IS 1592:2003 specifies requirements for asbestos cement pressure pipes and joints used primarily for water supply under pressure. It covers pipe classification, dimensions, physical and mechanical characteristics, joint types, and acceptance testing protocols. This standard is essential for manufacturers, purchasers, and engineers involved in the design, selection, testing, and installation of asbestos cement pressure pipes in India.
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Overview
What This Standard Covers
IS 1592:2003 specifies requirements for asbestos cement pressure pipes and joints used primarily for water supply under pressure. It covers pipe classification, dimensions, physical and mechanical characteristics, joint types, and acceptance testing protocols. This standard is essential for manufacturers, purchasers, and engineers involved in the design, selection, testing, and installation of asbestos cement pressure pipes in India.
Audience
Who Uses This Standard
Civil Engineers
Water Supply Engineers
Pipeline Designers
Quality Control Inspectors
Manufacturers of Asbestos Cement Pipes
Purchasing Agents for Water Infrastructure
Construction Project Managers
Contents
Key Topics Covered
✓Classification of asbestos cement pressure pipes by hydraulic test pressure
✓Nominal diameters and dimensional tolerances
✓Physical and mechanical characteristics including bursting and crushing strength
✓Types of joints: asbestos cement couplings and cast iron detachable joints
✓Marking and identification requirements on pipes
✓Sealing characteristics and joint performance under pressure
✓Acceptance tests including hydraulic pressure tightness and bursting tests
✓Inspection by sampling and quality assurance procedures
✓Guidelines for pipe selection relative to external loads and internal pressure
✓Manufacturing and testing protocols
✓Handling of pipes with nominal diameters exceeding 1000 mm
✓Safety factors and compliance with related IS standards
Structure
Table of Contents
1Scope▼
IS 1592 - Scope: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications
1. Tolerances on Pipes (Clause 1.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Outer diameter
+6.0 mm / -0
Length
+3 mm / -0
Thickness
+3 mm / -0
Weight
+5% / -0%
2. External Diameter of Finished Ends (Clause 2.5)
Nominal diameter ( d = ) specified nominal diameter.
For pipes > 500 mm, internal diameter checked at 3 points per end (60° apart), accuracy ±1 mm.
None of six measured diameters < allowed by formula.
IS 1592: Physical and Mechanical Characteristics Summary
1. Tolerances (Clause 1.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Unit
Outer Diameter
+6.0 / -0
mm
+3 (unspecified)
Length
-0
mm
Thickness
+3 / -0
mm
Weight
+5% / -0%
%
2. Mechanical Characteristics (Clause 3.4.3)
Unit strength from tests (3.5(a)(2), (3), (4)) must meet or exceed specified values.
For non-immersed specimens, minimum unit bursting strength = 24 N/mm² (based on manufacturing diameter if different from nominal).
3. Geometrical Characteristics (Clause 4.2.1)
Specifies dimensional accuracy and shape requirements (not detailed here).
Key Formula:
Bursting Strength (σ_b) = Load at failure / Cross-sectional area
Where:
Cross-sectional area = π × (d_o × t) (approximate for thin-walled pipes)
d_o = outer diameter
t = thickness
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturing] --> B[Dimensional Tolerances]
B --> C[Mechanical Testing]
C --> D[Unit Strength ≥ Specified Values]
D --> E[Acceptance / Rejection]
Summary: Ensure dimensional tolerances as per Clause 1.5, and verify mechanical strength ≥ 24 N/mm² for non-immersed specimens per Clause 3.4.3. Use manufacturing diameter for calculations if different from nominal.
5Joints and Sealing Requirements▼
IS 1592: Joints and Sealing Requirements - Key Points
1. Sealing Characteristics (Clause 4.2.2)
Joints must withstand the specified hydraulic test pressure even at the maximum angular deviation recommended.
Test pressure as per Clause 3.5(a)(1) (typically the design pressure or higher for safety).
2. Fluid Considerations (Clause 7.1)
Manufacturer must be informed of the fluid type to ensure compatibility of joint rings.
Special tests for chemical resistance may be required depending on fluid nature.
3. Verification by Sampling (Clause 5.2.1)
Sealing and mechanical properties can be verified by sampling tests upon request.
4. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 3.4.1.4)
The pipe section with rubber rings must meet external diameter tolerances.
