Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
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.
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).