IS 13712:1993

( Reaffirmed 1998 )

hdian Standard
CERAMIC TILES - DEFINITIONS,
CLASSIFICATIONS, CHARACTERISTICS
AND MARKING

UDC 666’3-413 : 001’4

@ BIS 1993

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS ,

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 110002

April 1993 Price Group 3

Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing Sectional Committee, CED 5

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Division Council.

In the formulation of this standard considerable assistance has been derived from EN 87 ‘Ceramic
floor and wall tiles - Definitions, Classifications, Characteristics and Marking’, published by the
European Committee for Standardization ( CEN ). The Committee responsible for the preparation
of this standard is given at Annex A.
 IS 13712 : 1993

Indian Standard
CERAMICTILES -DEFINITIONS,
CLASSIFICATIONS,CHARACTERISTICS
ANDMARKING
1 SCOPE ISNo. Title

1.1 This standard gives definitions, classification, 13630 (Part 8) : Ceralmc tiles- Methods of test:
characteristics and marking requirements for ceramic 1993 Part 8 Determination of chemical
tiles generally used for floor and wall surfaces. Ceramic resistance - Glazed tiles
tiles also include mosaics, factory slabs, pavers and
13630 (Part 9) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
components for swimming pools, as well as the
1993 Part 4 Determination of crazing
corresponding accessories (edge, corner and
resistance - Glazed tiles
skirting tiles and beads and other pieces).
13630 (Part 10) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
1.2 This standard applies to tiles of the best 1993 Part 10 Determination of frost
commercial quality (first quality) unless otherwise resistance
specified in the relevant product standard.
13630 (Part 11) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
1993 Part 11 Determination of resistance
2 REFERENCES to surface abrasion - Glazed tiles

The following Indian Standards are necessary 13630 (Part 12) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
adjunct to this standard: 1993 Part 12 Determination of
resistance to deep abrasion -
ISNo. Title Unglazed tiles
13630 (Part 13) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
4993 : 1983 Glossary of terms relating to
1993 Part 13 Determination of scratch
modular co-ordination ( second
hardness of surface according to
revision )
Mobs
10316 : 1986 Recommendation for modular
co-ordination - Basic module 3 DEFINITIONS
and submodular increments
3.1 Ceramic Tiles
13630 (Part 1) : Ceramic tiles - Methodsof test:
Part 1 Determination of Thin slabs made from clays, silica, fluxes, colouring
199:
dimensions and surfacsquality and other mineral raw materials, generally used as
coverings for floors, walls or facades. They are
13630 (Part 2) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test: prepared by grinding, sieving, mixing, moistening,
1992 Part 2 Determination of water etc, and are shaped by pressing, extruding, casting or
absorption other processes, usually at room temperature. They are
then dried and subsequently fired at a high tempera-
13630 (Part 3) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test: ture. Tiles can be glazed (GL), unglazed (UGL) or
1992 Part 3 Determination of moisture engobed and are incombustible and unaffected by
expansion using boiling water - light.
Unglazed tiles

13630 (Part 4) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test: 3.2 Glaze

1992 Part 4 Determination of linear A vertritied covering which is practically impermeable.
thermal expansion
13630 (Part 5) : Ceramic tiles -Methods 3.3 Engobe
of test:
1992 Part 5 Determination of resistance A clay-based covering with a matt finish which can be
to thermal shock permeable or impermeable.
13630 (Part 6) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test:
3.4 Once-Fired
1993 Part 6 Determination of modulus
of rupture Glazed before firing.
13630 (Part 7) : Ceramic tiles -Methods of test: 3.5 Twice-Fired
1993 Part 7 Determination of chemical
resistance - Unglazed tiles Glazed after a first firing then fired a second time.
1
IS 13712 : 1993

3.6 Extruded Tiles (Shaping A) 3.15.1 Modular Sizes

Tiles whose body is shaped in the plastic ‘Istate in an This covers tiles and sizes based on M (see IS 10316 :
extruder, the column obtained being cut into tiles of 1986 where M = 100 mm), 2M, 3M and 5M and also
predetermined lengths. their multiples or subdivisions, except for tiles with a
surface area of less than 9 000 mm2.
3.6.1 Split Tiles (Spalt Pattern)
NOTE - The most important examples of modular sizes are
Formed as double tiles which are separated after firing listed in the indivi,dual product standards. A generaldefinitionof
dimensions is given in Table 1.
to obtain single tiles. T@e)! can k glazed or unglazed
and have characte’ris~ic p&iikj’iidges on the back. 3.152 Non-modular Sizes

3.6.2 Quarry he.s The sizes excluding those that are based on M.
Tiles that are cut in succession fro’? a single extruded 4 CLASSIFICATION
column, are eithei pressed or not pressed and are
sometimes glazed. Ceramic tiles are divided into groups according to
:
theirmethodofmanufactureandtheirwaterabsorption
3.7 Dust Pressed Tiles’(Sha&g B) (see 3.9 and Table 2). The groups do not presuppose
the usage of the products.
Tiles formed from a body reduced to powder or small
grains and shaped in moulds at high pressure. They 4.1 Methods of Manufacture
may be glazed or unglazed.
See 3.6 (extruded tiles), 3.7 (dust pressed tiles) and 3.8
3.8 Cast Tiles (Shaping C) (casi tiles).
The body is cast into a mould or on to a porous 4.2 Water Absorption Groups
refractory batt which absorbs the watei: They can be
glazed or unglazed. 4.2.1 Tiles of low water absorption (Group I)

