Sand for masonry mortars - Specification
1980 Edition

IS 2116 Scope Overview: Requirements for Sand in Masonry Mortars

• Scope: Establishes particle size distribution, physical characteristics, and testing procedures for sand intended for masonry mortar use.

Essential Specifications:

Table 1: Sand Grading for Masonry Mortars (Percent Passing by Weight)

Important Notes:

• Particle size, specific gravity, and bulk density tests follow IS 2386 Parts I and III.
• Sand must meet grading limits to ensure mortar strength and workability.

flowchart TD
    A[Sand for Masonry Mortars] --> B[Particle Size Distribution]
    B --> C[Percent Passing Within Limits in Table 1]
    A --> D[Physical Properties]
    D --> E[Specific Gravity (IS 2386 Part III)]
    D --> F[Bulk Density (IS 2386 Part III)]
    A --> G[Testing & Certification]
    G --> H[Supplier Certification]
    G --> I[Agreement on Test Costs]

This section ensures sand quality for producing durable and workable masonry mortars compliant with IS 2116.

IS 2116: Definitions and Applicable Standards

1. Terminology (Clause 2.0)

• Clarifies terminology related to sand and aggregates for masonry mortar.
• Cites standard test methods and specifications for aggregates.

2. Testing Standards

• Particle Size and Shape: IS 2386 (Part I) - 1963
• Specific Gravity, Density, Voids, Absorption, Bulking: IS 2386 (Part III) - 1963
• Sieve Specifications: IS 460 (Part I) - 1978

3. Sand Grading Limits (Clause 4.1, Table 1)

4. Supplier Documentation (Clause 7.2)

• Supplier must provide:
  • Specific gravity data (IS 2386 Part III)
  • Bulk density measurements (IS 2386 Part III)

Process Flow: Sand Grading

flowchart TD
    A[Collected Sand Sample] --> B[Sieving Per IS 460 (Part I)]
    B --> C[Calculation of Passing Percentages]
    C --> D[Verification Against IS 2116 Table 1]
    D -->|Within Limits| E[Approved for Use in Mortars]
    D -->|Out of Limits| F[Rejected or Reprocessed]

IS 2116 should be used in conjunction with IS 2386 and IS 460 for complete compliance on sand grading and testing.

IS 2116: Specifications on Sand Quality for Masonry Mortars

1. Quality Criteria (Clauses 3.1 & 3.3)

• Sand varieties: natural, crushed stone, crushed gravel, or mixes thereof.
• Must be hard, durable, clean, and free from coatings and organic material.
• Limits on harmful substances by weight:

2. Sand Grading for Mortars (Clause 4.1, Table 1)

Summary:

• Max 5% clay and fine dust by weight.
• Organic matter must pass color test criteria.
• Sand grading must fall within the specified sieve passing ranges for optimum mortar performance.

flowchart TD
    A[Sand Categories] --> B[Natural Sand]
    A --> C[Crushed Stone Sand]
    A --> D[Crushed Gravel Sand]

    E[Quality Checks] --> F[Clay, Silt, Dust ≤ 5%]
    E --> G[Organic Materials: Color Test]
    E --> H[Clean, Hard, Durable]

    I[Grading Requirements] --> J[4.75 mm: 100% Passing]
    I --> K[2.36 mm: 90-100% Passing]
    I --> L[1.18 mm: 70-100% Passing]
    I --> M[600 micron: 40-100% Passing]

IS 2116: Grading Standards for Sand in Masonry Mortars

Essential Requirements (Clause 4.1 & Table 1)

Important Notes (Clauses 4.2 & 4.4)

• Grading outside these ranges can be rectified by screening or blending with suitable sand.
• Natural sand or crushed stone screenings alone may not meet grading but can be processed to comply.
• These grading standards apply to mortars for both reinforced and unreinforced masonry.

