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IS 12384:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for epoxy resin based system for protection and repair of concrete surfaces - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for four types of epoxy resin-based systems used for the protection and repair of concrete surfaces. It covers material properties like pot life and gel time, as well as performance characteristics such as compressive strength, bond strength, and chemical resistance. The standard classifies the systems as Grout (Type I), Mortar (Type II), Screed (Type III), and Coating (Type IV).
Specifies requirements for epoxy resin-based systems for protecting and repairing concrete surfaces.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Admixtures and Chemical Products for Concrete
! This standard has been marked as 'WITHDRAWN' by BIS. Users should refer to manufacturer specifications and potentially newer, more specific codes for current best practices.
! The choice between Type I, II, III, and IV systems depends entirely on the application, ranging from crack injection to heavy-duty flooring.
! Pot life and curing times are extremely sensitive to ambient temperature and humidity; always consult manufacturer data sheets for site-specific conditions.
Standard Specification for Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete
Specifies epoxy systems for bonding concrete, covering similar properties like bond strength, compressive strength, and pot life.
EN 1504-2:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Part 2: Surface protection systems for concrete
Covers epoxy coatings for concrete protection, focusing on adhesion, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance.
EN 1504-3:2005CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Part 3: Structural and non-structural repair
Specifies requirements for repair mortars, including epoxy-based ones, for restoring concrete integrity.
EN 1504-4:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Part 4: Structural bonding
Defines performance criteria for epoxy adhesives used for structural bonding of concrete elements, similar to the repair aspect.
Key Differences
≠IS 12384 provides a single set of requirements, whereas ASTM C881 and EN 1504 use extensive classification systems. ASTM C881 classifies by Type (use), Grade (viscosity), and Class (temperature), while EN 1504 uses a principles-based system for different repair and protection scenarios.
≠The standard curing temperature in IS 12384 is 27 ± 2°C, reflecting Indian climatic conditions. Most ASTM and EN standards specify a curing temperature of 23 ± 2°C (73.4 ± 3.6°F), which can impact test results for pot life, gel time, and strength development.
≠For bond strength, IS 12384 mandates a slant shear test. While EN 1504-4 also uses a slant shear test for structural bonding, EN 1504-2 (for coatings) requires a pull-off adhesion test, which measures tensile adhesion rather than shear.
≠IS 12384 specifies chemical resistance via immersion in specific reagents with a pass/fail criterion ('no visible deterioration'). EN 1504-2 often classifies chemical resistance into classes based on performance against a wider range of standard test liquids, providing a more graded assessment.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally performance-based, specifying the required mechanical and physical properties of the cured epoxy system rather than prescribing its chemical formulation.
≈The core purpose is shared: to qualify two-component epoxy systems for use on concrete surfaces, either for protection, repair, or structural bonding, ensuring durability and effectiveness.
≈Critical performance metrics such as bond strength to concrete, compressive strength, and workability characteristics (like pot life) are evaluated in all the compared standards, forming the basis for qualification.
≈All standards specify requirements for the materials in both their uncured state (e.g., viscosity, pot life) and their cured state (e.g., strength, hardness, water absorption), providing a comprehensive quality framework.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength (7 days)
≥ 55 MPa
≥ 45 MPa (for Class R4 structural repair mortar)
EN 1504-3
Bond Strength (Slant Shear)
≥ 15 MPa (at 7 days)
≥ 10.3 MPa (at 2 days, for most Types/Classes)
ASTM C881
Pot Life (at standard temp.)
≥ 20 minutes (100g mix at 27°C)
≥ 20 minutes (for Grade 2, medium viscosity)
ASTM C881
Water Absorption (24 hrs)
≤ 0.5% by mass
≤ 1.0% by mass
ASTM C881
Shore D Hardness (7 days)
≥ 75
≥ 60 (for rigid surface protection systems)
EN 1504-2
Adhesion by Pull-Off Test
Not specified (Slant Shear test is used)
≥ 1.5 MPa with cohesive failure in concrete substrate
EN 1504-2
Flexural Strength (7 days)
≥ 25 MPa
Not a mandatory requirement; reported if tested.
ASTM C881
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Min Compressive Strength (7 days) for Type II Mortar70 N/mm²
Min Bond Strength to Concrete SubstrateGreater than cohesive strength of concrete
Pot Life at 30°C for Type I Grout30 min
Gel Time at 30°C for Type I Grout40 min
Water Absorption (24h)Max 0.5% by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Epoxy Resin Based Systems
What are the different types of epoxy systems in IS 12384?+
Four types: Type I (Grout), Type II (Mortar), Type III (Screed), and Type IV (Coating), based on their intended application (Clause 4).
What is the minimum compressive strength for a Type II structural repair mortar?+
The 7-day compressive strength should be a minimum of 70 N/mm² (Table 1).
What is the requirement for bond strength?+
The bond strength to the concrete substrate must be greater than the cohesive strength of the concrete itself, meaning the concrete should fail before the bond line (Table 1).
What is 'Pot Life' according to this standard?+
It is the period of time during which the mixed epoxy resin system remains usable and can be properly applied (Clause 3.1.8).