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IS 10360:1982 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for lime-pozzolana concrete blocks for paving. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, manufacture, dimensions, and physical properties like compressive strength and water absorption for lime-pozzolana concrete blocks used in paving. It is intended for low-traffic areas and also outlines sampling and testing methods to ensure conformity.
lime-pozzolana concrete blocks for paving
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Building Limes and Gypsum Products
! These blocks are primarily suited for pedestrian areas, footpaths, and courtyards, not for heavy vehicular traffic due to their lower strength compared to cement concrete blocks.
! Curing of lime-based products is slower than Portland cement; adequate and prolonged moist curing is crucial to achieve the specified strength.
! The quality and reactivity of the pozzolana (e.g., fly ash, surkhi) are critical for the long-term strength development and durability of these blocks.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Materials
Cl. 5Manufacture
Cl. 6Dimensions and Tolerances
Cl. 7Physical Requirements
Cl. 8Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Cl. 9Tests
limepozzolanaconcrete blocksaggregates
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C936 / C936M - 16ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
Covers cement-based concrete paving units, overlapping in application and performance tests but not in binder material.
BS EN 1338:2003+A1:2009BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Concrete paving blocks - Requirements and test methods
Specifies requirements for cement-based precast concrete paving blocks, sharing the paving application but differing on the binder.
AS/NZS 4455.2:2010Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Masonry units, pavers, flags and segmental retaining wall units - Pavers and flags
Defines requirements for cementitious pavers, aligning on end-use but not on the specific lime-pozzolana binder system.
CSA A231.2-14Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Canada
MediumCurrent
Precast Concrete Pavers
Governs precast concrete pavers made with cement, similar in function but not in the specified binding agent.
Key Differences
≠Binder System: IS 10360 specifically mandates a lime-pozzolana binder, a traditional material. Modern international standards like ASTM C936M and BS EN 1338 require the use of Portland cement as the primary binder.
≠Compressive Strength Requirement: IS 10360 requires a minimum average compressive strength of 15 N/mm² (MPa), reflecting the slower strength gain of lime-pozzolana. In contrast, ASTM C936M requires a much higher average of 55 N/mm² (8000 psi).
≠Durability Testing: International standards for colder climates (e.g., ASTM C936M, CSA A231.2) include mandatory or optional requirements for freeze-thaw durability and resistance to de-icing salts. IS 10360:1982 does not specify such tests.
≠Curing Process: IS 10360 specifies a lengthy moist curing period (at least 28 days) to facilitate the slow pozzolanic reaction. Cement-based pavers under international standards cure much more rapidly and can be steam-cured to accelerate strength gain.
Key Similarities
≈End-Use Application: All standards govern the production and quality of precast block units intended for the construction of paved surfaces, such as footpaths, patios, and light traffic areas.
≈Control of Dimensions: Both the Indian standard and its international counterparts specify permissible tolerances for length, width, and thickness to ensure dimensional consistency, a level surface, and ease of installation.
≈Basic Quality Control Tests: Key physical properties such as compressive strength and water absorption are required tests in all standards, serving as primary indicators of product quality and performance.
≈Visual Inspection Criteria: All standards include provisions for visual inspection to ensure blocks are free from major defects like cracks and large chips, and possess a reasonably uniform appearance.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Binder Material
Lime and Pozzolana (e.g., fly ash, calcined clay)
Portland Cement (may include SCMs)
ASTM C936M-16
Minimum Average Compressive Strength
15 N/mm²
55 N/mm² (8000 psi)
ASTM C936M-16
Maximum Water Absorption (Average)
10% by mass
5% by mass
ASTM C936M-16
Length/Width Tolerance
± 3.0 mm
± 1.6 mm
ASTM C936M-16
Thickness Tolerance
± 3.0 mm
± 3.2 mm
ASTM C936M-16
Freeze-Thaw Durability Test
Not specified
Required when specified (tested per ASTM C1645)
ASTM C936M-16
Abrasion Resistance Test
Not specified
Required; specified by class (e.g., Class 4: max 20mm wear)
BS EN 1338:2003
Curing Period
Minimum 28 days moist curing
No specified time; must meet strength and absorption requirements
ASTM C936M-16
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Average Compressive Strength (28 days)4.0 N/mm²
What is the minimum compressive strength for these paving blocks?+
The 28-day average compressive strength must be at least 4.0 N/mm² (Table 1).
What is the maximum allowed water absorption?+
The average water absorption after 24 hours of immersion should not exceed 15% by mass (Table 1).
Are these blocks suitable for driveways?+
Generally no. They are intended for light-duty paving like footpaths. For driveways with vehicular traffic, cement concrete blocks (as per IS 15658) are recommended.
What materials are used to make these blocks?+
They are made from a mix of building lime (IS 712), pozzolana (like fly ash as per IS 3812 or surkhi as per IS 1344), aggregates (IS 383), and water (Clause 4).