Ends must be free from irregularities to maintain water tightness.
End shapes are manufacturer-defined to suit joint type.
Typical Joint Sealing Test (Hydraulic Pressure)
Parameter
Value/Requirement
Test Pressure
≥ Design pressure (see 3.5(a)(1))
Angular Deviation
Max recommended by manufacturer
Leakage
No visible leakage under test conditions
Summary Diagram: Joint Sealing Test Setup
flowchart LR
A[Pipe with Rubber Ring] --> B[Assembled Joint]
B --> C[Apply Hydraulic Pressure]
C --> D{Max Angular Deviation?}
D -->|Yes| E[Test for Leakage]
D -->|No| F[Adjust Angle]
E --> G{Leakage?}
G -->|No| H[Pass]
G -->|Yes| I[Fail - Redesign/Repair]
Note: Always refer to manufacturer specs for angular deviation and ring material compatibility per fluid conveyed.
6Marking and Identification▼
IS 1592: Marking and Identification Key Points
1. Marking Requirements (Clause 3.6.1)
Each pipe must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
Source of manufacture
Date of manufacture and batch number
Nominal diameter
Class of pipe
Pictorial warning sign as per IS 12081 (Part 2)
2. BIS Certification (Clause 3.6.2)
Pipes may carry the BIS Standard Mark indicating compliance.
3. Tolerances on Dimensions (Clause 1.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Outer diameter
+6.0 mm / -0 mm
Length
+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness
+3 mm / -0 mm
Weight
+5% / -0%
4. Verification (Clause 5.1.2)
Appearance, geometry, and marking must be verified on each consignment item.
Summary Diagram: Marking Information on Pipe
graph TD
A[Pipe] --> B[Source of Manufacture]
A --> C[Date & Batch Number]
A --> D[Nominal Diameter]
A --> E[Class of Pipe]
A --> F[Pictorial Warning (IS 12081 Pt.2)]
A --> G[BIS Mark (optional)]
This ensures traceability, quality control, and safety compliance.
7Acceptance Tests and Inspection▼
IS 1592: Acceptance Tests and Inspection Key Points
1. Measurement Specifications (Clause 6.0)
Internal Diameter: Average of measurements at 3 places.
Thickness: Average of 3 places excluding groove section.
Weight: Weight per piece in kg.
2. Acceptance Tests (Annex C)
Test Types: Specified by purchaser at order (e.g., internal hydraulic pressure tightness).
Test Scheduling: By mutual agreement; tests must complete before delivery and within 4 weeks of sampling.
Access: Purchaser has right to inspect/testing at manufacturer's premises.
Cost Responsibility:
Manufacturer pays for compulsory and initially ordered optional tests.
Purchaser pays for additional optional tests by agreement.
Inspection:
Can be 100% or by sampling.
If sampling indicates failure, 100% inspection may be required.
Certificates:
Manufacturer issues test certificates if purchaser is absent during testing.
3. Summary Table for Inspection & Testing
Aspect
Details
Internal Diameter
Average of 3 places
Thickness
Average of 3 places (excluding groove)
Weight
Per piece in kg
Test Completion Time
Before delivery, max 4 weeks after sampling
Inspection Type
100% or sampling; 100% if sampling fails
Cost Bearing
Manufacturer for compulsory/initial optional tests; purchaser for extra tests
flowchart TD
A[Order Placement] --> B{Tests Required?}
B -- Yes --> C[Schedule Tests]
C --> D[Conduct Tests]
D --> E{Tests Passed?}
E -- Yes --> F[Delivery]
E -- No --> G[Re-inspection or 100% Inspection]
G --> D
F --> H[Manufacturer Issues Certificate]
This ensures quality compliance and traceability per IS 1592 requirements.
8Sampling Procedures▼
IS 1592: Sampling Procedures & Specifications Summary
Sampling & Inspection (Clause 5.2 & 5.2.3)
Sampling follows IS 7639 procedure for inspection and acceptance.
Each inspection lot must have items of same diameter and class.
For diameters > 1000 mm, purchaser-manufacturer agreement is mandatory.
Tolerances (Clause 1.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Outer diameter
+6.0 mm / -0 mm
Outer diameter
+3 mm / -0 mm
Length
-0 mm
Thickness
+3 mm / -0 mm
Weight
+5% / -0%
Measurement Notes (Clause 6.0)
Internal diameter: Average of 3 places.
