chloride ion content relative to cement mass
• Storage, safety, incompatibility, dosage, effects of dosage variation, expiry date

Test for Length Change (Drying Shrinkage) (Clause 8.2.3):

• Follow IS 1199
• Moist curing period: 14 days (including mould period)

flowchart LR
    A[Batch of Admixture] --> B[Representative Sample]
    B --> C{Uniformity Tests}
    C --> D[Dry Material Content ±3% or ±1%]
    C --> E[Ash Content ±1%]
    C --> F[Relative Density ±0.02]
    C --> G[Chloride Ion Content ±10% or 0.2%]
    C --> H[pH 7-8]
    D & E & F & G & H --> I[Conforms to Manufacturer's Values]

This ensures consistent quality and performance of admixtures in concrete.

IS 9103: Marking & Additional Information (Clauses 10.1, 10.2 & 10.3)

1. Marking on Admixture Containers (Clause 10.1):

Each container shall be legibly marked with:

• Source of manufacture
• Year and date of manufacture
• Type of admixture (accelerating, retarding, water reducing, air-entraining, superplasticizing)
• Batch Number
• Chloride ion content

2. Additional Information by Manufacturer (Clause 10.2):

Manufacturer must provide in printed form:

3. Uniformity Test Requirements (Table 10.2):

Note: Ash content uniformity not applicable for accelerating admixtures with >1% chloride.

4. Admixture Acceptance Test Info (Clause 10.3):

If requested, manufacturer provides:

• Source of cement & aggregates
• Quantity of admixture used in test mixes
• Slump, w/c ratio, cement content for control & test batches
• Air

IS 9103 - Flow Table Apparatus & Test Method Summary

Flow Table Apparatus (Clause 1.3, 1.5)

• Table Top:

  • Material: Flat metal plate, thickness ≥ 1.5 mm
  • Dimensions: 700 mm × 700 mm
  • Flatness tolerance: ±1.5 mm
  • Central scribed cross and circle (Ø 200 mm)
  • Mass: 16 ± 1 kg
  • Reinforced underside to prevent distortion

• Hinges & Stops:

  • Externally mounted hinges to avoid aggregate trapping
  • Front base frame extends ≥ 120 mm beyond table top
  • Table top lift limited to 40 ± 1 mm by side stops
  • Two hard rigid stops at front edge transfer load to base frame

Test Method (Clause 2.1)

1. Sample Preparation:

   • Obtain fresh concrete sample per IS 1199
   • Place on leveled, supported flow table

2. Procedure:

   • Strike off concrete level
   • Slowly lift the cone vertically
   • Raise table top by handle and allow it to fall 15 times in 15 seconds (lift limited to 40 ± 1 mm)
   • Concrete spreads out

3. Measurement:

   • Measure spread diameter in two perpendicular directions (parallel to table edges)
   • Calculate flow as arithmetic mean of the two diameters (in mm)

Key Dimensions & Limits

Diagram: Flow Table Operation

flowchart LR
    A[Fresh Concrete Sample] --> B[Place on Flow Table]
    B --> C[Strike Off Level]
    C --> D[Lift Cone Vertically]
    D --> E[Raise Table Top 40 mm]
   

IS 9103: Method of Test for Bleeding of Concrete (Annex D)

Purpose:
Determine the relative quantity of mixing water that bleeds from freshly mixed concrete.

Test Procedure (Clause D-3.2)

• Sample: Freshly mixed concrete in a cylindrical container.
• Temperature: Maintain at 27 ± 2℃.
• Initial: Record time and mass of container + concrete immediately after trowelling.
• Setup: Place container on a level, vibration-free surface, cover with lid.
• Water Collection:
  • Draw off bleed water using a pipette at:
    • Every 10 minutes for first 40 minutes
    • Then every 30 minutes until bleeding stops
  • Tilt specimen by placing a 50 mm block under one side to aid water collection.
• Measurement: Transfer bleed water to a graduated jar and record cumulative volume.

