IS 1678 (1998) specifies the requirements for prestressed concrete poles used in overhead power, traction, and telecommunication lines in India. It covers design criteria, material specifications, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and quality control measures to ensure poles withstand transverse loads, environmental conditions, and mechanical stresses. This standard is essential for engineers and manufacturers involved in the design, production, and installation of durable and safe prestressed concrete poles for electrical and communication infrastructure.
Overview
IS 1678 (1998) specifies the requirements for prestressed concrete poles used in overhead power, traction, and telecommunication lines in India. It covers design criteria, material specifications, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and quality control measures to ensure poles withstand transverse loads, environmental conditions, and mechanical stresses. This standard is essential for engineers and manufacturers involved in the design, production, and installation of durable and safe prestressed concrete poles for electrical and communication infrastructure.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope of IS 1678:
Sampling and Acceptance (Clause 9.2.1, Table 9.2):
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Dimensional Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Test Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Ultimate Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Poles] --> B[Sample Selection]
B --> C{Test Poles for Dimensions}
C -->|Pass| D[Test Transverse Strength]
C -->|Fail| E[Reject Lot]
D --> F{Pass Ultimate Strength?}
F -->|Yes| G[Accept Lot]
F -->|No| H[Retest Double Sample]
H --> I{Pass Retest?}
I -->|Yes| G
I -->|No| E
This summarizes the scope, sampling, testing, and acceptance criteria as per IS 1678.
IS 1678 references several key Indian Standards (Annex A) essential for concrete and prestressed concrete design and materials:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 383:1970 | Coarse and fine aggregates for concrete |
| IS 432 (Part 1 & 2):1982 | Mild steel and medium tensile steel bars, hard-drawn steel wire for reinforcement |
| IS 455:1989 | Portland slag cement |
| IS 456:1978 | Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete |
| IS 875 (Part 3):1987 | Code of practice for design loads - Wind loads |
| IS 1343:1980 | Code of practice for prestressed concrete |
| IS 1785 (Part 1 & 2):1983 | Plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed concrete |
| IS 1786:1985 | High strength deformed steel bars for concrete reinforcement |
| IS 2090:1983 | High tensile steel bars for concrete reinforcement |
| IS 2905:1989 | Test methods for concrete poles |
| IS 6003 & IS 6006:1983 | Indented wire and uncoated stress relieved strand for prestressed concrete |
| IS 7321:1974 | Code of practice for concrete poles |
| IS 8041:1990 | Rapid hardening Portland cement |
| IS 8112:1989 | 43 grade ordinary Portland cement |
| IS 9103:1979 | Admixtures for concrete |
| IS 12269:1987 | 53 grade ordinary Portland cement |
| IS 14268:1995 | Uncoated stress relieved low relaxation seven-ply strand for prestressed concrete |
If specified value = 25.0, round test result to one decimal place (e.g., 24.97 → 25.0).
IS 1678: Key Definitions and Sampling Specifications
For lot size and sample size, the table specifies:
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Dimensional Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Test Acceptance Number | Ultimate Strength Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
flowchart TD
LotSize --> SampleSize
SampleSize --> DimensionalTest[Dimensional Requirements Test]
SampleSize --> TransverseTest[Transverse Strength Test]
DimensionalTest --> AcceptanceCheck
TransverseTest --> AcceptanceCheck
AcceptanceCheck -->|Pass| LotAccepted[Lot Accepted]
AcceptanceCheck -->|Fail| Retest[Retest Double Sample]
Retest -->|Pass| LotAccepted
Retest -->|Fail| LotRejected[Lot Rejected]
This ensures quality control and compliance with IS 1678 standards.
IS 1678: Overall Length and Dimensions of Poles
| Length of Pole (m) | Minimum Depth of Planting (m) |
|---|---|
| 6.0 to 7.0 | 1.20 |
| 7.5 to 9.0 | 1.50 |
| 9.5 to 11.0 | 1.80 |
| 11.5 to 13.0 | 2.00 |
| 13.5 to 14.5 | 2.20 |
| 15.0 to 16.5 | 2.30 |
| 17.0 | 2.40 |
graph TB
A[Top of Pole]
B[Load Point (600 mm below top)]
C[Ground Level]
D[Depth of Planting]
E[Butt End of Pole]
A -->|600 mm| B
B -->|Length - (0.6 m + Depth of Planting)| C
C -->|Depth of Planting (Table 1)| D
D --> E
This ensures poles are designed with proper length, planting depth, and load considerations per IS 1678.
