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IS 2690:1993 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for burnt clay flat terracing tiles - part 1: hand-made. This standard specifies the dimensions, quality requirements, and testing methods for hand-made burnt clay flat terracing tiles used for roofing and terrace finishing. It details limits for water absorption, flexural breaking load, and efflorescence to ensure durability.
Specifies requirements for hand-made burnt clay flat terracing tiles.
! Hand-made tiles naturally have higher dimensional variations compared to machine-made tiles; plan for slightly wider and more flexible mortar joints.
! Tiles must be thoroughly soaked in clean water before laying to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the bedding mortar.
! Always test a sample batch for efflorescence before bulk installation to prevent unsightly white patches on the finished terrace.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 5General Quality
Cl. 6Dimensions and Tolerances
Cl. 7Water Absorption
Cl. 8Efflorescence
Cl. 9Flexural Breaking Load
burnt clayterracottaroofing tilesclay tiles
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 1304:2013CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Clay roofing tiles and fittings - Product definitions and specifications
Covers clay tiles for roof covering, including flat profiles, but focuses more on machine-made products.
ASTM C1167-11(2019)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Clay Roof Tiles
Specifies requirements for clay roof tiles, including flat profiles, with grades based on climate suitability.
ISO 13006:2018ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Ceramic tiles — Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking
Covers all ceramic tiles; its requirements for unglazed quarry/paving tiles align with the paving use of IS 2690.
BS 402:1990BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
LowWithdrawn
Specification for clay plain roofing tiles and fittings
Historical standard for plain clay roofing tiles, conceptually similar but technologically outdated.
Key Differences
≠IS 2690 Part 1 is exclusively for 'hand-made' tiles, allowing for greater dimensional variability. International standards like EN 1304 primarily address machine-made tiles with much tighter manufacturing tolerances.
≠The water absorption limit in IS 2690 is significantly higher (≤ 20%) compared to modern international standards. For example, ASTM C1167 requires ≤ 6% for its highest grade (Grade 1), reflecting different climatic and durability expectations.
≠IS 2690 does not have a mandatory frost resistance requirement, making it optional upon purchaser request. EN 1304 and ASTM C1167 have mandatory and rigorous frost resistance testing for tiles intended for use in colder climates.
≠International standards often provide a more detailed classification system based on manufacturing method (e.g., extruded, dry-pressed) and physical properties (e.g., water absorption groups), which is absent in the simpler IS 2690.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on burnt clay as the primary raw material for manufacturing the tiles.
≈A transverse strength or flexural strength test (three-point bending test) is a common requirement across all standards to ensure the tile can withstand service loads.
≈The standards share a common goal of assessing key physical properties like water absorption, dimensional stability, and freedom from defects (cracks, lime pitting) to ensure durability.
≈Both IS 2690 and the international equivalents specify requirements for general appearance, such as having a uniform texture and being free from visible flaws that would impair performance or appearance.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Absorption (24h cold water)
≤ 20% by mass
≤ 13% (Grade 2) or ≤ 6% (Grade 1)
ASTM C1167
Transverse Breaking Load (min. avg.)
500 N (on 150 mm span)
≥ 800 N (Value is highly dependent on tile type and test method)
EN 1304
Dimensional Tolerance (Length)
± 3%
± 2% (Typical for non-interlocking tiles)
EN 1304
Dimensional Tolerance (Width)
± 5%
± 2% (Typical for non-interlocking tiles)
EN 1304
Frost Resistance Test
Optional; tested if required by purchaser
Mandatory for regions with frost; must pass a set number of freeze-thaw cycles (e.g., 150 cycles)
EN 1304
Permeability Test
Not specified
Required; specifies a maximum water leakage rate under controlled conditions
EN 1304
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Water Absorption20% by mass after 24 hours immersion