IS 4407:1967 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for reed walling. This standard provides guidelines and general requirements for the construction of reed walling, primarily used in low-cost, rural, or temporary housing. It covers material selection, framing preparation, fixing of reeds, and plastering techniques to ensure stability, insulation, and durability.
Code of practice for reed walling
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Vertical Stud Spacing | Not to exceed 60 cm centres. | Typically 400 mm or 600 mm centres, depending on panel type and structural analysis. | General timber frame practice (e.g., NZS 3604) |
| Reed/Lath Material Specification | Seasoned reeds or bamboo splits, 6 to 10 mm thick. | Specifies reed stalks (Halmdurchmesser) of 4-8 mm, tightly bound with 0.5-0.7 mm galvanized wire. | Lehmbau Regeln |
| Total Plaster Thickness (per side) | 15 mm for mud plaster; 20 mm for cement/lime plaster. | Clay base coat (Grundputz) 10-25 mm; total thickness typically 20-30 mm. | Lehmbau Regeln |
| Curing of Cementitious Plaster | Kept continuously wet for at least 7 days. | Moist curing for a minimum of 3-7 days, with protection from wind and sun to prevent rapid drying. | General practice for cement-lime renders |
| Mud Plaster Fibre Additive | Chopped paddy straw (bhusa), 8 kg/m³ of soil. | Chopped straw or other plant fibres, 25-35 mm long, added at 1-2% by weight. | NZS 4298:2020 |
| Fixing of Mat to Frame | Nailed or tied with galvanized iron wire. | Stapled or screwed using broad-head fasteners and washers to prevent pull-through. | Lehmbau Regeln |