Portland slag cement — IS 455 (2015) Testing

IS 455:2015 includes physical and chemical tests to verify Portland Slag Cement quality. Physical evaluation includes fineness, soundness, setting time and compressive strength, while chemical testing covers parameters such as insoluble residue, magnesia, sulphur compounds, loss on ignition, chloride and alkali content.

As per the BIS reference for IS 455:2015, Portland Slag Cement must meet the specified fineness requirement, with the minimum fineness stated as 225 m²/kg. Fineness is determined using the applicable method prescribed in IS 4031 (Part 2) to assess the cement's physical characteristics.

Portland Slag Cement manufactured according to IS 455:2015 contains granulated slag within the specified proportion. BIS's cement standards compendium states that the granulated slag constituent shall be not less than 25% and not more than 70% by mass of Portland Slag Cement, with homogeneity requirements also applicable.

Testing of Portland Slag Cement under IS 455:2015 refers to supporting Indian Standards for individual test methods. For example, fineness is tested according to IS 4031 (Part 2), soundness according to IS 4031 (Part 3), setting time according to IS 4031 (Part 5), and compressive strength according to IS 4031 (Part 6).

The BIS Product Manual for IS 455:2015 specifies a sample size of 8 kg for physical testing and 1 kg for chemical testing. Manufacturers and applicants should follow the applicable BIS sampling and testing requirements when submitting Portland Slag Cement for evaluation.

Transverse strength testing is treated as an optional test under the BIS Product Manual for IS 455:2015. The manual states that the transverse strength test may be carried out based on an agreement between the purchaser and manufacturer, rather than being a mandatory routine requirement.

Chemical evaluation can include insoluble residue, magnesia, total sulphur content calculated as sulphuric anhydride, sulphide sulphur, loss on ignition, chloride content and alkali content. These parameters are referenced against the relevant test methods specified in the BIS requirements.

The physical properties evaluated under IS 455:2015 include fineness, soundness, setting time and compressive strength. BIS LIMS identifies testing for Le-Chatelier and autoclave expansion, initial and final setting time, and compressive strength at specified ages.