EXPLAIN DETAILED SPECIFICATION OF BRICKS , AGGREGRATE

, CEMENT , REINFORCEMENT , TIMBER , GLASS , PAINTS ?

1. Bricks

Bricks are fundamental masonry units, typically made from clay, shale, or
concrete. Their specifications are governed by Indian Standards (IS), primarily IS
1077 (Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks) and IS 12894 (Pulverized Fuel Ash - Fly
Ash Bricks).

Key Specifications:

• Classification (as per IS 1077 for burnt clay bricks):

o First Class Bricks: Uniform in size, shape, and color; sharp edges; free
from cracks, stones, or nodules. Produce a clear ringing sound when
struck. Water absorption should not exceed 20% of dry weight.
Minimum compressive strength: 10 N/mm$^2$. Used for all types of
load-bearing structures and exposed masonry.

o Second Class Bricks: Slight irregularities in shape and size; minor

surface cracks or chips are permissible. Produce a dull ringing
sound. Water absorption not exceeding 22% of dry weight.
Minimum compressive strength: 7 N/mm$^2$. Suitable for general
masonry, not exposed to severe weather.

o Third Class Bricks: Irregular in shape and size; rough surface; some
cracks and distortions. Produce a dull thud. Water absorption not
exceeding 25% of dry weight. Minimum compressive strength: 3.5
N/mm$^2$. Used for non-load-bearing walls, temporary structures,
or foundations.

o Fourth Class Bricks (Jhama Bricks): Over-burnt bricks, brittle, dark

color, irregular shape. Used as aggregate in concrete or road
construction due to high strength but poor uniformity.

• Dimensions:

o Standard Modular Size: 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm (length x width x

height)
 o Traditional/Nominal Size (with mortar joint): 200 mm x 100 mm x 100
mm

o Tolerance: Permissible variations in dimensions are specified (e.g.,

±3mm for length, ±2mm for width/height over 20 bricks).

• Physical Properties:

o Compressive Strength: Varies by class (as above). Tested on five

bricks, average strength is considered.

o Water Absorption: Determines durability and resistance to

weathering. Lower is better. Tested by immersing dry bricks in water
for 24 hours.

o Efflorescence: Presence of soluble salts. Bricks should be free from

efflorescence. Tested by placing bricks in water and observing
white deposits upon drying.

o Hardness: Indicated by resistance to scratching.

o Soundness: Clear ringing sound when struck.

o Thermal Conductivity: Important for insulation.

o Fire Resistance: Good quality bricks offer good fire resistance.

• Special Bricks:

o Fly Ash Bricks (IS 12894): Made from fly ash, cement, lime, gypsum,
and sand. Lighter, more uniform, and have lower water absorption
than clay bricks.

o Perforated Bricks: Have holes (perforations) to reduce weight,

improve insulation, and enhance bond with mortar.

o Facing Bricks: Selected for aesthetic appearance, used for

exposed masonry.

2. Aggregates

Aggregates are granular inert materials that form the bulk of concrete and
mortar. They are classified by size into fine and coarse aggregates.
Specifications are crucial for workability, strength, and durability of the mix.
Key Specifications (as per IS 383:1970 - Specifications for Coarse and Fine
Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete):

A. Fine Aggregate (Sand): Particles passing through a 4.75 mm IS sieve.

• Source: Natural river sand, pit sand, manufactured sand (M-sand).

• Properties:

o Grading (Particle Size Distribution): Defined by zones (I, II, III, IV) in IS
383. Proper grading ensures good workability and minimizes voids.

o Fineness Modulus (FM): An index of the fineness or coarseness of

sand. Typically between 2.5 and 3.5 for concrete.

o Freedom from Deleterious Materials: Must be free from clay lumps,

silt, organic impurities, coal, shale, or other harmful substances that
can affect concrete strength and durability. Limits are specified
(e.g., maximum 3% for clay, silt, and fine dust).

o Shape: Sub-angular to rounded particles are generally preferred for

workability.

o Surface Texture: Smooth to slightly rough.

o Water Absorption: Should be low.

o Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR): Aggregates should not contain

reactive silica that can react with alkalis in cement, leading to
expansion and cracking.