3.9 Water Absorption (E) Es 3%

The water absorption (percent by mass) measured in 4.2.2,..Tiles of medium water absorption (Group II)
accordance with IS 13630 (Part 2) : 1992.
3% c E 2 10%
3.10 Coordinating Size
Gifirrlj’II “Is further divided as follows:
The size of coordinating dimension (see IS 4993 :
1983). a) 3% <B I 6% (Group IIa)

3.11 Nominal Size b) 6%,<‘E 5 10% (Group IIb).

The size used to describe the product. 4.2.3 Tiles of high water absorption (Group III)

3.12 Work Size E > 10%

The size of a tile specified for manufacturing to 5 CHARACTERISTICS

which the actual size has to conform within specified
permissible deviations. Characteristics for different applications of ceramic
floor and wall tiles ale given in Table 3.
3.13 Actual Size
6 MARKING AND SPECIFICATION
The size obtained by measuring a tile in accordance
with IS 13630 (Part 1) : 1993. 6.1 Marking

3.14 Tolerances Ceramic tiles,aPd/or iheir packaging shall be marked

as follows: ’
The difference between the permissible limits of size. a) The manufacturer’s trademark and/or a suitable
work’s mark and the country of origin;
3.15 Sizes
b) ne’quility;
NOTE -These are only defined for rectangular tiles. If the sizes
of non-rectangular tiles are required. they are &fined by the c) Refe;e& to the standard with which they
smallest rectangle into which they will fit. comply;

2
 IS 13712 : 1993

d) The nominal size and work size, modular(M) 4 The nominal size and the work size;
or non-modular, e.g.
4 The nature of the tile surface : whether glazed
M100mmx1OOmm(W=98mmx98mm) or unglazed.
or 152 mm x 152 mm (W= 152.4 mm x 152.4
mm): 7 ORDERING, SAMPLING AND ACCEPTANCE
CONDITIONS
e) The nature of the tile surface, that is, whether
glazed or unglazed. 7.1 When an order is placed, items such as size,
thickness, nature of surface, colour, relief and any
6.2 Specification
special properties shall be agreed by the parties 1
concerned.
A brief specification shall be supplied which shall
include the following: 7.2 Reference shall be made to the individual product
a) The description of the tile, for example, split, standards which deal with the appropriate tolerances,
dust pressed etc.; requirements and acceptance conditions for each
product group.
b) The number of the relevant standard;
c) The classification as given in this standard 7.3 Sampling and basis for acceptance are described
(see Table 2); in a separate standard.

Table 1 General Defmition of Dimensions

[ Clause 3.15.1 (Note) ]

DilIWldOllS Symbol Modular Non-modular

N,+J
Coordinating dimension C W+J
W”:J

W+J -
N,
Nominal dimension
- N2==-w
N2

Work dimension W W W

Joint width J J J

Table 2 Classification of Ceramic Tiles According to Their Groups

[ Clauses 4 and 6.2 (c) ]

Group IIa Group IIb Group III

6%<E5.10% E>lO%

Group AI Group AIIa Group AIIb Group AI11

B Group BI Group BIIa Group BIIb Group BIII

C
I Group CI
I
Group CIIa Group CIIb Group CIII
IS 13712 : 1993

Table 3 Characteristics for Different Applications

( Clause 5 )

T Floors
T Walls
T Test Methods
as per
Interior Exterior Interior Exterior IS 13630

Dimension and Surface Quality

X X
a>Length and width X X

X X X X
b> Thickness

4 Straightness of sides X X X X

Rectangularity X X X X (Part 1)
‘4
X X X X
9 Surface flatness (curvature and
warpage)
fl Surface quality X X X X

Physical Properties

g> Water absorption X X X X (Part 2)

h> Modulus of rupture X X X X (Part 6)

j> Linear thermal expansion X X X X (Part 4)

k). Resistance to thermal shock X X X X (Part 5)

4 Crazing resistance of glazed tiles X X X X (Part 9)

4 Frost resistance X X X X (Part 10)

P) Moisture expansion of unglazed X X X X (Part 3)

tiles with boiling water
absorption, E > 6%

q) Resistance to surface abrasion of X X (Part 11)

glazed tiles

r) Resistance to deep abrasion of X X (Part 12)

unglazed tiles

s) Scratch hardness of surface X X X X (Part 13)

Chemical Resistance

9 Resistance to staining of glazed X X X X (Part 8)

tiles
u) Resistance to household X X X X (Part 7)
chemicals and swimming pool
water cleansers
v) Resistance to acids .X X X X
w) Resistance to alkalis X X x .’ x I

NOTE -Frost resistance is an optional test.

