Specification for Standard Sand for Testing of Cement
1991 Edition

IS 650 defines the necessary requirements for standard sand used in cement testing to maintain uniformity and dependable test outcomes.

Particle Size Distribution (Clause 4.2)

• All sand must completely pass through a 2 mm IS sieve and be fully retained on a 90-micron IS sieve.
• Sieves adhere to IS 460 (Part 1):1985 standards.

Packaging and Labeling (Clause 4.2)

• Sand fractions are separately packed in 25 or 50 kg jute bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
• Packaging must be sealed and clearly display particle size.
• Equal proportions of each size fraction are included in each batch.
• If not bearing the BIS Standard Mark, a conformity certificate is mandatory.

Particle Size Distribution Illustration:

pie
    title Distribution of Particle Sizes in Standard Sand
    "2 mm - 1 mm": 33.33
    "1 mm - 500 microns": 33.33
    "500 microns - 90 microns": 33.33

This grading ensures standardized sand for reliable cement testing under IS 650.

IS 650:1991 - Detailed Specifications for Standard Sand

Particle Size Distribution (Clause 4.2)

Standard sand must pass entirely through a 2 mm IS sieve and be completely retained on a 90-micron IS sieve, with the following size segments:

• Sieves should comply with IS 460 (Part 1):1985.

Packaging and Identification (Clause 4.2)

• Each size fraction is packed separately in jute bags of 25 or 50 kg or metal containers.
• These must be sealed and bear clear particle size markings.
• Equal quantities of each fraction are supplied.
• Jute bags conform to IS 10036 (Part 2):1982.
• When the Standard Mark is absent, a Certificate of Conformity from an authorized lab must accompany the product.

Additional Information

• BIS copyright applies; reproduction requires authorization.
• Regional BIS offices address related queries.

This framework guarantees consistency and dependability of standard sand used for cement testing.

IS 650: Key Terms and Specifications for Standard Sand

• Particle Size Distribution (Clause 4.2): Standard sand must entirely pass a 2 mm IS sieve and be completely retained on a 90-micron sieve, with equal distribution (~33.33%) in three size ranges:

  Size Range	Percentage (%)
  2 mm to 1 mm	33.33
  1 mm to 500 microns	33.33
  500 to 90 microns	33.33

• Sieve Standards: The sieves used conform to IS 460 (Part 1):1985.

• Packaging & Marking (Clause 6):

  • Each size component is separately packed in 25 or 50 kg jute bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
  • Containers are sealed and labeled with particle size and standard certification or conformity certificate.

• Application: Standard sand is utilized to assess cement consistency and strength.

Particle Size Distribution Visual:

pie
    title Particle Size Distribution in Standard Sand
    "2 mm to 1 mm": 33.33
    "1 mm to 500 microns": 33.33
    "500 to 90 microns": 33.33

This ensures repeatable and uniform cement testing as per IS 650.

IS 650: Physical Attributes of Standard Sand

Standard sand for cement testing must comply with the following particle size distribution (Clause 4.2):

• 100% of the sand must pass through a 2 mm IS sieve.
• 100% must be retained on a 90-micron IS sieve.
• A tolerance of up to 1% is permitted for retention on larger sieve or passing through smaller sieve within each fraction.

Packaging Details:

• Fractions are packed separately in 25 or 50 kg jute bags or metal containers.
• Each container is labeled with particle size and sealed.

Sieves:

• Must comply with IS 460 (Part 1):1985.

Summary Table for Particle Size Distribution:

| Particle Size (microns) | Percentage by Mass |
|------------------------|-------------------|
| 2000 - 1000            | 33.33             |
| 1000 - 500             | 33.33             |
| 500 - 90               | 33.33             |

This grading standard replaces the older Leighton-Buzzard sand with Indian Ennore sand, ensuring uniformity and reproducibility in cement testing.

flowchart LR
    A[Standard Sand] --> B{Particle Size Distribution}
    B --> C[2 mm - 1 mm: 33.33%]
    B --> D[1 mm - 500 microns: 33.33%]
    B --> E[500 microns - 90 microns: 33.33%]

Refer to the full IS 650 documentation and related BIS standards for detailed physical and chemical compliance.

IS 650: Chemical Standards for Standard Sand

Chemical Testing Procedure (Clause 5.1.1):

• Dry the sand at 100°C for one hour.
• Weigh 2 grams of the dry sand and place in a porcelain dish.
• Add 20 ml of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 20 ml distilled water.
• Heat the mixture on a water bath for one hour.
• Filter and thoroughly rinse with hot water.
• Dry and ignite the residue in a covered crucible.
• Calculate the loss in mass as the difference between weight before acid treatment and residue after ignition.

Purpose:

• To confirm the sand's chemical inertness.
• Limits impurities such as carbonates, organic matter, or soluble salts which may influence cement tests.

Important Considerations:

• Hydrochloric acid must meet IS 265:1987.
• Test sieves must conform to IS 460 (Part 1):1985.
• Both grading and chemical purity affect reproducibility of cement strength testing.

Chemical Test Summary:

flowchart TD
    A[Dry sand at 100°C] --> B[Take 2g sample]
    B --> C[Add 20 ml HCl + 20 ml water]
    C --> D[Heat for 1 hour]
    D --> E[Filter and wash]
    E --> F[Dry and ignite residue]
    F --> G[Calculate mass loss]

This test ensures the standard sand is chemically suitable and consistent for cement testing as specified in IS 650.

IS 650: Grading Specifications for Cement Testing Sand

Particle Size Distribution (Clause 4.2)

• A tolerance of up to 1% is allowed for retention on the upper sieve and passing through the lower sieve in each fraction.