Thickness: Average of 3 places (excluding groove section).
Weight: Per piece in kg.
Acceptance Tests (Annex C)
Tests agreed at ordering; purchaser informs manufacturer.
Purchaser access to test sites and stock for inspection.
Manufacturer bears cost of compulsory and order-specified tests.
Sampling inspection can replace 100% inspection, but failing lots require full inspection.
All tests completed before delivery and within 4 weeks of sampling.
Manufacturer provides a certificate after testing.
flowchart TD
A[Order Placement] --> B[Sampling as per IS 7639]
B --> C{Diameter > 1000 mm?}
C -- Yes --> D[Agreement between purchaser & manufacturer]
C -- No --> E[Proceed with sampling]
E --> F[Tests as agreed]
F --> G{Pass?}
G -- Yes --> H[Lot Accepted]
G -- No --> I[100% inspection on failing characteristics]
I --> J{Pass?}
J -- Yes --> H
J -- No --> K[Lot Rejected]
This summary ensures compliance with IS 1592 sampling and acceptance criteria.
9Manufacturing Requirements▼
IS 1592: Manufacturing Requirements Summary
1. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 1.5 & 2.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Notes
Outer diameter
+6.0 mm / -0 mm
Length
+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness
+3 mm / -0 mm
At non-groove sections
Weight
+5% / -0%
Weight per piece in kg
Wall thickness (lower deviation)
See table below
On jointing surfaces at pipe ends
Wall Thickness Tolerances:
Nominal Thickness (mm)
Lower Tolerance (mm)
Up to 10
-1.0
>10 to 20
-1.5
>20 to 30
-2.0
>30 to 60
-3.0
>60 to 90
-3.5
>90
-4.0
Plus tolerance is free.
Thickness at any point ≥ nominal thickness minus tolerance.
Average thickness of samples ≥ nominal thickness; max 10% can have negative tolerance.
Average internal diameter measured at 3 places per end, spaced ~60° apart.
Accuracy ±1 mm.
None of the six measured diameters shall be smaller than allowed by the formula.
3. Straightness (Optional Test, Clause 2.5)
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Max Deviation f (mm)
Max Deviation j (mm)
50 to 150
5.5 × L
6.5 × L
200 to 400
4.5 × L
5.5 × L
450 to 1000
3.0 × L
4.0 × L
L = length of the pipe
4. **Acceptance Tests
10Guidelines for Selection and Installation▼
IS 1592: Guidelines for Selection and Installation of Asbestos Cement Pipes
Key Specifications and Tolerances
1. Pipe Dimensions
External Diameter (d): Nominal diameter as per clause 2.5.
Internal Diameter Check (for pipes > 500 mm):
Measure 3 diameters at each end at 60° apart; none should be smaller than allowed by formula with ±1 mm accuracy.
2. Wall Thickness Tolerances
Nominal Thickness (mm)
Lower Tolerance (mm)
Up to 10
-1.0
10 to 20
-1.5
20 to 30
-2.0
30 to 60
-3.0
60 to 90
-3.5
Over 90
-4.0
Plus tolerance is free.
Thickness at any point ≥ nominal thickness minus tolerance.
Average thickness of samples ≥ nominal thickness; max 10% with negative tolerance.
3. Length Tolerances
At least 90% pipes must be standard length (± tolerance).
Remaining pipes ≥ 2 m.
Total length supplied ≥ length ordered.
Short length pipes tested same as standard length.
4. Straightness Deviation (Optional Test)
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Max Deviation f (mm)
Max Deviation j (mm)
50 to 150
5.5 × l
6.5 × l
200 to 400
4.5 × l
5.5 × l
450 to 1000
3.0 × l
4.0 × l
l = length considered for straightness
Additional Guidelines
Special Applications: Specify aggressive water/soil conditions to manufacturer for material/treatment advice.
Safety: Delivery must include safety rules sheet as per IS 11769 (Part 1).
Acceptance Tests: Internal hydraulic pressure test mandatory for acceptance.
Short Length Pipes: Additional joints supplied free if short pipes are delivered.
