jointed wood poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines
IS 6056:1970 specifies requirements for jointed wood poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines in India. It covers materials, dimensions, joint types, preservative treatments, and quality criteria to ensure structural integrity and durability. This standard is essential for engineers and manufacturers involved in designing, producing, and installing jointed timber poles for electrical and communication infrastructure.
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Overview
What This Standard Covers
IS 6056:1970 specifies requirements for jointed wood poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines in India. It covers materials, dimensions, joint types, preservative treatments, and quality criteria to ensure structural integrity and durability. This standard is essential for engineers and manufacturers involved in designing, producing, and installing jointed timber poles for electrical and communication infrastructure.
Audience
Who Uses This Standard
Electrical Engineers
Telecommunication Infrastructure Engineers
Civil Engineers
Wood Pole Manufacturers
Quality Control Inspectors
Utility Line Installers
Timber Preservation Specialists
Contents
Key Topics Covered
✓Types of jointed wood poles
✓Material specifications and timber groups
✓Dimensions and length tolerances
✓Joint design and fastening methods
✓Preservative treatment requirements
✓Quality criteria for knots, decay, and insect damage
✓Circumference and shape requirements
✓Marking and identification of poles
✓Load assumptions and testing methods
✓Assembly and installation guidelines
✓Safety factors and bolt specifications
✓Compatibility of timber species in joints
Structure
Table of Contents
1Scope▼
IS 6056 - Scope: Key Specifications & Tables
Scope (Clause 4.2)
For poles of intermediate length in Table 1, use the circumference of the next larger pole.
Final test/analysis values shall be rounded per IS 2-1960 with the same significant figures as specified.
Important Table: Overall Length of Wire Bound Lap Jointed Poles (Clause 11.2.2)
Overall Length (m)
Length of Top Portion (m)
Length of Bottom Portion (m)
Min Overlap Length (m)
6
3.6 to 4.2
3.0 to 2.4
0.6
7
4.2 to 4.8
3.6 to 3.0
0.7
8
4.8 to 5.4
4.2 to 3.6
0.8
9
5.4 to 6.0
4.8 to 4.2
0.9
10
6.0 to 6.6
5.4 to 4.8
1.0
12
7.2 to 7.8
6.0 to 5.4
1.2
14
8.4 to 9.0
7.2 to 6.4
1.4
Notes:
Definitions per IS 707-19 apply.
Clause 7.5 and 8 references updated as per corrections.
This ensures proper sizing and jointing of poles within the standard's scope.
2Definitions▼
IS 6056 - Definitions & Key Specifications Summary
1. Definitions (Clause 2.0)
Definitions in Clauses 2.1, 2.2, and IS 707-19 apply.
Wood poles are classified by length, circumference, and joint types.
2. Pole Dimensions (Clause 4.2, Table 1)
Dimensions are grouped by Class 1 to Class 7.
Minimum circumference at ground line and top of the pole is specified.
For intermediate lengths, use circumference of next larger pole.
Full Length (m)
Min. Circumference at Ground Line (cm) - Class 1 (A)
...
Min. Circumference at Top (cm)
6
62
...
50
8
68
...
57
10
73
...
62
14
83
...
71
(Refer to Table 1 for full details by class and group)
3. Timber Species (Appendix A, Clause 7.1)
Species grouped A, B, C by durability and availability.
Average weight at 12% moisture content (kg/m³) provided.
Species (Trade Name)
Symbol
Group
Avg. Weight (kg/m³)
Bruguiera spp.
BRU
A
893
Shorea robusta
SAL
A
815
Casuarina equisetifolia
CAS
B
850
Tectona grandis
TEA
B
625
Cedrus deodara
DEO
C
545
Non-durable species are marked with an asterisk.
