Handbook on Building Construction Practices (Excluding Electrical Work)

IS SP Part 62 - Scope: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

This code primarily covers site preparation, excavation shoring, and safety during construction.

1. Scope Highlights:

• Safety in excavation and handling of materials.
• Specifications for shoring based on soil type and trench depth.
• Protection of openings during demolition.
• Reference to related IS codes for materials, scaffolding, and safety.

2. Key Tables for Shoring (Clause 2.4, 2.3, 2.1):

3. Safety Measures for Openings (Clause 9.3):

• Openings ≤ 25% of floor area when dropping debris.
• Guard rails ≥ 1 m high and ≥ 1 m from edges.
• Floors under openings must be adequately sh

Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for Brickwork in Weak Mortar (IS SP Part 62)

1. Optimum Mortar Mixes (Clause 2.4)

• Note: Mortar types M1, M2, H1, H2 correspond to increasing strength and durability.

2. Mortar Preparation (Clause 3.3)

• Proper mixing and proportioning are critical.
• Slump for all mortars should be 75 mm for workability.
• Use clean sand passing sieve as per Annex A.
• Check silt content via field test (Annex B).

3. Mix Proportions for Hollow Concrete Blocks (Clause 4.4)

Summary

• Use weaker mortar mixes (e.g., 1:0:6) for low-strength bricks (<50 kg/cm²).
• Increase cement content for stronger bricks

Stone Masonry (Random Rubble or Semi-Dressed) - IS SP Part 62 Key Points

1. Stone Sizes (Clause 2.3)

2. Random Rubble Masonry Specifications (Clause 12.2)

• Stone Size: Max length ≤ 3 × height; breadth ≤ 0.75 × wall thickness; height ≤ 300 mm.
• Dressing: Hammer dressed faces, sides, beds; face bushing ≤ 40 mm (exposed), ≤ 10 mm (plastered).
• Bonding: Use bond stones; face stones extend beyond bond into backing; break joints to avoid vertical lines.
• Hearting: Stones fit through 150 mm diameter ring; thickness ≥ 100 mm; no hollow spaces.
• Bond Stones: For walls ≤ 600 mm thick, bond stones run through thickness; for thicker walls, overlapping bond stones (≥ 150 mm overlap).
• Joints: Face joints ≤ 20 mm thick; raked 20 mm deep if plastering required.

3. Mortar and Other References

• Mortar: As per IS 2250:1981.
• Stone properties & dimensions for special stones: Refer SP 21:1983.

4. Bond Stone Frequency

• Minimum 1 bond stone per 0.5 m² of wall surface.
• Use cement concrete blocks (1:3:6) if suitable bond stones unavailable.

Summary Diagram: Random Rubble Masonry

Improving Earthquake Resistance of Earthen Buildings (IS SP 62 Part 2)

Key Specifications & Guidelines:

• Building Height Limits (Clause 4.2a):

  • Zones IV & V: Max 1 storey + attic for adobe.
  • Zone III: Max 2 storeys.
  • Important buildings (importance factor > 1.5) should avoid earthen walls in Zones IV & V; limited to single storey in Zone III.

• Site Selection (Clause 4.2b):

  • Avoid sand, loose soils, poorly compacted clays, fills, and high water table sites.

• Foundation Depth (Clause 4.2c):

  • Depth = 1 to 2 × wall thickness, minimum 0.4 m.

Structural Reinforcement (Clause 17.21 & 17.22):

• Bracing with Canes, Bamboo, or Wood (Fig. 17.22):

  • Use diagonal bracing and holdfasts to improve lateral stability.

• Minimum Timber Section Sizes for Bracing Members:

• Joints:
  • Use 6 gauge, 75 mm nails, minimum 2 per face.
  • Gussets: Iron sheet ≥ 1 mm thick or straps ≥ 2 mm thick.

Summary Diagram of Bracing System:

graph TD
    A[Column 100x75] --> B[Sill 100x75]
    B --> C[Beam 100x100]
    C --> D[Diagonal 100x50]
    D --> E[Strut 100x50]
    E --> F[Ceiling Beam 75x125]
    A --> G[Holdfast (Steel)]
    style G fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

Note: These guidelines

IS SP 62 (S&T): Repair & Seismic Strengthening Key Points

1. Seismic Strengthening Arrangements (Clause 4.4)

• Use internal bracing for Zones VIII & IX (Clause 17.23f).
• Bracing systems improve lateral stability.

2. Bracing of Earthen Construction (Clause 17.22, Fig. 17.22)

• Use canes, bamboo, or wooden structures for bracing.
• Two systems shown: System 'A' and 'B'.

