The world over the specifications are becoming more and more stringent regarding the requirements of chlorides content for concrete constituents. The chlorides present within the concrete reduce the corrosion initiation time (T1) resulting into the rapid corrosion of steel. The Indian code for fly ash - IS 3812 – realised the importance of the phenomenon and incorporated a clause specifying Total maximum Chlorides allowable in PFA.
This revision came in August 2004 when the entire code was revised incorporating various modifications. The permissible limit on total chlorides in PFA now is maximum 0.05%. In order to meet the change in the code, a Spectrophotometer was installed immediately in DIRK’s Nashik factory laboratory for measuring the chloride content of Pozzocrete.
This measurement is done as per the scheme of testing and inspection of Bureau of Indian Standards. This scheme of testing and inspection is mandatory for all fly ash products which are certified by the ISI standard mark. It is important to note that DIRK Pozzocrete is the first and only product in India which is certified by the ISI standard mark.