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IS 2118 : 1980Code of Practice for Construction of Jack-Arch Type of Bult-up Floor or Roof

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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
EN 1996-1-1 · AISC 360
CurrentRareCode of PracticeStructural Engineering · Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
PDFGoogleCompareBIS Portal
Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 2118:1980 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for construction of jack-arch type of bult-up floor or roof. This code outlines the materials, design guidelines, and construction procedures for jack-arch type built-up floors and roofs. It details the specifications for rise-to-span ratios, steel joist placement, tie rod requirements, and brick-laying techniques to ensure structural stability.

Code of Practice for Construction of Jack-Arch Type of Bult-up Floor or Roof

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Rare
Domain
Structural Engineering — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeAISC 360-16 · AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction), USA
Typically used with
IS 1077IS 2250IS 800IS 2116
Also on InfraLens for IS 2118
4Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Tie rods are absolutely critical in the end spans to resist the outward lateral horizontal thrust of the arches.
! Centering must only be removed after the mortar has gained adequate strength to prevent the arch from collapsing under its own weight.
! Ensure proper keying of bricks and complete filling of mortar joints (especially the crown) to maintain optimal arch action.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialsCl. 4Design ConsiderationsCl. 5ConstructionCl. 6Curing
Pulled from IS 2118:1980. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
bricksteel joistsmortarconcrete

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures - Part 1-1: General rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures
Provides the structural design principles for unreinforced masonry arches, which form a key component of the jack-arch system.
BS 5628-1:1992BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Code of practice for use of masonry. Structural use of unreinforced masonry
As a historical code, it covered design rules for unreinforced masonry arches similar to those used in jack-arch floors.
AISC 360-16AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction), USA
LowCurrent
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
Covers the design of the steel I-beams (joists) used in the system, but not the masonry arch or composite action.
Key Differences
≠IS 2118 is highly prescriptive, providing fixed ratios and dimensions (e.g., rise-to-span ratio of 1/12). Modern international standards like Eurocode 6 are performance-based, requiring calculations based on loads, material strengths, and support conditions.
≠IS 2118 is a single, integrated code for a specific composite construction system. Modern international practice separates standards by material (e.g., Eurocode 6 for masonry, Eurocode 3 for steel), requiring the designer to combine principles from multiple documents.
≠The Indian standard specifies materials based on older Indian codes (e.g., for lime, brick, and steel). International equivalents reference current material specifications like EN or ASTM standards, which have different grading and testing requirements.
≠IS 2118 allows for the use of lime-based mortar and concrete, reflecting traditional practices. While not prohibited, the use of lime in structural applications is less common and more specialized under modern European or American codes, which default to cement-based materials.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental geometry and structural concept of using shallow masonry arches spanning between steel or iron joists is the same as the historical 'jack-arch' or 'filler-joist' floors found in the UK and USA.
≈Both the IS code and international historical practice mandate the use of horizontal tie-rods at regular intervals to contain the outward thrust from the arches, recognizing this as a critical structural element.
≈The system in all contexts includes a topping layer of concrete (or a similar material) over the arches to distribute load and provide a level finished surface for the floor.
≈The primary materials—brick for the arch and steel I-sections for the joists—are the classic components of this flooring system, whether described in IS 2118 or in historical texts on Western construction.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Arch Rise to Span RatioShall be 1/12 of the span.Typically a range from 1/10 to 1/12 of the span is used; not a fixed rule.General UK Historical Practice
Maximum Span of Arch (between joists)Shall not generally exceed 1.2 m.Typically 0.9 m to 1.5 m (3 to 5 feet).General UK/US Historical Practice
Spacing of Tie Rods1.8 m to 2.4 m.Typically 1.8 m to 2.5 m, but modern analysis would require spacing to be calculated based on arch thrust.EN 1996-1-1 (Principle of calculation)
Minimum Arch Thickness (at crown)Not less than 10 cm.Typically one half-brick length, approx. 102.5 mm - 115 mm.General Masonry Practice
Minimum Concrete Topping Thickness (over crown)Not less than 5 cm.Minimum 50-75 mm, especially for distributing point loads.Historic England Technical Guidance
Joist Bearing on WallsNot less than 15 cm.Minimum 100 mm to 150 mm (4 to 6 inches) is typical.AISC / General Steel Design Practice
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Recommended rise of arch1/8 to 1/12 of the span
Minimum thickness of brick archHalf brick thickness (approx 115 mm)
Minimum bearing of steel joists on walls100 mm
Typical spacing of tie rods1.2 m to 1.8 m apart

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Design Considerations
Clause 5 - Construction
Clause 6 - Curing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1077:1992Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks - Specifica...
→
IS 2250:1981Code of Practice for Preparation and Use of M...
→
IS 800:2007General Construction in Steel - Code of Pract...
→
IS 2116:1980Sand for masonry mortars - Specification
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the recommended rise-to-span ratio for a jack arch?+
The rise should ideally be between 1/8 and 1/12 of the span.
Why are tie rods required in jack arch roofs?+
Tie rods take up the horizontal thrust exerted by the arches, preventing the outer steel joists from bowing outward.
What is the typical thickness of a brick jack arch?+
The arch is generally constructed with a minimum thickness of half a brick (approximately 115 mm).

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