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IS 1046:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for hot applied bituminous waterproofing materials - specification. This standard lays down the specifications and physical requirements for hot-applied bituminous materials used in waterproofing and damp-proofing of buildings. It ensures the material has the correct penetration, softening point, and safety characteristics (flash point) to prevent water ingress effectively.
Specifies requirements for various types of hot-applied bituminous materials used for waterproofing purposes.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
! Overheating the bitumen at the site can severely degrade its chemical properties, leading to premature brittleness and failure of the waterproofing layer.
! The substrate must be thoroughly cleaned, structurally sound, and completely dry before application. Moisture trapped under the hot bitumen will cause blistering.
Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Dampproofing and Waterproofing
Both specify requirements for hot-applied asphalt/bitumen for waterproofing and dampproofing applications.
ASTM D312 / D312M - 21ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing
Specifies hot-applied asphalt for roofing, sharing many material properties but differing in application-specific grades.
BS EN 12970:2000BSI, UK / CEN, Europe
MediumCurrent
Mastic asphalt for waterproofing - Definitions, requirements and test methods
Covers a specific type of hot-applied waterproofing (mastic asphalt), which includes binders and aggregates, whereas IS 1046 is for the bitumen itself.
BS 3690-2:1989BSI, UK
HighWithdrawn
Bitumens for building and civil engineering. Specification for bitumens for industrial purposes
Covered various grades of bitumen for industrial uses including waterproofing, similar in intent to IS 1046.
Key Differences
≠IS 1046 specifies a single grade of material, whereas ASTM D449 defines four distinct types (Type I, II, III, IV) with different properties tailored to specific applications (e.g., below-grade vs. exposed).
≠The minimum flash point requirement in IS 1046 (200 °C) is significantly lower than in ASTM D449 (246 °C), indicating different safety margins for heating and application.
≠ASTM D449 includes a mandatory requirement for Ductility, which is a measure of the material's ability to stretch without breaking. IS 1046:1985 does not list a specific value for ductility in its table of requirements.
≠The Indian standard is a general specification for the waterproofing bitumen itself, while standards like BS EN 12970 are for a complete system (mastic asphalt) that includes specified aggregates and fillers.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on petroleum-derived bitumen or asphalt as the primary binder for hot-applied waterproofing systems.
≈Softening Point and Penetration are the core parameters used across all standards to classify the material's consistency, thermal stability, and suitability for different climatic conditions.
≈All referenced standards specify a high percentage of solubility in a solvent (e.g., Trichloroethylene) to ensure the purity of the bituminous binder and limit the amount of inert contaminants.
≈The standards universally include a test for loss on heating to control the volatility of the material and ensure its properties do not change excessively during hot application.
≈Safety and performance concerns regarding water content are shared, with all standards including a limit on moisture to prevent foaming and spattering during heating.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Softening Point (Ring & Ball)
80 to 100 °C
82 to 93 °C (for Type III)
ASTM D449
Penetration at 25°C, 100g, 5s (0.1 mm)
15 to 30
20 to 40 (for Type III)
ASTM D449
Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)
Not less than 200 °C
Not less than 246 °C
ASTM D449
Loss on Heating at 163°C for 5h
Not more than 1.0 %
Not more than 1.0 %
ASTM D449
Solubility in Trichloroethylene
Not less than 99.0 %
Not less than 99.0 %
ASTM D449
Ductility at 25°C, 5 cm/min
Not specified in requirements table
Not less than 3 cm (for Type III)
ASTM D449
Water Content
Nil
0.0 % (Test for water is specified)
ASTM D449
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Penetration test standard temperature25°C
Minimum Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)175°C
Maximum Loss on Heating1% by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Hot Applied Bituminous Waterproofing Materials
What structures is this material typically used on?+
It is primarily used for damp-proofing and waterproofing of flat roofs, basements, retaining walls, and building foundations.
Which Indian Standards are used to test the physical properties of this bitumen?+
Tests are conducted as per the IS 1200 series, notably IS 1203 for Penetration, IS 1205 for Softening Point, and IS 1209 for Flash Point.
Why is the flash point limit important?+
Since the material is hot-applied, a minimum flash point (usually >175°C) is specified to prevent fire hazards during heating at the construction site.