IS 4990:2011 specifies the requirements for plywood used in concrete shuttering work, ensuring durability, strength, and surface quality under wet and dry conditions. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in producing or using preservative-treated plywood designed to withstand the stresses of concrete formwork, including repeated use and exposure to moisture.
Overview
IS 4990:2011 specifies the requirements for plywood used in concrete shuttering work, ensuring durability, strength, and surface quality under wet and dry conditions. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in producing or using preservative-treated plywood designed to withstand the stresses of concrete formwork, including repeated use and exposure to moisture.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 4990 Scope - Key Specifications & Tables
IS 4990 covers structural plywood used in construction, specifying mechanical properties, testing, and quality criteria.
1. Minimum Average Failing Load & Wood Failure (Table 1)
| Wood Failure % | Dry Load (N) | Water Resistance (N) | Micro-organism Resistance (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No req. | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250–1349 | 900–999 | 900–999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100–1249 | 800–899 | 800–899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
2. Static Bending Strength (Table 2)
| Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min Indiv (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min Indiv (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
3. Wet Bending Strength (Table 3)
| Property | Along Face Grain | Across Face Grain |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Avg (N/mm²) | 3750 | 2000 |
| MOE Min Indiv | 3400 | 1800 |
| MOR Avg (N/mm²) | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Min Indiv | 22 | 13 |
flowchart LR
A[Structural Plywood] --> B[Mechanical Properties]
B --> C[Failing Load & Wood Failure]
B --> D[Static Bending Strength]
IS 4990 Key References: Structural Plywood Properties & Design
| Wood Failure (%) | Dry State Load (N) | Water Resistance Load (N) | Micro-organism Resistance Load (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250 - 1349 | 900 - 999 | 900 - 999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100 - 1249 | 800 - 899 | 800 - 899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Grain Direction | MOE Average (N/mm²) | MOE Min Individual (N/mm²) | MOR Average (N/mm²) | MOR Min Individual (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along Grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across Grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Face Grain | Across Face Grain |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Average (N/mm²) | 3750 | 2000 |
| MOE Min Individual (N/mm²) | 3400 | 1800 |
| MOR Average (N/mm²) | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Min Individual (N/mm²) | 22 | 13 |
This concise data aids in plywood formwork design and quality control per IS 4990.
| Centre Distance of Bearers (mm) | Max Load for 9 mm Plywood (kg/m²) | Max Load for 12 mm Plywood (kg/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1270 | 1950 |
| 400 | 540 | 850 |
| 450 | 320 | 640 |
| 600 | 170 | 360 |
| Wood Failure % | Dry Load (N) | Water Resistance (N) | Micro-organism Resistance (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No req. | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250–1349 | 900–999 | 900–999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100–1249 | 800–899 | 800–899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Grain Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Face
IS 4990 - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for Materials (Structural Plywood)
| Average Wood Failure (%) | Dry State (N) | Resistance to Water (N) | Resistance to Micro-organisms (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250 - 1349 | 900 - 999 | 900 - 999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100 - 1249 | 800 - 899 | 800 - 899 |
| Failed | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Grain Direction | MOE Average (N/mm²) | MOE Min Individual (N/mm²) | MOR Average (N/mm²) | MOR Min Individual (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Face Grain (N/mm²) | Across Face Grain (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Average | 3750 | 2000 |
| MOE Min Individual | 3400 | 1800 |
| MOR Average | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Min Individual | 22 | 13 |
flowchart TD
A[
Manufacturers must provide:
| Property | Along Grain (N/mm²) | Across Grain (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Bending Strength (MOR) | 50 (avg), 45 (min) | 30 (avg), 27 (min) |
| Dry Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 7500 (avg), 6700 (min) | 4000 (avg), 3600 (min) |
| Property | Along Grain (N/mm²) | Across Grain (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Bending Strength (MOR) | 25 (avg), 22 (min) | 15 (avg), 13 (min) |
| Wet Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 3750 (avg), 3400 (min) | 2000 (avg), 1800 (min) |
| Wood Failure % | Dry Load (N) | Wet Load (N) | Micro-organisms Load (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥1350 | ≥1000 | ≥1000 |
| ≥60% | 1250-1349 | 900-999 | 900-999 |
| ≥80% | 1100-1249 | 800-899 | 800-899 |
| Fail | <1100 | <800 | <800 |
IS 4990: Manufacture and Workmanship Key Points
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | -0 mm, +6 mm |
| Width | +3 mm, -0 mm |
| Thickness | <6 mm: ±10% |
| ≥6 mm: ±5% | |
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Squareness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Wood Failure % | Dry Load (N) | Water Resistance (N) | Micro-organism Resistance (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250-1349 | 900-999 | 900-999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100-1249 | 800-899 | 800-899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Grain Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along Grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across Grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Grain Avg | Along Grain Min | Across Grain Avg | Across Grain Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOE (N/mm²) | 3750 | 3400 |
IS 4990: Dimensions and Tolerances for Plywood Boards
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | -0 mm / +6 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness < 6 mm | ±10% |
| Thickness ≥ 6 mm | ±5% |
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Squareness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Thickness (mm) | Across Grain (m) | Parallel Grain (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0.90 | 1.25 |
| 9 | 1.65 | 2.15 |
| 12 | 2.55 | 3.30 |
graph LR
A[Length (parallel to grain)] --> B[Width (perpendicular to length)]
B --> C[Thickness]
This concise guide ensures plywood boards conform to IS 4990 tolerances for quality and fit in construction applications.
