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IS 4121:1967 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for method of test for determination of water transmission rate by capillary action through natural building stones. This standard lays down the procedure to determine the rate of water transmission through natural building stones via capillary action. It is essential for evaluating a stone's susceptibility to rising dampness, porosity, and long-term weathering resistance.
Method of test for determination of water transmission rate by capillary action through natural building stones
ASTM C1794 / C1794M - 15(2021)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Absorption of Natural Stone by Capillarity
Directly specifies the method for determining water absorption by capillary action for natural dimension stone.
EN 15801:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Conservation of cultural heritage - Test methods - Determination of water absorption by capillarity
Defines a method for measuring water absorption by capillarity applicable to porous inorganic materials, including natural stone.
EN 1925:1999CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighWithdrawn
Natural stone test methods - Determination of water absorption coefficient by capillarity
Was the primary European standard specifically for determining the water absorption coefficient by capillarity for natural stone.
Key Differences
≠IS 4121 specifies a much higher specimen drying temperature of 105 ± 5 °C, whereas modern standards like ASTM C1794 and EN 15801 specify 60 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5 °C, respectively, to avoid altering clay minerals within the stone.
≠The calculation method in IS 4121 allows for a single-point calculation, while ASTM C1794 and EN 15801 mandate plotting mass gain per area against the square root of time and determining the coefficient from the slope of the initial linear portion of the curve, which is a more robust approach.
≠The units for the resulting coefficient are different. IS 4121 uses g/(cm²·min^0.5), while ASTM C1794 uses g/(m²·s^0.5) and EN 15801 uses kg/(m²·s^0.5).
≠IS 4121 is less prescriptive about the time intervals for measurement, suggesting 'suitable intervals', while ASTM C1794 specifies a sequence based on the square root of time (1, 4, 9, 16... min) for accurate plotting.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same physical principle of measuring mass gain over time when one face of a specimen is in contact with a shallow layer of water, governed by the physics of capillary suction.
≈The fundamental test setup is identical, involving placing a specimen on supports in a shallow tray of water, ensuring only one face is wetted, and using a balance to measure mass change.
≈All standards require the specimen to be dried to a constant mass before the test begins to ensure a consistent and repeatable initial moisture condition.
≈The recommended specimen geometry is consistent across the standards, typically a cube or regular prism, to ensure a well-defined area of contact with water.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Specimen Drying Temperature
105 ± 5 °C
60 ± 2 °C
ASTM C1794
Water Immersion Depth
3 to 5 mm
3 ± 1 mm
ASTM C1794, EN 15801
Calculation Method
Single-point calculation C = Δm / (A * √t) allowed
Slope of the linear portion of mass gain/area vs. √t plot
ASTM C1794, EN 15801
Reported Coefficient Units
g/(cm²·min^0.5)
kg/(m²·s^0.5)
EN 15801
Minimum Number of Specimens
3
3 (ASTM) / 6 (EN)
ASTM C1794, EN 15801
Minimum Face Area
25 cm²
2500 mm² (25 cm²)
ASTM C1794
Test Liquid
Distilled water
Deionized or distilled water
ASTM C1794, EN 15801
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Drying temperature105 ± 5 °C
Accuracy of weighing balance0.01 g
Immersion depth of specimen base3 to 5 mm
Key Formulas
Water transmission rate = (M2 - M1) / (A * t) — Rate of water absorbed per unit area over time
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 2 - Apparatus
Clause 3 - Selection and Preparation of Test Specimens
Why is the capillary water transmission rate important?+
It indicates the stone's vulnerability to rising dampness, freeze-thaw damage, and efflorescence caused by salt crystallization.
What is the standard oven-drying temperature for the stone specimens?+
The specimens must be dried at a temperature of 105 ± 5 °C until they achieve a constant mass.
How deep should the stone be placed in the water tray?+
Only the base of the specimen is immersed to a shallow depth (typically 3 to 5 mm) to allow pure capillary action without applying hydrostatic pressure.