3. Minimum Dimensions of Members (Clause 17.22 Table)

*Corner columns are preferred at 100 × 100 mm.

4. Joints

• Use 6 gauge nails, 75 mm long, minimum 2 from each face.
• Iron sheet gussets (≥1 mm thick) or steel straps (≥2 mm thick) for reinforcement.

Summary Diagram (Bracing Concept)

graph LR
A[Column] --> B[Sill]
B --> C[Beam]
C --> D[Diagonal Brace]
D --> E[Strut]
E --> F[Ceiling Beam]
F --> G[Holdfast]

Use these specifications to retrofit and strengthen buildings against seismic forces effectively.

Glass Fibre Tissue Reinforced Bitumen (IS SP Part 62)

Key Specifications:

• Glass Fibre Tissue:

  • Conforms to IS 7193 : 1974 / 1994 (Appendix A)
  • Composition: Borosilicate staple glass fibres bonded with phenolic resin
  • Minimum weight: 40 g/m²
  • Nominal thickness: 0.5 ± 0.1 mm
  • Structure: Thin, flexible, porous mat

• Bonding Material:

  • Blown bitumen (IS 702 : 1988) or residual bitumen (IS 73 : 1992)
  • Penetration value ≤ 40 (IS 1203 : 1978)
  • Selected based on local conditions

Thickness & Laying (Clause 3.6):

• Thickness depends on design but typically follows bitumen treatment thickness guidelines.
• Method: Uniform application of bonding bitumen followed by glass fibre tissue laying and final bitumen sealing.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Surface] --> B[Apply Bonding Bitumen]
    B --> C[Lay Glass Fibre Tissue]
    C --> D[Apply Final Bitumen Coat]
    D --> E[Compaction & Curing]

This ensures a durable, crack-resistant bituminous treatment reinforced with glass fibre tissue.

IS SP Part 62: Structural Clay Block Joists and Slabs

1. Structural Clay Block Joists (Clause 7.4)

• Precasting: Place hollow clay blocks end-to-end on a level platform, jointed with 1:3 cement mortar or cement-lime mortar.
• Reinforcement: Insert steel bars in hollow spaces between wooden planks and blocks; maintain proper cover.
• Grouting: Fill hollow spaces with M15 concrete to top level.
• Curing:
  • Initial water curing on platform after 1 day.
  • Invert and cure for 14 days moist curing.
  • Additional 14 days curing in shade.
• Handling: Remove side planks after 45-90 minutes; careful lifting and stacking.

2. Structural Clay Block Slab (Clause 7.5)

• Load stages:
  • Stage 1: Self-weight + dead load of blocks & concrete.
  • Stage 2: After concrete attains full strength, carry dead + live loads.
• Design: Follow IS 456:1978 for reinforced concrete slabs.

Summary Table: Joist Precasting & Curing

flowchart TD
    A[Place Clay Blocks] --> B[Joint with Mortar]
    B --> C[Place Side Planks & Reinforcement]
    C --> D[Fill Hollow Spaces with M15 Concrete]
    D --> E[Remove Side Planks (45-90 min)]
    E --> F[Water Cure on Platform (1 day)]
    F --> G[Invert Joists & Cure Moist (14 days)]
    G --> H[Cure in Shade (14 days)]

For detailed design, refer to IS 456:1978 for load calculations and reinforcement detailing.

Key Specifications & Formulas from IS SP 62 (S&T): 1997 on Masonry Structures and Demolition

Masonry Structures (Clause 8.2, 11.1)

• All dimensions in millimeters.
• Masonry walls must have lateral bracing if height > 15 × thickness, unless originally designed otherwise.
• Structural members must be removed only after demolishing upper storeys.
• Walls removed part-by-part; provide working stages for safety.
• Floor openings below demolition must be planked over within 3 m radius.

Demolition Precautions (Chapter 18)

• Debris load on floors must not exceed safe carrying capacity; debris removed promptly.
• Walls > 15× thickness require lateral bracing.
• Walkways ≥ 0.8 m width, minimum 3 planks wide.
• Foundation walls supporting earth or structures must be underpinned/braced before demolition.

Demolition Sequence Highlights

• Floors demolished carefully (see Fig. 18.2).
• Frames may remain during masonry demolition if structurally sound.
• Walls demolished progressively from top down.

Summary Table: Wall Stability in Demolition

flowchart TD
    A[Start Demolition] --> B[Check Floor Capacity]
    B -->|Safe| C[Remove Debris Immediately]
    B -->|Unsafe| D[Provide Support/Underpinning]
    C --> E[Demolish Upper Storeys]
    E --> F[Remove Structural Members]
    F --> G[Demolish Walls Part by Part]
    G --> H[Provide Walkways & Bracing]
    H --> I[Leave Walls Stable at Day End]
    I --> J[Complete Demolition]

Note: Always inspect floors and walls before demolition; follow safety and structural stability guidelines strictly.