B. Coarse Aggregate: Particles retained on a 4.75 mm IS sieve.

• Source: Crushed stone (granite, basalt, quartzite), natural gravel, broken

brick (for certain applications).

• Properties:

o Size: Nominal maximum size (e.g., 20mm, 40mm) depends on the

type of concrete work.

o Grading: A well-graded aggregate contains particles of various

sizes to reduce voids and optimize packing density.

o Shape:
 ▪ Angular: From crushed rock, provides better interlocking and
strength but reduces workability.

▪ Rounded: From natural gravel, provides better workability but

lower interlocking.

▪ Flaky/Elongated: Particles with very small thickness or large

length are undesirable as they reduce strength and
workability. Limits on flakiness and elongation index are
specified (e.g., max 30-35%).

o Strength (Crushing Value, Abrasion Value, Impact Value):

▪ Crushing Value: Indicates resistance to crushing under

compressive loads (max 30-45%).

▪ Abrasion Value (Los Angeles Abrasion Test): Resistance to

wear and tear (max 30-50%).

▪ Impact Value: Resistance to sudden impact (max 30-45%).

o Specific Gravity: Typically 2.6 to 2.8 for normal weight aggregates.

o Water Absorption: Should be low (typically < 2%).

o Soundness: Resistance to weathering actions (e.g., freezing and

thawing).

3. Cement

Cement is a hydraulic binder that, when mixed with water, forms a paste that
hardens and binds aggregates together. Its quality directly impacts the strength,
durability, and setting time of concrete and mortar. Indian Standards like IS 269,
IS 8112, IS 12269 cover different types of cement.

Key Specifications:

• Types:

o Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Most common type. Available in

grades like 33 Grade (IS 269), 43 Grade (IS 8112), and 53 Grade (IS
12269). The number indicates the minimum 28-day compressive
strength in N/mm$^2$.

▪ 53 Grade: High early strength, suitable for high-rise buildings,

pre-stressed concrete, and fast-paced construction.
 ▪ 43 Grade: General construction, suitable for most residential
and commercial projects.

▪ 33 Grade: Used for plastering, non-structural concrete, and

masonry.

o Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) (IS 1489 Part 1): Blended cement
with pozzolanic material (like fly ash, calcined clay).

▪ Advantages: Improved workability, reduced heat of

hydration (good for mass concrete), increased long-term
strength, enhanced resistance to sulfate attack and alkali-
aggregate reaction, better impermeability.

▪ Architectural Use: Ideal for marine structures, dams,

foundations, and general construction where durability and
long-term performance are crucial.

o Portland Slag Cement (PSC) (IS 455): Blended cement with ground
granulated blast furnace slag. Similar properties to PPC, offering
good durability.

o Rapid Hardening Cement (IS 8041): Gains strength much faster than
OPC. Used for urgent repairs, precast concrete, and cold weather
concreting.

o Sulfate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) (IS 12330): Designed for

environments with high sulfate content (e.g., coastal areas,
sewerage systems) to prevent sulfate attack.

o Low Heat Cement (IS 12600): Produces less heat during hydration,
suitable for mass concrete constructions like dams to prevent
thermal cracking.

o White Cement (IS 8042): Used for aesthetic purposes (e.g., terrazzo,
mosaic, ornamental work, tile grout) due to its white color.

• Chemical Composition: Limits on compounds like Alumina (Al$_2$O$_3$),

Silica (SiO$_2$), Iron Oxide (Fe$_2$O$_3$), Lime (CaO), etc., affect setting
time and strength.

• Physical Properties:
 o Fineness: Affects rate of hydration and strength. Measured by
specific surface area (e.g., Blaine's air permeability method).

o Setting Time: Initial (minimum 30 minutes for OPC) and final

(maximum 600 minutes for OPC). Determines workability time.

o Soundness: Ensures volume stability after hardening (measured by

Le Chatelier apparatus or autoclave test). Prevents cracking due to
expansion.

o Compressive Strength: Tested at 3, 7, and 28 days.

o Consistency: The amount of water required to achieve a standard

consistency paste.

• Storage: Cement should be stored in a dry place, away from moisture, to

prevent lumps and loss of strength.

