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IS 15194:2002 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for pitch-mastic flooring for industries handling heavy hydrocarbon products like kerosene, diesel and furnace oil. This standard specifies the requirements for pitch-mastic flooring designed for industrial environments exposed to heavy hydrocarbons like diesel and furnace oil. It covers the material properties of the pitch binder, aggregates, mix proportions, and laying procedures. The standard also details testing methods to ensure the flooring's durability and resistance to chemical spillage.
Pitch-Mastic Flooring for Industries Handling Heavy Hydrocarbon Products Like Kerosene, Diesel and Furnace Oil
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure the sub-floor is completely dry, clean, and free of grease before application to prevent blistering and ensure proper adhesion.
! Strictly control the laying temperature (150-180°C); overheating can damage the binder and cause excessive fumes, while under-heating makes it difficult to spread and compact.
! Adequate ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are mandatory during application due to the emission of hazardous fumes.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
pitchmasticbitumenflooringhydrocarbon resistant
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM D491 / D491M - 17ASTM International, United States
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Mastic (Asphalt Cement, Mineral Filler, Mineral Aggregate)
Specifies asphalt mastic for waterproofing and flooring, but not specifically for hydrocarbon resistance or using a pitch-based binder.
BS 6925:1988BSI, United Kingdom
MediumWithdrawn
Mastic asphalt for building and civil engineering (limestone aggregate)
Covered mastic asphalt for various applications including industrial flooring, providing a good historical comparison for material properties.
BS EN 12970:2000CEN, European Union (published as BS EN in the UK)
LowCurrent
Mastic asphalt for waterproofing - Definitions, requirements and test methods
Defines requirements for mastic asphalt used in waterproofing layers, which is a related application but does not focus on industrial flooring or chemical resistance.
Key Differences
≠The primary binder in IS 15194 is a blend of industrial pitch and bitumen, specifically chosen for its resistance to hydrocarbons. Most international standards for mastic asphalt, like ASTM D491, specify a binder of asphalt/bitumen only.
≠IS 15194 is highly specific in its scope, focusing exclusively on flooring for industries handling heavy hydrocarbon products. International equivalents are typically for general-purpose flooring, roofing, or waterproofing.
≠A mandatory hydrocarbon resistance test (immersion in kerosene, diesel, and furnace oil) is a core requirement of IS 15194. This specific chemical resistance test is absent in general mastic asphalt standards like ASTM D491 or BS EN 12970.
≠The specified binder content in IS 15194 (14-17%) is significantly higher than that specified for flooring in standards like ASTM D491 (10-12% asphalt cement), reflecting the different binder composition and performance requirements.
Key Similarities
≈All standards describe a hot-applied thermoplastic material that is laid and spread while molten to form a voidless, monolithic surface without the need for compaction.
≈The basic composition of a thermoplastic binder mixed with mineral filler (fine aggregate) and coarse aggregate is a fundamental similarity across all the standards.
≈All standards utilize a form of hardness or indentation test as a primary method for classifying the material's suitability for different levels of traffic and load-bearing.
≈The use of limestone or other calcareous materials as the primary aggregate is common in both IS 15194 and related historical British standards (like BS 6925) for mastic asphalt flooring.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Binder Type
Blend of industrial pitch and bitumen/asphalt
Asphalt cement (bitumen)
ASTM D491 / D491M - 17
Binder Content (% by mass)
14.0 - 17.0 %
10.0 - 12.0 % (for flooring type)
ASTM D491 / D491M - 17
Hardness Number @ 25°C
15 - 40 (under 52.5 kg load for 60s)
Typically specified in the range 10 - 15 for heavy-duty flooring
BS 6925:1988 (historical)
Hydrocarbon Resistance Test
Required: Max 2% loss in mass after 72h immersion in Kerosene/Diesel/Furnace Oil
Not specified; test is absent in general-purpose standards
ASTM D491 / BS EN 12970
Primary Aggregate Type
Limestone or other suitable calcareous material
Limestone fine aggregate
BS 6925:1988
Solubility in Toluene/Trichloroethylene
Min 83.0 % (soluble binder content)
Not specified as a final product property; component properties are defined instead.
ASTM D491 / D491M - 17
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
It is used for industrial floors subject to spillage of heavy hydrocarbons like kerosene, diesel, and furnace oil, in places like workshops, refineries, and garages.
What is the specified thickness for this type of flooring?+
The recommended thickness is typically between 25 mm and 40 mm, applied in one or two coats as per Clause 8.2.
What is the hardness requirement for the finished mastic floor?+
The hardness number at 25°C should be between 10 and 30, as tested by the method in Annex B and specified in Table 2.
Can this flooring be used in food processing areas?+
No, this flooring is not suitable for hygienic environments like food processing due to its composition and potential for odour.