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IS 654:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for clay roofing tiles, mangalore pattern. This standard lays down the requirements for dimensions, performance, and testing of clay roofing tiles of the Mangalore pattern. It is used by civil engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure quality control, strength, and durability of terracotta sloped roofing materials.
Specifies requirements for clay roofing tiles of Mangalore pattern.
! Visual inspection is critical; tiles should be well-burnt, free from cracks, and produce a clear ringing metallic sound when struck.
! When detailing the roof, ensure the pitch is adequate (typically > 30 degrees) to prevent water ingress, as these tiles rely heavily on proper overlap and slope.
! Water absorption tests require the tiles to be completely immersed in water; ensure tiles are dried to a constant mass before the initial weighing.
EN 1304:2013CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Clay roofing tiles and fittings - Product definitions and specifications
Covers general requirements, geometry, and test methods for all types of clay roofing tiles, including interlocking patterns.
ASTM C1167 / C1167M - 19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Clay Roof Tiles
Specifies physical properties and test methods for clay roof tiles, classified by grades based on weather exposure.
AS 2049-2002Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Roof tiles
Details requirements for both terracotta (clay) and concrete roof tiles, including performance tests for strength and water transfer.
BS 402:1992BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for clay roofing tiles and fittings
Specified requirements for clay tiles, including interlocking types, manufactured in the UK before European harmonization.
Key Differences
≠IS 654 is prescriptive for a single 'Mangalore' pattern with fixed dimensions (410x235 mm), whereas standards like EN 1304 are performance-based and apply to a wide variety of tile shapes and sizes, relying on manufacturer's declared values.
≠The water absorption limit in IS 654 (≤ 18%) is significantly higher (less strict) than in ASTM C1167, which specifies limits from ≤ 6% to ≤ 13% depending on the tile's climatic grade.
≠IS 654 has no requirement for freeze-thaw resistance, which is a critical mandatory test in EN 1304 (for relevant climates) and for Grade 1 tiles in ASTM C1167, reflecting different climatic considerations.
≠The transverse breaking load in IS 654 is a fixed minimum (≥ 900 N), while EN 1304 requires the manufacturer to declare a value which is then verified by testing, allowing for a wider range of product strengths.
Key Similarities
≈All standards fundamentally require the tiles to be manufactured from fired natural clay or shale, ensuring a similar base material.
≈A transverse strength test (or breaking load test) is a common requirement in IS 654, EN 1304, and ASTM C1167 to ensure the tile can withstand mechanical stresses, though test methods and values differ.
≈All standards include a water impermeability test to ensure the primary function of the tile is met, typically by observing the underside for water penetration over a set period.
≈Visual inspection criteria are common across all standards, requiring tiles to be free from significant defects like cracks, surface flaws, and lamination that would impair performance or appearance.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Average Breaking Load (Transverse Strength)
≥ 900 N
Manufacturer must declare value; test method specified. Typical values for interlocking tiles often exceed 1200 N.
EN 1304:2013
Water Absorption (by mass, 24h immersion)
≤ 18%
Grade 1: ≤ 6%, Grade 2: ≤ 10%, Grade 3: ≤ 13%
ASTM C1167 / C1167M - 19
Permeability Test Duration
No drops on underside after 6 hours
Method 2: No drops on underside after 24 hours
EN 1304:2013
Freeze-Thaw Resistance
Not required
Mandatory for relevant climate zones (e.g., pass 150 cycles)
EN 1304:2013
Length Tolerance
± 5 mm (on a fixed 410 mm length)
± 2% of the declared length
EN 1304:2013
Mass Classification
Class A (< 2.5 kg) and Class AA (> 2.5 kg)
No classification; mass must be declared by manufacturer with a tolerance of ±10%.
EN 1304:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use