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IS 4911 : 1986Glossary of terms relating to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing of buildings

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ASTM D1079 · BS EN 13111 · ISO 6707-1
CurrentSpecializedTerminologyArchitectural · Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing
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IS 4911:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glossary of terms relating to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing of buildings. This standard provides a comprehensive glossary of terms related to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing of buildings. It is designed to standardize the vocabulary used in specifications, contracts, and construction to prevent ambiguity.

Glossary of terms relating to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing of buildings

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing
Type
Terminology
International equivalents
ASTM D1079-23 · ASTM International, USABS EN 13111:2001 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK / CEN (European Committee for Standardization)ISO 6707-1:2020 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization), InternationalBS 6229:2018 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
Typically used with
IS 73IS 702IS 1346IS 1609IS 3067
Practical Notes
! Primarily used by specification writers and contract managers to ensure precise contractual language.
! Highly useful for legally and technically distinguishing between often-confused terms like asphalt, tar, and bitumen.
! Does not contain application procedures or material specifications; it must be used alongside operational codes like IS 1346 and IS 1609.
bitumenasphalttarwaterproofing membranedamp-proof course

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM D1079-23ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
A dedicated terminology standard covering the same domain of roofing and waterproofing, including bituminous materials.
BS EN 13111:2001BSI (British Standards Institution), UK / CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
MediumCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing - Definitions
A dedicated definitions standard focused on flexible sheets for roof waterproofing, overlapping significantly on bitumen sheet terms.
ISO 6707-1:2020ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
LowCurrent
Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
A broad vocabulary for all construction; contains some relevant terms but is not specific to bituminous waterproofing.
BS 6229:2018BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
MediumCurrent
Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings - Code of practice
A code of practice, not a glossary, but its 'Terms and definitions' section is comprehensive for modern UK practice.
Key Differences
≠IS 4911 is a standalone glossary. In contrast, many modern international standards (e.g., BS 6229, EN 13707) embed the glossary within a larger code of practice or product specification, linking terms directly to application or performance.
≠The terminology in IS 4911:1986 reflects materials common at the time, such as hessian-based felts and hot-applied bitumen. Modern standards like ASTM D1079 and EN standards include extensive terminology for polymer-modified bitumen (SBS, APP) and synthetic single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, PVC).
≠There is a significant regional difference in the use of 'Bitumen' vs. 'Asphalt'. IS 4911 (like British/European standards) uses 'Bitumen' for the binder and 'Asphalt' for the mixture with aggregate. US standards (ASTM) often use 'Asphalt' for the binder ('asphalt cement').
≠IS 4911 is very specific to bituminous materials. Equivalent standards like ASTM D1079 have a broader scope, defining terms for all types of roofing and waterproofing, including vegetative roofs, liquid-applied membranes, and various synthetic sheets.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental purpose of establishing a common, unambiguous language for specifiers, manufacturers, and contractors to ensure clarity in documentation and on-site.
≈Core technical concepts and the definitions of fundamental elements like 'Bitumen', 'Waterproofing', 'Damp-Proof Course (DPC)', and 'Flashing' are conceptually identical across all standards, aiming to prevent water ingress.
≈The definitions for basic physical properties of bitumen, such as 'Softening Point' and 'Penetration', are based on the same scientific principles, even if the referenced test methods may vary.
≈All standards logically categorize terms, distinguishing between primary materials (e.g., bitumen, felt), system components (e.g., underlay, cap sheet), and application details (e.g., lap, fillet, cant).
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Term: BitumenA viscous liquid, or a solid, consisting essentially of hydrocarbons... It is substantially soluble in carbon disulphide.A class of black or dark-colored... amorphous, cementitious substances... in which the predominating constituents are bitumens... soluble in carbon disulfide.ASTM D1079-23
Term: AsphaltA natural or artificial mixture in which bitumen is associated with inert mineral matter. The word 'asphalt' is also used at times to denote bitumen.Often used in North America to refer to the binder (bitumen). ASTM D1079 notes it is a cementitious material in which bitumens are the main constituents, acknowledging its synonymous use with bitumen.ASTM D1079-23
Term: Damp-Proof Course (DPC)A layer of impervious material laid in a wall... to prevent moisture from rising up the wall...A barrier, usually a membrane, flexible sheet material or chemical formulation, inserted into the fabric of a building to control the unwanted passage of moisture from the ground.BS 8102:2022
Term: Blown BitumenBitumen obtained by blowing air through it at an elevated temperature.Asphalt, oxidized (blown) - asphalt that is treated by blowing air through it at elevated temperature to increase its softening point and modify other properties.ASTM D1079-23
Term: FlashingA strip of impervious material... used to make a watertight joint, for example, between a flat roof and a wall.A component used to weatherproof or seal the roof system edges at perimeters, penetrations, walls, expansion joints, valleys, drains, and other interruptions or terminations of the roof system.ASTM D1079-23
Term: PrimerA liquid of low viscosity which is applied to a surface to improve the adhesion of a subsequent coating.A thin, liquid-applied solvent-based bitumen that is applied to a surface to improve the adhesion of subsequent applications of bitumen.BS 6229:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

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Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 73:2013Paving Bitumen - Specification
→
IS 702:2017Industrial Bitumen - Specification
→
IS 1346:1991Code of Practice for Waterproofing of Roofs w...
→
IS 1609:1991Code of practice for laying damp-proofing tre...
→
IS 3067:1988Code of practice for general waterproofing an...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary purpose of IS 4911?+
To standardize the terminology used for bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing across the Indian construction industry.
Does this code specify waterproofing application methods?+
No, it is strictly a glossary of terms. For execution methods, engineers should refer to codes like IS 1346 or IS 1609.
How does the code differentiate between bitumen and asphalt?+
Bitumen is defined as a non-crystalline solid or viscous material, while asphalt is a mixture of bitumen and inert mineral matter.

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