Summary Diagram: Pole Classification & Dimensions
flowchart TD
A[Wood Pole] --> B[Class 1 to 7]
B --> C[Dimensions: Length & Circumference]
B --> D[Joint Types]
A --> E[Species Groups A, B, C]
E --> F[
3Timber Groups and Material Properties▼
IS 6056 - Timber Groups & Material Properties for Wood Poles
Timber Groups by Modulus of Rupture (Clause 3.1)
Group
Strength Category
Modulus of Rupture (kg/cm²)
Representative Species
A
Very Strong
≥ 850
Sal (Shorea robusta)
B
Strong
630 to 850
Teak (Tectona grandis)
C
Moderately Strong
450 to 630
Chir (Pinus roxburghii)
Species & Average Weight (Appendix A excerpt)
Species (Trade Name)
Symbol
Typical Area
Avg. Weight @ 12% Moisture (kg/m³)
Shorea robusta (Sal)
SAL
Assam, Bihar, UP, Orissa
815
Tectona grandis (Teak)
TEA
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mysore
625
Pinus roxburghii (Chir)
CHR
Himachal Pradesh, J&K
545
Casuarina equisetifolia
CAS
Mysore
850
Key Notes:
Moisture content considered is >25% (green condition) for strength classification.
Species marked with * are non-durable.
Use IS:1708-1969 for detailed modulus of rupture testing.
graph TD
A[Timber Groups] --> B[Group A: Very Strong (≥850 kg/cm²)]
A --> C[Group B: Strong (630-850 kg/cm²)]
A --> D[Group C: Moderately Strong (450-630 kg/cm²)]
B --> E[Sal (Shorea robusta)]
C --> F[Teak (Tectona grandis)]
D --> G[Chir (Pinus roxburghii)]
This classification aids in selecting appropriate timber species for poles based on mechanical strength and durability.
4Load Assumptions and Testing Methods▼
IS 6056 covers specifications for Steel Tubular Structures. For Load Assumptions and Testing Methods, key points are:
Load Assumptions (Typical as per IS 6056 & related codes)
Dead Load (DL): Self-weight of tubular members.
Live Load (LL): As per IS 875 (Part 2) depending on usage.
Wind Load (WL): As per IS 875 (Part 3), considering shape and exposure.
Impact Load: Usually 25%-50% of live load for dynamic effects.
Load Combinations: Follow IS 800 or IS 456 for combined load factors.
Testing Methods
Tensile Test: To determine yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation.
Bend Test: To check ductility and weld quality.
Hydrostatic Test: For tubular pipes, pressure applied to check leakages.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Radiography, Ultrasonic Testing for weld defects.
Key Formulas:
Axial Load Capacity:
[
P = A \times f_y
]
Where:
(P) = axial load capacity
(A) = cross-sectional area
(f_y) = yield strength of steel
Moment of Inertia for Circular Tube:
[
I = \frac{\pi}{64} (D^4 - d^4)
]
Where:
Preservative Treatment Requirements as per IS 6056 & IS 401-1967
1. Preliminary Treatment (Clause 6.1):
Remove bark completely and dress branches flush (5.1).
Apply prophylactic treatment per IS 401-1967 ASAP to prevent insect/fungal attack.
Stack treated components on treated crossers at ≥ 15 cm above ground with proper drainage and cleanliness.
2. Preservative Treatment (Clause 7.1):
Treat all components to impregnate sapwood completely and as much heartwood of non-durable species as possible.
Use pressure and preservative types per IS 401-1967 (typically creosote, copper-chrome-arsenic compounds).
Pressure treatment ensures deep penetration and durability.
3. Timber Species Groups (Appendix A):
Group A (Non-durable species) require thorough treatment. Examples:
Bruguiera spp. (BRU), weight ~893 kg/m³
Hopea perviflora (HOP), ~995 kg/m³
Kayea assamica (KAY), ~801 kg/m³
Group B & C species are more durable but may still require treatment depending on use.
Key Table Extract: Selected Non-Durable Species (Group A)
Species (Botanical)
Trade Name
Symbol
Avg. Weight (kg/m³) at 12% MC
Bruguiera spp.
bruguiera
BRU
893
Hopea perviflora Bedd.
hopea
HOP
995
Kayea assamica King & Prain
kayea
KAY
801
Mesua ferrea Linn.
mesua
MES
995
Poeciloneuron indicum Bedd.
ballagi
BAL
1135
Summary Diagram: Treatment Process Flow
flowchart TD
A[Prepare Components] --> B[Remove Bark & Dress Branches]
B --> C[Apply Prophylactic Treatment (IS 401)]
C --> D[
8General Requirements for Jointed Poles▼
IS 6056: General Requirements for Jointed Poles
1. Shape and Straightness (Clause 10.3.11)
Each pole section must be reasonably straight.
