IS 10600 : 1983Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

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ISO 1006 · ISO 1040

CurrentFrequently UsedGuidelinesBIMArchitectural · Planning, Housing and Pre-fabricated Construction

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IS 10600:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules. This standard lays down the fundamental principles and rules for modular coordination in building design and construction. It establishes the basic module 'M' as 100 mm, defines preferred sizes (multimodules) for dimensions, and outlines the use of grids for positioning components to promote standardization, interoperability, and efficiency, particularly in prefabricated construction.

Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Architectural — Planning, Housing and Pre-fabricated Construction
Type: Guidelines

International equivalents

ISO 1006:2003 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ISO 1040:2020 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Typically used with

IS 962 IS 10714

Also on InfraLens for IS 10600

7Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! The principles of this code are the foundation for modern Building Information Modeling (BIM) object libraries and grid systems, ensuring components can be coordinated digitally.

! Applying modular coordination early in the design stage is crucial for maximizing benefits like reduced waste, faster construction, and cost savings, especially in projects with repetitive elements.

! This code is not just for prefabrication; it also rationalizes traditional construction by standardizing dimensions for items like masonry blocks, doors, and windows, minimizing on-site cutting.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4The Basic Module Cl. 5Multimodules Cl. 6Grids Cl. 7Preferred Sizes Cl. 8Rules for Location and Dimensioning

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

ISO 2848:1984ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighWithdrawn

Building construction — Modular coordination — Principles and rules

Defines the fundamental principles and rules for modular coordination, making it a direct historical counterpart.

ISO 1006:2003ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighCurrent

Building construction — Modular coordination — Basic module

Specifically defines the value of the basic module (M), which is the cornerstone of IS 10600.

ISO 1040:2020ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighCurrent

Building construction — Modular coordination — Multimodules

Provides rules and preferred values for multimodules, a core concept for large-scale planning in IS 10600.

BS 6750:1986BSI (British Standards Institution), UK

HighWithdrawn

Specification for modular co-ordination in building

A comprehensive national standard covering the same principles of modular coordination based on a 100 mm module.

Key Differences

≠IS 10600 is a 1983 standard that remains largely unchanged, while the international ISO framework has been continuously updated (e.g., ISO 1040 in 2020), incorporating modern terminology and a more structured, multi-part approach.

≠While the preferred multimodules are similar, modern standards like ISO 1040:2020 provide a more systematic series of preferred numbers (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, 60) for multiplication, whereas IS 10600 lists a fixed set of values (3M, 6M, 12M, 15M, 30M, 60M), notably omitting 9M (900 mm).

≠IS 10600 is a single, high-level 'Recommendations' document. The ISO system is an extensive suite of interconnected standards covering not just principles, but also tolerances (ISO 1803), joints, and specific applications, providing a more comprehensive framework.

Key Similarities

≈The fundamental principle, the Basic Module (M), is identical. Both IS 10600 and the core ISO standards (like ISO 1006) define it as 100 mm.

≈Both systems are based on a three-dimensional orthogonal modular grid where grid line spacing is a multiple of the basic module, serving as the basis for dimensioning buildings and components.

≈The use of multimodules (integer multiples of M) for major dimensions like structural grids and storey heights, and submodules (fractions of M) for smaller components and details, is a shared core concept.

≈Both the Indian and international standards clearly distinguish between the 'coordinating dimension' (the theoretical space a component occupies on the grid) and the 'work size' (the actual manufactured size), with the difference accounting for joints and tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Basic Module (M)	100 mm	100 mm	ISO 1006:2003
Preferred Horizontal Multimodules	3M, 6M, 12M, 15M, 30M, 60M	nM, where n is a preferred number such as 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, 60	ISO 1040:2020
Preferred Vertical Multimodules	3M, 6M and their multiples (e.g., for storey heights)	nM, with 3M and 6M being common key values	ISO 2848:1984 (Principle)
Recommended Submodules	M/5 (20 mm), M/4 (25 mm), M/2 (50 mm)	M/10 (10 mm), M/5 (20 mm), M/4 (25 mm), M/2 (50 mm)	ISO 2848:1984
Positioning Reference	Component positioned by its relation to modular grid lines (e.g., axial, boundary).	Component positioned by a reference system of modular planes, axes, or points.	ISO 2848:1984
Dimension Type	Coordinating Dimension	Coordinating size	ISO 21723:2019

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values7

Quick Reference Values

Basic Module (M)100 mm

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (large spans)60M (6000 mm)

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (column spacing)30M (3000 mm)

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (components)12M (1200 mm), 6M (600 mm), 3M (300 mm)

Preferred Vertical Multimodule (floor height)3M (300 mm), 6M (600 mm)

Standard preferred floor-to-floor height30M (3000 mm)

Smallest preferred sub-module (vertical)M/5 (20 mm)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Preferred Horizontal Multimodules

Table 2 - Preferred Vertical Multimodules

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - The Basic Module

Clause 5 - Multimodules

Clause 6 - Grids

Clause 7 - Preferred Sizes

Clause 8 - Rules for Location and Dimensioning

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the basic module 'M' in modular coordination?+

The basic module 'M' is the fundamental unit of size, defined as 100 mm. All building dimensions should ideally be a multiple of this module. (Clause 4.1)

