International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends

Volume 7, Issue 6, Nov-Dec-2021, ISSN (Online): 2395-566X

Acceptance Criteria of Concrete as per IS: 456-

2000, 4th Revision, Amendment No. 4
(An Informative Article)
Posannapeta Y Ganga Ram
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Shri Venkateshwara University
Gajraula, India

Abstract –In the amendment no. 4 of IS:456-2000, the acceptance criteria of concrete slightly modified. It made very simple
and common for M15 and above grade for concrete works. Still most of cases there are lot of confusions on acceptance and
finalization of strength of the concreate.It is clearly mentioned in IS code, even though various interpretations on
understanding the same. To overcome this issue here it is clearly described the acceptance and finalization of the concreate
strength.In this paper, it is described based on IS: 456-2000, 4th revision, amendment no. 4.

KeyWords - Acceptance Criteria, Grade of concrete, Sampling, Individual test Results, IS:456-2000..

I. INTRODUCTION Standard Deviation (ESD)and other assumption

The sampling and strength of designed concrete mix as
per IS:456-2000 should be in all the cases will be the
28-days compressive strength shall alone the criterion
for acceptance or rejection of the concrete, in order to
getarelatively quicker idea of the quality of concrete,
optional test for 7 days’ compressive strength of
concrete becarriedout.As per IS:456, Cl:15.1.1 it is
mentioned that the Table 2 shall alone the criterion for
acceptance or rejection of the concrete.
II. ACCEPTANCE CRITEREA
calculations also.
III. FREQUENCY OF SAMPLING OF
CONCRETE
The minimum sampling frequency of concrete should be
as per Cl:15.2.2. At least one sample shell be taken from
each shift. When concrete is produced at continuous, the
frequency of sampling may be agreed upon mutually by
supplier and purchaser. It means, the quantity of sample
collection of concrete cubes will also depend on both the
parties (i.e. as per agreed FQP, Field Quality Plan).

The acceptance criteria of concrete described here. If any
grade of the concrete not conforming 28 days’
characteristic strength (Fck) as per Table-2 and
clause:15.1.1 ofIS code, the criteria is mandatory
toverify the various necessities of the code have to be
complied before rejecting the concrete, as per
clause:16.1 table 11.
1. Sample of Concrete for Test: The 6no’s of cubes of
150x150x150 mm sizes hall be cast, 3 no’s for 7-days
testing and 3 no’sfor 28-days testing. A set of 3-cubes (3-
specimens) shall made “a-sample” for testing of average-
value (As per IS:456-2000 Clause. 15.3). Note that,
meaning of individual test results means the average of 3-
cubes/specimens, but not individual cube.

1. As per IS:456-2000 Clause.16.1 Fortheacceptance,
compressive Strength of specified grade to comply
both the conditions should be me twith: The mean
strength determined from any group of four
consecutive test results should comply with the
appropriate limits Column (2)asgiven in Table-11, and
2.Any individual test resul tcomplies with in the
appropriate limits Col. (3)asgiven in Table-11.
Note: In absence of established standard deviation, the
values given in Table-8 of IS:456- 2000 may be
assumed. So, the Table 8 of IS:456-2000 Assumed
StandardDeviation can use in absence of Estimated
2. Test Results of Samples: As per IS:456-2000; Cl:15.4,
the test results of the sample shall be the average of the
strength of three-specimens. The individual variation of
each cube/specimen should not be more than +/- 15% of
the average. If more, the test results of the sample are
invalid.
IV. CRITERIA AS PERAMEND. NO4
(As per Cl: 6.1.1),
Whenever the concreate is produced at continuously,
at least it should have 4- consecutive test samples
capacity of concrete to fulfill the Column (2) of Table-

© 2021 IJSRET
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 International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends
Volume 7, Issue 6, Nov-Dec-2021, ISSN (Online): 2395-566X

