The handbook SP 21 (2005): “Summaries of Indian Standards for Building Materials,” part of the initiatives by the Bureau of Indian Standards, offers a comprehensive summary of the standards applicable to building materials used in India. This document aligns with the National Building Code of India and has been developed to guide engineers and architects in selecting and utilizing materials that meet specified quality and safety standards.
The handbook covers various building materials with a focus on their quality requirements, dimensions, properties, and appropriate usage limitations. It includes detailed specifications for materials such as coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources (IS 383:1970), which are crucial for concrete production in structural applications including mass concrete works. These aggregates must be durable, strong, and free from harmful substances that could impair the concrete’s strength or damage reinforcements.
Additionally, the document specifies the allowable limits for deleterious materials in aggregates, required crushing values, impact values, and abrasion values. It also addresses soundness for aggregates exposed to frost, detailing the necessary tests to ensure reliability under such conditions.
Grading requirements for different sizes of aggregates are clearly outlined to ensure they meet the needs for various construction purposes, from regular building constructions to specialized applications like mass concrete.
Overall, SP 21 (2005) acts as a vital reference that aids in the application of the Indian Standards in the selection and testing of building materials, ensuring that construction practices meet high standards of quality and safety. This revision includes updates to encompass new standards formulated since the handbook’s first publication, providing a current and user-friendly resource for professionals in the construction industry.
