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IS 4885:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for sewer bricks - specification. This standard prescribes the requirements for dimensions, physical properties, and testing of burnt clay bricks intended for use in the construction of sewers, manholes, and related drainage structures.
sewer bricks - Specification
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Clay and Stabilized Soil Products
ASTM C32-14(2019)ASTM International, United States
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Sewer and Manhole Brick (Made from Clay or Shale)
Directly specifies requirements for clay or shale bricks intended for use in sewer and manhole construction.
BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Specification for masonry units - Part 1: Clay masonry units
A general standard for clay bricks, but includes classifications for severe exposure conditions applicable to sewers.
CSA A82-19CSA Group, Canada
MediumCurrent
Fired Masonry Brick Made from Clay or Shale
Covers general-purpose clay bricks, where the 'SW' (Severe Weathering) grade is suitable for sewer applications.
AS 3700-2018Standards Australia, Australia
LowCurrent
Masonry structures
A design standard that references material standards (like AS/NZS 4455) and specifies durability classes for masonry, including for aggressive soil/groundwater.
Key Differences
≠IS 4885 classifies bricks into Class I and Class II, whereas ASTM C32 uses Grade SS (Sewer Brick) and Grade SM (Manhole Brick), which have different intended applications and property requirements.
≠Compressive strength requirements in ASTM C32 for the highest grade (Grade SS, >55.2 MPa) are significantly more stringent than for the highest IS grade (Class I, >17.5 MPa).
≠The water absorption test method differs critically: IS 4885 specifies a 24-hour cold water immersion test, while ASTM C32 mandates a more aggressive 5-hour boiling test.
≠IS 4885 includes a mandatory efflorescence test, which is not a requirement in ASTM C32, as it's considered less critical for continuously wet, below-ground applications.
Key Similarities
≈All equivalent standards specify that sewer bricks must be manufactured from burnt clay, shale, or a mixture thereof, fired to achieve the required durability.
≈Both IS 4885 and its international counterparts focus on the same key performance metrics: high compressive strength and low water absorption as primary indicators of durability in a sewer environment.
≈All standards require bricks to be sound, free from major defects like cracks, warpage, and large stones that would compromise structural integrity or laying.
≈The standards outline procedures for sampling from a consignment and specify test methods to verify compliance, ensuring quality control.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength (min, Highest Grade)
17.5 N/mm² (for Class I)
55.2 MPa (8000 psi) (for Grade SS)
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Compressive Strength (min, Lower Grade)
10.5 N/mm² (for Class II)
20.7 MPa (3000 psi) (for Grade SM)
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Water Absorption (max, Highest Grade)
10% (24-hr cold immersion)
8% (5-hr boil)
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Water Absorption (max, Lower Grade)
15% (24-hr cold immersion)
17% (5-hr boil)
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Efflorescence Requirement
Required (Rating of 'Slight' to 'Nil' for Class I)
Not specified
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Standard Sizes specified
190x90x90 mm or 190x90x40 mm
Sizes are not mandated; they are specified by the purchaser based on regional practice.
ASTM C32-14(2019)
Warpage Tolerance
Maximum 3 mm
Not explicitly specified; covered under general requirements for being free of defects.
ASTM C32-14(2019)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Standard dimensions190 x 90 x 90 mm or 190 x 90 x 40 mm