11, and if one of the test-result (i.e. any individual test
results [Note: Not individual test cube] as per column
(3) of table-11), found >/=Fck-3 value of that 4-
consecutive test-results as per amendment no 4.
N/mm2, i.e. less than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per table-2, it is
not accepted. But, comply with table-11, before
rejecting.
 As per table-11 Col. (3), this is acceptable for individual
Test Result criterion, i.e. the value 22 N/mm2 is within
the limits of >/=Fck-3=22 N/mm2, then also comply
with table-11 Col. (2).
 As per table-11 Col. (2), this is acceptable for mean
value of 4-consecutive (Non overlapping) test results
criterion, i.e. the mean value of above is 29 N/mm2 is
within the limits of >/=Fck+3.5=29 N/mm2, and
 Finally, all the samples are accepted.

2. CASE-II: Test sample’s results (For 4-samples)

(i) 30 N/mm2; (26, 30, 34 N/mm2)

So, it is clear that the (Fck+3) and (Fck-3) criteria of
table-11 applicable for bulk quantity of concrete works
which should have at least 4-consicutive tests. Up to 3-
samples capacity of concrete works, the notes-2 of
table-11 applicable.
If the concrete volume is more samples capacity, check
once with acceptance criteria and comply with table-
11, if found any one sample’s value less than Fck-
value, then take conclusion by applying column (2) &
(3) of table-11 and note 2, of amendment no. 4, then
conform for accept or reject.
V. CASE STUDY AND JUSTIFICATION
OF (FCK+3)/ (Fck-3) CRITERIA
(As per Cl: 6.1.1),
Example: - Considering the M25 grade, Justifying
acceptability criteria.
For M25, it is clear from Table 11, Column (3) the
 The above test sample results, two of the individual
Individual Test Result’s data set should be equal or
2 values are less than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per table-2, these
more than 22 N/mm (i.e. >/= Fck -3). It is important
to note here the numerical value 22 is less the number
25 representing the grade of M25concrete.
 As per table-11 Col. (3), this is acceptable for both the
5.1 Case Study for Minimum 4-Samples
and above
1. CASE-I: Test sample’s results (For 4-samples)
Note-28 days’ average value along with its each cube-
value of 3no’s indicated in the bracket in N/mm2. As per
calculation M25 grade’s mean value for four consecutive  As per table-11 Col. (2), this is acceptable, mean value
test results should be 28.5 N/mm2 (i.e. rounded off to
nearest 0.5N/mm2). Hence here considered 28.5 N/mm2
(i.e. Fck+3.5) is greater than Fck+3 value.
(i) 30 N/mm2; (26, 30, 34 N/mm2)
(ii) 22 N/mm2; (19.5, 22, 24.5 N/mm2)
2
(iii) 35 N/mm ; (30, 35, 40 N/mm2)
(iv) 29 N/mm2; (25, 29, 33 N/mm2)
 The above test sample results one of the value is 22
© 2021 IJSRET
(ii) 21N/mm2; (18, 21, 24 N/mm2)
(iii) 34 N/mm2; (29, 34, 39 N/mm2)
(iv) 29N/mm2; (25, 29, 33 N/mm2)
 The above test sample results one of the individual value
is 20 N/mm2, i.e. less than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per table-
2, it is not accepted. But, comply with table-11, before
rejecting.
 As per table-11 Col. (3), this is also not acceptable for
individual Test Result criterion, i.e. the value 20 N/mm2
is out of the limits of >/=Fck-3=22 N/mm2, then also
comply with table-11 Col. (2).
 As per table-11 Col. (2), this is also not acceptable for
mean value of 4-consecutive test results criterion, i.e.
the mean value is28.5 N/mm2, this value is within the
limits of >/=Fck+3.5=28.5 N/mm2, but
 Finally, the sample (ii) is not-accepted.
3. CASE-III: Test sample’s results (For 4-samples)
(i) 33 N/mm2; (28.5, 33, 37.5 N/mm2)
(ii) 23 N/mm2; (20, 23, 26 N/mm2)
(iii) 24 N/mm2; (20.5, 24, 27.5 N/mm2)
(iv) 39 N/mm2; (38.5, 39, 39.5 N/mm2)
two are not accepted. But, comply with table-11, before
rejecting.
individual Test Result criterion, i.e. the values are 23&24
N/mm2 are within the limits of >/=Fck-3=22
N/mm2(Note: Here the criterion is that, individual test
results i.e. only one test results not more than one
results),then also comply with table-11 Col. (2). But,
of 4-consecutive test results is 29.75 N/mm2 is within
the limits of >/=Fck+3.5=29.75 N/mm2, but
 Finally, the sample of (ii) & (iii), one sample accepted
usually higher value sample (iii) and lower value sample
(ii) not-accepted.
4. CASE-IV: Test sample’s results (For 6-samples; i.e.
more than 4-samples)
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 International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends
Volume 7, Issue 6, Nov-Dec-2021, ISSN (Online): 2395-566X