Physical Characteristics (Clause 4.1)

• Quartz sand with light grey to whitish coloration.
• Angular grains, nearly spherical in shape.
• Free from silt contamination.

Packaging Requirements (Clause 4.2)

• Size fractions are packed separately in 25 or 50 kg jute bags or metal containers.
• Marked clearly with particle size and conformity certificates.

Grading Summary Table:

This grading protocol ensures uniformity and reproducibility in cement testing, consistent with RILEM and ISO guidelines.

IS 650: Sampling and Analysis of Standard Sand for Cement Testing

Specifications (Clause 4.2):

• Particle Size Distribution: The sand must fully pass a 2 mm IS sieve and be entirely retained on a 90-micron IS sieve with these proportions:

• Tolerance: Up to 1% retention on larger sieve or passing through smaller sieve is allowed per fraction.

• Sieves: Must meet IS 460 (Part 1):1985 standards.

Packaging:

• Each size fraction is packed separately in 25 or 50 kg jute canvas bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
• Bags must be sealed and labeled with particle size.
• Equal quantities of each fraction are in each supply.

Testing Guidance:

• Confirm grading by using standard sieves.
• Validate particle size distribution aligns with specified percentages.
• Ensure sand uniformity to guarantee reproducible cement test results.

flowchart LR
    A[Collect Standard Sand Sample] --> B[Pass through 2 mm IS sieve]
    B --> C[Retain 33.33% between 2 mm and 1 mm]
    B --> D[Pass through 2 mm sieve]
    D --> E[Retain 33.33% between 1 mm and 500 microns]
    E --> F[Pass through 1 mm sieve]
    F --> G[Retain 33.33% between 500 microns and 90 microns]
    G --> H[Discard particles smaller than 90 microns]

IS 650 stipulates strict grading and packaging protocols to ensure consistent and reproducible cement testing using standard sand.

Packaging and Identification Under IS 650:1991 (Clause 4.2)

• Packaging:

  • Standard sand is packed separately by particle size fractions.
  • Bag sizes are either 25 kg or 50 kg.
  • Bags are made of jute canvas (conforming to IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
  • All packaging must be securely sealed.

• Labeling:

  • Each bag/container must have a clear, permanent marking indicating the particle size fraction.
  • Supplies must contain equal weights of each size fraction.
  • Standard sand may bear the BIS Standard Mark.
  • If not standard marked, a Certificate of Conformity from the Concrete and Soil Research Laboratory, Tamil Nadu, must be enclosed inside each bag/container.

Particle Size Distribution Table (Clause 4.2)

• 100% of sand passes a 2 mm IS sieve.
• 100% retained on a 90-micron IS sieve.
• Sieves conform to IS 460 (Part 1):1985.

This ensures consistent grading and packaging for reliable concrete testing.

IS 650: Proper Storage and Handling of Standard Sand

Key Points (Clause 4.2):

• Packaging: Sand is supplied in 25 kg or 50 kg jute canvas bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
• Marking: Each container must be labeled with the particle size fraction and may display the Standard Mark.
• Particle Size Distribution:

• Tolerance of up to 1% retention or passing is allowed per fraction.

Handling Instructions:

• Bags and containers must be sealed to prevent moisture or contamination.
• A Certificate of Conformity should be included if the sand lacks the Standard Mark.
• Store in a clean, dry environment to preserve sand quality.

Particle Size Distribution Representation:

pie
    title Standard Sand Particle Size Breakdown
    "2 mm - 1 mm": 33.33
    "1 mm - 500 microns": 33.33
    "500 microns - 90 microns": 33.33

Maintaining proper storage and handling is crucial to preserving sand purity and grading for consistent cement testing.

IS 650: Certification and Conformity Overview

• Packaging and Marking (Clause 4.2):

  • Standard sand is packed in 25 kg or 50 kg jute bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
  • Each particle size fraction is separately packed and clearly labeled.
  • Supplies include equal quantities of all fractions.

• Certification:

  • If not bearing the BIS Standard Mark, each bag/container must include a Certificate of Conformity issued by the Concrete and Soil Research Laboratory, Government of Tamil Nadu.
  • This certificate verifies adherence to IS 650 specifications.

• Standard Mark:

  • Certified standard sand can bear the BIS Standard Mark.

Packaging and Certification Summary:

This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and compliance with IS 650 for standard sand in cement testing.

IS 650: Supplementary Notes and Annexures

1. Particle Size Distribution (Clause 4.2)

• 100% passes through 2 mm sieve.
• 100% retained on 90 micron sieve.
• Sieves comply with IS 460 (Part 1):1985.

2. Packaging and Labeling (Clause 4.2)

• Fractions packed separately in 25 or 50 kg jute bags (IS 10036 Part 2:1982) or metal containers.
• Bags must be indelibly marked with particle size.
• Equal fractions per supply.
• Certificate of conformity required if not Standard Marked.

3. Additional Information

• Up to 1% retention on larger sieve and passing through smaller sieve permitted per fraction.
• Primary source: Ennore, Tamil Nadu.

4. Reference Standards

• IS 460 (Test sieves)
• IS 10036 (Jute canvas bags)
• IS 2:1960 (Rounding off numerical values)

Particle Size Distribution Diagram:

pie
    title Particle Size Distribution of Standard Sand
    "2 mm to 1 mm": 33.33
    "1 mm to 500 microns": 33.33
    "500 microns to 90 microns": 33.33

These details support uniformity and reproducibility in cement testing using standard sand as per IS 650.