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IS 13801:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for checkered cement concrete tiles. This standard lays down the requirements for chequered cement concrete tiles intended for use in paving, footpaths, car parks, and light-traffic areas. It covers the materials, dimensions, physical properties like strength and abrasion resistance, finishing, and methods for sampling and testing.
Checkered cement concrete tiles
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
! Ensure the wearing layer (top layer with color and chequers) has a minimum thickness of 6 mm as per the standard for durability.
! During installation, a proper base course and mortar bedding are crucial to prevent cracking under service loads.
! Verify the depth of chequers on-site; too shallow a pattern offers poor slip resistance, while too deep a pattern can be a tripping hazard and collect debris.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cementconcretetilespigmentspaving
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 1339:2003CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Concrete paving flags - Requirements and test methods
Covers precast concrete units (flags) for paved areas, closely matching the application of IS 13801 tiles.
AS/NZS 4455.2:2010Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Masonry units, pavers, flags and segmental retaining wall units - Part 2: Pavers and flags
Defines requirements for concrete pavers and flags used in pedestrian and light vehicular pavements.
ASTM C1782 / C1782M - 18ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Utility Segmental Concrete Paving Slabs
Specifies requirements for non-interlocking, hydraulically-pressed concrete paving slabs for utility purposes.
BS 7263-1:1994BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Precast concrete flags, kerbs, channels, edgings and quadrants - Part 1: Specification
Was the primary British standard for precast concrete paving flags before the adoption of Euro-Norms.
Key Differences
≠IS 13801 mandates a two-layer construction (wearing layer and base layer), whereas EN 1339 and ASTM C1782 permit both two-layer and monolithic (single layer) construction.
≠The abrasion resistance test method in IS 13801 (based on IS 1237) measures wear depth, while EN 1339 uses the Wide Wheel Abrasion test which measures volume loss (mm³), making direct comparison of values difficult.
≠EN 1339 and ASTM C1782 include detailed requirements and test methods for freeze-thaw resistance, a critical parameter for colder climates which is not specified in IS 13801.
≠International standards like EN 1339 use a formal classification system for breaking load and abrasion resistance (e.g., Class 70, Class 4), allowing specification for different service levels. IS 13801 provides single minimum values based on tile dimensions.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover precast concrete units intended for exterior pedestrian footpaths and light-duty paved areas.
≈The fundamental material requirements are consistent, specifying the use of cement, aggregates, water, and allowing for pigments and chemical admixtures.
≈Key performance tests for transverse strength (breaking load) and water absorption are mandatory across all compared standards, forming the basis of quality control.
≈All standards specify permissible tolerances for length, width, and thickness to ensure dimensional accuracy and uniformity for proper installation.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Absorption (Max)
10% by mass (average)
6% by mass (Class 2, Marking 'B')
EN 1339:2003
Transverse Strength (Min Breaking Load)
1.2 kN (average) for a 250x250x22 mm tile
≥ 4.5 kN (Characteristic load for Class 45)
EN 1339:2003
Abrasion Resistance (Wear)
Max average wear: 2.0 mm (depth)
≤ 20 mm (depth) using Böhme test (Class 4, Marking 'I')
EN 1339:2003
Thickness Tolerance
± 2 mm
± 3 mm (Class 2)
EN 1339:2003
Minimum Wearing Layer Thickness
5 mm (for Light Duty, 22 mm tile)
Not specified; monolithic construction is permitted.
EN 1339:2003
Freeze-Thaw Resistance Test
Not specified
Required (mass loss after cycles). E.g., Max 1.0 kg/m² (Class 3, Marking 'D')
EN 1339:2003
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Maximum average water absorption10% by mass
Maximum average wear in abrasion test2.0 mm
Maximum individual sample wear in abrasion test2.5 mm
Minimum average wet transverse strength (20mm tile)2.0 MPa
Minimum average wet transverse strength (25mm tile)2.5 MPa
Depth of chequers2.0 mm to 3.5 mm
Tolerance on length/width± 1.0 mm
Tolerance on thickness± 2.0 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Chequered Cement Concrete Tiles
Table 2 - Physical Requirements of Chequered Cement Concrete Tiles
What are the standard thicknesses for chequered tiles?+
The standard specifies thicknesses of 20 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm (Table 1).
What is the maximum allowed water absorption for these tiles?+
The average water absorption by mass must not exceed 10% (Clause 7.3).
How is the strength of the tile specified and tested?+
Strength is specified as 'Wet Transverse Strength' (Modulus of Rupture). For a 25 mm thick tile, the average strength must be at least 2.5 MPa (Table 2).
What is the wear resistance requirement for these tiles?+
The average wear in the abrasion test should not exceed 2.0 mm (Table 2).