1. Materials Covered:
2. Sampling & Testing (Clause 9.2.1):
| Lot Size (No. of Poles) | Sample Size | Max Dimensional Defects Allowed | Max Transverse Strength Test Failures | Max Ultimate Strength Failures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
3. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):
Final test values must be rounded to the same significant figures as specified.
flowchart TD
A[Materials] --> B[Aggregates (IS 383)]
A --> C[Cements (IS 455, 8112, 12269)]
A --> D[Steel Bars & Wire (IS 432, 1785, 2090)]
A --> E[Prestressing Wires (IS 2905, 6003, 6006)]
A --> F[
IS 1678 - Design Requirements Summary
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Max Defectives (Dimensional) | Max Failures (Transverse Strength Test) | Max Failures (Ultimate Strength) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Pole Length (m) | Minimum Depth of Planting (m) |
|---|---|
| 6.0 to 7.0 | 1.20 |
| 7.5 to 9.0 | 1.50 |
| 9.5 to 11.0 | 1.80 |
| 11.5 to 13.0 | 2.00 |
| 13.5 to 14.5 | 2.20 |
| 15.0 to 16.5 | 2.30 |
| 17.0 | 2.40 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Poles] --> B{Sample Size per Table}
B --> C[Dimensional Test]
B --> D[Transverse Strength Test]
C -->
IS 1678 - Manufacture Key Points
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)
Testing During Manufacture (Clause 8.1)
Certification Marking (Clause 10.2.1)
Referenced IS Standards (Annex A)
| Test Type | Frequency | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | As per IS 456 | Minimum characteristic strength |
| Slump Test | Every batch | As per design mix specifications |
| Water-Cement Ratio | Controlled | As per mix design |
flowchart TD
A[Raw Material Inspection] --> B[Mix Design Verification]
B --> C[Concrete Mixing]
C --> D[Sampling & Testing (Clause 7.9)]
D --> E{Test Results}
E -->|Pass| F[Batch Approved]
E -->|Fail| G[Investigate & Adjust Process]
Note: For detailed manufacturing procedures, refer to IS 456 and related referenced standards listed in Annex A of IS 1678.
IS 1678 - Testing: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Dimensional Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Test Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Ultimate Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
Summary:
Use Table 2 for sampling size and acceptance numbers. Test transverse strength on the sample; if failure occurs, double sample size and retest. Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding off test results. Holes mostly 20 mm diameter with specific provisions.
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Poles] --> B[Select Sample per Table 2]
B --> C[Dimensional Test]
C -->|Pass| D[Transverse Strength Test]
D -->|Pass| E[Lot Accepted]
D -->|Fail| F[Double Sample Size & Retest]
F -->|Pass| E
F -->|Fail| G[Lot Rejected]
IS 1678: Sampling and Inspection Key Points
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Dimensional Req. Acceptance No. | Transverse Strength Test Acceptance No. | Transverse Strength Ultimate Acceptance No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
flowchart TD
A[Select Sample Size based on Lot] --> B[Test Dimensional & Strength]
B --> C{Failures?}
C -- No --> D[Lot Accepted]
C -- Yes --> E[Double Sample Size Retest]
E --> F{Failures?}
F -- No --> D
F -- Yes --> G[Lot Rejected]
This ensures quality control by statistically verifying conformity of poles in a lot.
IS 1678: Marking and Certification Key Points
Poles must be clearly and indelibly marked before testing at a visible position after erection with:
| No. of Poles in Lot | Sample Size | Dimensional Defectives Allowed | Transverse Strength Test Defectives Allowed | Ultimate Strength Defectives Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
flowchart TD
A[Manufacture of Poles] --> B[Marking as per Clause 10.1]
B --> C[Testing (Dimensional & Strength)]
C --> D{Pass?}
D -- Yes --> E[Apply BIS Standard Mark (Optional)]
D -- No --> F[Retest with Double Sample]
F --> G{Pass Retest?}
G -- Yes --> E
G -- No --> H[Reject Lot]
For detailed conditions on BIS mark usage, consult the Bureau of Indian Standards directly.
