IS 1838 (Part 3) : 2000Preformed Fillers for Expansion Joints in Concrete Pavements and Structures(non-extruding and resilient type) Part 3 Polymer Based
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IS 1838:2000 (Part 3) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for preformed fillers for expansion joints in concrete pavements and structures(non-extruding and resilient type) part 3 polymer based. This standard specifies the physical requirements, dimensions, and conformity criteria for non-extruding, resilient, polymer-based preformed fillers used in expansion joints of concrete pavements and structures.
Preformed Fillers for Expansion Joints in Concrete Pavements and Structures(non-extruding and resilient type) Part 3 Polymer Based
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
! Polymer-based fillers are highly preferred over traditional bituminous fillers in critical structures due to their excellent recovery and lack of extrusion under pressure.
! Always leave sufficient depth above the preformed filler during installation to accommodate the hot or cold applied joint sealant.
Standard Specification for Preformed Expansion Joint Filler for Concrete Paving and Structural Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Bituminous Types)
Specifies materials for preformed, nonextruding, resilient bituminous fibre joint fillers for concrete.
AASHTO M 213-19American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Paving and Structural Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Bituminous Types)
Almost identical to ASTM D1751, focused on highway and transportation applications.
US Federal Specification HH-F-341FGeneral Services Administration (GSA), USA
HighWithdrawn
Filler, Expansion Joint, Preformed, Fibrous Type
Was the governing US federal specification for this material before being replaced by ASTM D1751.
BS 1142:1989British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
LowWithdrawn
Specification for fibre building boards
Part 3 of this standard covered bitumen-impregnated fibreboards, but it was not solely for joint fillers.
Key Differences
≠The maximum water absorption allowed in IS 1838 is 25% by volume, which is significantly higher than the 15% by volume limit specified in ASTM D1751.
≠ASTM D1751 specifies a minimum density requirement of 304 kg/m³ (19 lb/ft³), whereas IS 1838 does not specify a minimum density for the material.
≠ASTM D1751 includes an optional but defined weathering test to assess durability after accelerated aging, a test which is absent in IS 1838.
≠The maximum extrusion allowed in IS 1838 is 6.0 mm, while the equivalent in ASTM D1751 is 6.4 mm (0.25 inches), a minor difference likely due to unit system conversion and rounding.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 1838 and ASTM D1751 mandate a minimum recovery of 70% after the material is compressed to 50% of its original thickness.
≈Both standards specify a minimum bitumen content of not less than 35% by mass, ensuring sufficient impregnation for durability and water resistance.
≈The required compressive stress to reduce the filler's thickness by 50% is almost identical (IS 1838: 0.7-5.2 MPa; ASTM D1751: 0.69-5.17 MPa).
≈The fundamental material composition is the same across standards: a preformed board made from cane or other suitable vegetable fibres impregnated with a bituminous binder.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Recovery, min
70%
70%
ASTM D1751
Water Absorption, max (24 hr)
25% by volume
15% by volume
ASTM D1751
Compression Stress (at 50% strain)
0.7 to 5.2 MPa
0.69 to 5.17 MPa (100 to 750 psi)
ASTM D1751
Bitumen Content, min
35% by mass
35% by mass
ASTM D1751
Extrusion, max
6.0 mm
6.4 mm (0.25 in)
ASTM D1751
Density, min
Not specified
304 kg/m³ (19 lb/ft³)
ASTM D1751
Brittleness Test
Not specified
Shall not crack or shatter when dropped from 1.2 m height
ASTM D1751
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Minimum recovery after 50% compression90%
Maximum extrusion at 50% compression3.0 mm
Maximum water absorption by volume5%
Typical thickness tolerance± 1.5 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Polymer Based Fillers
What makes polymer-based fillers different from bituminous fillers?+
Polymer fillers are highly resilient (often recovering >90% of their thickness) and do not extrude or bulge out of the joint when the concrete expands.
Which code specifies the testing methods for these fillers?+
IS 10566 covers the methods of test for preformed expansion joint fillers.
Where are these fillers typically used?+
In concrete highway pavements, airport runways, bridge decks, and liquid-retaining structures.