What is the difference between Light, Medium and Heavy duty tiles?

The key differences are the minimum thickness of the top wearing layer and the required transverse strength, designed for progressively higher traffic loads (Clause 5.1 and Table 2).

What is the maximum allowed water absorption?

The average water absorption must not be more than 10 percent by mass (Table 2).

Are there tolerances for the dimensions of the tiles?

Yes, tolerance for length and width is ±1.0 mm, and for thickness is ±2.0 mm (Clause 6.2).

How is the abrasion resistance measured?

It's measured as 'wear' using an abrasion testing machine, and the average wear should not exceed 2.0 mm (Table 2).

IS 13801

: 2013

Checkered cement concrete tiles - Specification

CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationMaterials Science · Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing

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This standard specifies the requirements for manufacturing, dimensions, and physical properties of checkered cement concrete tiles. It classifies tiles into light, medium, and heavy-duty types and outlines the necessary tests for strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance to ensure quality and conformity.

Checkered cement concrete tiles - Specification

Quick Reference Values

Maximum Water Absorption (Average)10 % by mass

Maximum Wear on Abrasion Test2.0 mm

Minimum Transverse Strength (Heavy Duty)3.5 MPa

Minimum Transverse Strength (Medium Duty)3.0 MPa

Minimum Thickness of Wearing Layer (Heavy Duty)8 mm

Minimum Thickness of Wearing Layer (Light Duty)5 mm

Dimensional Tolerance in Length/Width± 1.0 mm

Dimensional Tolerance in Thickness± 2.0 mm

Practical Notes

Always specify the duty classification (Light, Medium, or Heavy) based on the intended traffic area (e.g., footpaths vs. light vehicle parking).

Ensure tiles are sourced from a single batch for a given area to avoid color and texture variations.

On-site, randomly check a few tiles for straight edges and dimensional accuracy before laying, as warping or size differences can create uneven joints and surfaces.