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IS 3989:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bitumen mastic for water proofing of wet areas and drainage systems. This specification outlines the requirements for the materials, composition, and application of bitumen mastic used for the waterproofing of wet areas and drainage systems. It provides guidelines on aggregate grading, bitumen content, and laying procedures to ensure a durable, impermeable layer.
Specifies requirements for bitumen mastic used for waterproofing wet areas and sealing drainage systems in buildings.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Drainage, Sewerage and Sanitary Fittings
! Ensure the receiving surface is completely dry, clean, and primed before laying the mastic to ensure proper adhesion.
! Strictly monitor the temperature in the mastic cooker; overheating can degrade the bitumen and reduce its waterproofing efficacy.
! A protective screed or finishing layer is highly recommended over the mastic to prevent mechanical damage.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Materials (Bitumen, Aggregates, and Primer)
Cl. 5Composition of Mastic
Cl. 6Hardness Number Requirements
Cl. 8Preparation of Surface and Laying
bitumenmasticasphaltaggregateprimer
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM D491-00 (2017)ASTM International, United States
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Mastic Used in Waterproofing
Specifies hot-applied asphalt mastic composed of asphalt cement, mineral filler, and aggregate for waterproofing.
BS EN 12970:2000BSI / CEN, United Kingdom / Europe
HighCurrent
Bituminous and plastic sheets for roof waterproofing - Bitumen mastic for waterproofing - Definitions and characteristics
Defines characteristics and test methods for factory-produced bitumen mastic used in waterproofing applications.
BS 6925:1988BSI, United Kingdom
MediumWithdrawn
Specification for mastic asphalt for building and civil engineering (limestone aggregate)
Provided requirements for mastic asphalt for various uses, including tanking and damp-proof courses.
Key Differences
≠IS 3989 defines two specific types (Type 1 and Type 2) based on a hardness number, whereas standards like BS EN 12970 are performance-based, requiring manufacturers to declare values (MDV) for properties rather than conforming to fixed types.
≠The Indian standard specifies a narrow range for binder properties (Penetration 20-40, Softening Point 50-70°C). ASTM D491 offers more flexibility by allowing the use of different types of asphalt cement specified in other ASTM standards (e.g., D312, D449), which have different softening points.
≠IS 3989 has a higher mandatory minimum binder content (14%) compared to ASTM D491 (10%), which can affect the flexibility and flow characteristics of the final mastic.
≠The heat stability test conditions differ significantly. IS 3989 requires stability at 170°C for 2 hours, while ASTM D491 specifies a test at a lower temperature of 121°C but for a longer duration of 5 hours.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover hot-applied mastic composed of a bitumen binder mixed with mineral fillers and aggregates.
≈The primary intended use across all specified standards is for creating a monolithic, impermeable layer for waterproofing purposes in buildings and structures.
≈Compositional requirements are fundamentally similar, defining the material as a ratio of binder, filler (passing a 75-micron or No. 200 sieve), and graded aggregates.
≈Key performance characteristics such as hardness (or penetration), water absorption, and heat stability are specified in all standards, although the test methods and limits may vary.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Binder Content (% by mass)
14 to 18
10 to 15
ASTM D491-00
Mineral Filler Content (% by mass, passing 75μm sieve)
15 to 25
10 to 25
ASTM D491-00
Hardness/Penetration of Mastic at 25°C
Hardness Number: 10 to 30 (Type 1), 30 to 60 (Type 2)
Penetration (0.1 mm): 10 to 40
ASTM D491-00
Softening Point of Binder
50 to 70 °C
70 to 85 °C (for Type II asphalt per ASTM D312)
ASTM D491-00 (referencing D312)
Water Absorption (% by mass, max)
0.5
1.0
ASTM D491-00
Resistance to Flow / Heat Stability
No binder drainage after 2h at 170°C
No flow, sag or blister after 5h at 121°C
ASTM D491-00
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use