BIS CERTIFICATION for Concrete Masonry Units - Hollow And Solid Lightweight Concrete Blocks IS 2185 (Part 2)

Published Date: September 19, 2024

Introduction

IS 2185 (Part 2):1983 lists the minimum requirements in the manufacture of lightweight concrete blocks, both hollow and solid, for structural and non-structural uses in buildings. In the standard, BIS has brought assurance that such blocks would conform to rigorous quality and performance standards. Certification by BIS under the standard is thus important in enabling manufacturers to confirm their products against high-expected standards of durability and structural strength. In addition, it adds value to the marketability of blocks while at the same time ensuring that construction builders and customers have the confidence that the blocks are going to be efficient for construction.

Lightweight concrete blocks, therefore, must be BIS certified since it has ensured that whatever products they are manufacturing have met the minimum threshold laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards on quality and performance. This will help one ensure that the blocks are solid, durable, safe, and meet all the set regulatory requirements. What this means in construction projects is that only the materials matching the high standards of safety and quality concerns in the structural integrity and specifications of the project remain. This surely will guarantee builders and contractors reliable block performance, reducing the potential risk at the construction site.
Fast urbanization, combined with a greater awareness of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, has created an unbelievable demand for lightweight concrete blocks within the Indian context. People increasingly prefer a tendency towards lightweight concrete blocks which ensure energy efficiency while causing minimum environmental degradation with the ever-growing demand for eco-friendly construction practices. Thus, continuity of performance and assured quality play an important role in meeting project deadlines besides ensuring safety. With such a market, this makes BIS-certified blocks very significant. It also gives more credibility to the blocks among builders and contractors, hence improving their standing in the competitive building industry.

End uses:

Structural Applications: These concrete blocks are used in the construction of load-bearing walls, providing strength and stability for various types of buildings.
Non-Load Bearing Walls: Lightweight concrete blocks serve effectively for partitioning and interior walls, offering good thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Architectural Finishes: The blocks can be used in external facades and decorative applications, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability.

Overview of IS 2185 Part 2: 1983

The Indian Standard IS 2185 Part 2: 1983 deals with lightweight concrete hollow and solid blocks. This standard covers dimensions, compressive strength, density, and thermal insulation properties. Scope of IS 2185 Part 2:1983 The IS 2185 Part 2: 1983 also describes the manufacturer process and testing procedures besides quality control measures to be adopted to ensure that the blocks conform to such characteristics necessary for safe and efficient use in buildings.

Key Aspects of IS 2185 Part 2: 1983

Material Specifications: Defines the composition, quality, and types of materials used for hollow and solid lightweight concrete blocks.
Performance Requirements: Establishes criteria for strength, durability, thermal insulation, and moisture resistance for the concrete blocks.
Safety Needs: Outlines safety measures related to handling, installation, and structural integrity to ensure user safety.
Testing and Compliance: Details the testing methods and procedures to ensure products meet specified standards and performance criteria.

Key highlights

Product Name	Hollow and Solid Lightweight Concrete Blocks
Applicable Indian Standard	IS 2185 (Part 2):1983
Applicable Certification Scheme	Product Certification Scheme (ISI Mark Scheme) Scheme 1
Applicable Mark:	BIS Standard Mark (ISI Logo)
Compliance Requirement	Mandatory
Quality Control Order	Click here
Ministry	Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Scope as per Standard	This standard ( Part II ) covers the following lightweight· concrete masonry building units which are used in the construction of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls: Hollow ( open and closed cavity) load-bearing concrete blocks. Hollow (open and closed cavity) non-load-bearing concrete blocks. Solid load-bearing concrete blocks. Solid non-load bearing concrete blocks.

Applicable Tests

Surface texture and finish
General
Block density
Water absorption
Cement
Fly ash
Aggregates
Water
Additives or Admixtures
Moisture movement
Drying shrinkage

Note

For Detailed Information about the Procedure for BIS ISI Certification, Visit :

Visit :

Procedure for Domestic Manufacturer
Procedure for Foreign Manufacturer

Timeline for BIS Certification

The approximate timeline to obtain BIS certification for Concrete Masonry Units - Hollow and Solid Lightweight Concrete Blocks to use the ISI mark as per IS 2185 (Part 2):1983 is as follows:

For Indian Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 30 days)
For Foreign Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 180 days)

Benefits of BIS Certification

BIS certification offers several significant benefits:

Benefit	Description
Access to the Indian Market	BIS certification is a prerequisite for selling these blocks in India, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Compliance with Indian Standards	Certified blocks meet the stringent quality and safety standards established by BIS.
Enhanced Product Credibility	BIS certification enhances the credibility of the product, making it more attractive to builders and contractors.
Increased Customer Trust	Customers are more likely to choose BIS-certified blocks, knowing they meet high standards for quality and safety.
Benefits for MSMEs	Small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can gain a competitive advantage by offering BIS-certified products, ensuring they meet market demands for quality.

Case Studies

One of the projects is fairly large scale and had to be able to adopt sustainable and energy-efficient building materials to meet the environmental and budgetary targets. The selected project chose BIS-certified hollow and solid lightweight concrete blocks, which allow for great thermal insulation and hence reduce the usage of extra cooling mechanisms significantly. The use of such blocks contributed not only to faster construction but also to efficiency in energy usage by the homeowners, hence making the project successful in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Lightweight concrete hollow and solid blocks are one of the indispensable building materials in today's modern construction to provide good strength, insulation, and ease of laying. In this respect, all the blocks should be certified by BIS under IS 2185 [Part 2]: 1983 to meet the highest quality and performance standards and hence enable one to undertake the best construction venture. ALEPH INDIA is one of the major players in offering product certification services, offering services to help the manufacturer get this certification. Its professionalism ensures lightweight concrete blocks fully meet severe requirements according to IS 2185 (Part 2): 1983, thus giving more credibility and better marketability of the products. Lightweight concrete blocks by BIS- Aleph India-certified will remain one of the most integral building elements in the construction business with the growing demand for compliant and more eco-friendly building materials.

Aleph INDIA has been serving the industry as a single-window operator for all product regulatory compliance. We can assist importers or manufacturers in meeting all criteria for importing or selling a product in the Indian market.