4
 IS 13712: 1993

ANNEXA
(Foreword )
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing Sectional Committee, CED 5

Chairman Representing
SHRI P. KRL?XANAN Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

Members
DR. P. S. AGGARWAL Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Calcutta
SHRI M. P. CHCIRE Indian Oil Corporation Limited, New Delhi
SHRI R. N. BISWAS (Alternate)
BRIG W. S. CHONA Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, New Delhi
SHIU MANMOHANSINGH(Alternate)
DY CHIEF ENGINEER(P & D) Ministry of Railways (Research, Designs and Standards
SR ENGINEER(P & D) (Alternate) Organization), New Delhi
DIRECTOR
SHRI R. SRINIVASAN
(Alternate) Coromandel Prodorite, Madras
DIRECTOR
RESEARCHOFFICER
(Alternate) Maharashtra Engineering Research Institue, Nasik
SHRI 0. P. GUPTA Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi
DR V. S. GUPTA Projects and Development India Limited, Sindri, Dhanbad
DR P. K., GHOSH (Alternate)
SHRI D. K. KANUNG~ National Test House, Calcutta
SHR~ R. KAPOOR(Alternate)
SHRI A. C. KAPOOR Modern Tiles & Marble, New Delhi
SHRI S. C. KAPOOR(Alfernate)

SHRI R. C. KEHAR National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd, Delhi

SHRI B. B. KUMAR(Alternate)

SHRI MUZZAFARALI KHAN Indian Institute of Architects, Bombay

SHRI R. C. MANGAL In Personal Capacity (47, GodavariApartments,Alaknanda, Kalkaji,
NewDelhi 110019)

DR S. P. MANIK Research, Designs and Standards Organization, Lucknow

SHRI A. K. L&L National Buildings Organization, New Delhi

SHRI A. G. DHANGADE(Alternate)
SHRI N. N. ROHATGI Institution of Engineers (India), Calcutta

SHRI T. K. Rou STP Limited, Calcutta

SHRI B. B. BANERIEE (Alternate)
SHRI B. SHAH Steel Authority of India Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI K. L. SHAH Bhor Industries Ltd, Bombay
SHRI R. D. PATEL (Alternate)
SHRI J.S. SHARMA Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

SHRI R. S. SHUKL4 In Personal Capacity (B-190, Sector 55, Noida, U.P.)

SHRI S. SUNDRAM Ceat Tyres of India Limited, Hyderabad

SHRI RAIBNDRAPAL (Alternate)
SUPERINTENDINGENGINEER Public Works Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
FXECLITI~I?ENGINEER(Alternate)
SUPERINTJXNDING
SURVEYOROF WORKS (NDZ) -III Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SURVEYOROF WORK?, - 3 (Alternate)
SHRI W. N. TALWAR Builder’s Association of India, Bombay
SHRI PAWAN TALWAR(Altertrate)
SHRI Y. R. TANEIA, Director General, BIS (&-officio Member)
Director-in-Charge (Civ Engg)

Secretary
SHRI R. S. JUNEJA
Deputy Director (Civ Engg), BIS

5
IS13712:1993

Ceramic Floor and Wall Tiles Subcommittee, CED 5 : 8

Convener Representing

DR P.S. AGGARWAL Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Calcutta

CIIY ENGINEER Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay, Bombay

DY CRY ENGINEER (Akmte)

SHRI MAHENDRA K. DAGA Somany-Pilkingtons Ltd, Kassar (Rohtak)

De~wt~ DIRE~~R (PHYSICAL) National Test House, Calcutta

DIRECTOR M/s H & R Johanson (India) Ltd, Bombay

SHRIA. A. GANPULJZ Parshuram Pottery Works Co Ltd, Thangadh (Distt Sundemagar)

SHRI B.S. MATHUR Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi

Smu P. D. VAD~RA (AIternate)

SHRI R. M. MEHRA M/s M&a Associates, Bombay

SHRI M. M. MISTRY National Building Organization, New Delhi

SHRI A. G. DHANGADE(Alternate)

SHIU VED Mrrr~~ M/s Ved & Associates, Dehra Dun

Srmt H.M. KHAN Kajaria Ceramics Ltd, Sikandrabad

SHRI D. D. RISHI (Alternate)
Standard Mark

The use of the Standard Mark IS governed by the provrstons of the Bureau o/ Indian
Standards Act, 1986 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The Standard Mark on
products covered by an Indian Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced
to comply with the requirements of that standard under a well defined system of inspection,
testing and quality control which is devised and supervised by BIS and operated by the
producer. Standard marked products are also continuously checked by BJS for conformtty
to that standard as a further safeguard. Details of condrtions under which a iicence for the
use of the Standard Mark may be granted to manufacturers or producers may be obtained
from the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution_ . established

. . under
_ the Bureau of lndian Standards Acr, 1986 to promote
harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods
and attending KOconnected matters in the country.

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course of implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade
designations. Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director ( Publications ), BIS.

Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also
reviewed periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no
changes are needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed. it is taken up for revision. Users of
Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by
referring to the latest issue of ‘BIS Handbook’ and ‘Standards Monthly Additions’. Comments on this
lndian Standard may be sent to BIS giving the following reference :

Dot : No. CED 5 ( 5227 )

Amendments issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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