IS 1678 - List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)
This standard references key Indian Standards essential for concrete and prestressed concrete design and materials:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 383:1970 | Coarse and fine aggregates for concrete |
| 432 (Part 1 & 2):1982 | Mild steel, medium tensile steel bars, hard-drawn steel wire for reinforcement |
| 455:1989 | Portland slag cement |
| 456:1978 | Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete |
| 875 (Part 3):1987 | Design loads for buildings - Wind loads |
| 1343:1980 | Code of practice for prestressed concrete |
| 1785 (Part 1 & 2):1983 | Plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed concrete |
| 1786:1985 | High strength deformed steel bars for concrete reinforcement |
| 2090:1983 | High tensile steel bars for concrete reinforcement |
| 2905:1989 | Test methods for concrete poles |
| 6003 & 6006:1983 | Specifications for prestressing wires and strands |
| 7321:1974 | Handling and erection of concrete poles |
| 8041:1990 | Rapid hardening Portland cement |
| 8112:1989 | 43 grade ordinary Portland cement |
| 9103:1979 | Admixtures for concrete |
| 12269:1987 | 53 grade ordinary Portland cement |
| 14268:1995 | Low relaxation seven-ply strand for prestressed concrete |
graph LR
A[IS 1678] --> B[IS 456:1978
Technical Committee Composition (Annex B):
The Cement Matrix Products Sectional Committee, CED 53, is responsible for this standard.
| Lot Size (No. of Poles) | Sample Size | Dimensional Acceptance Number | Transverse Strength Test Acceptance Number | Ultimate Strength Acceptance Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
flowchart TD
A[Technical Committee (CED 53)] --> B[Chairman: Shri S. A. Reddi]
A --> C[Members: Industry, Govt, Research]
D[Lot Sampling] --> E[Sample Size per Lot]
E --> F[Dimensional Tests]
E --> G[Transverse Strength Tests]
F --> H[Accept/Reject]
G --> H
H --> I{Failures?}
I -- Yes --> J[Double Sample Retest]
I -- No --> K[Lot Accepted]
J --> K
For detailed committee member list and roles, refer to Annex B of IS 1678.
Frequently Asked
Minimum Material Requirements for Prestressed Concrete Poles (IS 1678):
| Material | Standard | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cement | IS 455, IS 8041, IS 8112, IS 12269 | Various types allowed |
| Aggregates | IS 383 | Must meet grading & quality |
| Load Factor | - | ≥ 2.5 (≥ 2.0 for power lines) |
Loading diagram...
This ensures durability, strength, and compliance with IS 1678.
Transverse Load at First Crack (IS 1678)
Definition: The transverse load at first crack is the load level at which the first visible crack appears in the pole under transverse loading. For design, it shall be not less than the working load (Clause 3.4).
Design Assumptions (6.4.3):
Load Factor (3.2):
[
\text{Load Factor} = \frac{\text{Ultimate Transverse Load}}{\text{Transverse Load at First Crack}}
]
Testing (8.2):
Loading diagram...
This ensures safety by verifying the pole can withstand working loads without significant cracking.
According to IS 1678, the tolerances for prestressed concrete poles are:
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Overall length | ±15 mm |
| Cross-section | ±5 mm |
| Uprightness | 0.5% per meter |
This ensures dimensional accuracy and structural reliability of poles.
As per IS 1678, Clause 7.10, earthing of prestressed concrete poles should be provided by either of the following methods:
Method (a): Embedded Copper Strip or Wire
Method (b): Through Holes for Copper Strip
This ensures effective earthing continuity for safety and lightning protection.
Loading diagram...
Key dimensions:
This method ensures a reliable earth path integral to the pole structure.
IS 1678 Sampling & Inspection Procedures Summary:
Sampling:
Samples are taken from each lot separately to verify conformity (Clause 9.1.2).
Sample Size & Acceptance Criteria (Clause 9.2.1):
| Lot Size (No. of Poles) | Sample Size | Dimensional Defects Allowed | Transverse Strength Failures Allowed | Ultimate Strength Failures Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 101 to 200 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 301 to 500 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
If failure occurs:
Double the original sample size is tested. If no further failure, the lot is accepted.
Transverse Strength Test (Clause 8.2):
Conduct per IS 2905.
Failure if:
Loading diagram...
This ensures quality compliance as per IS 1678.
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