IS 26911988AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

burnt clay facing bricks-Specification

IS 2691:1988 specifies the requirements for burnt clay facing bricks used in building construction, focusing on dimensions, physical properties, and quality standards to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. It applies to manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in producing or specifying facing bricks for exposed masonry work without additional surface protection.

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32Clauses Indexed
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1988Edition
Clay and Stabilized Soil Products for ConstructionCategory
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What This Standard Covers

IS 2691:1988 specifies the requirements for burnt clay facing bricks used in building construction, focusing on dimensions, physical properties, and quality standards to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. It applies to manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in producing or specifying facing bricks for exposed masonry work without additional surface protection.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Architects
  • Construction Contractors
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Brick Manufacturers
  • Masonry Specialists
  • Building Material Suppliers

Key Topics Covered

Material composition and quality
Standard dimensions and tolerances
Compressive strength requirements
Water absorption limits
Efflorescence standards
Warpage limits
Marking and identification of bricks
Sampling and testing procedures
Manufacturing quality control
Surface texture and color uniformity
Usage recommendations for exposed masonry
Standard Mark licensing and compliance

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 2691: Scope and Key Specifications

  • Scope: Covers dimensions, tolerances, and physical requirements for specific construction components as per IS 2691:1988.

Key Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 4.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2

Physical & Quality Requirements

  • Definitions follow IS 2248:1981.
  • Quality and testing conform to IS 2691:1988 reaffirmed in 2006.
  • Ensures standardization in manufacturing and usage.

Summary: IS 2691 specifies dimensional tolerances for components (e.g., bricks or blocks) with ±2 to ±3 mm allowed variation, ensuring uniformity and quality in construction materials.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 2691 Scope] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances]
    B --> C{Dimension}
    C -->|190 mm| D[±3 mm]
    C -->|90 mm| E[±2 mm]
    C -->|40 mm| F[±2 mm]
    A --> G[Physical Requirements]
    G --> H[IS 2248 Definitions]
    G --> I[Quality per IS 2691:1988]
2Definitions

IS 2691 - Definitions & Key Specifications

  • Reference for Definitions:
    Per Clause 2.1, definitions follow IS 2248:1981 (Specification for concrete masonry units).

  • Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 4.2):

    Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
    190± 3
    90± 2
    40± 2
  • Physical Requirements:
    Covered under Clause 5 (details in IS 2691).


Summary:

  • Use IS 2248:1981 for terminology and definitions.
  • Maintain dimensional tolerances as per the table above.
  • Ensure compliance with physical requirements and quality as per IS 2691 clauses.
flowchart TD
    A[IS 2691 Definitions] --> B[Refer IS 2248:1981]
    A --> C[Dimension Tolerances]
    C --> D[190 mm ± 3 mm]
    C --> E[90 mm ± 2 mm]
    C --> F[40 mm ± 2 mm]
3General Quality Requirements

IS 2691: General Quality Requirements - Key Points

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 4.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2

2. Physical Requirements

  • Efflorescence (Clause 5.3):
    Must be NIL when tested as per IS 3495 (Part 3)-1976.

  • Warpage (Clause 5.4):
    Maximum allowable warpage is 2.5 mm, tested as per IS 3495 (Part 4)-1976.

3. Reference Standards for Tests

  • Compressive Strength: IS 3495 (Part 1)
  • Water Absorption: IS 3495 (Part 2)
  • Efflorescence: IS 3495 (Part 3)
  • Warpage: IS 3495 (Part 4)

Summary Diagram of Quality Checks

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Brick Sample] --> B{Dimension Check}
    B -->|Within Tolerance| C{Efflorescence Test}
    B -->|Out of Tolerance| D[Reject Sample]
    C -->|NIL Efflorescence| E{Warpage Test}
    C -->|Efflorescence Present| D
    E -->|≤ 2.5 mm| F[Accept Sample]
    E -->|> 2.5 mm| D

This ensures bricks meet dimensional accuracy and physical integrity per IS 2691.

4Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 2691: Dimensions and Tolerances for Facing Bricks

Key Specifications (Clause 4.2)

Dimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2
  • Bricks must have plane rectangular faces, parallel sides, and sharp straight right-angled edges (Clause 3.2).
  • Tolerances ensure uniformity for proper masonry bonding and aesthetics.
  • Dimensions are in millimeters; tolerances are liberalized for the 40 mm thickness dimension (±2 mm instead of ±1.5 mm).

