Ceramic tiles - Definitions, classifications, characteristics and marking
2006 Edition

IS 13712 Overview and Scope - Core Specifications & Tables

1. Scope and Specifications (Clause 6.2)

• Tiles classified by:
  • Type (e.g., split, dust pressed)
  • Applicable standard number
  • Classification details (refer to Table 2)
  • Nominal and actual working dimensions
  • Surface finish (glazed or unglazed)

2. Dimension Terminology (Table 1)

• Modular Size (M) = 100 mm (According to IS 10316)

3. Classification Based on Water Absorption and Forming Method (Table 2)

4. Tile Properties for Various Applications (Table 3)

• Tests from IS 13630 Parts 1-15 cover:
  • Dimensional accuracy and surface integrity
  • Physical characteristics like water absorption and strength
  • Optional chemical and frost resistance
  • Abrasion, impact, scratch resistance, and staining

5. Rounding Off Principles (IS 2:1960)

• Test results rounded to match the significant digits of standard values.

flowchart TD

Key IS 13712 References and Specifications

1. Rounding Guidelines

• Final measurements are rounded according to IS 2:1960.
• Maintain significant figure consistency with standards.

2. Sampling and Acceptance

• Follow criteria outlined in IS 13630 (Part 15).

3. Important Tables Summary

4. Specification Details (Clause 6.2)

• Tile type description
• Applicable standard number
• Classification as per Table 2
• Nominal and working sizes
• Surface finish specification

5. Related Standards (Appendix A)

Diagram of Key Concepts

graph TD
A[IS 13712 Standard] --> B[Dimensions & Classification]
A --> C[Sampling & Acceptance]
A --> D[Specifications]
A --> E[Referenced IS Codes]

B --> B1[Table 1: Dimensions]
B --> B2[Table 2: Tile Groups]
B --> B3[Table 3: Application Properties]

C --> C1[IS 13630 Part 15]
D --> D1[Tile Description]
D --> D2[Classification]
D --> D3[Size & Surface]

E --> E1[]

IS 13712 - Terminology and Core Specifications

Essential Points from Clause 6.2

A complete tile specification must specify:

• Tile Type: Examples include split or dust pressed
• Applicable Standard Number
• Classification: Refer to Table 2 for groupings
• Nominal and Actual Working Dimensions: Nominal as theoretical size; working size as actual fabricated size
• Surface Finish: Glazed or unglazed

Modular Dimensioning (Clause 3.15.1)

• Based on a basic module M = 100 mm (per IS 10316)
• Tile sizes include multiples and submultiples of M (e.g., M, 2M, 3M, 5M)
• Applies to tiles with surface areas ≥ 9000 mm²

Rounding Rules (IS 2:1960)

• Test outcomes should be rounded consistent with the precision of the standard values.

flowchart TD
    A[Tile Specification] --> B[Tile Type (split, dust pressed)]
    A --> C[Standard Reference Number]
    A --> D[Classification (Table 2)]
    A --> E[Nominal & Working Size]
    A --> F[Surface Finish (Glazed/Unglazed)]

This overview guarantees adherence to IS 13712's terminology and specifications related to ceramic tile production.

Classification of Ceramic Tiles as per IS 13712

Highlights from Clause 6.2 and Table 2:

• Tiles are classified according to water absorption percentages and intended usage.

• Subgroups such as Group BIII denote ceramic wall tiles with high water absorption (E > 10%).

• Specification elements include tile type, standard number, classification, sizes, and surface finish.