IS 4990: Workmanship and Finish - Key Specifications & Tolerances
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | -0 mm / +6 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | < 6 mm: ±10% |
| ≥ 6 mm: ±5% | |
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Squareness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Wood Failure (%) | Dry Load (N) | Water Resistance (N) | Micro-organisms (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250-1349 | 900-999 | 900-999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100-1249 | 800-899 | 800-899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
IS 4990 Sampling - Key Specifications & Tables
The code does not explicitly detail sampling procedures but emphasizes test result rounding per IS 2:1960.
| Wood Failure % | Dry State (N) | Water Resistance (N) | Micro-organism Resistance (N) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 | Pass |
| ≥ 60 | 1250-1349 | 900-999 | 900-999 | Pass |
| ≥ 80 | 1100-1249 | 800-899 | 800-899 | Pass |
| - | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 | Fail |
| Grain Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min Indiv (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min Indiv (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along Grain | 7500 | 6700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across Grain | 4000 | 3600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Face Grain | Across Face Grain |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Avg (N/mm²) | 3750 | 2000 |
| MOE Min Indiv | 3400 | 1800 |
| MOR Avg (N/mm²) | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Min Indiv | 22 | 13 |
IS 4990: Tests and Test Methods - Key Formulas & Tables
| Wood Failure % | Dry State Load (N) | Water Resistance Load (N) | Micro-organisms Resistance Load (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60 | 1250 - 1349 | 900 - 999 | 900 - 999 |
| ≥ 80 | 1100 - 1249 | 800 - 899 | 800 - 899 |
| Fail | < 1100 | < 800 | < 800 |
| Grain Direction | MOE Avg (N/mm²) | MOE Min Individual (N/mm²) | MOR Avg (N/mm²) | MOR Min Individual (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along grain | 7,500 | 6,700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across grain | 4,000 | 3,600 | 30 | 27 |
| Property | Along Face Grain (N/mm²) | Across Face Grain (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Average | 3,750 | 2,000 |
| MOE Minimum Individual | 3,400 | 1,800 |
| MOR Average | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Minimum Individual | 22 | 13 |
flowchart TD
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Conditioning at
IS 4990 - Additional Requirements for ECO-Mark (Clause 11)
ECO-Mark Purpose:
Label for environment-friendly plywood under Ministry of Environment and Forests (MEF), administered by BIS.
Certification:
Manufacturer must provide documentary evidence (certificate/declaration) to BIS for ECO-Mark application.
Compliance:
Plywood must meet all relevant ECO-specific clauses within IS 4990, plus general quality tests (Clauses 10.1.1 to 10.1.9).
Testing Procedure:
Marking:
ECO-Mark is combined with ISI Mark as a single BIS Standard Mark for eco-friendliness.
Use of ECO-Mark is optional; manufacturers may choose ISI Mark alone.
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing Authority | BIS under Ministry of Environment & Forests |
| Documentation | Certificate/declaration to BIS |
| Testing | Pass all relevant IS 4990 tests (10.1.1 - 10.1.9) |
| Retesting on Failure | Two additional samples tested |
| Marking | Combined ISI + ECO logo |
| Optional Use | ECO-Mark use is voluntary |
flowchart TD
A[Manufacture Plywood Batch] --> B[Test Initial Sample]
B -- Pass --> C[Apply for ECO-Mark with Documentation]
B -- Fail --> D[Select 2 Additional Samples]
D --> E[Test Additional Samples]
E -- All Pass --> C
E -- Any Fail --> F[Reject Batch]
This ensures only environmentally compliant plywood is ECO-Mark certified as per IS 4990.
IS 4990: Marking and Certification for Plywood
Each plywood panel must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
| Annex B: Timber Species Examples | Botanical Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| Gurjan | Dipterocarpus spp. | GUR |
| Aini | Artocarpus hirsutus | AIN |
flowchart TD
A[Plywood Panel] --> B[Mark with Manufacturer ID]
B --> C[Mark Year of Manufacture]
C --> D[Mark Type of Plywood]
D --> E[Mark ECO-Mark Criteria (if any)]
E --> F[Apply BIS Standard Mark (optional)]
F --> G[Supply Technical Data on Demand]
This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and compliance with IS 4990 for plywood products.