Additional Notes:

  • Bricks should be free from cracks, flaws, nodules of free lime, and have an even texture.
  • Facing bricks are intended for exposed masonry without further surface protection.
  • Compliance values should be rounded as per IS 2-1960 rounding rules.
flowchart LR
    A[Brick Dimensions] --> B[Length: 190 mm ±3]
    A --> C[Width: 90 mm ±2]
    A --> D[Thickness: 40 mm ±2]
    B & C & D --> E[Ensures uniform masonry]
    E --> F[Better bonding & aesthetics]

This concise table and notes help maintain quality and dimensional accuracy for facing bricks per IS 2691.

5Physical Requirements

IS 2691: Physical Requirements Summary

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 4.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2

2. Water Absorption (Clause 5.2)

  • Maximum water absorption: 15% (after 24 hours immersion)
  • Test method as per IS 3495 (Part 2) - 1976

3. General Quality Notes

  • Dimensions in millimeters
  • Compressive strength in N/mm²
  • Facing bricks are for exposed masonry without additional surface protection.
  • Tolerances liberalized for 40 mm dimension from ±1.5 mm to ±2 mm for manufacturing practicality.

Important Reference:

  • Definitions as per IS 2248-1981
  • Rounding off values as per IS 2-1960

flowchart TD
    A[Brick Manufacturing] --> B[Dimension Control]
    B --> C{Check Tolerances}
    C -->|Within ± tolerance| D[Accept Brick]
    C -->|Outside Tolerance| E[Reject Brick]
    A --> F[Water Absorption Test]
    F -->|≤ 15%| D
    F -->|> 15%| E

This ensures bricks meet physical standards for durability and dimensional accuracy.

6Sampling and Criteria for Testing

IS 2691 - Sampling and Criteria for Testing

Key Reference:

  • Clause 6.1: Sampling and testing criteria follow IS 5454:1978 (Methods of sampling and testing for burnt clay building bricks).

Sampling Procedure (per IS 5454):

  • Samples shall be taken randomly from the lot.
  • Minimum sample size depends on lot size (e.g., for lots up to 500 bricks, sample 20 bricks).
  • Samples must represent the lot adequately to ensure uniformity.

Testing Criteria:

  • Tests include compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, and warpage.
  • Warpage limit: ≤ 2.5 mm (Clause 5.4, IS 3495 Part 4).

Dimensions and Tolerances (Clause 4.2):

Dimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2

Summary Table of Tests:

TestIS ReferenceAcceptance Criteria
Compressive StrengthIS 3495 Part 1As per IS 2691 requirements
Water AbsorptionIS 3495 Part 2Within specified limits
EfflorescenceIS 3495 Part 3No harmful efflorescence
WarpageIS 3495 Part 4≤ 2.5 mm

flowchart TD
    A[Sampling as per IS 5454] --> B[Testing]
    B --> C[Compressive Strength (IS 3495-1)]
    B --> D[Water Absorption (IS 3495-2)]
    B --> E[Efflorescence (IS 3495-3)]
    B --> F[Warpage (IS 3495-4)]
    F --> G{Warpage ≤ 2.5 mm?}
    G -->|Yes| H[Accept]
    G -->|No| I[Reject]

Note: Always refer to IS 5454 for detailed sampling plans and IS 3495 for test methods.

7Marking

IS 2691 - Marking of Clay Building Bricks

Key Specifications for Marking (Clause 7.1 & 7.1.1)

  • Each brick shall be marked with the manufacturer’s identification mark or initials.
  • Bricks may also bear the BIS Standard Mark, indicating compliance with BIS quality and inspection systems.
  • Use of the Standard Mark is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986.

Dimensions and Tolerances (Clause 4.2)

Dimension (mm)Permissible Tolerance (mm)
190± 3
90± 2
40± 2

Notes:

  • The Standard Mark assures continuous quality control and conformity.
  • Marking helps traceability and quality assurance.
  • Refer IS 2248-1981 for definitions related to clay bricks.

flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer] --> B[Mark bricks with ID/initials]
    B --> C{Use Standard Mark?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Apply BIS Standard Mark]
    C -->|No| E[Only Manufacturer Mark]
    D --> F[Quality Assurance & BIS Inspection]
    E --> F

This ensures traceability and compliance with IS 2691 standards.

Popular Questions About IS 2691

?What are the standard dimensions and permissible tolerances for burnt clay facing bricks under IS 2691?