4. Reinforcement Steel (Rebar)

Reinforcement steel provides tensile strength to concrete, compensating for

concrete's weakness in tension. Specifications are critical for structural integrity
and ductility. Indian Standard IS 1786 (High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and
Wires for Concrete Reinforcement) is key.

Key Specifications:

• Types of Bars:

o Mild Steel Plain Bars (Fe 250): Smooth surface, low yield strength
(250 N/mm$^2$). Not commonly used for main reinforcement in
RCC anymore due to poor bond with concrete and lower strength,
but still used for stirrups/ties in some cases.

o High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) Bars: Have ribs, lugs, or

deformations on their surface to provide a better bond with
concrete.

▪ Cold Twisted Deformed (CTD) Bars: Produced by twisting mild

steel bars.

▪ Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Bars: Most common type.

Manufactured through a special quenching process,
providing a tough outer surface and a softer core. This gives
them excellent strength, ductility, and weldability.
 o Stainless Steel Rebar (IS 16651): Used in highly corrosive
environments (e.g., marine, chemical plants) due to superior
corrosion resistance, but more expensive.

o Epoxy Coated Rebar: Steel bars coated with epoxy resin for
enhanced corrosion protection. Used in aggressive environments.

• Grades (Yield Strength): The most important specification for deformed

bars. The number indicates the minimum yield strength (fy) in N/mm$^2$.

o Fe 415: Minimum yield strength of 415 N/mm$^2$.

o Fe 500: Minimum yield strength of 500 N/mm$^2$. Very common in

modern construction.

o Fe 550: Minimum yield strength of 550 N/mm$^2$.

o Fe 600: Minimum yield strength of 600 N/mm$^2$. Used for very

high-rise structures or special applications where high strength is
required.

o Suffix 'D' (e.g., Fe 500D): Indicates higher ductility (elongation),

desirable for seismic-resistant structures.

o Suffix 'S' (e.g., Fe 500S): Indicates superior seismic resistance.

• Chemical Composition: Limits on carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and other

elements to ensure ductility and weldability. High carbon content can
reduce ductility and weldability.

• Physical Properties:

o Yield Strength (fy): The stress at which the steel begins to deform
plastically.

o Ultimate Tensile Strength (fu): The maximum stress the steel can
withstand before fracturing.

o Elongation: Measure of ductility. Higher elongation means the bar

can deform more before breaking, providing warning before
failure.

o Bend Test: Ensures the bar can be bent without cracking or

breaking, indicating ductility and quality.
 o Bond Strength: Deformations on HYSD/TMT bars enhance bond with
concrete, preventing slip.

o Rib Heights and Spacing: Specified to ensure proper bond with

concrete.

• Sizes: Standard nominal diameters: 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 28, 32, 36, 40, 45,
50 mm.

5. Timber

Timber (wood) is a natural, renewable building material used for structural

elements, flooring, doors, windows, and finishes. Its specifications depend on
species, processing, and intended use. Indian Standard IS 399 (Classification of
Commercial Timbers and Their Zonal Distribution) and IS 883 (Code of Practice
for Design of Timber Structures) are relevant.

Key Specifications:

• Classification by Botanical Origin:

o Exogenous Trees: Grow outwards, forming annual rings. Most

structural timber comes from these.

▪ Coniferous (Softwoods): E.g., Pine, Deodar, Fir, Spruce.

Generally lighter, softer, and faster growing. Used for framing,
scaffolding, paneling.

▪ Deciduous (Hardwoods): E.g., Teak, Sal, Sheesham, Oak,

Mahogany. Generally denser, stronger, and slower growing.
Used for heavy construction, furniture, doors, windows,
flooring.

o Endogenous Trees: Grow inwards, e.g., Bamboo. Used for specific

applications, not conventional structural timber.

• Classification by Durability (as per IS 401:1967):

o High Durability: Average life over 120 months (e.g., Teak, Sal,
Deodar).

o Moderate Durability: Average life 60-120 months (e.g., Rosewood).

o Low Durability: Average life less than 60 months (e.g., Mango, Fir).

