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IS 10957 : 1999Joints in Buildings - Vocabulary

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ISO 6707-1 · ISO 6927 · ASTM C717 - 23
CurrentSpecializedTerminologyBIMArchitectural · Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
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OverviewInternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 10957:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for joints in buildings - vocabulary. This standard establishes a vocabulary of terms used in relation to joints in building construction. It aims to standardize the terminology to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in specifications, drawings, and communication between professionals.

Joints in Buildings - Vocabulary

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
Type
Terminology
International equivalents
ISO 6707-1:2020 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ISO 6927:2012 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ASTM C717 - 23 · ASTM International (USA)ASTM E631 - 22 · ASTM International (USA)
Typically used with
IS 962IS 1200

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

Practical Notes
! This is not a design standard; it does not provide dimensions, spacing, or material specifications for joints.
! Crucial for specification writers and architects to ensure the intended joint type and function are clearly communicated on drawings and in tender documents.
! Using precise terms from this standard can prevent costly on-site errors and disputes regarding joint construction.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 2.15Construction JointCl. 2.22Contraction Joint (Control Joint)Cl. 2.29Expansion JointCl. 2.45Isolation JointCl. 2.76Working Joint
Pulled from IS 10957:1999. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
sealantsconcretemasonrycladdingglazing

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ISO 6707-1:2020ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
MediumCurrent
Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
Broader scope covering all building vocabulary, but includes key terms for joints and spaces.
ISO 6927:2012ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Buildings and civil engineering works — Sealants — Vocabulary
Highly focused on sealant-related terminology, which is a major subset of joint vocabulary.
ASTM C717 - 23ASTM International (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
The primary US standard for sealant and seals terminology, directly overlapping with IS 10957 on this topic.
ASTM E631 - 22ASTM International (USA)
MediumCurrent
Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
A comprehensive US construction glossary, analogous to ISO 6707-1, containing relevant joint definitions.
Key Differences
≠IS 10957 combines all joint-related vocabulary into one document, whereas international practice often separates general joint terms (e.g., ISO 6707-1) from specific sealant/seal terminology (e.g., ISO 6927, ASTM C717).
≠International standards like ASTM C717 often include more performance-related concepts in their definitions (e.g., 'adhesion failure', 'cohesion failure', 'movement capability') which are not explicitly defined in the simpler, more descriptive IS 10957.
≠The Indian standard is a standalone document. In contrast, international vocabulary standards are often part of a larger, interconnected series of standards covering testing, specification, and application, leading to more integrated and cross-referenced definitions.
≠IS 10957 provides basic illustrations for some terms. While helpful, this is less common in the text-focused international vocabulary standards, which rely on precise wording over diagrams.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the fundamental types of building joints based on their primary function, such as Expansion Joint (thermal movement), Contraction/Control Joint (shrinkage), and Construction Joint (construction breaks).
≈The core purpose of all these standards is identical: to establish an unambiguous and common language for building professionals to avoid miscommunication regarding joint design and construction.
≈Definitions for key joint components like 'Sealant', 'Filler Board', 'Backer Rod', and 'Gasket' are present across all relevant standards, as these components are universally used in joint systems.
≈The underlying physical principles acknowledged in the definitions, such as thermal expansion/contraction, material shrinkage, and structural movement, are a common basis for classification in both the IS code and its international counterparts.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Expansion JointA joint provided to cater for expansion and/or contraction of a structure or its parts on account of temperature and/or moisture changes.A joint designed to prevent stress in a structure, by providing for expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, or creep.ISO 6707-1
Contraction JointA joint provided to cater for contraction of a structure or its parts... by forming a plane of weakness where cracks may be regulated.A formed, sawed, or tooled groove in a concrete structure to create a weakened plane and regulate the location of cracking resulting from the dimensional change.ASTM E631
SealantA material which after being placed in a joint, has the properties of adhering to the joint faces and sealing the joint.In building construction, a material that has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal.ASTM C717
Backer RodA compressible material used behind a sealant to control its depth and shape.A compressible, flexible, cylindrical material placed in a joint to control sealant depth and to prevent three-sided adhesion.ASTM C717
GasketA preformed sealing component of an elastomeric material, for a joint.A preformed, deformable component, used to maintain a seal by being compressed in a joint between two surfaces.ISO 6927
Three-Sided AdhesionNot explicitly defined as a standalone term.The adhesion of a sealant to three surfaces, namely the joint sides and the base; this is generally undesirable.ASTM C717
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values0

No quick reference values available for this code yet.

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 2.15 - Construction Joint
Clause 2.22 - Contraction Joint (Control Joint)
Clause 2.29 - Expansion Joint
Clause 2.45 - Isolation Joint
Clause 2.76 - Working Joint

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 962:1989Code of practice for architectural and buildi...
→
IS 1200:2000Methods of measurement of building and civil ...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the difference between an expansion joint and a control joint according to this standard?+
An expansion joint is a discontinuity to allow for both expansion and contraction (Clause 2.29), while a control (contraction) joint is a formed or sawn groove to create a weakened plane for controlled cracking due to shrinkage (Clause 2.22).
What is an isolation joint?+
It is a joint used to separate or isolate a concrete slab from a column, wall, or footing to permit independent vertical and horizontal movement (Clause 2.45).
Does this standard define 'joint filler' and 'joint sealant'?+
Yes, a 'joint filler' is a compressible material used to fill a joint (Clause 2.48), while a 'joint sealant' is a substance used to seal the joint against water and solid matter (Clause 2.50).

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