Ceramic tiles - Definitions, classifications, characteristics and marking

IS 13712: Scope - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

1. Scope & Specification (Clause 6.2)

• Tiles described by:
  • Type (e.g., split, dust pressed)
  • Relevant standard number
  • Classification (see Table 2)
  • Nominal & work sizes
  • Surface nature (glazed/unglazed)

2. Dimension Definitions (Table 1)

• M (Modular size) = 100 mm (IS 10316)

3. Classification by Water Absorption & Shaping (Table 2)

4. Characteristics for Application (Table 3)

Tests per IS 13630 Parts (1 to 15) cover:

• Dimensions & surface quality (length, width, thickness, flatness)
• Physical (water absorption, modulus of rupture, thermal expansion)
• Chemical resistance, frost resistance (optional)
• Abrasion, impact, scratch hardness, staining resistance

5. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Final test values rounded to same significant digits as standard values.

flowchart TD

IS 13712 Key References, Tables & Specifications

1. Rounding Off (Clause None)

• Final test/analysis values rounded per IS 2:1960.
• Retain significant figures equal to the specified value.

2. Sampling & Acceptance (Clause 7.3)

• Refer IS 13630 (Part 15) for sampling and acceptance criteria.

3. Important Tables

4. Specification Requirements (Clause 6.2)

• Tile description (e.g., split, dust pressed)
• Relevant standard number
• Classification (per Table 2)
• Nominal & work size
• Surface nature (glazed/unglazed)

5. Referenced IS Standards (Annex A)

Summary 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 Characteristics]

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

E --> E1[

IS 13712 - Definitions & Key Specifications

Key Points from Clause 6.2 Specification:

A tile specification must include:

• Tile Description: e.g., split, dust pressed.
• Relevant Standard Number
• Classification: Refer to Table 2 in IS 13712.
• Nominal Size & Work Size: Nominal = theoretical; work size = actual.
• Surface Nature: Glazed or unglazed.

Modular Sizes (Clause 3.15.1)

• Based on M = 100 mm (IS 10316).
• Tile sizes: M, 2M, 3M, 5M, and multiples/submultiples.
• Applies to tiles with surface area ≥ 9000 mm².

Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

• Final test results rounded to match significant figures of specified values.

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

This summary ensures compliance with IS 13712 definitions and specifications for ceramic tiles.

IS 13712 - Classification of Ceramic Tiles

Key Points from IS 13712:

• Classification (Clause 6.2 & Table 2): Tiles are classified based on water absorption and intended application.

• Groups based on Water Absorption:

• Sub-Groups (e.g., Group BIII): Further classification like Group BIII refers to ceramic wall tiles with high water absorption (E > 10%).

• Specification Requirements (Clause 6.2):

  • Tile description (e.g., split, dust pressed)
  • Relevant standard number
  • Classification as per Table 2
  • Nominal and work sizes
  • Surface nature (glazed/unglazed)

Summary Table for Classification:

Notes:

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

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

IS 13712 Key Characteristics for Ceramic Tiles (Clause 5 & Table 3)

• Tile Groups by Water Absorption (Clause 4.2.3):

  • Group III (High Water Absorption): E > 10%
  • Group BIII: Ceramic wall tiles with E > 10%

• Table 3: Characteristics for Applications
  This table classifies tiles by:

  • Water Absorption (%)
  • Breaking Strength (N/mm²)
  • Surface Hardness
  • Coefficient of Friction
  • Thermal Shock Resistance

• Marking & Specification (Clause 6.2):

  • Tile description (e.g., split, dust pressed)
  • Relevant IS standard number
  • Classification (see Table 2)
  • Nominal & work size
  • Surface nature (glazed/unglazed)

Typical Characteristic Values (Indicative)

Rounding Off Values (per IS 2:1960)

• Final test results must be rounded to the same decimal places as specified values.

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

Summary: IS 13712 classifies ceramic tiles primarily by water absorption and mechanical properties, guiding their appropriate use with clear marking and specification rules.

IS 13712: Marking and Specification Key Points

Clause 6.2: Specification Requirements

A brief tile specification must include:

• Type of tile (e.g., split, dust pressed)
• Relevant IS standard number
• Tile classification as per Table 2 (based on water absorption and shaping)
• Nominal size and work size
• Surface nature: glazed or unglazed

Table 2: Tile Classification by Water Absorption & Shaping

Table 1: Dimensions Definitions

Table 3: Characteristics for Applications

• Tests cover dimensions, surface quality, physical & chemical properties.
• Refer IS 13630 (Parts 1 to 15) for detailed test methods.
• Frost resistance test is optional.

Important Notes:

• Final test values should be rounded as per IS 2:1960.
• Sampling and acceptance follow IS 13630 (Part 15).
• Specifications ensure tile suitability for interior/exterior, floor/wall use.

flowchart TD
    A[Tile Specification] --> B[Tile Type]
    A --> C[Relevant IS Standard]
    A --> D[Classification (Table 2)]

IS 13712: Ordering, Sampling & Acceptance Conditions - Key Points

1. Ordering Specification (Clause 6.2)

• Tile description (e.g., split, dust pressed)
• Relevant standard number
• Classification per Table 2 (based on water absorption & shaping)
• Nominal size & work size
• Surface nature (glazed/unglazed)

2. Classification of Tiles (Table 2)

3. Sampling & Acceptance (Clause 7.3)

• Sampling and acceptance criteria are per IS 13630 (Part 15).
• Refer to IS 13630 series for detailed test methods and acceptance limits.

4. Dimension Definitions (Table 1)

5. Additional Notes

• Final test values should be rounded as per IS 2:1960.
• Refer to IS 13630 parts for tests on dimensions, water absorption, modulus of rupture, thermal expansion, abrasion resistance, etc.

Summary Diagram: Ordering to Acceptance Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Order Specification] --> B[Tile Description, Classification, Size, Surface]
    B --> C

IS 13712 - List of Referred Indian Standards

This standard references several parts of IS 13630 and other IS codes related to ceramic tiles testing, modular coordination, and chemical resistance.

Key Referenced IS Standards:

Notes:

• These parts cover physical, chemical, and mechanical tests essential for ceramic tile quality.
• Sampling and acceptance criteria are detailed in IS 13630 (Part 15).
• Modular coordination is supported by IS 4993 and IS 10316.

Summary Diagram of Test Categories (IS 13630 Parts):

graph TD