Classification Summary Table:

Additional Notes:

• Non-modular sizes (Clause 3.15.2) are not based on the modular dimension M.
• Refer to ISO 13006:1998 for detailed terminology and marking guidelines.

flowchart TD
    A[Tile Classification] --> B{Water Absorption Level}
    B -->|≤0.5%| C[Group I: Porcelain Tiles]
    B -->|0.5%-3%| D[Group II: Fully Vitrified Tiles]
    B -->|3%-10%| E[Group III: Vitreous Tiles]
    B -->|>10%| F[Group IV: Non-Vitreous Tiles]

Core Properties of Ceramic Tiles as per IS 13712 (Clause 5 & Table 3)

• Water Absorption Based Groups (Clause 4.2.3):

  • High absorption group (Group III): E > 10%
  • Group BIII specifically denotes ceramic wall tiles with water absorption over 10%

• Table 3 Outlines Characteristics for Various Applications:

  • Water absorption values
  • Breaking strength (N/mm²)
  • Surface hardness ratings
  • Coefficient of friction
  • Resistance to thermal shock

• Marking and Specification Requirements (Clause 6.2):

  • Tile type description
  • Standard number reference
  • Classification as per Table 2
  • Nominal and working dimensions
  • Surface finish details

Indicative Typical Values

Rounding Instructions (IS 2:1960)

• Test results must be rounded to the decimal precision specified by the standard.

flowchart TD
    A[Tile Sample] --> B{Water Absorption Test}
    B -->|E ≤ 10%| C[Group I & II]
    B -->|E > 10%| D[Group III]
    C --> E[Verify Breaking Strength ≥ 35 N/mm²]
    D --> F[Verify Breaking Strength ≥ 20 N/mm²]
    E --> G[Final Classification]
    F --> G

Summary: IS 13712 delineates ceramic tiles primarily by water absorption and mechanical attributes, defining their appropriate uses along with marking and specification directives.

Guidelines for Marking and Specification under IS 13712

Clause 6.2: Specification Essentials

Tile specifications must include:

• Tile type (e.g., split, dust pressed)
• Applicable IS standard number
• Classification as per Table 2 (based on water absorption and forming method)
• Nominal and actual working dimensions
• Surface finish (glazed or unglazed)

Classification Table (Table 2): Water Absorption & Forming

Dimension Terminology (Table 1)

Characteristics for Various Uses (Table 3)

• Covers dimensional, surface quality, physical, and chemical tests.
• Detailed test methods are referenced in IS 13630 Parts 1-15.
• Frost resistance testing remains optional.

Additional Notes

• Test results must be rounded consistent with IS 2:1960.
• Sampling and acceptance are governed by IS 13630 Part 15.
• Specifications confirm suitability for interior/exterior and floor/wall applications.

flowchart TD
    A[Tile Specification] --> B[Tile Type]
    A --> C[IS Standard Reference]
    A --> D[Classification (Table 2)]
    A --> E[Size and Surface Details]

Ordering, Sampling & Acceptance as per IS 13712

1. Ordering Details (Clause 6.2)

• Specify tile description (e.g., split, dust pressed)
• Reference the applicable standard number
• Include classification according to Table 2 (water absorption and shaping)
• Provide nominal and working sizes
• Indicate surface finish (glazed/unglazed)

2. Tile Classification (Table 2 Overview)

3. Sampling and Acceptance (Clause 7.3)

• Follow sampling and acceptance criteria outlined in IS 13630 (Part 15)
• Consult IS 13630 series for detailed testing and acceptance limits

4. Dimension Terms (Table 1)

5. Additional Considerations

• Final values rounded as per IS 2:1960
• Testing includes dimensions, water absorption, modulus of rupture, thermal expansion, abrasion resistance per IS 13630 Parts

Workflow Diagram: From Ordering to Acceptance

flowchart TD
    A[Order Details] --> B[Tile Description, Classification, Size, Surface Finish]
    B --> C[Sampling & Testing per IS 13630]
    C --> D[Acceptance Decision]

IS 13712 - Referenced Indian Standards

This standard cites various parts of IS 13630 and related IS codes addressing testing methods, modular coordination, and chemical resistance for ceramic tiles.

Principal Referenced IS Standards:

Notes:

• These parts comprehensively address the physical, chemical, and mechanical testing vital for ceramic tile quality.
• Sampling and acceptance follow IS 13630 Part 15.
• Modular coordination standards supported by IS 4993 and IS 10316.

Diagram Summarizing Test Categories (IS 13630 Parts)

graph TD
   "