IS SP Part 62: Flooring and Toppings Key Specifications

1. Cement Concrete Flooring Over Ground (Table 9.1)

2. Floor Topping Laid Over Structural Slabs (Table 9.1)

3. Granolithic Concrete Floor Topping (Table 9.4)

Fixing Boards and Paneling - IS SP Part 62 Key Points

1. Panel Dimensions & Jointing (Clause 2.7)

• Horizontal panel bays: max 2.7 m length.
• Vertical panel bays: 0.9 to 1.2 m length.
• Edges of plywood must be sealed before fixing.
• Joints for plywood/blockboard per Fig. 10.16 & 10.17.
• Particle boards fixed similarly to plywood.

2. Support & Nail Spacing (Table 10.5)

3. Fixing Details (Clause 2.80)

• Nails per IS 723: length = board thickness + 25 mm.
• Galvanized lost head nails (2.80 mm dia) for exposed joints.
• Felt nails (2.50 mm dia) for joints covered by beadings.
• Nail spacing:
  • Outer rows: 100 mm centers, 12 mm from edge; paired, not staggered.
  • Inner rows: 20 mm centers.
• If beadings cover joints:
  • Outer nails at 200 mm centers, staggered.
  • Beadings fixed with screws at 200 mm centers.
• Nails countersunk on underside.

4. Material Standards

• Timber: IS 3629:1986.
• Particle boards: IS 3129:1985.
• Fibre boards: IS 3348:1965.
• Nails: IS 723

IS SP 62 (S&T) 1997: Roofing Details & Finishes Key Points

1. Roofing Types (Clause 1.1)

• Flat Roofs (Part 1)
• Sloping Roofs (Part 2)
• Shell Roofs (Part 3)
• Flat Roof Finish - Mud Phuska (Part 4)
• Thatched Roof (Part 5)

2. Roofing Details for Sloped Roofs (Clause 4 & 11.25)

• Use plain and corrugated galvanized steel sheets.
• Fig. 11.25 shows edge details for slated roofs ensuring proper water runoff and fixing.

3. Treatment Around Projections/Junctions (Clause 3.5 & 12.32)

• Proper flashing and sealing around chimneys, vents, skylights.
• Refer Figs. 12.31, 12.32, 12.33 for typical junction details.
• Ensure overlap and slope for water drainage.

4. Important Specifications:

• Slope: Minimum slope for galvanized steel sheets is typically 1:12 to prevent water ponding.
• Overlap: Corrugated sheets require one corrugation overlap; plain sheets require 150 mm minimum lap.
• Fixing: Use galvanized screws with rubber washers to prevent leakage.

Example: Overlap & Fixing for Corrugated Sheets

flowchart LR
    A[Roof Sheet] --> B[Overlap]
    B --> C{Type}
    C -->|Plain Sheet| D[150 mm lap]
    C -->|Corrugated Sheet| E[1 corrugation lap]
    B --> F[Fixing with screws + rubber washers]
    A --> G[Slope ≥ 1:12]

Summary: Follow IS SP 62 clauses and figures for roofing finishes, ensure proper laps, slope, and flashing around projections for durable, leak-proof roofs.

IS SP Part 62: Waterproofing Treatments (Clauses 5.3 & 7.4)

Key Points:

• Types of Waterproofing (Clause 5.3):

  • Integral Waterproofing: Adding waterproofing compounds to concrete mix.
  • Surface Waterproofing: Application of membranes, coatings, or cementitious layers.
  • Treatment of Joints and Cracks: Use of sealants, waterstops, or injection grouting.
  • Drainage Systems: To relieve hydrostatic pressure.

• Waterproofing Treatment (Clause 7.4):

  • Surface preparation is critical: clean, dry, and free from loose particles.
  • Application methods depend on material type (brush, spray, trowel).
  • Minimum thickness and curing time as per material manufacturer or IS recommendations.
  • Protection layer over waterproofing to prevent damage.

Typical Specification Table (Example):

Important Formula:

For Integral Waterproofing Compound Dosage:
[ \text{Dosage} = (0.5% \text{ to } 1.5%) \times \text{Weight of Cement} ]

flowchart TD
    A[Surface Preparation] --> B[Application of Waterproofing]
    B --> C[Waterproofing Layer]
    C --> D[Protection Layer]
    D --> E[Final Structure]

Summary: Follow IS SP Part 62 clauses for type selection, surface prep, application thickness, and curing to ensure effective waterproofing.

