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IS 13712:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cement concrete tiles for flooring (precast mosaic tiles) - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, manufacture, dimensions, finish, and physical properties for precast cement concrete mosaic tiles. It classifies tiles into general purpose and heavy-duty types and outlines the test methods for verifying their performance, such as strength, water absorption, and resistance to abrasion.
Specifies requirements for precast cement concrete mosaic tiles used for flooring, including dimensions and physical properties.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure tiles are properly cured for at least 21 days as per Clause 5.4 to achieve desired strength and durability.
! The choice between 'General Purpose' and 'Heavy Duty' tiles should be based on the anticipated foot traffic of the area. Heavy-duty tiles are essential for commercial and high-traffic public areas.
! Verify the thickness of the top wearing layer (min 5 mm) during quality checks, as an inadequate layer thickness is a common defect that leads to premature wear.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
mosaic tilescementconcreteflooringmarble chips
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 13748-2:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Terrazzo tiles for internal use
Both standards specify requirements for precast cement-based tiles with a decorative terrazzo/mosaic wearing layer for internal flooring.
BS EN 13748-2:2004BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Terrazzo tiles for internal use
As the UK adoption of the European standard, its scope is identical, covering factory-made terrazzo tiles for indoor floors.
SS 483:2000Enterprise Singapore, Singapore
HighWithdrawn
Specification for precast terrazzo tiles
This former Singaporean standard had a very similar scope, covering the material, dimensional, and performance requirements for precast terrazzo tiles.
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard specifies a prescriptive minimum wearing layer thickness based on tile size (e.g., 6 mm for 250mm tiles), while EN 13748-2 uses a performance-based approach, specifying 8 mm but allowing less if the tile passes a stringent abrasion test.
≠IS 13712 specifies a maximum water absorption of 10% by mass for the whole tile. EN 13748-2 is more stringent and provides classes, with Class 1 requiring a maximum of 6% for the whole tile and Class 2 requiring max 5% for the wearing layer only.
≠For abrasion resistance, IS 13712 uses a method that measures wear depth in mm. In contrast, EN 13748-2 uses the Böhme abrasion test, which measures volume loss (cm³/50cm²) and classifies tiles accordingly, representing a different testing philosophy.
≠IS 13712 specifies transverse strength requirements that vary with the thickness of the tile. EN 13748-2 sets a single minimum breaking load requirement (3.0 kN) for all tiles, regardless of thickness, with an additional requirement for the minimum individual result.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards define the product as a two-layer composite tile, consisting of a decorative wearing layer (with marble/stone chips) bonded to a cement concrete backing layer.
≈Core physical and mechanical tests are similar in principle, with both standards mandating tests for dimensions, strength (transverse/breaking load), and water absorption to ensure product quality.
≈Both standards specify requirements for the materials used, including the type of cement (e.g., Ordinary Portland Cement, white cement), aggregates, and pigments suitable for producing durable and aesthetically pleasing tiles.
≈The fundamental application scope is identical, as both standards are exclusively for factory-made precast cementitious tiles intended for use as internal flooring.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Wearing Layer Thickness
6 mm for 250mm tiles; 8 mm for 300mm tiles
8 mm (or less if abrasion resistance class is met)
EN 13748-2:2004
Water Absorption (Whole Tile)
Max. 10% by mass
Class 1: Max. 6% by mass
EN 13748-2:2004
Transverse Strength (for 22 mm tile)
Average ≥ 3.0 kN
Average ≥ 3.0 kN (for any thickness)
EN 13748-2:2004
Abrasion Resistance Test
Measures wear depth (Max. avg. 3.5 mm)
Böhme test, measures volume loss (e.g., Class H ≤ 25 cm³/50cm²)
EN 13748-2:2004
Dimensional Tolerance on Length/Width
± 1.0 mm
± 0.3% or ± 1 mm (whichever is greater), up to max. ± 2 mm
EN 13748-2:2004
Dimensional Tolerance on Thickness
± 2.0 mm
± 2.0 mm
EN 13748-2:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Minimum thickness of wearing layer5 mm
Maximum water absorption (by mass, average)10 %
Minimum transverse strength (average, General Purpose)2.0 MPa
Minimum transverse strength (average, Heavy Duty)2.5 MPa
Maximum wear (abrasion, average, General Purpose)3.5 mm
Maximum wear (abrasion, average, Heavy Duty)2.0 mm
Standard dimensional tolerance±1 mm
Minimum curing period21 days
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Tiles
Table 2 - Requirements for Physical Characteristics of Tiles
What are the standard sizes of mosaic tiles according to IS 13712?+
Standard sizes are 200x200mm, 250x250mm, and 300x300mm, with thicknesses of 20, 22, and 25mm respectively (Table 1).
What is the maximum allowable water absorption for mosaic tiles?+
The average water absorption by mass shall not exceed 10 percent (Table 2).
What is the difference between General Purpose and Heavy Duty tiles?+
Heavy Duty tiles have higher requirements for transverse strength (2.5 MPa vs 2.0 MPa) and resistance to abrasion (max wear of 2.0mm vs 3.5mm) as per Table 2.
What is the minimum thickness for the top mosaic layer?+
The thickness of the wearing layer (mosaic layer) shall not be less than 5 mm (Clause 6.2).