Similar International Standards
BS EN 771-3:2011+A1:2015BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Specification for masonry units - Part 3: Aggregate concrete masonry units (Dense and light-weight aggregates)
Covers all aggregate concrete masonry units, including specially shaped blocks (U-blocks/channel blocks) for creating bond beams and lintels.
ASTM C90-23ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units
Specifies requirements for hollow and solid concrete blocks, including 'bond beam units' which are identical in function to IS 9893 blocks.
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Masonry units and segmental pavers and flags - Part 1: Masonry units
Provides requirements for concrete masonry units, which includes units specifically shaped for the construction of in-situ concrete lintels.
CSA A165.1-19CSA Group, Canada
MediumCurrent
Concrete block masonry units
Covers general concrete masonry units; bond beam blocks for lintels fall within its scope but are not the sole focus.
Key Differences
≠IS 9893 is a highly specific standard for blocks used *only* for lintels and sills. International standards like ASTM C90 and EN 771-3 cover a broad range of concrete masonry units, of which lintel/bond-beam blocks are just one type.
≠IS 9893 specifies a single, relatively low minimum average compressive strength of 5.0 N/mm². In contrast, ASTM C90 requires a much higher minimum average net strength of 13.8 N/mm² (2000 psi), and EN 771-3 uses a system of strength classes declared by the manufacturer.
≠For dimensional tolerances, IS 9893 sets fixed absolute values (e.g., ±3 mm for height). EN 771-3 uses 'Tolerance Classes' (e.g., D1, D2, D3), allowing manufacturers to declare a product's precision level, offering more flexibility.
≠IS 9893 mandates a maximum water absorption of 10% by mass. ASTM C90's requirement is based on the density of the concrete and is expressed as an absolute mass of water per volume, not a percentage.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same principle: using a precast concrete shell (a 'U' or channel block) as permanent formwork for in-situ reinforced concrete to create a composite lintel.
≈Core performance tests, particularly compressive strength and water absorption/density, are fundamental requirements in all the compared standards, even if the limit values and test methods vary.
≈All standards include requirements for the constituent materials (cement, aggregates, water), typically by referencing other primary material standards, ensuring a baseline quality.
≈Visual inspection criteria are common across all standards, ensuring that blocks are free from large cracks, chips, and other defects that would compromise their structural integrity or finished appearance.
≈Control over dimensions and shape is a key aspect of all standards to ensure uniformity and proper assembly on site.