Page 5 - ICJ Jan 2026

TECHNICAL PAPER

corrosion behaviour have resulted in scientifically justified technology in India over the past decade and provide the
limits for clinker reduction and optimized blend proportions. framework for the detailed technical discussions presented
The outcomes of these studies have provided a technical basis in the subsequent sections of this manuscript. Anchored
for new and revised cement standards aimed at reducing the in research-driven principles, the group has systematically
carbon footprint of cementitious materials while ensuring translated sustainability, durability, and resource efficiency
durability and long-term performance. In addition to material into national standards, notably through the introduction of
[2]
innovations, NCCBM has contributed to the advancement of multi-source aggregates in IS: 383 and the formulation of a
characterization techniques and performance-based evaluation dedicated standard for geopolymer concrete (IS: 17452). The
methodologies for emerging concretes, including high- circular utilization of industrial by-products, recycled aggregates,
[20]
performance concrete [18-19] , ultra-high-performance concrete , and construction and demolition (C&D) waste supports a circular
geopolymer concrete, lightweight concrete, roller-compacted economy by reducing clinker consumption, conserving natural
concrete, and rheology-controlled 3D-printable concrete. aggregates, and lowering embodied carbon. Simultaneously,
rigorous scientific evaluation of transport properties,
These efforts have led to improved understanding of
permeability, cracking behaviour, and long-term deformation
mechanical behaviour, durability indices, rheological control,
thermal response, and corrosion mitigation, supporting a ensures durability under diverse exposure conditions. By
shift from prescriptive requirements to performance-oriented explicitly linking material composition and microstructure
design and quality control. The generated knowledge has with exposure‑specific performance, these standards facilitate
been systematically integrated into revisions of major Indian performance-based and service-life-oriented design while
Standards such as IS: 456, IS: 516, IS: 1199, IS: 9103, IS: 383, and mitigating common infrastructure failures such as premature
IS: 2386 [1-6] given below in Table 1. The broader impact of these reinforcement corrosion and excessive deflections. Collectively,
contributions extends to industry practice, academic research, this approach reframes sustainability from mere material
and community outreach. Collaborative projects with academic substitution to a reliability-driven engineering paradigm.
institutions such as IITs, infrastructure agencies, and industry
stakeholders such as Ultratech, JSW, Tata Steel, SAIL, AMNS etc. 2. RESEARCH VISION AND PHILOSOPHY
have facilitated technology transfer, pilot-scale demonstrations, The group follows a research philosophy centered on (i) circular
and capacity building. The research outputs have informed use of materials, (ii) scientific characterization of concrete
academic studies through validated experimental evidence properties across scales, (iii) multi-mechanism durability studies,
and constitutive models, strengthened industry confidence and (iv) translation of research into national standards. Emphasis
in sustainable materials, and supported the development of is placed on blue-sky research that explores fundamental
national policies and standards. mechanisms governing hydration, microstructure evolution,
As summarized in Table 1, these contributions collectively aggregate-paste interaction, fracture processes, rheology, and
demonstrate NCCBM’s pivotal role in advancing concrete corrosion mitigation.

Table 1: Indian standards impacted by NCCBM’s research work
IS CODE RESEARCH THEME(S) NATURE OF IMPACT ON INDIAN STANDARDS
IS: 383 (Parts 1 & 2) C&D waste, industrial by-product aggregates Transition from natural aggregates to multi-source aggregates;
quantified utilization limits; durability‑linked acceptance
IS: 2386 (Parts 1-5) & Aggregate testing & sampling Introduction of durability, chemical, hazardous, and
IS: 2430 petrographic testing protocols
IS: 456 Low-carbon binders, HPC/HSC, durability design Shift to performance- and service-life-based design; durability
(under revision) limit states; revised stress-strain and creep models
IS: 516 HPC, UHPC, FRC, durability testing Expansion into advanced mechanical and durability testing
(multiple parts) (permeability, resistivity, creep, tensile response)
IS: 1199 (7 parts) Fresh concrete rheology Inclusion of SCC, rheology-based workability and setting
characterization
IS: 9103 Chemical admixtures Transformation into performance-based, multi-part admixture
(proposed Parts 1-7) standard
IS: 17452 Geopolymer concrete First national framework for alkali-activated concrete
IS: 9142 Lightweight concrete Revised constitutive relationships specific to lightweight
aggregates

84 THE INDIAN CONCRETE JOURNAL | JANUARY 2026