(i) 30 N/mm2; (26, 30, 34 N/mm2) rejecting.

(ii) 22 N/mm2; (19.5, 22, 24.5 N/mm2)  As per Note 2 of table-11 of amend. No 4, the acceptable
(iii) 35 N/mm2; (31, 35, 39 N/mm2) individual test result value 23 N/mm2 is within the limits
2
(iv) 29 N/mm ; (25, 29, 33 N/mm2) of >/=Fck -2=23 N/mm2, also comply with
2
(v) 30 N/mm ; (26, 30, 34 N/mm2)  Mean value of test results criterion, i.e. the mean value
(vi) 23 N/mm2; (20, 23, 26 N/mm2) of three samples is 30 N/mm2 is within the limits of
 The above test sample results two of the values are 22 >/=Fck+4=30 N/mm2.
2 2 2
N/mm & 23 N/mm , i.e. less than (Fck) 25 N/mm as  Finally, all the samplesare accepted.
per table-2, two values are not accepted. But, comply
with table-11, before rejecting. 7. CASE-VII: Test sample’s results (For 2-samples)
 As per table-11 Col. (3), these are acceptable for
individual Test Result criterion, i.e. the value 22 (i) 34N/mm2; (29, 34, 39 N/mm2)
2 2
N/mm & 23 N/mm are within the limits of >/=Fck- (ii) 24 N/mm2; (20.5, 24, 27.5 N/mm2)
3=22 N/mm2, then also comply with table-11 Col. (2).
 As per table-11 Col. (2), this is acceptable for mean  The above test sample results one of the individual value
value of 4-consecutive Non-overlapping consecutive is 24 N/mm2, i.e. less than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per table-
test results criterion, i.e. consider the mean value of 2, it is not accepted. But, comply with table-11, before
 First 4-values is 29 N/mm2 is within the limits of rejecting.
>/=Fck+3.5=29 N/mm2. And,  As per Note 2 of table-11 of amend. No 4, the
 Last 4-values is 29.25 N/mm2 is within the limits of acceptable individual Test Result value 24 N/mm2 is
2
>/=Fck+3.5=29.25 N/mm , both sets mean values are within the limits of >/=Fck -2=24 N/mm2, also comply
within the limits but (iii) & (iv) are considered with
commonly.  Mean value of test results criterion, i.e. the mean value
 It means that, don’t overlap the mean of any 4-values as of two samples is 29 N/mm2, this is within the limits of
per acceptance criteria. >/=Fck+4=29 N/mm2.
 Finally, one sample is accepted (usually higher value  Finally, all the concrete samplesare accepted.
sample) and another one is not-accepted.
8. CASE-VIII: Test sample’s results (For 1-sample;i.e.
5. CASE-V: Test sample’s results (For 4-samples) 1 to 5 M3 of small volume concrete’s only)
2
(i) 28N/mm ; (24, 28, 32 N/mm2) 1. 30 N/mm2; (26, 30, 34 N/mm2)
2
(ii) 28 N/mm ; (24, 28, 32 N/mm2) As per Note 2 of table-11, the acceptable criterion is that,
(iii) 25N/mm2; (21.5, 25, 28.5 N/mm2) the number of sample only-one as per Cl:15.2.2,i.e.
(iv) 29 N/mm2; (25, 29, 33 N/mm2) volume of concrete only (1 to 5) cubic-meters of small
 The above test sample results, the values are 25 N/mm2 quantity, then it’s results value should be >/=Fck+4 (29
2 2
and above i.e. equal / more than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per N/mm ). So, sample results are 30 N/mm .
table-2. (Note: These all the values are accepted so not
required to comply with table-2).Even-though, comply VI. SUMMARY OF CASE STUDY
with table-11.
 As per table-11 Col. (3), this is acceptable for individual
Test Result criterion, i.e. all the values are more than 22
N/mm2 is within the limits of >/= Fck-3= 22 N/mm2,
also comply with table-11 Col. (2).
 As per table-11 Col. (2), this is acceptable for mean
value of 4-consecutive test results criterion, i.e. the
mean value of above is 27.5 N/mm2 is out of the limits
of >/=Fck+3.5=27.5 N/mm2, but
 Finally, all the samples accepted, based on table-2, of
IS:456-4000.