Blending Formula

If sands A and B have passing percentages (P_A) and (P_B), the blended sand passing percentage (P) is:

[ P = x \times P_A + (1 - x) \times P_B ]

where (x) is the fraction of sand A in the blend.

flowchart LR
    A[Natural Sand] -->|Screening/Blending| B[Compliant Sand]
    C[Crushed Stone Screening] -->|Screening/Blending| B
    B --> D[Approved for Masonry Mortar Use]

This standard ensures sand meets IS 2116 grading criteria necessary for quality masonry mortar.

IS 2116: Sampling and Testing Protocols for Sand Aggregates

Sampling Guidelines (Clause 5.1)

• Follow sampling procedures as specified in IS 2430-1969.
• Sample quantities should comply with the requirements in IS 2386-1963.
• Supplier must provide materials free for testing (Clause 6.3).

Testing Standards (Reference IS 2386 Parts)

• Particle Size and Shape: IS 2386 Part I
• Specific Gravity, Density, Voids, Absorption, Bulking: IS 2386 Part III

Key Test Details

Additional Supplier Requirements (Clause 7.2)

• Provide specific gravity and bulk density data on request.
• Supplier certification and test costs are subject to prior agreement.

Workflow Diagram for Sampling and Testing

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Collection per IS 2430] --> B[Sample Quantity per IS 2386]
    B --> C{Tests to be Performed}
    C -->|Particle Size & Shape| D[IS 2386 Part I]
    C -->|Specific Gravity & Density| E[IS 2386 Part III]
    C -->|Other Tests| F[Applicable IS Standards]
    D & E & F --> G[Testing Results & Certification]
    G --> H[Supplier Provides Material Free (Clause 6.3)]

Refer to IS 2386 and IS 2430 for detailed test procedures and sample quantities to ensure full compliance with IS 2116.

IS 2116: Supplier Documentation and Testing Cost Allocation

Cost Allocation for Tests (Clause 6.4)

• If the sand fails to meet IS 2116 requirements, the supplier is responsible for test expenses.
• If the sand meets the standard, the buyer assumes the cost.
• Supplier must deliver samples free of charge for testing purposes (Clause 6.3).

Supplier Certification (Clause 7.2)

Upon request and prior agreement, suppliers will provide:

• Specific gravity data as per IS 2386 Part III-1963
• Bulk density information as per IS 2386 Part III-1963

Additional Test Options (Clause 5.2.1)

• Cement mortar cube compressive strength tests (1:6 mix) may be conducted using the supplied sand as a substitute for standard sand (per IS 2250-1981).
• Results are compared with mortar made from approved sand.

Summary Table: Responsibility for Testing Costs

Relevant Testing Standards

• IS 2386 (Part III): Testing of specific gravity and related properties.
• IS 2250-1981: Procedures for mortar cube compressive strength evaluation.

flowchart LR
    A[Material Supplied] --> B{Test Outcomes}
    B -->|Compliant| C[Buyer Pays Testing Costs]
    B -->|Non-compliant| D[Supplier Pays Testing Costs]
    A --> E[Supplier Provides Samples Free of Charge]

Establishing clear agreements on certification and test cost responsibilities prior to supply is essential.

IS 2116: Supplier Information Requirements (Clause 7)

Suppliers must provide the following details when requested:

• Source of supply: Exact location, including quarry or pit name.
• Principal rock type classification: For manufactured sands, per IS 383-1970 Appendix C.
• Particle size distribution: In line with IS 2386 (Part I)-1963.
• Specific gravity: As per IS 2386 (Part III)-1963.
• Bulk density: As per IS 2386 (Part III)-1963.

Supplier Certification (Clause 6.1): Suppliers should confirm that the supplied sand conforms to the standard and provide certification upon request.

Summary Table: Supplier Information Obligations

Testing Cost Responsibility Reminder (Clause 6.4)

• Supplier bears cost if material is non-compliant.
• Purchaser bears cost if material meets standards.

This transparency facilitates traceability and ensures consistent quality of sand used in masonry mortars.