IS 2508:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for laying of concrete surface finish. This code provides guidelines for the preparation, laying, finishing, and curing of in-situ cement concrete surface finishes and floor toppings. It focuses on ensuring proper bond with the base concrete, adequate joint spacing to control shrinkage, and correct finishing techniques to achieve durable, crack-free surfaces.
Outlines practices for achieving various types of concrete surface finishes on floors and other surfaces.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness of Bonded Topping (Heavy Duty) | 25 mm to 50 mm for granolithic finish. | Minimum 40 mm for concrete with coarse aggregate; minimum 25 mm for fine aggregate concrete. | BS 8204-2 |
| Surface Level Tolerance | Max deviation of 3 mm under a 3-meter straightedge. | For high-spec free-movement areas (FM2), max deviation of 5 mm under a 3m straightedge. | The Concrete Society TR34 |
| Mix Design for Wearing Topping | Prescriptive volumetric mix (e.g., 1 Cement : 1 Fine Aggregate : 2 Coarse Aggregate). | Performance-based: specified compressive strength (e.g., >50 MPa), low w/c ratio (<0.40), and specified abrasion resistance class. | ACI 302.1R-15 |
| Maximum Bay/Panel Size | Not exceeding 2 m² in area, laid in alternate panels. | No specific limit; large area pours (>1000 m²) with saw-cut joints are common. | The Concrete Society TR34 |
| Curing Period (Wet Curing) | Minimum 10 days for granolithic flooring. | Minimum 7 days, with curing initiated immediately after final finishing. | ACI 302.1R-15 |
| Aggregate Size for Granolithic-type Topping | Not exceeding 10 mm. | Should not exceed 1/3 of the topping thickness (e.g., max 13mm for a 40mm topping). | ACI 302.1R-15 |