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IS 7198:1974 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for damp-proofing using bitumen mastic. This code of practice covers the use of bitumen mastic for damp-proofing and waterproofing courses in building construction. It details the required properties of materials, methods for surface preparation, techniques for application, and the specified thickness for various locations like basements, floors, and roofs.
Code of practice for damp-proofing using bitumen mastic
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing
BS 8102:2022BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
MediumCurrent
Code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water
Broader code of practice for waterproofing, but includes principles applicable to mastic asphalt systems.
ASTM D491 / D491M - 16(2021)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Mastic for Use in Waterproofing
Specifies the material composition and properties of asphalt mastic used for waterproofing.
BS EN 12970:2000CEN (European Committee for Standardization), adopted by BSI in UK
HighCurrent
Mastic asphalt for waterproofing - Definitions, requirements and test methods
European standard defining the material requirements and testing for mastic asphalt used in waterproofing.
BS 6925:1988BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for mastic asphalt for building and civil engineering (Limestone aggregate)
Historical direct equivalent for the material specification of mastic asphalt in the UK.
Key Differences
≠IS 7198 is a prescriptive code of practice from 1974, whereas modern standards like BS 8102:2022 are performance-based and heavily reliant on risk assessment and design team responsibilities.
≠The Indian standard is exclusively focused on bitumen mastic, while contemporary international standards cover a wide array of waterproofing technologies (e.g., sheet membranes, liquid-applied membranes, cementitious systems).
≠IS 7198 provides minimal detail on remedial measures or post-construction testing, which are integral components of modern waterproofing standards.
≠Material testing referenced in IS 7198 (via IS 3037) uses older Indian test methods, whereas international standards reference current ASTM or EN test procedures which may differ in equipment and methodology (e.g., Hardness Number vs. Penetration).
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the fundamental need to create a continuous, monolithic, and impermeable barrier to prevent moisture ingress.
≈The requirement for proper substrate preparation—ensuring the surface is clean, dry, sound, and free from contaminants—is a core principle in both IS 7198 and its international counterparts.
≈The application of bitumen mastic in at least two separate coats or layers to eliminate imperfections and ensure a minimum total thickness is a common specified practice.
≈The basic material composition of bitumen binder mixed with mineral fillers and fine aggregates is conceptually identical across all related standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Bitumen Content (% by mass)
≥ 10% (for Type 2 material referenced from IS 3037)
10% to 15%
ASTM D491 / D491M
Application Temperature
Heated to a workable consistency, not exceeding 200°C
Typically 175°C to 230°C, depending on grade
General guidance based on ASTM/BS practices
Nominal Thickness (Horizontal DPC)
Not less than 25 mm in two coats
Typically 20 mm in two coats
BS 6925:1988 (Historical)
Nominal Thickness (Vertical DPC)
Not less than 13 mm in two coats
Typically 13 mm (1/2 inch) in two coats
General practice/ASTM
Separating Layer Requirement
Recommended (building paper or sand) under horizontal DPC on ground floor
Required to separate mastic from substrate to accommodate movement
BS 8102:2022
Maximum Aggregate Size
100% passing 2.36 mm sieve (as per IS 3037)
100% passing 2.36 mm (No. 8) sieve
ASTM D491 / D491M
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Application temperature of mastic175 to 200 °C
Minimum thickness for basement tanking (two coats)25 mm
Minimum thickness for general flooring (single coat)10 mm
Minimum thickness for roofing (two coats)20 mm
Binder content in mastic (by mass)14 to 18 percent
Hardness number (at 25°C)30 to 70
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Composition of Bitumen Mastic for Damp-Proofing Courses