The 1988 edition of IS 2691 outlines the specifications for burnt clay facing bricks, detailing dimensional criteria, physical characteristics, and quality benchmarks to guarantee both longevity and visual appeal. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality assessors involved in selecting or producing facing bricks intended for exposed masonry without additional surface treatments.
Overview
The 1988 edition of IS 2691 outlines the specifications for burnt clay facing bricks, detailing dimensional criteria, physical characteristics, and quality benchmarks to guarantee both longevity and visual appeal. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality assessors involved in selecting or producing facing bricks intended for exposed masonry without additional surface treatments.
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Overview of IS 2691 covering the required dimensions, tolerances, and physical properties for burnt clay facing bricks used in construction.
| Dimension (mm) | Allowed Variation (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Clarification of terms as per IS 2248:1981 referenced in Clause 2.1 of IS 2691.
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Covered in Clause 5 of IS 2691.
Detailed requirements include:
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Specifications for burnt clay facing bricks emphasize:
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Additional requirements:
Key physical standards include:
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Sampling and test criteria adhere to IS 5454:1978.
| Dimension (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 190 | ±3 |
| 90 | ±2 |
| 40 | ±2 |
Testing reference table:
| Test | Standard Reference | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | IS 3495 Part 1 | Meets IS 2691 specifications |
| Water Absorption | IS 3495 Part 2 | Within specified limits |
| Efflorescence | IS 3495 Part 3 | Absence of harmful deposits |
| Warpage | IS 3495 Part 4 | ≤ 2.5 mm |
Per Clauses 7.1 and 7.1.1:
Marking supports traceability and confirms ongoing quality control.
Frequently Asked
IS 2691 specifies that burnt clay facing bricks should have nominal thickness of 40 mm with an allowable tolerance of ±2 mm, an overall length of 190 mm with ±3 mm tolerance, and width of 90 mm with ±2 mm tolerance. The bricks must have flat rectangular faces, parallel sides, sharp and straight right-angled edges, and should be free from cracks, defects, or free lime nodules with an even texture, ensuring suitability for exposed masonry applications without extra surface protection.
The standard mandates a minimum average compressive strength of 10 N/mm² for facing bricks, as outlined in Clause 5.1. Testing is done following IS 3495 (Part 1) procedures. The bricks must be made from burnt clay, shale, or their combination, ensuring uniform quality and color suitable for exposed masonry without additional protective finishes.
Water absorption testing is conducted according to IS 3495 (Part 2)-1976, where bricks are dried to a constant weight, immersed in water for 24 hours, then surface-dried and weighed again. The water absorption percentage is calculated by the weight difference relative to the dry weight. The maximum allowed water absorption is 15% by weight, ensuring the bricks' durability and resistance to weather effects.
Facing bricks must exhibit no harmful efflorescence as per testing under IS 3495 (Part 3), ensuring no visible white deposits or patches. Warpage should not exceed 2.5 mm in deviation from a flat plane, tested in line with IS 3495 (Part 4). Additionally, bricks must be free from cracks and flaws, maintain plane rectangular faces, parallel sides, and sharp, right-angled edges to guarantee proper alignment and durability in exposed masonry.
Each brick must carry the manufacturer's identification mark or initials. Optionally, bricks can also bear the BIS Standard Mark, indicating compliance with IS 2691 standards and that production is under a regulated quality control and inspection system supervised by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Standard Mark usage is license-controlled under the BIS Act 1986 and assures ongoing conformity and traceability.
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