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IS 2180 : 1988Heavy Duty Burnt Clay Building Bricks - Specification

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ASTM C62 · BS EN 771-1 · AS/NZS 4455.1
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Masonry and Bricks
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 2180:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for heavy duty burnt clay building bricks - specification. This standard lays down the specific requirements for heavy-duty burnt clay building bricks, which are required for heavy engineering construction such as bridge structures, industrial foundations, and multi-story load-bearing walls. It specifies classification, dimensions, physical requirements like high compressive strength, low water absorption, and nil efflorescence.

Specifies requirements for heavy-duty burnt clay building bricks used in structures subjected to heavy loads.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Masonry and Bricks
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ASTM C62-17 · ASTM International, USABS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 · BSI / CEN, UK / EuropeAS/NZS 4455.1:2008 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 1077IS 3495IS 5454
Also on InfraLens for IS 2180
6Key values1Tables4FAQs
Practical Notes
! Heavy-duty bricks have a significantly stricter water absorption limit (max 10%) compared to standard common bricks (which often allow up to 20%).
! Do not confuse testing protocols; all physical tests for these bricks must be carried out in accordance with the IS 3495 series.
! A brick cannot be classified as heavy-duty if its compressive strength falls below 40 N/mm2.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Classification (Based on compressive strength)Cl. 5Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 6.1Compressive StrengthCl. 6.2Water AbsorptionCl. 6.3EfflorescenceCl. 6.4Bulk Density
Pulled from IS 2180:1988. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
burnt clay bricksheavy duty bricksmasonryceramics

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM C62-17ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Building Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
Specifies requirements for solid clay bricks for building, with grades based on weathering exposure similar to the heavy-duty concept.
BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
HighCurrent
Specification for masonry units - Part 1: Clay masonry units
Harmonized European standard for clay masonry units, with classifications for high strength and low absorption for severe exposure.
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Masonry units and segmental pavers and flags - Part 1: Masonry units
Covers clay and concrete masonry units, specifying properties based on durability classes for various exposure conditions.
Key Differences
≠IS 2180 uses prescriptive strength classes (e.g., Class 400, 450, representing approx. 40, 45 N/mm²), whereas BS EN 771-1 allows manufacturers to declare a compressive strength value, and ASTM C62 uses grades (SW, MW, NW) linked to minimum strength and absorption.
≠The approach to dimensional tolerances differs. IS 2180 specifies fixed percentage limits (e.g., ±3% for length), while BS EN 771-1 uses tolerance categories (e.g., T1, T2, Tm) that the manufacturer must declare.
≠Assessment of durability against salt attack varies. IS 2180 uses a qualitative visual efflorescence test (rating from 'Nil' to 'Heavy'), whereas BS EN 771-1 provides quantitative categories (S0, S1, S2) based on active soluble salt content.
≠IS 2180:1988 is a standalone specification for a single type of brick (heavy-duty). In contrast, standards like BS EN 771-1 and AS/NZS 4455.1 are broader framework standards covering a wide range of clay brick types, properties, and applications within a single document.
Key Similarities
≈All standards identify compressive strength as the primary mechanical property and specify a destructive test on whole brick samples to determine compliance.
≈Water absorption is a key durability parameter in all mentioned standards, with maximum limits specified to control the brick's response to moisture.
≈The fundamental material scope is identical, covering masonry units manufactured by firing clay, shale, or similar naturally occurring earthen materials.
≈All standards require a statistically relevant sampling plan from a given batch or lot for testing, ensuring that the test results are representative of the consignment's quality.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Compressive Strength (Heavy Duty)40.0 N/mm² (for Class 400)20.7 N/mm² (3000 psi) for Grade SW (Severe Weathering)ASTM C62-17
Maximum Water Absorption (by boiling)15% by mass17.0% by mass (average of 5 bricks) for Grade SWASTM C62-17
Dimensional Tolerance (Length)±3% of specified lengthCategory T2: ±(4 mm + 0.05% of length); Category R1: Range limit of 10 mmBS EN 771-1
Efflorescence / Soluble Salts ControlVisual rating should not be worse than 'Moderate'Categorized by active soluble salt content (e.g., S1: ≤ 0.06% Na⁺+K⁺+Mg²⁺; S2: ≤ 0.03%)BS EN 771-1
WarpageMaximum 3 mmDeclared by manufacturer based on category (e.g., NPD - No Performance Determined, or a specific value)BS EN 771-1
Strength Classification SystemDesignated by discrete strength classes (e.g., Class 400, 450)Declared mean compressive strength by manufacturer (any value, tested for conformity)BS EN 771-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
minimum compressive strength40 N/mm2 (400 kgf/cm2)
maximum water absorption10 percent by mass after 24h immersion
minimum bulk density2500 kg/m3
allowed efflorescenceNil
standard size 1190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm
standard size 2190 mm x 90 mm x 40 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Classes of Heavy Duty Bricks based on Compressive Strength
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Classification (Based on compressive strength)
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6.1 - Compressive Strength
Clause 6.2 - Water Absorption
Clause 6.3 - Efflorescence
Clause 6.4 - Bulk Density

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1077:1992Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks - Specifica...
→
IS 3495:1992Methods of Tests of Burnt Clay Building Brick...
→
IS 5454:1978Methods of sampling of clay building bricks
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the minimum compressive strength for heavy duty bricks?+
The minimum compressive strength is 40 N/mm2 (approx. 400 kgf/cm2) for the lowest class (Class 40).
What is the maximum permissible water absorption?+
Water absorption must not be more than 10% by mass after 24 hours of immersion in cold water (Clause 6.2).
Is efflorescence acceptable in heavy duty bricks?+
No, the rating for efflorescence must be 'Nil' when tested according to IS 3495 (Part 3).
What is the required bulk density?+
The bulk density must be a minimum of 2.5 g/cm3 (2500 kg/m3).

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