IS 5871:1987 specifies the requirements and composition for bitumen mastic used in tanking and damp-proofing applications such as underground tanks, basements, water reservoirs, and swimming pools. It guides engineers and construction professionals on the appropriate materials, mixing procedures, and quality criteria to ensure effective waterproofing and durability against dampness and weathering.
Overview
IS 5871:1987 specifies the requirements and composition for bitumen mastic used in tanking and damp-proofing applications such as underground tanks, basements, water reservoirs, and swimming pools. It guides engineers and construction professionals on the appropriate materials, mixing procedures, and quality criteria to ensure effective waterproofing and durability against dampness and weathering.
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Contents
Structure
IS 5871: Scope & Key Specifications for Bitumen
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS 1208-1978 |
| Loss on heating (%) (max) | ≤ 1 | IS 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (min) | ≥ 99 | IS 1216-1978 |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen for Waterproofing] --> B[Must meet physical properties]
B --> C[Softening Point 50-90°C]
B --> D[Penetration 20-40 (1/100 cm)]
B --> E[Ductility ≥ 3 cm at 27°C]
B --> F[Loss on Heating ≤ 1%]
B --> G[Solubility in CS2 ≥ 99%]
A --> H[Test Methods as per IS codes]
This ensures quality and durability of bituminous materials in waterproofing applications.
IS 5871 Key References: Bitumen Properties & Composition
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | 1 | IS 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (min) | 99 | IS 1216-1978 |
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75-micron IS Sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212-micron & retained on 75-micron IS Sieve | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600-micron & retained on 212-micron IS Sieve | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained on 600-micron IS Sieve | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm IS Sieve | Nil |
flowchart LR
A[Bitumen] --> B[Physical Properties]
B --> B1[Softening Point (50-90°C)]
B --> B2[Penetration (20-40)]
B --> B3[Ductility (≥3
IS 5871 - Terminology & Key Specifications Summary
| Characteristic | Requirement | Test Method (IS Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS: 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS: 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (Min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS: 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (Max) | ≤ 1 | IS: 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (Min) | ≥ 99 | IS: 1216-1978 |
flowchart TD
A[IS 5871 Terminology] --> B[Use IS 334-1982 & IS 4911-1968 definitions]
B --> C[Bitumen Properties per Table 1]
C --> D[Softening Point, Penetration, Ductility, Loss on Heating, Solubility]
D --> E[Conformance checked by IS test methods]
This summary aids in understanding the terminology and key physical requirements for bitumen in waterproofing per IS 5871.
IS 5871 - Key Materials Specifications
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 | 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | 1 | 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS₂ (%) (min) | 99 | 1216-1978 |
| Component | Percentage by Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75 micron IS Sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212 micron & retained on 75 micron | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600 micron & retained on 212 micron | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained on 600 micron | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
| Sieve Size Range | Percentage by Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Passing 75 micron IS Sieve | 0 to 10 |
| Retained on 75 micron & passing 212 micron | 10 to 18 |
| Retained on 212 micron & passing 600 micron | 40 to 54 |
| Retained on 600 micron & passing 2.36 mm | 24 to 40 |
| Retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
IS 5871: Manufacture and Composition of Bitumen Mastic
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75-micron IS Sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212-micron & retained on 75-micron | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600-micron & retained on 212-micron | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained on 600-micron | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
| Sieve Size Range | % by Weight |
|---|---|
| Passing 75 micron IS Sieve | 0 to 10 |
| Retained on 75 micron & passing 212 micron IS Sieve | 10 to 18 |
| Retained on 212 micron & passing 600 micron IS Sieve | 40 to 54 |
| Retained on 600 micron & passing 2.36 mm IS Sieve | 24 to 40 |
| Retained on 2.36 mm IS Sieve | Nil |
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS: 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS: 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min) | 3 cm | IS: 1208-1978 |
| Loss on heating (max) | 1% | IS: 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (min) | 99% |
IS 5871 - Physical Requirements for Bitumen
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 cm | IS 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | ≤ 1% | IS 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (min) | ≥ 99% | IS 1216-1978 |
| Component | Percentage by Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 – 17 |
| Aggregate < 75 micron | 42 – 52 |
| Aggregate 75–212 micron | 3 – 10 |
| Aggregate 212–600 micron | 15 – 25 |
| Aggregate 600 micron – 2.36 mm | 7 – 20 |
| Aggregate > 2.36 mm | Nil |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen Physical Properties] --> B[Softening Point: 50-90°C]
A --> C[Penetration: 20-40 (1/100 cm)]
A --> D[Ductility: ≥ 3 cm]
A --> E[Loss on Heating: ≤ 1%]
A --> F[Solubility in CS2: ≥ 99%]
G[Bitumen Mastic Composition] --> H[Soluble Bitumen: 15-17%]
G --> I[Aggregate < 75 micron: 42-52
IS 5871: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90°C | IS 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 cm | IS 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (max, %) | ≤ 1% | IS 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (min, %) | ≥ 99% | IS 1216-1978 |
flowchart TD
A[Sampling of Bitumen Mastic] --> B{Test Properties}
B --> C[Hardness Number (20-50 at 25°C)]
B --> D[Softening Point (50-90°C)]
B --> E[Penetration (20-40)]
B --> F[Ductility (≥3 cm)]
B --> G[Loss on Heating (≤1%)]
B --> H[Solubility (≥99%)]
C & D & E & F & G & H --> I
IS 5871: Testing Methods for Bitumen and Bitumen Mastic
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS: 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS: 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (Min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS: 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (Max, %) | ≤ 1 | IS: 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (Min, %) | ≥ 99 | IS: 1216-1978 |
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75 micron sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212 micron & retained 75 micron | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600 micron & retained 212 micron | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained 600 micron | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen Sample] --> B{Test Property}
B -->|Softening Point| C[IS: 1205]
B -->|Penetration| D[IS: 1203]
B -->|Ductility| E[IS: 1208]
B -->|Loss on Heating| F[IS: 1212]
B -->|
IS 5871: Packaging and Storage Key Points
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90°C | IS: 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS: 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS: 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | ≤ 1 | IS: 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (min) | ≥ 99 | IS: 1216-1978 |
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75-micron sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212-micron & retained 75-micron sieve | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600-micron & retained 212-micron sieve | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained 600-micron sieve | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen Packaging] --> B[Cast into blocks]
B --> C[Mark date & manufacturer]
A --> D[Storage]
D --> E[Dry, cool place]
D --> F[Protect from moisture & dust]
Summary: Proper labeling during packaging and controlled storage conditions are essential
IS 5871: Application Guidelines - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS: 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS: 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | ≥ 3 | IS: 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | ≤ 1 | IS: 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) (min) | ≥ 99 | IS: 1216-1978 |
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75-micron IS Sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212-micron & retained on 75-micron | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600-micron & retained on 212-micron | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2-36 mm & retained on 600-micron | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2-36 mm sieve | Nil |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen] --> B[Physical Properties]
B -->|Softening Point| C[50-90°C]
B -->|Penetration| D[20-40 (1/100 cm)]
B
IS 5871: Safety and Handling Precautions for Bitumen
While IS 5871 primarily specifies physical properties and composition of bitumen and bitumen mastic, safety and handling precautions are implied from the material characteristics and test methods.
