Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 12118:1987 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polysulphide based sealants - code of practice for use in building construction. This code of practice (Part 1) provides guidelines for the use of two-component polysulphide based sealants for sealing joints in building construction. It covers essential aspects like joint design, surface preparation, sealant application, and curing to ensure a durable, weatherproof seal.
Provides recommendations for the selection, application, and maintenance of polysulphide based sealants in building construction.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
A comprehensive guide for joint design, surface preparation, and installation for all types of sealants, including polysulphides.
BS 8000-16:1997British Standards Institution, UK
HighWithdrawn
Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for sealing joints in buildings using sealants
A dedicated code of practice for the application and workmanship of sealing joints, closely matching the intent of IS 12118.
DIN 18540:2020-09Deutsches Institut für Normung, Germany
MediumCurrent
Sealing of exterior wall joints in building using joint sealants
Focuses specifically on exterior wall joints, but covers materials, joint design, and application in a similar manner.
ISO 11620:2014International Organization for Standardization
LowCurrent
Building construction — Sealants — Classification and requirements for sealants
This is a material specification and classification standard (similar to IS 11433), not a code of practice for use like IS 12118.
Key Differences
≠IS 12118 is specifically for polysulphide sealants, whereas modern equivalents like ASTM C1193 are general guides applicable to all sealant chemistries (silicone, polyurethane, polysulphide, etc.).
≠International standards like ASTM C1193 place a heavy emphasis on pre-construction testing and mock-ups, including field adhesion tests (e.g., ASTM C1521), which are not explicitly mandated in IS 12118.
≠IS 12118 provides prescriptive joint design ratios (e.g., 1:1 or 2:1 based on width). ASTM C1193 is more performance-oriented, providing general principles and deferring to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific movement capabilities and sealant classes (e.g., Class 25, 50).
≠The Indian standard is from 1987 and reflects the technology of that era. Newer standards incorporate advancements in primer technology, backer rod materials, and a wider range of sealant formulations.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally stress the critical importance of preventing three-sided adhesion by using a backer rod or a bond breaker tape.
≈The fundamental principles of surface preparation are consistent across all standards: the substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and free of any contaminants that could hinder adhesion.
≈All codes of practice describe the essential step of tooling the sealant after application to ensure intimate contact with the joint faces, remove air pockets, and create a neat, functional profile.
≈All standards are fundamentally based on the concept of designing joints to accommodate anticipated movement, recognizing this as the primary function of an elastomeric sealant.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Recommended Joint Width
6 mm
6 mm (1/4 in)
ASTM C1193
Width to Depth Ratio (for joints > 12mm)
2:1
Generally 2:1 is recommended, with depth not exceeding 13mm (1/2 in)
ASTM C1193
Width to Depth Ratio (for joints ≤ 12mm)
1:1
2:1 is still preferred, but depth should not be less than 6mm (1/4 in)
ASTM C1193
Recommended Application Temperature Range
5°C to 40°C
Generally above 4°C (40°F), but strongly advises following sealant manufacturer's specific data sheet.
ASTM C1193
Requirement for Primer
Generally required for porous surfaces; may be required for non-porous surfaces.
Determined by manufacturer's recommendation and/or job-site adhesion testing.
ASTM C1193
Maximum Recommended Joint Width
25 mm (up to 40 mm with special precautions)
Typically 25-50 mm (1-2 in), but requires consultation with manufacturer for widths over 25 mm.
ASTM C1193
Backer Rod Compression
20 to 25 percent
Typically 25 to 50 percent, depending on the backer rod type (open-cell vs closed-cell).
General industry practice referenced in guides like ASTM C1193
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Recommended Width to Depth Ratio for Movement Joints2:1
Minimum Recommended Joint Width6 mm
Maximum Recommended Joint Width50 mm
Typical Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF)±25%
Minimum Application Temperature5 °C
Maximum Application Temperature40 °C
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 4.2 - Determination of Pot Life
Clause 5.2 - Determination of Compressive Strength
Clause 5.3 - Determination of Flexural Strength
Clause 5.4 - Determination of Bond Strength (Slant Shear Test)
Clause 5.6 - Determination of Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
What is the primary method to test the bond of a resin repair material to old concrete?+
The slant shear test as per Clause 5.4 is the standard method for determining bond strength.
How is the working time of a resin repair material measured according to this code?+
The working time is determined by measuring the 'Pot Life' as described in Clause 4.2.
Does this standard give acceptable strength values for repair materials?+
No, it only provides the standardized methods for testing. The acceptance criteria must be specified by the designer or in the project specifications, often based on the manufacturer's data.