IS 2691: Standard Dimensions and Tolerances for Burnt Clay Facing Bricks

  • Standard Size:

    • Thickness: 40 mm (nominal)
  • Permissible Tolerances on 40 mm dimension:

    • ± 2 mm (liberalized from ±1.5 mm in previous revisions)
  • Brick Shape & Quality:

    • Plane rectangular faces
    • Parallel sides
    • Sharp, straight, right-angled edges
    • Free from cracks, flaws, and nodules of free lime
    • Even texture and thoroughly burnt

These specifications ensure bricks are suitable for exposed masonry without additional surface protection, maintaining durability and aesthetics.


Summary Table

ParameterSpecification
Thickness (nominal)40 mm
Tolerance on thickness± 2 mm
ShapeRectangular, parallel sides, right angles
Surface qualityFree from cracks/flaws, even texture
Loading diagram...

This ensures bricks meet the minimum quality and dimensional standards for facing applications as per IS 2691.

?What minimum compressive strength must facing bricks meet according to this standard?

According to IS 2691, the minimum compressive strength for facing bricks is specified in:

Clause 5.1

  • The average compressive strength shall be not less than 10 N/mm² (approximately 100 kgf/cm²).
  • This strength is determined following the procedure in IS 3495 (Part 1) - 1976.

Key Points:

  • Facing bricks must be burnt clay, shale, or mixtures thereof.
  • Uniform color and quality are mandatory.
  • These bricks are intended for exposed masonry faces without additional surface protection.

This ensures durability and resistance suitable for external exposure and architectural aesthetics.

Loading diagram...
?How is water absorption tested and what is the maximum allowed value?

Water Absorption Test as per IS 2691:

  • Test Method: According to IS 3495 (Part 2)-1976, bricks are immersed in water for 24 hours.
  • Procedure:
    1. Dry the brick specimen to a constant weight (W_dry).
    2. Immerse the brick in water for 24 hours.
    3. Remove and surface dry the brick, then weigh it (W_wet).
  • Calculation:

[ \text{Water Absorption (%)} = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]

  • Maximum Allowed Water Absorption: 15% by weight.

This limit ensures durability and resistance to weathering for burnt clay bricks.


Summary Table

ParameterValue/Method
Test StandardIS 3495 (Part 2)-1976
Immersion Duration24 hours
Max Water Absorption15% (by weight)
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?What are the requirements regarding efflorescence and warpage in facing bricks?

IS 2691 Requirements for Efflorescence and Warpage in Facing Bricks:

  • Efflorescence:
    Tested as per IS 3495 (Part 3). Facing bricks should be free from harmful efflorescence to ensure aesthetic quality and durability. The standard limits the degree of efflorescence to ensure no visible white patches or deposits on the brick surface.

  • Warpage:
    As per Clause 5.4 and IS 3495 (Part 4)-1976, the maximum allowable warpage of facing bricks is 2.5 mm. Warpage is the deviation from a flat plane and affects the uniformity and finish of brickwork.

  • Additional Quality Requirements:

    • Bricks must be free from cracks, flaws, and free lime nodules (Clause 3.2).
    • Bricks should have plane rectangular faces, parallel sides, and sharp, straight, right-angled edges for proper masonry alignment.

Summary Table

PropertyTest MethodMaximum Limit
EfflorescenceIS 3495 Part 3No harmful deposits
WarpageIS 3495 Part 4≤ 2.5 mm
Cracks/FlawsVisual inspectionNone allowed

This ensures facing bricks are durable, visually appealing, and suitable for exposed masonry without further surface treatment.

?How should bricks be marked to comply with IS 2691 and what does the Standard Mark signify?

According to IS 2691 Clause 7.1, each brick shall be marked with the manufacturer's identification mark or initials in a suitable manner.

Additionally, Clause 7.1.1 states that bricks may also be marked with the Standard Mark, which signifies:

  • Compliance with IS 2691 requirements.
  • Production under a well-defined system of inspection, testing, and quality control supervised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
  • Continuous conformity checks by BIS as a safeguard.
  • The Standard Mark is a license-controlled mark governed by the BIS Act 1986.

Summary of Brick Marking Requirements:

Marking TypePurpose
Manufacturer's ID/InitialsTraceability and identification
Standard Mark (optional)Assurance of compliance and quality control

Note: Use of the Standard Mark requires a license from BIS.

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This ensures bricks meet IS 2691 quality and dimensional standards.

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