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IS 2690:1993 Part 2 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for burnt clay flat terracing tiles - part 2: machine-made. This standard specifies the dimensions, physical requirements, and testing procedures for machine-made burnt clay flat terracing tiles used primarily for roof terracing and waterproofing applications.
Specifies requirements for machine-made burnt clay flat terracing tiles.
! Machine-made tiles offer tighter dimensional tolerances and lower water absorption compared to hand-made tiles (covered in Part 1).
! Tiles must be thoroughly soaked in water before laying to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the mortar bed, which can cause shrinkage cracks.
! Efflorescence testing is critical to ensure aesthetic longevity and prevent salt weathering on exposed terraces.
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Historical standard for plain clay roofing tiles, conceptually similar but technologically outdated.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 absorption15% by weight
standard thicknesses15 mm and 20 mm
efflorescence limitNot more than Slight
minimum breaking loadDepends on size (typically around 700 N for machine-made)