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IS 4031:1988 Part 5 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement - part 5: determination of compressive strength. This part of IS 4031 establishes the standard procedure for determining the compressive strength of hydraulic cement. It details the preparation of a 1:3 cement-standard sand mortar, casting into 70.6 mm cubes, compaction via a vibration machine, curing conditions, and testing under a compression testing machine.
Describes the procedure for determining the compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortar cubes at various ages.
Quick Reference — Top IS 4031 Part 5:1988 Values
Key parameters for preparing, curing, and testing cement mortar cubes for compressive strength, including mix ratios, timings, and tolerances.
✓ Verified 2024-05-21
Reference
Value
Clause
Test Specimen Size— Provides a testing area of 5000 mm² (50 cm²).
70.6 mm cube
Cl. 5.1.2
Test Room Temperature
27 ± 2 °C
Cl. 4.1
Test Room Humidity
≥ 65% RH
Cl. 4.1
Moist Curing Temperature
27 ± 2 °C
Cl. 4.2
Moist Curing Humidity— For initial curing in a moist closet or room.
≥ 90% RH
Cl. 4.2
Water Curing Temperature
27 ± 2 °C
Cl. 8.4
Cement : Standard Sand Ratio
1 : 3 (by mass)
Cl. 7.1
Mass of Cement (for 3 cubes)
200 g
Cl. 7.1
Mass of Standard Sand (for 3 cubes)— Standard sand must conform to IS 650.
600 g
Cl. 7.1
Water Quantity for Mortar— Of combined cement & sand mass. P = % water for standard consistency.
(P/4 + 3.0) %
Cl. 7.2
Vibrating Machine Frequency
12000 ± 400 vibrations/min
Cl. 5.1.1
Vibration Time for Compaction
2 min ± 2 s
Cl. 8.2
Initial Curing Period (Moist Air)
24 ± 1 h
Cl. 8.4
Standard Testing Ages— Other ages like 1 day may be tested if required.
3, 7, and 28 days
Cl. 8.5
Number of Cubes per Age
3 cubes
Cl. 8.5
Rate of Loading
35 N/mm²/min
Cl. 9.1
Test Result Variation Limit— If exceeded, the test for that period must be repeated.
±15% of the average
Cl. 9.3
Cube Mould Internal Face Flatness
Tolerance of 0.01 mm
Cl. 5.1.2
Cube Mould Internal Angle
90 ± 0.5°
Cl. 5.1.2
Poking Rod Diameter— Used for the alternative hand-compaction method.
12.5 mm
Cl. 5.1.3
⚠ Verify against the latest BIS/IRC publication and project specifications. Amendment Slips may modify values.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cementhydraulic cementmortarstandard sand
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C191-21ASTM International (US)
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
Specifies the Vicat needle apparatus and method for determining the initial and final setting times of hydraulic cement.
EN 196-3:2016CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Methods of testing cement - Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness
Covers the determination of standard consistency, setting time, and soundness of cement using the Vicat method.
ISO 9597:2008ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Cement — Test methods — Determination of setting time and soundness
Defines the reference procedure for determining setting time and soundness of cement, based on the Vicat apparatus.
AASHTO T 131-19AASHTO (US)
HighCurrent
Standard Method of Test for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
Nearly identical to ASTM C191, provides the method for determining cement setting time for transportation infrastructure.
Key Differences
≠The initial setting time is considered reached when the needle penetrates to a specific depth. In IS 4031, this depth is measured from the bottom of the mould (5.0 ± 0.5 mm from the bottom), whereas in ASTM C191, it is measured from the top surface of the paste (a penetration of 25 ± 0.5 mm).
≠The needle used for determining initial setting time has a different cross-section. IS 4031 specifies a needle with a 1 mm square cross-section, while ASTM C191 specifies a needle with a 1.00 ± 0.05 mm circular diameter.
≠The standard test temperature differs significantly. IS 4031 mandates a test temperature of 27 ± 2 °C, which reflects a tropical climate, while ASTM C191 requires 23.0 ± 2.0 °C and EN 196-3 requires 20 ± 2 °C.
≠The criterion for determining normal consistency, which dictates the water-cement ratio for the test, is different. IS 4031 requires the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the mould. ASTM C187 (referenced by C191) requires a penetration of 10 ± 1 mm from the original surface.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards employ the same fundamental principle and apparatus (the Vicat apparatus) to assess the stiffening of cement paste by measuring its resistance to penetration by a needle over time.
≈The starting point for measuring setting time is identical; in both IS 4031 and its international equivalents, the time count begins from the moment water is first added to the dry cement.
≈Both methods require the use of a neat cement paste prepared with a specific amount of water, determined by achieving a 'standard' or 'normal' consistency in a preliminary test.
≈The Vicat mould used to hold the cement paste has very similar dimensions in all standards, typically being 40 mm in height and tapering from a larger diameter at the bottom to a smaller one at the top.
≈The definition of final set, while worded differently, is conceptually the same: it is the point at which the paste has hardened sufficiently that the needle makes only a slight impression on the surface without penetrating significantly.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Test Temperature
27 ± 2 °C
23.0 ± 2.0 °C
ASTM C191-21
Test Humidity (for specimens)
≥ 90% RH
≥ 95% RH
ASTM C191-21
Initial Set Needle Cross-Section
1 mm square
1 mm diameter (circular)
ASTM C191-21
Criterion for Initial Setting Time
Penetration to 5.0 ± 0.5 mm from mould bottom
Penetration to 25 ± 0.5 mm from surface
ASTM C191-21
Criterion for Final Setting Time
Needle makes an impression, but annular attachment does not
Needle does not sink visibly into the paste
ASTM C191-21
Mass of Cement for Test Paste
400 g
650 g
ASTM C191-21
Mould Height
40 ± 0.2 mm
40 ± 1 mm
ASTM C191-21
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
cement to sand ratio1:3 by mass
cube size70.6 mm
face area of cube5000 mm²
vibration speed12000 ± 400 vibrations per minute
vibration duration2 minutes
rate of loading35 N/mm²/min
test room temperature27 ± 2 °C
curing water temperature27 ± 2 °C
Key Formulas
Water quantity for mortar = (P/4 + 3.0)% of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is standard consistency
Compressive strength = Maximum load applied to cube / 5000 (Result in N/mm²)