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IS 12163:2010 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for liquid membrane-forming curing compounds for concrete - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and testing methods for liquid membrane-forming compounds used for curing concrete. It classifies compounds into clear/translucent (Type 1) and white pigmented (Type 2) and defines performance criteria like water retention, drying time, and reflectance.
Specifies requirements for liquid membrane-forming compounds used for curing concrete to retain moisture.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Admixtures and Chemical Products for Concrete
! Application rate is critical for performance; always follow manufacturer's recommendations, typically 4-5 m²/litre.
! Type 2 (white pigmented) compounds are highly recommended for hot and sunny conditions to reflect solar radiation and reduce concrete temperature.
! Ensure the concrete surface is damp but free of standing water before application for best results. Apply immediately after the bleed water sheen has disappeared.
Standard Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete
Specifies requirements for liquid membrane-forming compounds for curing freshly placed concrete.
AS 3799-1998Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Liquid membrane-forming curing compounds for concrete
Specifies requirements for liquid compounds used to form membranes for curing concrete.
ASTM C1315-19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds Having Special Properties for Curing and Sealing Concrete
Covers curing compounds that also provide sealing, hardening, or dustproofing properties.
BS 7542:1992British Standards Institution, UK
LowWithdrawn
Method of test for curing compounds for concrete
Provided a test method for water retention, not a full product specification like IS 12163.
Key Differences
≠IS 12163 and ASTM C309 specify performance via a maximum absolute water loss (0.055 g/cm²), whereas AS 3799 uses a relative Curing Efficiency Index (CEI) of at least 90%, comparing the test specimen to an untreated control.
≠IS 12163 has a simpler classification: Type 1 (Clear) and Type 2 (White). ASTM C309 adds Type 1-D (with fugitive dye) and further classifies them by chemical base (Class A and Class B resin-based).
≠For white pigmented compounds (Type 2), IS 12163 requires a daylight reflectance of not less than 70%, which is stricter than the ASTM C309 requirement of not less than 60%.
≠IS 12163 focuses solely on curing properties. In contrast, ASTM C1315 includes additional requirements for compounds that also act as sealers, such as tests for abrasion resistance and effect on concrete strength.
Key Similarities
≈The primary objective of IS 12163, ASTM C309, and AS 3799 is identical: to specify performance requirements for liquid compounds that form a membrane to retard water loss from fresh concrete.
≈The fundamental test methodology for water retention in both IS 12163 and ASTM C309 is very similar, involving the application of the compound to a standard mortar specimen and measuring mass loss over 72 hours in a controlled environment of elevated temperature and specific humidity.
≈Both IS 12163 and its primary international equivalents (ASTM C309, AS 3799) specify a maximum drying time, typically to a tack-free state within 4 hours, to ensure the membrane is not damaged shortly after application.
≈Like ASTM C309 (Type 2), IS 12163 (Type 2) explicitly recognizes and specifies requirements for white pigmented compounds due to their benefit of reflecting solar radiation and reducing the surface temperature of the concrete.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Loss (Max @ 72h)
≤ 0.055 g/cm²
≤ 0.55 kg/m² (equivalent to 0.055 g/cm²)
ASTM C309-19
Drying Time (Tack-free)
≤ 4 hours
≤ 4 hours
ASTM C309-19
Daylight Reflectance (White Pigmented)
≥ 70%
≥ 60%
ASTM C309-19
Performance Metric Basis
Absolute water loss (mass/area)
Curing Efficiency Index (CEI) ≥ 90%
AS 3799-1998
Test Temperature for Water Retention
38 ± 1 °C
37.5 ± 1 °C (100 ± 2 °F)
ASTM C309-19
Relative Humidity for Water Retention Test
35 to 40 %
32 ± 4 %
ASTM C309-19
Solids Content Requirement
Not specified as a primary requirement
≥ 25% by mass for Class B (resin-based)
ASTM C309-19
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Maximum water loss at 72h0.55 kg/m²
Maximum drying time4 h
Minimum daylight reflectance for Type 2 compounds60 percent
Minimum solids content (Non-volatile matter)20 percent by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements of Liquid Membrane-Forming Curing Compounds
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 compounds?+
Type 1 is clear or translucent. Type 2 is white-pigmented to reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain, making it ideal for hot weather concreting (Clause 3).
What is the most important performance requirement?+
Water retention efficiency. The compound must limit water loss to a maximum of 0.55 kg/m² over 72 hours when tested as per Annex B (Table 1).
When should the curing compound be applied?+
It should be applied immediately after the final finishing operation, as soon as the free water (bleed water) on the surface has disappeared and there is no foot traffic.
Does this compound add strength to concrete?+
No, it does not add strength directly. It prevents moisture loss, ensuring sufficient water is available for the cement to hydrate properly, which is essential for strength development.