Similar International Standards
EN 934-2:2009+A1:2012CEN (Europe)
HighCurrent
Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout - Part 2: Concrete admixtures - Definitions, requirements, conformity, marking and labelling
Defines a specific category for 'Water resisting admixtures' with performance criteria for permeability.
ASTM C494 / C494M-19ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
Covers general chemical admixtures; permeability reduction is an implicit benefit of water-reducing types (Type A, D) but not a primary classification.
JIS A 6204:2015JSA (Japan)
MediumCurrent
Chemical admixtures for concrete
Specifies requirements for various chemical admixtures, where impermeability is achieved through water reduction, similar to ASTM C494.
BS 5075-1:1982BSI (UK)
LowWithdrawn
Concrete admixtures. Specification for accelerating admixtures, retarding admixtures and water reducing admixtures
Older British standard that covered water-reducing admixtures but is now superseded by the more direct European equivalent.
Key Differences
≠The primary performance test for permeability in IS 2645 is based on an absolute water penetration depth (max 25% of thickness) in a mortar specimen. In contrast, EN 934-2 uses a comparative test on a concrete specimen, requiring the penetration depth to be ≤50% of a control mix, and adds a capillary absorption test.
≠IS 2645 provides a single classification 'Integral Cement Waterproofing Compound'. EN 934-2 has a specific but distinct classification 'Water resisting admixture'. ASTM C494 has no direct equivalent, with such products typically falling under 'Water-Reducing' admixture types.
≠Compressive strength requirements differ. IS 2645 requires ≥80% of control strength for powders and ≥100% for liquids at 28 days. EN 934-2 requires ≥80% for all water resisting admixtures, while ASTM C494 (for water-reducers) demands higher strengths, typically ≥110% of control.
≠The permeability test conditions are different. IS 2645 specifies a water pressure of 1.4 N/mm² for 24 hours, whereas the EN 934-2 test uses a lower pressure of 0.5 N/mm² (500 kPa) for a longer duration of 72 hours.
Key Similarities
≈All related standards share the fundamental purpose of specifying admixtures that reduce the water permeability of concrete or mortar when added during mixing.
≈All standards mandate that the admixture must not adversely affect the compressive strength of the concrete/mortar, specifying minimum strength levels relative to a control mix.
≈There is a common requirement across all standards to control the admixture's effect on the setting time of the cement, with defined limits relative to a control sample.
≈All standards place stringent limits on the chloride content of the admixtures, especially for use in reinforced or prestressed concrete, to mitigate the risk of steel corrosion.