5.2 Case Study for Up to 3-Samples

6. CASE-VI: Test sample’s results (For 3-samples)
(i) 33 N/mm2; (28.5, 33, 37.5 N/mm2)
(ii) 23N/mm2; (20, 23, 26 N/mm2)
(iii) 34 N/mm2; (29, 34, 39 N/mm2)
 The above test sample results one of the individual value
is 23 N/mm2, i.e. less than (Fck) 25 N/mm2 as per table-2, VII. CONCLUSION
it is not accepted. But, comply with table-11, before

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 International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends
Volume 7, Issue 6, Nov-Dec-2021, ISSN (Online): 2395-566X

The above described case-study on non-acceptability of

some of the concretes are valid even when we observe that
some of the test values are numerically less than the
characteristic strength (Fck), indicated by the specified
grade of concrete. It means, the acceptance criteria Cl:16.1
of compliance requirement table-11 is not a curse to the
constructor, it is a flexibility / relaxation form table 2
within the IS:456-2000 limitations.
Finally,
 The table 2 of IS:456-2000 is only the criterion for
accept or rejection of specific grade of concrete.
 If the concrete strength found less than specific grade
value, don’t reject it simply, comply with table 11 for
relaxation within the IS:456-2000 standards.
 If the concrete volume is small in quantity i.e. 1 to 5
Cub. Meters, follow Fck+4 for that single sample as per
amend. no 4(Table-11; note 2) of IS:456-2000.

In addition to above description. . . .

The cement required quantity (Min.) for M25-grade is
300-kgs /m3, as per table 5 of IS: 456-2000.
The minimum recommended grade of concrete for
reinforcement works is M20 asper IS: 456-2000, point-e,
at page no.1, of IS code.

Note- In this paper, the total description as per IS: 456-

2000, 4th Rev., amendment. no. 4, latest amends (if any)
not described.

REFERENCES
[1] IS: 456-2000 (Fourth Revision) plain and reinforced
concrete – Code of Practice, Amendment no. 4, BIS,
New Delhi-2.
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete.
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_slump_test.
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Properties_of_concrete.
[5]wiki/List_of_referred_Indian_Standard_Codes_for_civi
l_engineers.

Author Profile

Mr. Ganga Ram Posannapeta Y

Received Diploma from S. S. Govt. Polytechnic College,
Zahirabad (AP-India) in 1991, and B.Tech. degree from
JNT University, Hyderabad (India), and Master’s degree
(M. Tech) from KSO University, Mysore(India).He has
30+ years of experience in various fields.
Mr. Ganga Ram is currently Ph.D.Research scholar for
Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, India.He has a
patent and published number of technical research papers
in National / International journals and magazines.

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