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IS 4845:1968 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for definitions and terminology relating to hydraulic cement. This standard provides standard definitions and terminology for various types of hydraulic cements, their constituents, and related manufacturing terms. It ensures uniform understanding of cement-related nomenclature across Indian Standards, specifications, and construction contracts.
Definitions and terminology relating to hydraulic cement
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Cement, Concrete, Aggregates and RCC
! Use this code to resolve ambiguities or contractual disputes regarding the exact definition of cement types and constituents.
! This is purely a definitional standard. For physical and chemical specifications, refer to the respective cement product codes (e.g., IS 269, IS 1489).
Both are dedicated standards for defining terminology related to hydraulic cement.
EN 197-1:2011European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Cement - Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements
Contains a terminology section (Section 3), but its primary scope is specification and conformity, not just definitions.
Key Differences
≠IS 4845 is a standalone terminology standard from 1968. Modern standards like EN 197-1 integrate terminology into broader specification documents.
≠Due to its age, IS 4845 does not define terms for many modern blended cements (e.g., limestone-blended, ternary cements) that are covered in current ASTM and EN standards.
≠International standards like ASTM C219 are continuously updated, whereas IS 4845:1968 has remained static, reflecting the technology and understanding of its era.
≠Definitions in international standards are often linked to specific performance criteria in other test standards (e.g., pozzolanic activity), a level of integration not present in the standalone IS 4845.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental definition of hydraulic cement as a material that sets and hardens by reaction with water, including underwater.
≈The core concepts of 'initial set' and 'final set' to describe the stiffening process of cement paste are conceptually identical across all standards.
≈The primary purpose of all documents (or relevant sections) is to establish a common and unambiguous vocabulary for cement technology.
≈Basic concepts like 'soundness' (volume stability) and 'fineness' are universally recognized and defined in principle, even if measurement techniques have evolved.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Definition of Hydraulic Cement
A cement that sets and hardens by chemical interaction with water and is capable of doing so under water.
A cement that sets and hardens by chemical reaction with water and is capable of doing so under water.
ASTM C219-23
Concept of 'Pozzolana'
Defined as a siliceous/aluminous material which reacts with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperatures to form cementitious compounds.
Defined similarly, but often cross-references a specification (like ASTM C618) which requires meeting specific chemical and physical activity index requirements.
ASTM C219-23
Concept of 'Soundness'
The ability of a hardened cement paste to retain its volume after setting (i.e., resist expansion).
The ability of a hardened paste to retain its volume after setting; specifically concerned with expansion caused by free lime or magnesia.
ASTM C219-23
Classification of Cement Types
Primarily defines basic types like Ordinary Portland Cement, Pozzolana Cement, and Slag Cement prevalent in 1968.
Defines a broad classification system, e.g., five main cement types (CEM I to CEM V) with 27 sub-types based on composition.
EN 197-1:2011
Definition of 'Setting'
The phenomenon of stiffening of cement paste from a fluid to a rigid state. Distinguishes between 'Initial Set' and 'Final Set'.
The process of developing rigidity in a freshly mixed cement paste. Terminology includes 'time of initial setting' and 'time of final setting'.
ASTM C219-23
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.