What are some preferred horizontal dimensions for column spacing or room sizes?+

Preferred horizontal multimodules include 300 mm (3M), 600 mm (6M), 1200 mm (12M), 3000 mm (30M), and 6000 mm (60M). (Table 1)

What is a modular grid?+

It is a grid where the distance between consecutive lines is the basic module (100 mm) or a multimodule. It is used to coordinate the position and size of building components. (Clause 6.2)

What are the recommended floor-to-floor heights?+

Preferred vertical dimensions for floor-to-floor heights are multiples of 3M (300 mm), with a strong preference for 30M (3000 mm). (Clause 7.2.2)

QA/QC Inspection Templates

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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 10600 : 1983Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

ISO 1006 · ISO 1040

CurrentFrequently UsedGuidelinesBIMArchitectural · Planning, Housing and Pre-fabricated Construction

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Architectural — Planning, Housing and Pre-fabricated Construction
Type: Guidelines

International equivalents

ISO 1006:2003 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ISO 1040:2020 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Typically used with

IS 962 IS 10714

Also on InfraLens for IS 10600

7Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! The principles of this code are the foundation for modern Building Information Modeling (BIM) object libraries and grid systems, ensuring components can be coordinated digitally.

! This code is not just for prefabrication; it also rationalizes traditional construction by standardizing dimensions for items like masonry blocks, doors, and windows, minimizing on-site cutting.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4The Basic Module Cl. 5Multimodules Cl. 6Grids Cl. 7Preferred Sizes Cl. 8Rules for Location and Dimensioning

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

ISO 2848:1984ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighWithdrawn

Building construction — Modular coordination — Principles and rules

Defines the fundamental principles and rules for modular coordination, making it a direct historical counterpart.

ISO 1006:2003ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighCurrent

Building construction — Modular coordination — Basic module

Specifically defines the value of the basic module (M), which is the cornerstone of IS 10600.

ISO 1040:2020ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

HighCurrent

Building construction — Modular coordination — Multimodules

Provides rules and preferred values for multimodules, a core concept for large-scale planning in IS 10600.

BS 6750:1986BSI (British Standards Institution), UK

HighWithdrawn

Specification for modular co-ordination in building

A comprehensive national standard covering the same principles of modular coordination based on a 100 mm module.

Key Differences

Key Similarities

≈The fundamental principle, the Basic Module (M), is identical. Both IS 10600 and the core ISO standards (like ISO 1006) define it as 100 mm.

≈Both systems are based on a three-dimensional orthogonal modular grid where grid line spacing is a multiple of the basic module, serving as the basis for dimensioning buildings and components.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Basic Module (M)	100 mm	100 mm	ISO 1006:2003
Preferred Horizontal Multimodules	3M, 6M, 12M, 15M, 30M, 60M	nM, where n is a preferred number such as 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, 60	ISO 1040:2020
Preferred Vertical Multimodules	3M, 6M and their multiples (e.g., for storey heights)	nM, with 3M and 6M being common key values	ISO 2848:1984 (Principle)
Recommended Submodules	M/5 (20 mm), M/4 (25 mm), M/2 (50 mm)	M/10 (10 mm), M/5 (20 mm), M/4 (25 mm), M/2 (50 mm)	ISO 2848:1984
Positioning Reference	Component positioned by its relation to modular grid lines (e.g., axial, boundary).	Component positioned by a reference system of modular planes, axes, or points.	ISO 2848:1984
Dimension Type	Coordinating Dimension	Coordinating size	ISO 21723:2019

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values7

Quick Reference Values

Basic Module (M)100 mm

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (large spans)60M (6000 mm)

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (column spacing)30M (3000 mm)

Preferred Horizontal Multimodule (components)12M (1200 mm), 6M (600 mm), 3M (300 mm)

Preferred Vertical Multimodule (floor height)3M (300 mm), 6M (600 mm)

Standard preferred floor-to-floor height30M (3000 mm)

Smallest preferred sub-module (vertical)M/5 (20 mm)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Preferred Horizontal Multimodules

Table 2 - Preferred Vertical Multimodules

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - The Basic Module

Clause 5 - Multimodules

Clause 6 - Grids

Clause 7 - Preferred Sizes

Clause 8 - Rules for Location and Dimensioning

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the basic module 'M' in modular coordination?+

The basic module 'M' is the fundamental unit of size, defined as 100 mm. All building dimensions should ideally be a multiple of this module. (Clause 4.1)

What are some preferred horizontal dimensions for column spacing or room sizes?+

Preferred horizontal multimodules include 300 mm (3M), 600 mm (6M), 1200 mm (12M), 3000 mm (30M), and 6000 mm (60M). (Table 1)

What is a modular grid?+

It is a grid where the distance between consecutive lines is the basic module (100 mm) or a multimodule. It is used to coordinate the position and size of building components. (Clause 6.2)

What are the recommended floor-to-floor heights?+

Preferred vertical dimensions for floor-to-floor heights are multiples of 3M (300 mm), with a strong preference for 30M (3000 mm). (Clause 7.2.2)

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋

QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 10600 : 1983Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values7

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions4

QA/QC Inspection Templates

IS 10600 : 1983Recommendations for modular coordination - principles and rules

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values7

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions4

QA/QC Inspection Templates