Temperature Control:
Bitumen softening point ranges from 50 to 90°C (Table 1). Heating should be controlled to avoid overheating beyond softening point to prevent fumes and fire hazards.
Ventilation:
Heating bitumen releases fumes; ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhalation risks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Use heat-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent burns and skin contact.
Storage:
Store bitumen in sealed containers to minimize exposure to air and moisture; avoid contamination.
Handling:
Avoid direct contact; use tools for application. Follow IS: 1205, IS: 1203, IS: 1208 test procedures carefully to ensure safe sample handling.
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point | 50 to 90°C | 1205 (Ring & Ball) |
| Penetration at 25°C | 20 to 40 (1/100 cm) | 1203 |
| Ductility at 27°C | ≥ 3 cm | 1208 |
| Loss on Heating | ≤ 1% | 1212 |
| Solubility in CS2 | ≥ 99% | 1216 |
flowchart TD
A[Storage] --> B[Heating (≤ 90°C)]
B --> C{Use PPE?}
C -->|Yes| D[Safe Handling]
C -->|No| E[Risk of Burns/Inhalation]
D --> F[
IS 5871 Annexes and Appendices: Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications
| Property | Requirement | Test Method (IS Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 50 to 90 °C | IS 1205-1978 |
| Penetration at 25°C (1/100 cm) | 20 to 40 | IS 1203-1978 |
| Ductility at 27°C (min, cm) | 3 | IS 1208-1978 |
| Loss on Heating (%) (max) | 1 | IS 1212-1978 |
| Solubility in CS₂ (%) (min) | 99 | IS 1216-1978 |
| Component | % by Weight of Total Mastic |
|---|---|
| Soluble Bitumen | 15 to 17 |
| Aggregate passing 75-micron sieve | 42 to 52 |
| Aggregate passing 212-micron & retained on 75 | 3 to 10 |
| Aggregate passing 600-micron & retained on 212 | 15 to 25 |
| Aggregate passing 2.36 mm & retained on 600 | 7 to 20 |
| Aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve | Nil |
flowchart TD
A[Bitumen Properties] -->|Softening Point| B[50-90°C]
A -->|Penetration| C[20-40 (1/100 cm)]
A -->|Duct
Frequently Asked
Specified Physical Properties of Bitumen in Mastic (IS 5871):
Aggregate Gradation in Mastic (by weight):
| Particle Size Range (IS Sieve) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Passing 75 micron | 42 to 52 |
| Passing 212 micron & retained on 75 micron | 3 to 10 |
| Passing 600 micron & retained on 212 micron | 15 to 25 |
| Passing 2.36 mm & retained on 600 micron | 7 to 20 |
| Retained on 2.36 mm | Nil |
This gradation ensures a dense, voidless, flexible, and impervious mastic suitable for damp-proofing.
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Summary: Bitumen for mastic must be soluble, heated properly, and proportioned with graded aggregates to produce a semi-fluid, workable, and durable damp-proofing material.
For optimal bitumen mastic preparation per IS 5871:
Heating:
Mixing:
Consistency:
Storage:
This ensures uniform mixing, proper consistency, and prevents overheating, maintaining mastic quality and workability.
Recommended Aggregates and Fillers for Bitumen Mastic (IS 5871):
Aggregates:
Fillers:
Bitumen:
Mixing:
This combination ensures a semi-fluid consistency at 180℃, suitable for compressible, compact, uniform flooring layers.
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Yes, according to IS 5871, bitumen mastic can be pre-manufactured and transported in block form.
Key points from the code:
This approach ensures quality control and ease of handling on-site while maintaining the required consistency and performance of the bitumen mastic.
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IS 5871 (1987) covers bitumen mastic for tanking and damp-proofing. Although the provided clauses lack explicit conformity criteria, typical criteria to determine conformity include:
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Softening Point | As specified (e.g., 50-70°C) |
| Penetration | Within specified range |
| Ductility | Minimum mm at 25°C |
| Water Impermeability | No leakage under test conditions |
For exact values, refer to the detailed tables in IS 5871.
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Summary: Conformity is confirmed by meeting all specified physical and performance criteria through standardized testing.
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