11Safety and Compliance▼
IS 1592: Safety and Compliance Key Points
1. Tolerances on AC Couplings (Clause 1.5)
Parameter
Tolerance
Outer Diameter
+6.0 mm / -0 mm
Length
+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness
+3 mm / -0 mm
Weight
+5% / -0%
2. Dimensions & Weight of AC Couplings (Annex B, Clause 4.1.3)
Diameter/Class
Internal Dia (mm)
Thickness (mm)
Outer Dia (mm)
Length (mm)
Weight (kg/piece)
50/10,15
73.0
16.5
106.0
160
1.36
100/20
130.5
20.5
171.5
160
2.81
200/25
257.5
34.5
326.5
180
10.05
500/20
576.5
47.5
671.5
220
35.80
1000/25
1181.0
99.5
1380.0
220
152.13
(Refer to full table in Clause 4.1.3 for all sizes)
3. Mechanical Characteristics (Clause 3.4.3)
Couplings must meet specified mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy.
Compliance with ICS 23.040.50; 91.100.40 ensures durability and safety.
Summary:
Dimensional tolerances ensure proper fit and performance.
Weight and size tables guide selection and quality control.
Mechanical specs guarantee safety under operational loads.
flowchart TD
A[AC Coupling] --> B{Check Dimensions}
B -->|Within Tolerance| C[Accept]
B -->|Out of Tolerance
12Annexes and References▼
IS 1592 - Annexes & References Summary
Key Tables & Specifications:
Parameter
Definition/Spec
Internal Diameter
Average of 3 measurements at different places
Thickness
Average of 3 measurements (excluding groove)
Weight
Weight per piece in kg
Tolerances (Clause 1.5):
Dimension
Tolerance
Outer diameter
+6.0 mm / -0 mm
Length
+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness
+3 mm / -0 mm
Weight
+5% / -0%
Annex B: Dimensions & Weight of AC Couplings (Sample)
Diameter/Class
Internal Dia (mm)
Thickness (mm)
Outer Dia (mm)
Length (mm)
Weight (kg)
50/10,15
73.0
16.5
106.0
160
1.36
100/20
130.5
20.5
171.5
160
2.81
300/25
370.5
41.5
453.5
180
16.97
600/20
690.5
54.5
799.5
220
48.91
(Refer to Annex B for full table)
Annex C: Acceptance Tests
Tests must be agreed upon at order.
Internal hydraulic pressure test per 3.5(a)(1).
Purchaser access for inspection.
Manufacturer bears costs for compulsory and agreed optional tests.
Sampling inspection allowed, with 100% inspection if lot tends to reject.
Tests completed before delivery, max 4 weeks post-sampling.
Manufacturer’s certificate required.
Annex A: Referenced Indian Standards (Sample)
IS No.
Title
269 : 1989
Specification for 33 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement
5913 : 2003
Methods
Frequently Asked
Popular Questions About IS 1592
?What are the classification criteria for asbestos cement pressure pipes under IS 1592?▼
Classification Criteria for Asbestos Cement Pressure Pipes under IS 1592 (2003):
IS 1592 classifies asbestos cement pressure pipes primarily based on:
Pipe Thickness and Pressure Rating: Pipes are grouped into classes depending on the thickness, which correlates with the pressure they can withstand. (Note: Classes like Class 5, Class 5 TP, and Class 10 TP have been deleted; Class 1.0 is eliminated for sizes ≥ 200 mm due to field issues.)
Material Composition: Pipes must be made from a homogeneous mixture of asbestos fiber and specific grades of Portland cement (IS 269, 8112, 12269, 8041, 455, 1489, or 12330). Up to 40% ground silica or pozzolana can replace cement; up to 5% other fibers allowed.
Size and Length: Standard lengths with tolerance; at least 90% pipes must be standard length (see Clause 5.2.4).
Special Applications: For aggressive water/ground conditions, special materials or treatments may be specified.
Standard length ≥ 90% of supply; minimum 2 m for short pipes
Special Conditions
Material/treatment for aggressive environments
For detailed thickness and pressure class tables, refer to IS 1592 Clause 5 (not fully provided here).
Loading diagram...
Note: Refer to IS 1592 and IS 5913 for detailed test methods and thickness requirements.
?Which types of joints are specified for asbestos cement pressure pipes?▼
According to IS 1592, the specified joints for asbestos cement pressure pipes are:
Asbestos cement coupling with rubber sealing rings (primary joint type for normal pipe connections).
