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IS 7556 : 1988burnt clay jellies

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BS EN 771-1 · ASTM C530-99(2014) · AS/NZS 4455.1
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMArchitectural · Clay and Stabilized Soil Products
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 7556:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for burnt clay jellies. This standard specifies the requirements for burnt clay jallies, which are perforated screens used for ventilation, privacy, and architectural purposes. It covers material, dimensions, tolerances, physical characteristics like compressive strength and water absorption, and methods of sampling and testing. The standard ensures a minimum level of quality for jallies used in building construction.

burnt clay jellies

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Clay and Stabilized Soil Products
Type
Specification
International equivalents
BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 · BSI / CEN, UK / EuropeASTM C530-99(2014) · ASTM International, USAAS/NZS 4455.1:2008 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 5454
Also on InfraLens for IS 7556
5Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Burnt clay jallies are typically non-load-bearing elements and are used for creating decorative screens or ventilation openings.
! Always check for visual defects like cracks, warpage, and efflorescence as per Clause 5 before acceptance and installation.
! The compressive strength is tested on the individual 'webs' or solid portions of the jalli, not the unit as a whole.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3ClassificationCl. 4Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 5General QualityCl. 6Physical RequirementsCl. 7Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Pulled from IS 7556:1988. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
clayburnt clayjalli

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Specification for masonry units - Part 1: Clay masonry units
Covers all clay masonry units, including perforated blocks, while IS 7556 is specific to decorative screen blocks (jellies).
ASTM C530-99(2014)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Structural Clay Facing Tile
Specifies properties for structural clay facing tiles, which can be cored or perforated, similar in form to IS jellies.
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
LowCurrent
Masonry units and segmental pavers and flags — Masonry units
Provides general requirements for all masonry units (clay and concrete), including cored blocks, but lacks the specific focus of IS 7556.
Key Differences
≠IS 7556 is highly specific to a single product type, 'jellies' (decorative screen blocks), whereas international standards like BS EN 771-1 cover a broad spectrum of clay masonry units, classifying them by properties rather than a vernacular name.
≠IS 7556 specifies a single minimum compressive strength class (7 N/mm²), while standards like BS EN 771-1 and ASTM C530 offer a wide range of strength classes, allowing for greater design flexibility.
≠International standards (e.g., ASTM C530) often include stringent requirements and specific tests for freeze-thaw durability (e.g., Type FTX), a parameter not explicitly addressed in IS 7556, reflecting climatic differences.
≠IS 7556 uses simple percentage-based dimensional tolerances (e.g., ±3%), while BS EN 771-1 uses more sophisticated tolerance categories (T1, T2, Tm) that specify maximum deviations in millimeters, enabling higher precision.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental material: fired clay. They all require units to be well-burnt, hard, and free from defects like cracks, stones, and nodules of free lime that can cause 'lime popping'.
≈All standards mandate testing for core physical properties essential for masonry performance, namely compressive strength and water absorption, even if the test methods and acceptance limits vary.
≈All standards include clauses for visual inspection to assess and limit defects such as cracks, chips, and warpage. The IS 7556 requirement for a 'clear ringing sound' when struck is a universally understood practical test for soundness.
≈The need to control soluble salts to prevent efflorescence is a common theme. IS 7556 provides a qualitative rating (Slight/Moderate), while other standards use similar visual assessment tests to classify potential efflorescence.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Compressive Strength (Minimum Average)≥ 7 N/mm²Manufacturer declares from a range of classes (e.g., 5, 10, 15...100 N/mm²)BS EN 771-1
Water Absorption (Max % by weight)≤ 20% (by 24-hour cold immersion)≤ 13% for Type FTS; ≤ 7% for Type FTX (by 5-hour boil)ASTM C530
Dimensional Tolerance (Length/Width)± 3% of specified dimensionDefined by tolerance categories (e.g., T2, R1) specifying max deviation in mm, not as a percentage.BS EN 771-1
EfflorescencePermissible up to 'Moderate' classificationClassified as 'Effloresced' or 'Not Effloresced' based on a standardized test (ASTM C67).ASTM C530
Initial Rate of Absorption (IRA) / SuctionNot specifiedSpecified for some types; e.g., < 30 g/min/30 in² for certain Type FTS units to ensure proper mortar bond.ASTM C530
SoundnessShould give a clear ringing sound when struck.Not typically specified as a formal test; soundness is inferred from meeting strength, density, and defect criteria.BS EN 771-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Maximum water absorption (24-hr immersion)20% by mass
Minimum average compressive strength (on net area)3.5 N/mm²
Tolerance on length and width± 3 mm
Tolerance on thickness± 2 mm
Minimum thickness of Type A jalli40 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Burnt Clay Jallies
Table 2 - Compressive Strength and Water Absorption Requirements for Type A and Type B Jallies
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Classification
Clause 4 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 5 - General Quality
Clause 6 - Physical Requirements
Clause 7 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 5454:1978Methods of sampling of clay building bricks
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the maximum allowed water absorption for a clay jalli?+
20% by mass after 24-hour immersion in cold water (Table 2).
What is the minimum compressive strength for a standard clay jalli?+
The average compressive strength on the net area of the web shall not be less than 3.5 N/mm² for Type A and B jallies (Table 2).
What are the main types of jallies as per IS 7556?+
Type A (thickness ≥ 40 mm), Type B (thickness < 40 mm), and Type C (hand-moulded jallies of non-modular sizes) (Clause 3).
What is the dimensional tolerance for a 200mm x 200mm jalli?+
The length and width can vary by ± 3 mm (Clause 4.2).

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