• Classification by Modulus of Elasticity (Stress Grading):

 o Group A: E > 12.5 kN/mm$^2$ (e.g., Babul, Ironwood)

o Group B: E = 9.8 to 12.5 kN/mm$^2$ (e.g., Deodar, Sal)

o Group C: E = 5.6 to 9.8 kN/mm$^2$ (e.g., Chir, Fir)

• Seasoning (Moisture Content):

o Purpose: To reduce moisture content, prevent warping, cracking,

shrinkage, and increase strength and durability.

o Methods: Air seasoning, kiln seasoning.

o Specification: Moisture content should be within acceptable limits

for the intended use (e.g., 8-12% for internal joinery, 12-18% for
structural timber).

• Preservation:

o Purpose: To protect timber from insects (termites, borers), fungi, and

decay.

o Methods: Pressure impregnation, brushing, spraying with

preservatives (e.g., ASCU, creosote oil).

o Specification: Specify type of treatment and retention rates.

• Defects: Timber should be free from major defects like:

o Knots: Branches embedded in timber. Can reduce strength.

o Cracks/Shakes: Separations of wood fibers.

o Warping/Twisting: Deformations due to improper seasoning.

o Sapwood: Outer part of tree, less durable.

o Decay/Rot: Due to fungal attack.

• Workability and Finish: Ease of sawing, planing, nailing, and ability to take
polish or paint.

6. Glass

Glass is a versatile material offering transparency, light transmission, and

aesthetic appeal. Modern architectural glass comes with various functional
properties.
Key Specifications (often referencing international standards like ASTM, EN, but
general types apply):

• Types of Glass:

o Float Glass (Annealed Glass): Basic, flat, clear glass. Produced by

floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, resulting in uniform
thickness and smooth surfaces.

▪ Uses: General glazing for windows, mirrors, furniture.

o Tempered Glass (Toughened Glass): Produced by heating

annealed glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it.
This creates surface compression, making it 4-5 times stronger than
annealed glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces,
making it a safety glass.

▪ Uses: Shower enclosures, glass doors, partitions, storefronts,

balustrades, automotive glass, structural glazing.

o Laminated Glass: Consists of two or more layers of glass bonded

together with a flexible interlayer (usually PVB - Polyvinyl Butyral). The
interlayer holds the glass together even if broken, providing safety
and security.

▪ Uses: Skylights, canopies, balconies, sound-reducing windows,

security glazing, hurricane-resistant windows.

o Insulated Glass Units (IGU / Double Glazing): Two or more panes of

glass separated by a sealed air or gas-filled space. This significantly
improves thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer.

▪ Uses: Energy-efficient windows and doors in residential and

commercial buildings.

o Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass: Coated with microscopic metallic

layers that reflect infrared light, minimizing heat gain in summer and
heat loss in winter, while allowing visible light to pass.

▪ Uses: High-performance windows for energy efficiency, often

part of IGUs.

o Tinted Glass: Colorants added during manufacturing to reduce

solar heat gain and glare.
 ▪ Uses: Facades, skylights, windows where solar control is
desired.

o Reflective Glass: Coated with a metallic layer that reflects solar

radiation, giving a mirror-like appearance from the exterior.

▪ Uses: Facades of commercial buildings for solar control and

privacy.

o Patterned/Textured Glass: Has patterns or textures embossed on

one or both surfaces to obscure vision while allowing light.

▪ Uses: Bathrooms, partitions, decorative elements, doors.

o Smart Glass (Switchable Glass): Can change transparency

(transparent to opaque) in response to electricity, light, or heat.

▪ Uses: Privacy partitions, meeting rooms, dynamic facades.

• Thickness: Available in various thicknesses (e.g., 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm,

10mm, 12mm, up to 19mm or more for specialized applications). Thickness
is selected based on span, wind load, and type of application.

• Light Transmission: Percentage of visible light that passes through.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures the amount of solar

radiation that enters a building through the glass. Lower SHGC means
better solar heat rejection.

• U-Value: Measures the rate of heat transfer through the glass. Lower U-
value indicates better insulation.

• Shading Coefficient (SC): Ratio of solar heat gain through a given glass to
the solar heat gain through clear 3mm float glass.

