IS 16700:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for durability of concrete structures. This code provides comprehensive guidelines for ensuring the durability of concrete structures. It introduces a detailed system for classifying environmental exposure conditions and specifies corresponding requirements for concrete constituents, mix proportions, reinforcement cover, and quality assurance to achieve a target service life by mitigating deterioration mechanisms like reinforcement corrosion, sulphate attack, and alkali-aggregate reaction.
Covers requirements for achieving durability of concrete structures, considering exposure conditions like marine environments.
Quick Reference — Top IS 16700:2018 Values
Key prescriptive and performance-based durability limits for concrete, including exposure classes, cover, w/c ratio, and test criteria.
| Reference | Value | Clause |
|---|
| Design Life - Normal Structures— e.g., residential buildings, offices | 50 years | Cl. 5.1.2 (Table A.1) |
| Design Life - Important Structures— e.g., bridges, monumental structures | 100 years | Cl. 5.1.2 (Table A.1) |
| Min. Nominal Cover (RC) - Mild | 20 mm | Cl. 8.2.3.1 (Table 5) |
| Min. Nominal Cover (RC) - Moderate | 30 mm | Cl. 8.2.3.1 (Table 5) |
| Min. Nominal Cover (RC) - Severe | 45 mm | Cl. 8.2.3.1 (Table 5) |
| Min. Nominal Cover (RC) - Very Severe | 50 mm | Cl. 8.2.3.1 (Table 5) |
| Min. Nominal Cover (RC) - Extreme | 75 mm | Cl. 8.2.3.1 (Table 5) |
| Max. w/c Ratio (RC) - Moderate | 0.50 | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Min. Cement Content (RC) - Moderate | 300 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Max. w/c Ratio (RC) - Severe | 0.45 | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Min. Cement Content (RC) - Severe | 320 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Max. w/c Ratio (RC) - Very Severe | 0.45 | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Min. Cement Content (RC) - Very Severe | 340 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Max. w/c Ratio (RC) - Extreme | 0.40 | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Min. Cement Content (RC) - Extreme | 360 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.2.3 (Table 4) |
| Max. Total Chloride Content (RC/PSC)— For concrete containing embedded metal. | 0.40 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.1.4 (Table 6) |
| Max. Total Chloride Content (PC)— For plain concrete with no embedded metal. | 0.60 kg/m³ | Cl. 8.2.1.4 (Table 6) |
| Max. Sulphate (SO₃) in Cement— For Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). | 3.5 % | Cl. 8.2.1.5 |
| Water Permeability (Max Depth) - Severe— Performance criteria for 50 year design life. | 30 mm | Cl. 9.3.2 (Table 7) |
| RCPT Charge Passed (Max) - Severe— Performance criteria for 50 year design life. | 1500 Coulombs | Cl. 9.3.2 (Table 7) |
| Water Sorptivity (Max) - Severe— Performance criteria for 50 year design life. | 0.40 mm/√min | Cl. 9.3.2 (Table 7) |
⚠ Verify against the latest BIS/IRC publication and project specifications. Amendment Slips may modify values.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Essential
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Coastal and Marine Engineering
- Type
- Code of Practice
- Amendments
- Amendment No. 1 (August 2021)
Also on InfraLens for IS 16700
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This standard significantly enhances and should be used in conjunction with the durability provisions of IS 456:2000.
! The correct classification of exposure conditions (Table 1) at the design stage is the most critical step as it governs all subsequent durability requirements for the structure.
! For critical infrastructure or structures in very aggressive environments, consider using the service life design approach outlined in Annex A, which goes beyond the basic prescriptive requirements.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Amendment No. 1 (August 2021)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
concretecementadmixturesreinforcementcorrosion resistant steelaggregates
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum concrete grade for 'Severe' exposure (RCC)M30
Maximum water-cement ratio for 'Very Severe' exposure0.45
Minimum cement content for 'Extreme' exposure400 kg/m³
Nominal cover for main reinforcement in 'Extreme' exposure75 mm
Maximum total acid-soluble chloride in concrete for Prestressed Concrete0.10% by mass of cementitious material
Minimum concrete grade for 'Moderate' exposure (RCC)M25
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Classification of Exposure Conditions
Table 3 - Requirements for Concrete for Durability
Table 4 - Recommended Nominal Cover to All Reinforcement for Durability Requirements
Table 5 - Recommendations for Types of Cement and Special Cementitious Materials
Table A.1 - Indicative Service Life for Different Exposure Conditions
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Classification of Exposure Conditions
Clause 5 - Requirements for Concrete for Durability
Clause 6 - Requirements for Nominal Cover to Reinforcement for Durability
Clause 7 - Special Requirements for Durability
Annex A - Guidelines for Selection of Appropriate Durability Measures for Concrete Structures
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is the exposure class for a structure exposed to sea spray?+
It falls under 'Very Severe' (Exposure Class S) according to Table 1.
What are the requirements for M30 concrete in a 'Severe' environment?+
Maximum W/C ratio of 0.45 and a minimum cementitious content of 340 kg/m³ are required as per Table 3.
What is the minimum nominal cover for a column in a 'Very Severe' exposure condition?+
50 mm is the recommended nominal cover as per Table 4.
Does this code replace IS 456 for durability?+
No, it is a supplementary document that provides more detailed and specific requirements for durability and should be read along with IS 456.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.