Similar International Standards
EN 998-2:2016CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Masonry mortar
Specifies requirements for factory-made and site-made masonry mortars for joints.
ASTM C270-19aASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
Covers mortars for use in the construction of non-reinforced and reinforced unit masonry structures.
BS EN 998-2:2016BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Specification for mortar for masonry. Masonry mortar
The UK's implementation of the European standard EN 998-2, covering the same scope.
AS 3700:2018Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Masonry structures
A broader standard for masonry design, but includes a detailed section on mortar specifications and mixes.
Key Differences
≠Mortar Classification: IS 16215 uses 'M' (general) and 'H' (high strength) prefixes followed by compressive strength in MPa (e.g., M5, H1). ASTM C270 uses type letters (M, S, N, O, K) based on proportions and properties. EN 998-2 uses 'M' followed by strength class (M1, M2.5, M5, etc.).
≠Compressive Strength Test Specimen: IS 16215 specifies 100 mm cubes. EN 998-2 uses 40x40x160 mm prisms (tested on 40x40mm faces). ASTM C270 uses 2-inch (50.8 mm) cubes. This difference in specimen size and geometry means strength results are not directly comparable.
≠Specification Approach: IS 16215 is primarily prescriptive, linking strength grades to mix proportions. EN 998-2 formally distinguishes between 'designed' (performance-based) and 'prescribed' (recipe-based) mortars, encouraging the former. ASTM C270 offers parallel paths for 'property specification' and 'proportion specification'.
≠Bond Strength Requirement: EN 998-2 mandates the declaration of initial shear strength (a measure of bond strength), which is a critical performance characteristic. This is not a primary classification requirement in IS 16215 or ASTM C270.
Key Similarities
≈Core Constituents: All standards base their mortar specifications on the same fundamental materials: Portland cement (or equivalent), hydrated lime, sand (aggregate), and water.
≈Reliance on Compressive Strength: Despite different classification systems and test methods, compressive strength at 28 days is a fundamental property used by all standards to grade or type mortars.
≈Control of Workability Properties: All standards recognize the importance of workability and specify requirements for properties like water retention and air content to ensure proper performance during application and hardening.
≈Provision for Mix Proportions: All standards provide guidance on volumetric or weight-based mix proportions (recipes) as a means to achieve certain mortar grades/types, offering a practical path for site-batched mortar production.