Cast iron detachable joints with rubber sealing rings and bolts/nuts (used mainly for breakage repair, maintenance, construction joints, or special fittings).
Key points from clauses 4.1.1 to 4.1.3:
Asbestos cement couplings must conform to composition and dimensional requirements (see Annex B).
The joint must be flexible and withstand the specified hydraulic pressure while allowing for maximum angular deviation as per manufacturer.
Cast iron detachable joints are secondary and used in special cases.
Summary Table:
Joint Type
Usage
Features
Asbestos cement coupling
Normal pipe jointing
Rubber sealing ring, flexible
Cast iron detachable joint
Repairs, maintenance, special joints
Rubber sealing ring, bolts/nuts
This ensures pressure tightness, flexibility, and ease of maintenance for asbestos cement pressure pipe systems.
?What are the required mechanical strength parameters for these pipes?▼
IS 1592 Mechanical Strength Parameters for Pipes:
Unit Bending Strength (Clause 24.5):
Minimum 24.5 N/mm² for pipes ≤ 150 mm nominal diameter.
Minimum Unit Bursting Strength (Clause 3.4.3.1):
For pipes ≤ 1200 mm diameter: 22 N/mm²
For pipes > 1200 mm diameter: Can be reduced by up to 20% by agreement, maintaining safety factors.
Minimum Unit Transverse Crushing Strength (Clause 3.4.3.2):
For pipes ≤ 1200 mm diameter: 44 N/mm²
For pipes > 1200 mm diameter: Can be reduced by up to 20% by agreement, maintaining safety factors.
Pressure Relationships (Table 2, Clause 3.2.1):
Nominal Diameter (mm)
BP/TP (Bursting Pressure / Test Pressure)
BP/WP (Bursting Pressure / Working Pressure)
50 to 100
2
4
125 to 200
1.75
3.5
250 to 1000
1.5
3
Notes:
Hydraulic working pressure ≤ 50% of test pressure.
Total working pressure including surge ≤ 75% of test pressure.
Pipes >1000 mm diameter designed per purchaser's requirements and guidelines.
Loading diagram...
?How are acceptance tests conducted and what tests are mandatory?▼
IS 1592 Acceptance Tests Overview
Acceptance tests ensure pipe quality and are conducted at the manufacturer's works on matured pipes. The number of samples follows IS 7639.
Mandatory (Compulsory) Tests:
Works Hydraulic Pressure Tightness Test
Applies to all pipes.
For pipes >1000 mm diameter, alternative agreed methods allowed.
Method: IS 5913.
Hydraulic Pressure Bursting Test
For all diameters.
Method: IS 5913.
Sample size: IS 7639.
Transverse Crushing Test
For all diameters.
Method: IS 5913.
Sample size: IS 7639.
Longitudinal Bending Test
Limited to pipes ≤150 mm diameter.
Method: IS 5913.
Sample size: IS 7639.
Optional Tests (Purchaser's Request):
Hydraulic Pressure Bursting Non-Immersed Test at purchaser’s store (IS 5913, IS 7639).
Additional Notes:
If purchaser is absent during tests, manufacturer must provide a certificate of compliance (Clause 6.1).
For orders without acceptance tests, passing the internal hydraulic pressure tightness test and meeting specified requirements suffices (Clause 5.1.2).
Loading diagram...
This ensures pipes meet IS 1592 quality standards before delivery.
?What marking information must be present on each pipe according to the standard?▼
According to IS 1592 Clause 3.6.1, each pipe must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
Source of manufacture (manufacturer's name or trademark)
Date of manufacture and batch number
Nominal diameter of the pipe
Class of pipe (e.g., Class 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc.)
Pictorial warning sign as per IS 12081 (Part 2)
Additionally, per Clause 3.6.2, pipes may carry the BIS Certification Mark.
Summary Table of Marking Information
Marking Item
Description
Manufacturer
Source of manufacture
Date & Batch Number
Manufacturing date and batch ID
Nominal Diameter
Size designation
Class of Pipe
Pipe pressure/strength class
Warning Sign
As per IS 12081 (Part 2)
BIS Mark (optional)
Standard certification mark
This ensures traceability, quality, and safety compliance for the pipes.
✦
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