IS 4990: Information to be Supplied by Manufacturer
Glue Shear Strength (Clause 10.1.3.1.1 & 10.1.5.1):
Rounding Off Values (General Clause):
Curved Surface Design Data (Clause E-6.8):
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Minimum Average Failing Load (N) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1000 |
| 6 | 1500 |
| 12 | 3000 |
(Note: Refer to IS 4990 Table 1 for exact values)
flowchart TD
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Provide Glue Shear Strength Data]
B --> C[Test per IS 1734 (Part 4)]
C --> D[Compare with Table 1 Values]
A --> E[Provide Curved Form Design Data]
E --> F[Use Data from Clause E-5.3]
A --> G[Round off Values]
G --> H[Follow IS 2:1960]
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 707:1974 | Glossary of terms applicable to timber technology and utilization |
| IS 1734 (Parts 1,4,5,7):1983 | Methods of test for plywood (density, glue shear strength, adhesion, mycological test) |
| IS 2753 (Part 1):1991 | Estimation of preservatives in treated timber |
| IS 5539:1969 | Specification for preservative treated plywood |
| IS 7638:1999 | Sampling methods for wood/lignocellulosic panel products |
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| Mango | Mangifera indica | MAN |
| Salai | Boswellia serrata | SAA |
| Gurjan | Dipterocarpus spp. | GUR |
| Indian Oak | Quercus spp. | IOA |
Full list includes 80+ species with trade and botanical names.
flowchart TD
A[IS 4990 Standard] --> B[Annex A: Referenced IS]
A --> C[Annex B: Timber Species]
B --> D[IS 707 - Glossary]
B --> E[IS 1734 - Plywood Tests]
B --> F[IS 5539 - Preservative Plywood]
C --> G[Teak (TEA)]
C --> H[Sissoo (SIS)]
C --> I[Mango (MAN)]
This summary aids quick cross-reference of standards and timber species critical for plywood and timber product compliance under IS 4990.
IS 4990: Timber Species for Plywood - Key Points
| Example Species | Botanical Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Aini | Artocarpus hirsutus | AIN |
| Gamari | Gmelina arborea | GAM |
| Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| Poplar | Populus deltoides | POP |
(Full list in Annex B of IS 4990)
| Property | Along Grain (Face Veneer) | Across Grain (Face Veneer) |
|---|---|---|
| Dry State MOE (Avg.) | 7,500 N/mm² | 4,000 N/mm² |
| Dry State MOR (Avg.) | 50 N/mm² | 30 N/mm² |
| Wet State MOE (Avg.) | 3,750 N/mm² | 2,000 N/mm² |
| Wet State MOR (Avg.) | 25 N/mm² | 15 N/mm² |
| Wood Failure % | Failing Load (N) Dry | Resistance to Water (N) | Resistance to Micro-organisms (N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No requirement | ≥ 1350 | ≥ 1000 | ≥ 1000 |
| ≥ 60% | 1250 - 1349 | 900 - 999 | 900 - 999 |
| ≥ 80% | 1100 - 1249 | 800 - 899 | 800 - 899 |
| Fail | < 1100 |
Frequently Asked
According to IS 4990 (2011) for plywood used in concrete shuttering:
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | No surface deterioration after 72h boiling |
| Strength | Sufficient to withstand concrete pressure |
| Surface Hardness | Hard and durable under wet-dry cycles |
| Durability | Preservative treated for longer life |
This ensures plywood maintains integrity during formwork and repeated cycles of use.
Recommended Timber Species for Plywood in Concrete Shuttering (IS 4990)
| Timber Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rubberwood | Plantation timber, eco-friendly |
| Coconut wood | Plantation timber |
| Cashew wood | Plantation timber |
| Industrial forestry wood | Sustainable source |
| Shade trees (tea/coffee) | Plantation shade trees |
This ensures durability, reusability, and environmental compliance for concrete shuttering plywood.
IS 4990 Tests for Water Resistance and Durability of Shuttering Plywood
72-hour Boiling Test (Clause 10.1.4 & 10.1.3.1):
Wet Bending Strength Test (Clause 10.1.8):
Minimum Mechanical Properties after Water Resistance Tests:
| Property | Along Grain (N/mm²) | Across Grain (N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| MOE Average | 3,750 | 2,000 |
| MOE Minimum Individual | 3,400 | 1,800 |
| MOR Average | 25 | 15 |
| MOR Minimum Individual | 22 | 13 |
These tests ensure plywood maintains structural integrity and durability under wet conditions typical in shuttering applications.
To maximize plywood panel service life in formwork per IS 4990:
Handling:
Storage:
Maintenance:
This care preserves surface quality and extends plywood life in concrete shuttering.
IS 4990: Dimensional Tolerances and Thickness Requirements for Plywood
| Number of Plies | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3-ply | 4, 5, 6 |
| 5-ply | 6, 8, 9 |
| 7-ply | 12, 16 |
| 9-ply | 16, 19 |
| >9-ply | 22, 25, 30, 35, 40 |
Dimensional Tolerances:
Quality & Performance (Clause 11.1.1):
Application:
Summary: Use thickness values from the table above for respective plies. Tolerances for dimensions are flexible and mutually agreed. Thickness uniformity and quality must conform to IS 4990 requirements.
Loading diagram...
This ensures plywood thickness suits formwork needs with agreed dimensional control.
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