Retrieval, Not Generation
IS Code.ai is a retrieval system — it finds and cites answers from specific Indian Standard codes. It is not a general-purpose AI chatbot. If the answer isn't in the ingested codes, it will tell you honestly.
What this system does
- ✓ Retrieves exact clauses, tables, and definitions from ingested IS codes
- ✓ Cites the specific clause number and page for every fact
- ✓ Reproduces tables exactly as published — never summarizes them
- ✓ Cross-references related clauses from the same standard
- ✓ Tells you honestly when it cannot find the answer
- ✓ Shows confidence level and source chunks for verification
What this system does NOT do
- ✗ Not a general engineering chatbot — won't explain textbook concepts
- ✗ Won't interpolate between table values or estimate
- ✗ Won't perform structural calculations or design
- ✗ Won't provide answers from IS codes not yet ingested
- ✗ Won't interpret engineering diagrams or figures
- ✗ Cannot sign off on designs — always verify with a licensed engineer
How to ask effective queries
“What is the gradient for a 150 mm pipe per IS 1742?”
Direct clause & table lookup
“What does Clause 4.6.1.2 state?”
Specific clause retrieval
“What is the fixture unit value for a flush valve water closet?”
Table value lookup
“What is the minimum self-cleansing velocity for sewers?”
Embedded engineering value
“What are the requirements for testing drainage systems?”
Multi-clause synthesis
“Explain Manning's formula”
Textbook knowledge — not in context
“Calculate the flow rate for my project”
Requires engineering calculation
“What is the definition of dead load?”
May not be in the ingested IS code
“Design a beam for 5m span”
Structural design — not a code lookup
“Compare IS 456 with ACI 318”
Cross-standard comparison
Understanding confidence levels
High Confidence
Exact match found in retrieved clauses. The answer is directly stated in the IS code text.
Medium Confidence
Partial match — a related clause was found but may not cover your exact scenario.
Low Confidence
No relevant data in retrieved context. The information may not exist in the ingested codes.
Answer types explained
Table Lookup
Data retrieved from a specific table in the IS code
Definition
Term definition from the terminology section
General
Prose-based clause retrieval and synthesis
Calculation
Values requiring computation from code provisions
Clause Not Found
The specified clause doesn't exist in this document
How citations & verification work
Retrieval
Your question is embedded and matched against our vector database of IS code chunks. The most relevant clauses and tables are retrieved.
Grounded generation
The AI is constrained to answer ONLY using the retrieved context. It cannot use its own training data. Every number and fact must come from the retrieved chunks.
Your verification
Every answer shows source chunks with clause numbers, page references, and match scores. Click “Show source chunks” to read the original text the AI used.
Important disclaimer
IS Code.ai is an engineering productivity tool. Outputs must never be used for actual construction or design without independent verification by a licensed professional engineer. The system retrieves information from digitized IS codes — it does not replace professional engineering judgment, local municipal bylaws, or the National Building Code.