• Visual Light Transmittance (VLT): Percentage of visible light that passes

through the glass.

• Acoustic Performance: Sound reduction properties (measured by STC -

Sound Transmission Class).

• Safety Standards: Compliance with safety glazing codes for impact

resistance (e.g., breaking patterns for tempered glass, integrity of
laminated glass).

7. Paints
Paints are protective and decorative coatings applied to surfaces. Their
specifications depend on the substrate, desired finish, durability, and
environmental factors.

Key Specifications:

• Types of Paint (by Binder/Base):

o Emulsion/Latex Paints (Water-Based):

▪ Composition: Pigments, water, acrylic/vinyl resins (binder),

additives.

▪ Properties: Quick drying, low odor, easy clean-up with water,

good color retention, available in various finishes (matte,
eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss). Breathable.

▪ Uses: Most common for interior walls and ceilings. Exterior

emulsions are formulated for weather resistance.

o Enamel Paints (Oil-Based/Solvent-Based):

▪ Composition: Pigments, oil/alkyd resins (binder), solvent

(mineral spirits, turpentine).

▪ Properties: Durable, hard, smooth, often high gloss finish,

excellent adhesion, good washability. Slower drying, stronger
odor, requires solvent for clean-up.

▪ Uses: Doors, windows, trim, metal surfaces, furniture, areas

requiring high durability and gloss.

o Distemper Paints:

▪ Composition: Chalk, lime, water, and sometimes a small

amount of binder.

▪ Properties: Economical, water-based, porous, matte finish,

low durability and washability.

▪ Uses: Economical interior wall finish, typically for temporary

structures or where frequent re-painting is acceptable. Being
phased out by emulsions.

o Cement Paints:
 ▪ Composition: White or colored cement, lime, water.

▪ Properties: Water-based, porous, matte finish, good for rough

masonry surfaces, allows walls to breathe. Can be prone to
chalking.

▪ Uses: Exterior masonry walls, especially where a rustic look is

desired, and for protection against weather.

o Epoxy Paints:

▪ Composition: Two-part system (resin and hardener) that cure

to form a hard, durable film.

▪ Properties: Excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, abrasion

resistance, moisture resistance, very hard finish.

▪ Uses: Industrial floors, garages, bathrooms, kitchens, high-

traffic areas requiring extreme durability.

o Polyurethane (PU) Paints:

▪ Composition: Polyurethane resins.

▪ Properties: High gloss, excellent scratch and abrasion

resistance, good chemical and water resistance, durable.

▪ Uses: High-end finishes for wood, metal, and floors where

superior protection and aesthetic appeal are required.

o Anti-Corrosive Paints (Primers):

▪ Composition: Contain rust-inhibiting pigments like zinc

chromate or red lead.

▪ Properties: Forms a protective barrier against corrosion on

metal surfaces.

▪ Uses: As a primer coat on steel structures, gates, railings,

preventing rust.

• Finish/Sheen:

o Flat/Matte: Non-reflective, hides imperfections well, difficult to

clean.
 o Eggshell/Satin: Low sheen, more durable and washable than flat,
common for walls.

o Semi-Gloss: Moderate sheen, good durability, easy to clean, often

used for trim and doors.

o High-Gloss: Very shiny, highly durable, extremely washable,

highlights imperfections, typically for trim, doors, and furniture.

• Application:

o Surface Preparation: Crucial for good adhesion and finish. Includes

cleaning, sanding, filling cracks, and priming.

o Primers: Base coat applied before the main paint layers to improve
adhesion, seal the surface, and provide a uniform base. Specific
primers for different substrates (wood, metal, masonry).

o Number of Coats: Typically 2-3 coats for desired finish and durability.

o Drying Time/Recoat Time: Time required between coats and for the
paint to fully cure.

• Performance Characteristics:

o Durability: Resistance to wear, tear, fading, cracking, and peeling.

o Washability/Scrubbability: Ability to withstand cleaning.

o Color Retention: How well the color resists fading over time.

o Fungus/Algae Resistance: Important for exterior paints in humid

climates.

o VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Content: Lower VOCs are

preferred for indoor air quality and environmental health.

o Fire Resistance: Some paints offer improved fire resistance.