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IS 2114:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for laying in-situ terrazzo floor finish. This code provides comprehensive guidelines for the preparation, laying, curing, grinding, and polishing of in-situ terrazzo floor finishes. It specifies material requirements, including marble chips, cement, pigments, and dividing strips, to ensure durable and aesthetically pleasing floors without shrinkage cracks.
Code of practice for laying in-situ terrazzo floor finish
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
NTMA Terrazzo Specifications and Design Guide (2023)National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA), USA
HighCurrent
NTMA Terrazzo Specifications and Design Guide
Comprehensive guide for materials, system types (cementitious, epoxy), and installation of in-situ terrazzo.
BS 8204-4:2004+A2:2011British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Screeds, bases and in-situ floorings - Part 4: Cementitious terrazzo wearing surfaces - Code of practice
Direct equivalent focusing on the design, materials, and application of in-situ cementitious terrazzo.
EN 13813:2002European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Screed material and floor screeds - Screed material - Properties and requirements
Specifies requirements for the screed material used as the underlayment or base for the terrazzo topping.
ACI 302.1R-15American Concrete Institute (ACI), USA
LowCurrent
Guide to Concrete Floor and Slab Construction
Covers the base concrete slab upon which terrazzo is often laid, but not the terrazzo finish itself.
Key Differences
≠IS 2114 exclusively covers traditional cement-based terrazzo. In contrast, the NTMA guide provides detailed specifications for modern resinous systems like epoxy and polyacrylate terrazzo, which offer faster curing and thinner profiles.
≠IS 2114 specifies a minimum topping thickness of 6 mm. International standards like NTMA and BS 8204-4 typically require a thicker cementitious topping, often 13 mm (1/2") to 15 mm, for better durability and grinding depth.
≠The Indian standard mandates wet curing (ponding or wet hessian) for at least 7 days. BS 8204-4 and NTMA guidelines also permit the use of curing membranes or polyethylene sheeting, which can be more practical.
≠IS 2114 specifies starting the grinding process with a relatively fine abrasive (No. 60 grit). Modern international practice (e.g., NTMA) advocates for a coarser initial grind (24 or 36 grit) to more effectively expose the aggregate and achieve flatness.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate a multi-stage grinding and polishing process, starting with a coarse abrasive and progressing to finer grits to achieve a smooth, dense, and glossy surface.
≈The critical step of applying a cementitious grout slurry after the initial rough grind to fill pinholes and voids is a standard procedure in IS 2114, NTMA, and BS 8204-4.
≈All codes of practice require the use of dividing strips (metal or plastic) to create patterns, separate colors, and, most importantly, to function as crack-control joints.
≈A strong emphasis is placed on the proper preparation of the sub-floor in all standards, requiring it to be clean, sound, and free of contaminants to ensure a good bond for the terrazzo system.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Topping Thickness (Cementitious)
6 mm
13 mm (1/2 inch)
NTMA Specifications
Topping Mix Ratio (Cement:Aggregate by volume)
1 : 2
Approximately 1 : 2 (1 bag cement to 200 lbs aggregate)
NTMA Specifications
Underlayer (Setting Bed) Thickness
20 mm to 40 mm
32 mm to 44 mm (for sand-cushion system)
NTMA Specifications
Curing Period (Wet Curing)
Minimum 7 days
At least 7 days (or until grinding begins)
BS 8204-4:2004+A2:2011
Divider Strip Thickness (Standard Brass)
Not less than 1.5 mm
16 gauge (approx. 1.5 mm) is standard
NTMA Specifications
Initial Grinding Abrasive Grit
Coarse grit (No. 60)
24 or 36 grit (coarser than IS)
NTMA Specifications
Final Polish Grit
Fine grit (No. 320)
80 or 100 grit or finer (depending on specified finish)
NTMA Specifications
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
maximum panel area2.0 sq.m (to prevent shrinkage cracks)
maximum panel dimension1.2 m or 2.0 m depending on layout
minimum glass strip thickness1.5 mm
minimum brass aluminum strip thickness2.0 mm
curing time before grinding5 to 7 days
under layer thickness20 mm to 25 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Sizes of Marble Chips
Table 2 - Proportions of Materials for Terrazzo Topping