Curvature allowed only in one plane and one direction.
When assembled, curvatures must be in one plane but opposite directions.
The sum of maximum deviations (X1 + X2) must not exceed half the mean diameter of the pole.
2. Jointed Pole Dimensions (Clause 11.2.2, Table 11.1)
Overall Length (m)
Top Portion Length (m)
Bottom Portion Length (m)
Minimum Overlap Length (m)
6
3.6 to 4.2
3.0 to 2.4
0.6
7
4.2 to 4.8
3.6 to 3.0
0.7
8
4.8 to 5.4
4.2 to 3.6
0.8
9
5.4 to 6.0
4.8 to 4.2
0.9
10
6.0 to 6.6
5.4 to 4.8
1.0
12
7.2 to 7.8
6.0 to 5.4
1.2
14
8.4 to 9.0
7.2 to 6.4
1.4
Key Notes:
Overlap length ensures structural continuity and strength at joints.
Poles are assembled so that curvature compensates, maintaining overall straightness.
Dimensions are critical for mechanical stability and load transfer.
flowchart LR
A[Top Portion] -->|Overlap| B[Bottom Portion]
B --> C[Jointed Pole]
subgraph Curvature Control
direction TB
X1[Deviation from top to lower convex side]
X2[Deviation from ground to upper convex
9Dimensions and Tolerances▼
IS 6056 - Dimensions and Tolerances for Jointed Wood Poles
1. Dimensions (Clause 4.2 & Table 1)
Poles classified into 7 groups (Class 1 to Class 7).
Minimum circumference at ground line for lower components varies by class and pole length.
For example, for a 6 m pole (Class 1):
Circumference A: 62 cm
Circumference B: 65 cm
Circumference C: 72 cm
For intermediate lengths, use the circumference of the next larger pole size.
2. Joint Sections (Clause 8.1.2)
Sections jointed must have approximately the same girth at the joint.
Ensures uniform taper and consistent load class.
3. Joint Lengths (Clause 11.2.2 & Table 11.1)
Overall Length (m)
Top Portion (m)
Bottom Portion (m)
Min Overlap (m)
6
3.6 - 4.2
3.0 - 2.4
0.6
7
4.2 - 4.8
3.6 - 3.0
0.7
8
4.8 - 5.4
4.2 - 3.6
0.8
9
5.4 - 6.0
4.8 - 4.2
0.9
10
6.0 - 6.6
5.4 - 4.8
1.0
12
7.2 - 7.8
6.0 - 5.4
1.2
14
8.4 - 9.0
7.2 - 6.4
1.4
Summary:
Use Table 1 for minimum circumferences at ground line.
Maintain uniform girth at joints.
Follow minimum overlap lengths
10Quality Criteria for Wood Sections▼
Quality Criteria for Wood Sections (IS 6056)
1. Species Classification & Properties (Appendix A)
Timber species are grouped (A, B, C) based on durability and availability.
Key properties include average weight at 12% moisture content (kg/m³).
Example species:
Group A: Hopea perviflora (995 kg/m³), Mesua ferrea (995 kg/m³)
Group B: Casuarina equisetifolia (850 kg/m³), Sissoo (770 kg/m³)
Group C: Cedrus deodara (545 kg/m³), Pinus roxburghii (550 kg/m³)
Minimum circumference at ground line and top of the upper component are specified for different classes and groups.
Example for 6m pole length, Group A:
Minimum circumference at ground line: 62 cm
Minimum circumference at top of upper component: 50 cm
Full Length (m)
Min Circumference at Ground Line (cm) Group A
Min Circumference at Top (cm) Group A
6
62
50
8
68
54
10
73
58
3. General Quality Notes
Species marked with * are non-durable.
Moisture content is standardized at 12% for weight and strength values.
