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IS 6313:2000 (Part 2) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for anti-termite measures in buildings, part 2: pre-constructional chemical treatment measures. This standard provides guidelines for the chemical treatment of soil during the pre-construction phase to protect buildings from subterranean termites. It outlines the specific chemicals, their concentrations, and the detailed procedures for application at various stages like foundation excavation, backfilling, and flooring. The objective is to create a continuous chemical barrier around and under the building structure.
Code of Practice for Anti-Termite Measures in Buildings, Part 2: Pre-constructional Chemical Treatment Measures
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
! The list of recommended chemicals in Annex A is outdated. Always refer to the latest list of approved termiticides published by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC).
! Ensure adequate ventilation and use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during and after chemical application due to the toxicity of termiticides.
! Treatment is most effective when the soil and structure are relatively dry, allowing for better penetration and absorption of the chemical emulsion.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
termiticidessoilconcretemasonry
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
AS 3660.1-2014Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Termite management, Part 1: New building work
Covers termite management for new buildings, including detailed specifications for physical and chemical barriers.
IRC 2021 (Section R318)International Code Council (ICC), USA
MediumCurrent
International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (Section R318: Protection Against Subterranean Termites)
Provides a set of options for termite protection in residential construction, including soil treatment, bait systems, and physical barriers.
SS 564:2010Enterprise Singapore, Singapore
HighCurrent
Code of practice for termite management for buildings
Details requirements for termite management in buildings, covering both constructional measures and chemical treatments.
NPA-BTP 1999National Pest Agency (NPA), South Africa
MediumCurrent
A Guide To The Use Of Termiticides For The Protection Of Buildings In South Africa
Focuses primarily on chemical termiticide application but includes constructional best practices relevant to termite proofing.
Key Differences
≠IS 6313 focuses on traditional constructional methods (site hygiene, plinth protection), while AS 3660.1 provides extensive detail on modern, manufactured physical barrier systems like stainless steel mesh and polymer sheets.
≠The concept of installing chemical reticulation (pipe) systems during construction for future replenishment of termiticide is a key component of AS 3660.1 and SS 564, but it is not addressed in IS 6313 Part 1.
≠The US IRC (R318) presents a menu of distinct, equivalent options (e.g., soil treatment, bait systems, physical barrier, treated wood), allowing the builder to choose one. IS 6313 prescribes a more integrated and singular approach combining multiple constructional steps.
≠AS 3660.1 provides highly specific technical requirements for concrete slabs to act as a barrier, including minimum thickness, strength, and reinforcement to control shrinkage cracking, which is more detailed than the general guidance in IS 6313.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally mandate the thorough removal of timber debris, tree stumps, roots, and other cellulose-based materials from the soil under the building footprint before construction begins.
≈A fundamental principle shared by all codes is the prevention of concealed termite entry by ensuring structural timber components are isolated from direct contact with the ground.
≈All standards recognize a monolithic, uncracked concrete slab or foundation as a primary and effective physical barrier against subterranean termite ingress.
≈The codes advocate for building designs that facilitate easy visual inspection for termite activity, particularly by keeping slab edges or foundation walls exposed.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Clearance (Suspended Floor)
500 mm from underside of joists to ground.
400 mm minimum clearance for general access.
AS 3660.1-2014
Exposed Slab Edge for Inspection
Suggests a 750 mm wide concrete apron around the periphery for plinth protection.
A minimum of 75 mm of the vertical face of the slab edge must be left exposed for inspection.
AS 3660.1-2014
Concrete Slab Barrier Specification
Recommends a 'dense, homogeneous' concrete slab (M20 or higher for RCC) but does not specify a minimum thickness for termite proofing.
Minimum 100 mm thickness, 20 MPa strength, and steel reinforcement to control shrinkage cracking.
AS 3660.1-2014
Protection of Pipe Penetrations
Seal gaps around pipes with cement mortar (1:3) or coal tar pitch.
Requires use of proprietary termite-resistant collars or sealants specifically tested for termite resistance.
AS 3660.1-2014
Use of Termite-Resistant Wood
Recommends using heartwood of naturally resistant species listed in IS 3384 or preservative-treated wood.
Permits use of naturally termite-resistant wood (e.g., Redwood) or pressure-preservative treated wood complying with AWPA standards as a protection method.
IRC 2021 (R318.1)
Stainless Steel Mesh Barrier Aperture
Not specified; manufactured physical barriers are not detailed.
Max. aperture of 0.66 mm × 0.45 mm for protection against Coptotermes species.
AS 3660.1-2014
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Drill hole diameter for floor treatment12 mm
Spacing of drill holes along plinth wall300 mm
Volume of chemical emulsion per drill hole in floor1 litre
Chemical emulsion rate for voids in masonry1 litre per linear metre
Chlorpyrifos 20% EC emulsion concentration1.0% (1 part concentrate to 19 parts water)
Lindane 20% EC emulsion concentration1.0% (1 part concentrate to 19 parts water)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1: Rate of Application of Chemical Emulsion for Masonry Voids
Key Clauses
Clause 4: Inspection
Clause 5.1: Soil Treatment for Foundation and Floors
Clause 5.2: Treatment of Voids in Masonry
Clause 5.3: Treatment of Woodwork
Clause 6: Routine Checks
Annex A: Termiticides and Rates of Application
Frequently Asked Questions4
How should the floor be treated at the junction of walls?+
Drill 12 mm holes at 300 mm intervals, rodding the holes to the soil below, and pouring 1 litre of chemical emulsion per hole. (Clause 5.1.1.2)
How do you treat termite infestation in woodwork like a door frame?+
Drill holes at a downward angle of 45 degrees at the base of the frame and inject chemical emulsion. Also, spray all infested areas. (Clause 5.3.1)
What is the procedure for treating voids in masonry walls?+
Drill holes in the wall at the plinth level, about 300 mm apart, and squirt chemical emulsion into the voids at a rate of 1 litre per linear metre. (Clause 5.2)
Is this standard still active?+
No, IS 6313 (Part 3):2000 has been superseded by the revised version IS 6313 (Part 3):2013.