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.
Overview
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.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 2691: Scope and Key Specifications
| Dimension (mm) | Permissible Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
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]
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).
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]
IS 2691: General Quality Requirements - Key Points
| Dimension (mm) | Permissible Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
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.
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.
IS 2691: Dimensions and Tolerances for Facing Bricks
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
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.
IS 2691: Physical Requirements Summary
| Dimension (mm) | Permissible Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
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.
IS 2691 - Sampling and Criteria for Testing
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
| Test | IS Reference | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | IS 3495 Part 1 | As per IS 2691 requirements |
| Water Absorption | IS 3495 Part 2 | Within specified limits |
| Efflorescence | IS 3495 Part 3 | No harmful efflorescence |
| Warpage | IS 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.
IS 2691 - Marking of Clay Building Bricks
| Dimension (mm) | Permissible Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ± 3 |
| 90 | ± 2 |
| 40 | ± 2 |
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.
Frequently Asked
IS 2691: Standard Dimensions and Tolerances for Burnt Clay Facing Bricks
Standard Size:
Permissible Tolerances on 40 mm dimension:
Brick Shape & Quality:
These specifications ensure bricks are suitable for exposed masonry without additional surface protection, maintaining durability and aesthetics.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thickness (nominal) | 40 mm |
| Tolerance on thickness | ± 2 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular, parallel sides, right angles |
| Surface quality | Free from cracks/flaws, even texture |
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This ensures bricks meet the minimum quality and dimensional standards for facing applications as per IS 2691.
According to IS 2691, the minimum compressive strength for facing bricks is specified in:
This ensures durability and resistance suitable for external exposure and architectural aesthetics.
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Water Absorption Test as per IS 2691:
[ \text{Water Absorption (%)} = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]
This limit ensures durability and resistance to weathering for burnt clay bricks.
| Parameter | Value/Method |
|---|---|
| Test Standard | IS 3495 (Part 2)-1976 |
| Immersion Duration | 24 hours |
| Max Water Absorption | 15% (by weight) |
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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:
| Property | Test Method | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Efflorescence | IS 3495 Part 3 | No harmful deposits |
| Warpage | IS 3495 Part 4 | ≤ 2.5 mm |
| Cracks/Flaws | Visual inspection | None allowed |
This ensures facing bricks are durable, visually appealing, and suitable for exposed masonry without further surface treatment.
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:
| Marking Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's ID/Initials | Traceability 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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