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IS 14223:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polished building stones, part 1: granite. This standard (Part 1) specifies the requirements for polished granite blocks, slabs, and tiles used as building stones. It outlines the material's dimensional tolerances, physical properties (like water absorption, strength, abrasion resistance), finish, and methods for sampling and testing.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The code provides different minimum strength (Modulus of Rupture) values for 'General Use' (e.g., flooring) and 'Lining' (e.g., wall cladding).
! Always verify supplier test certificates against the physical properties in Table 1, especially for water absorption and abrasion resistance in high-traffic or wet areas.
! Pay close attention to dimensional and flatness tolerances (Clause 5) during quality checks to prevent installation issues like lippage and uneven joints.
Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone
Specifies physical property requirements and test methods for granite used in general building applications.
EN 12058:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Natural stone products - Slabs for floors and stairs - Requirements
Covers granite slabs for flooring, a key application, but relies on declared values rather than fixed minima.
EN 1469:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Natural stone products - Slabs for cladding - Requirements
Focuses on granite slabs for external and internal cladding, another major use, with a different testing philosophy.
AS/NZS 4456.2:2010Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
LowCurrent
Masonry units and segmental pavers and flags - Methods of test - Method 2: Determining water absorption
Provides a test method for water absorption, a key parameter, but is not a full product specification for granite.
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard mandates minimum performance values (e.g., Compressive Strength ≥ 100 MPa), whereas European Norms (EN) often require the manufacturer to declare the performance based on standardized tests, leaving acceptance criteria to project specifiers.
≠Test methods for abrasion resistance are fundamentally different and non-comparable. IS 14223 specifies a custom machine with wear measured in mm, while ASTM C615M references ASTM C1353 (Taber Abraser) for an 'Abrasive Hardness' index (Ha), and EN 12058 uses the 'Capon test' (EN 14157).
≠IS 14223 sets a higher minimum Modulus of Rupture (15 MPa) compared to ASTM C615M (10.3 MPa), but a lower minimum Compressive Strength (100 MPa) compared to ASTM C615M (131 MPa).
≠IS 14223 is unique in providing a specific quantitative requirement for polish, specifying a glossometer reading of at least 95. International standards typically define finish (e.g., 'polished') descriptively, with specific gloss levels subject to agreement between buyer and seller.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 14223 and ASTM C615M specify an identical maximum water absorption limit of 0.40% by mass, showing a shared benchmark for durability against moisture.
≈All standards (IS, ASTM, EN) identify the same core physical properties as critical for quality assessment: water absorption, compressive strength, and flexural strength (modulus of rupture).
≈The scope of all compared standards is focused on quarried stone petrographically defined as granite, intended for use as dimension stone (slabs and tiles) in building construction.
≈All standards include clauses for dimensional and thickness tolerances, acknowledging the importance of manufacturing precision for the final installation and appearance of the stone.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Absorption (by mass)
≤ 0.40%
≤ 0.40%
ASTM C615M
Compressive Strength
≥ 100 MPa
≥ 131 MPa
ASTM C615M
Modulus of Rupture (Flexural Strength)
≥ 15 MPa
≥ 10.3 MPa
ASTM C615M
Polish / Gloss Value
≥ 95 (on glossometer)
Not specified as a minimum requirement; finish is defined by agreement.
ASTM C615M / EN 12058
Thickness Tolerance (Slabs >20 mm)
± 1.0 mm
± 1.0 mm (for thickness 12-30mm)
EN 12058
Abrasion Resistance
Wear ≤ 0.50 mm (on specified apparatus)
Abrasive Hardness (Ha) ≥ 25 (per ASTM C1353)
ASTM C615M
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Water Absorption0.50 % by mass
Minimum Modulus of Rupture (General Use)12.0 N/mm²