IS SP Part 62 - Hardware & Jointing Details: Key Points

Joinery Details (Clause 8.11)

• Typical tenon joints shown in Figures 7.1 to 7.4:
  • 7.1A: Single Tenon in Top Rail
  • 7.1B: Haunched Single Tenon in Top Rail
  • 7.1C: Double Tenon in Lock Rail
  • 7.1D: Haunched Double Tenon in Bottom Rail

Joint Finishing (Clause 5.5)

• Joints must be finished as:
  • Flush, tuck, ruled, square, weathered-struck, or rebated (Fig. 10.2)
• Expansion joints must continue through facing and be sealed to prevent moisture ingress.

Attachment Details (Clause 10.1)

• Side, top, and bottom attachments shown in Figures 10.1A to 10.1H.
• Cramps positioning depends on facing orientation (vertical/horizontal).

Minimum Timber Sizes (Clause 17.22 Table)

Hardware Specifications

• Nails: 6 gauge, 75 mm long, minimum 2 from each face.
• Gussets: Iron sheet, minimum 1 mm thickness.
• Straps: Minimum 2 mm thickness.

flowchart LR
    A[Timber Members] --> B[Joinery: Tenon Types]
    B --> C{Top Rail}
    C --> D[Single Tenon]
    C --> E[Haunched Single Tenon]
    B --> F{Lock Rail}
    F --> G[Double Tenon]
    B --> H{Bottom Rail}
    H --> I[Haunched Double Tenon]
    A --> J[Joint Finishing]
    J --> K[Flush / Tuck /

IS SP 62: Louvred Glazing & Ventilation Key Points

1. Louvred Glazing (Clause 14.4.12)

• Purpose: Permanent ventilation for toilets, stores, etc.
• Types:
  • Horizontal Louvres: Glass strips with rounded edges inserted from outside into grooves angled preferably at 45º.
  • Vertical Louvres: Glass strips placed angularly & vertically, inserted similarly.
• Groove Overlap: Minimum 20 mm overlap between glass strips.

2. Groove Specifications (Clause 12.3)

• Groove depth: Minimum 12.5 mm (1.25 cm)
• Venetian blades slope downwards at 45º or as specified.
• Overlap: About half the width of the blade.

3. Hardware & Fittings (Clause 13)

• Refer to Fig. 7.18 for typical glazing details and hardware fixing.

4. Design Parameters

• Glass strip thickness and dimensions depend on window size and wind pressure.
• Typical plate sheet thickness varies depending on shorter/longer side lengths and wind pressure (refer to IS SP 62 tables).

Summary Table Example (Typical Values)

flowchart LR
    A[Fixed Frame] --> B[Grooves at 45º angle]
    B --> C[Glass Strips Inserted]
    C --> D[Overlap ≥ 20 mm]
    D --> E[Permanent Ventilation]

For detailed thickness and wind pressure tables, refer to IS SP 62 Annexures or relevant figures (7.18, 7.21).

IS SP Part 62 – Anti-Termite Treatment Key Points

1. Constructional Measures (Clause 3 & 4)

• External Protection:

  • Metal termite shields or masonry grooves around building periphery.
  • Cement concrete apron around the building.
  • Metal shield shape must be maintained to prevent termite access.

• Internal Protection:

  • Concrete sub-base extended fully under walls, covering entire plinth area without breaks.
  • Continuous sub-base under depressed floors (lift wells, bathrooms, garage pits).
  • Flooring over a 3 mm+ coarse sand layer to prevent moisture rise.
  • Avoid voids in masonry or concrete; use mortar richer than 1:3 lime mix.
  • Fill vertical joints between floor and plinth masonry with heavy-grade coal tar pitch (IS 216:1961).

2. Timber Selection (Clause 2.5)

• Use seasoned, naturally durable heartwood.
• Treat timber against subterranean termites per IS 401:1982 and IS 1141:1993.

3. Termite Shield Dimensions (Clause 6.10, Fig. 6.10)

• Metal termite shield thickness: typically 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm mild steel.
• Shield extends vertically and horizontally to prevent termite ingress.

Typical Anti-Termite Chemical Treatment (From IS 6313)

Summary Diagram: Termite Shield at Plinth Level

graph LR
A[Soil] --> B[Concrete Sub-base]
B --> C[Termite Shield (Metal Sheet)]
C --> D[Plinth Wall]
D --> E[Flooring with Sand Layer]

Remember: Effective termite control requires both chemical soil treatment and physical barriers integrated during construction.