Calculation of Bleeding Water Percentage (Clause D-4)

[ \text{Bleeding water %} = \frac{W_s}{S} \times \frac{W}{V_w} \times 100 ]

Where:

• ( W_s ) = total mass of bleeding water (kg)
• ( W ) = net mass of mixing water in batch (kg) (excluding absorbed water)
• ( S ) = mass of concrete sample (kg)
• ( V_w ) = total mass of the batch (kg)

Important Notes

• Net mixing water excludes water absorbed by aggregates (per IS 2386 Part 3).
• Bleeding is expressed as % of net mixing water.
• Test ensures concrete quality by controlling excess water that may weaken concrete.

flowchart TD
    A[Fresh Concrete Sample] --> B[Place in Cylinder]
    B --> C[Maintain at 27 ± 2℃]
    C --> D[Record Mass & Time]
    D --> E[Cover & Level Surface]
    E --> F{Collect Bleed Water}
    F -->|Every 10 min (0-40 min)| G[Use Pipette]
    F -->|Every 30 min (after 40 min)| G
    G --> H[Measure Volume in Graduated Jar]
    H --> I[Calculate Bleeding %]

This method helps quantify bleeding,

IS 9103: Uniformity Test Methods for Admixtures

Key Uniformity Tests (Clause 9, Table 2)

Sampling & Testing

• Samples must represent the batch composition.
• Tests ensure physical state and composition uniformity.
• Dry material content is determined by drying and weighing (Annex E).
• Chloride content and ash content are chemical tests.
• Relative density measured by standard density meters.
• pH by standard pH meters.

Important Specifications (Table 1A)

• Length change (drying shrinkage) max increase: 0.01% over control at 28 days, 6 months, 1 year.
• Bleeding max increase: 5% over control.
• Compressive strength: varies by admixture type; e.g., superplasticizers require ≥115% at 28 days.
• Loss of workability: slump retention criteria specified at 45 min to 2 hrs.

Bleeding Water Calculation (Annex D-4)

[ \text{Bleeding %} = \frac{V_w \times S}{W \times W_s} \times 100 ]

• (V_w) = mass of bleeding water (kg)
• (S) = mass of sample (kg)
• (W) = net mass of water in batch (kg)
• (W_s) = total mass of batch (kg)

Summary Diagram: Uniformity Test Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Collection] --> B[Physical Tests]
    B --> C{Dry Material Content}
    B --> D{Relative Density}
    B --> E{pH Measurement}
    B --> F{Ash Content}
    B --> G{Chloride Ion

IS 9103 - Committee Composition & Related Specifications

Committee Composition (Annex F)

• The Cement and Concrete Sectional Committee, CED 2 comprises representatives from:
  • Cement manufacturers (e.g., Orissa Cement Ltd, The India Cements Ltd)
  • Engineering research institutes (CSIR Structural Engineering Research Centre, Central Building Research Institute)
  • Government departments (Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Transport)
  • Construction companies (Larsen & Toubro, Gammon India)
  • Testing & standards organizations (BIS, National Test House)
• The committee includes a Chairman, Member Secretary, and multiple members with alternates ensuring broad expertise.

Key Specifications for Admixtures (Clause 10.2 & Table 2)

Manufacturer's Printed Information Must Include:

• Physical state & color
• Composition (main active constituents, dry content, ash, relative density, chloride content)
• Chloride ion % relative to cement mass at recommended dosage
• Storage conditions & expiry
• Compatibility notes
• Recommended dosage and effects of over/under dosage

flowchart LR
    A[IS 9103 Committee] --> B{Members}
    B --> C[Cement Industry]
    B --> D[Research Institutes]
    B --> E[Government Departments]
    B --> F[Construction Companies]
    B --> G[Testing & Standards]

This composition ensures comprehensive input for admixture standards and quality control.