IS 9103:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for admixtures for concrete - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and testing methods for chemical admixtures used in plain, reinforced, and prestressed concrete. It classifies admixtures like plasticizers, superplasticizers, retarders, and accelerators and defines their performance criteria related to workability, setting time, and strength.
Specified requirements for various types of chemical admixtures for concrete, including plasticizers, superplasticizers, retarders, and accelerators.
Overview
- Status
- Superseded — superseded by IS 9103:1999
- Usage level
- Frequently Used
- Domain
- Materials Science — Admixtures and Chemical Products for Concrete
- Type
- Specification
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (August 2000); Amendment 2 (May 2002); Amendment 3 (September 2004); Amendment 4 (July 2007)
Also on InfraLens for IS 9103
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always conduct compatibility tests between the specific cement, aggregates, and admixture before mass use, as performance can vary significantly.
! Strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Overdosing can cause severe segregation and bleeding, while underdosing fails to achieve desired effects.
! Pay close attention to the chloride content of the admixture (Table 2), especially for reinforced and prestressed concrete, to prevent long-term rebar corrosion.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments4 amendments
Amendment 1 (August 2000)
Amendment 2 (May 2002)
Amendment 3 (September 2004)
Amendment 4 (July 2007)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
concreteadmixturesplasticizerssuperplasticizersretardersacceleratorswater-reducers
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Minimum water reduction for Normal Water-Reducing Admixtures5 percent
Minimum water reduction for Superplasticizers20 percent
Maximum chloride ion content for reinforced/prestressed concrete0.05 percent by mass of admixture
Initial setting time delay for Retarding AdmixturesMinimum 60 minutes
Maximum initial setting time delay for Retarding AdmixturesMaximum 360 minutes
Minimum 1-day compressive strength for Accelerating Admixtures125 percent of control
Minimum 7-day compressive strength for Superplasticizers140 percent of control
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Concrete Admixtures
Table 2 - Limits for Chloride Content of Admixtures
Table C-1 - Uniformity Requirements for Chemical Admixtures
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Classification
Clause 5 - Information to be Provided by the Manufacturer
Clause 6 - Sampling
Clause 7 - Performance Requirements
Clause 9 - Tests
Annex C - Uniformity Tests
Frequently Asked Questions4
What are the main types of admixtures covered in IS 9103?+
Water-reducing (plasticizers), high range water-reducing (superplasticizers), retarding, accelerating, and combination admixtures like retarding-water reducing (Clause 4).
What is the maximum permissible chloride content in admixtures for RCC?+
0.05 percent by mass of the admixture for reinforced or prestressed concrete (Table 2).
What is the minimum compressive strength requirement at 28 days for concrete with a superplasticizer?+
The compressive strength should be at least 100% of the reference (control) concrete mix strength (Table 1).
How much can a retarding admixture delay the initial setting time of concrete?+
It should delay the initial set by at least 60 minutes but not more than 360 minutes compared to the control mix (Table 1).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.