Joint dimensions and species selection must comply with group classification for durability and strength.
flowchart TD
A[Timber Species] --> B{Group}
B -->|A| C[High Density & Durability]
B -->|B| D[Medium Density]
B -->|C| E[Low Density & Durability]
C --> F[Higher Min Circumference]
D --> G[Medium Min Circumference]
E --> H[Lower Min Circumference]
Summary: Use species from Appendix A per group; check minimum circumferences from Table 1 for pole class and length; ensure moisture content at 12
11Types of Jointed Poles and Jointing Details▼
IS 6056: Types of Jointed Poles and Jointing Details
1. Types of Jointed Poles (Clause 11)
Butt Jointed Poles (11.4.1):
Top & bottom sections placed butt to butt.
Fixed by four angle irons (60x60x5 mm).
Two opposite angle irons bolted at the joint.
Wire Bound Lap Jointed Poles (Clause 11.2.2 & Table 11.1):
Sections overlap with wire binding.
Overlap length varies with pole length.
2. Key Dimensions from Table 11.1 (All in meters)
Overall Length
Top Portion Length
Bottom Portion Length
Min Overlap Length
6
3.6 to 4.2
3.0 to 2.4
0.6
7
4.2 to 4.8
3.6 to 3.0
0.7
8
4.8 to 5.4
4.2 to 3.6
0.8
9
5.4 to 6.0
4.8 to 4.2
0.9
10
6.0 to 6.6
5.4 to 4.8
1.0
12
7.2 to 7.8
6.0 to 5.4
1.2
14
8.4 to 9.0
7.2 to 6.4
1.4
3. Shape & Straightness (Clause 10.3.11)
Curvature allowed only in one plane & direction.
Assembly must have curvatures in opposite directions.
Sum of max deviations (X1 + X2) ≤ ½ mean diameter.
4. Joint Types Illustrated
Wire Bound Lap Joint (Fig. 2)
**Z-Type Lap Joint (Fig.
12Marking and Identification▼
IS 6056: Marking and Identification of Jointed Wood Poles
Key Specifications (Clause 12)
Marking Location: At 2.5 m from the bottom end of the pole.
Marking Details:
Class of pole and type of joint
Species of timber (by symbol)
Year of preservative treatment
ISI Certification Mark (Clause 12.2):
Optional but recommended for quality assurance.
Indicates compliance with IS 6056 under ISI's inspection and quality control system.
Use governed by Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.
Additional Notes
For poles of intermediate length, use the circumference of the next larger pole as per Table 1 (Clause 4.2).
Amendments specify updates to dimensions and classifications in Table 1.
Summary Table for Marking
Marking Item
Description
Location on Pole
Pole Class & Joint Type
E.g., Class A, Type 1 joint
2.5 m from base
Timber Species Symbol
E.g., "Te" for Teak
2.5 m from base
Year of Treatment
Year when preservative applied
2.5 m from base
ISI Certification Mark
Optional quality mark
Visible on pole
This ensures traceability, quality control, and compliance with IS 6056 standards for jointed wood poles.
Frequently Asked
Popular Questions About IS 6056
?What types of joints are specified for wood poles in IS 6056?▼
Types of joints specified in IS 6056 for wood poles:
Butt Joint with Angle Irons (Clause 11.4.1):
Two pole sections placed butt to butt.
Fixed by four angle irons (60 x 60 x 5 mm).
Two opposite angle irons connected through bolts at the joint for stability.
This is the primary joint type described for jointed wood poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines.
Summary Table:
Joint Type
Description
Fixing Method
Butt Joint
Top & bottom sections butt to butt
Four angle irons (60x60x5 mm), bolted
Loading diagram...
This ensures mechanical stability and load transfer between pole sections.
?Which timber species and groups are recommended for jointed poles?▼
Recommended Timber Species for Jointed Poles (IS 6056)
Timbers are classified into 3 groups based on modulus of rupture (bending strength):
Group
Modulus of Rupture (kg/cm²)
Representative Species
A
≥ 850
Sal (Shorea robusta)
B
630 - 850
Teak (Tectona grandis)
C
450 - 630
Chir (Pinus roxburghii)
Appendix A lists timber species suitable for jointed poles:
Note: Species marked with * are non-durable and may require treatment.
Summary:
Use Group A species for highest strength and durability in jointed poles.
Group B and C species are acceptable depending on load and design requirements.
Refer IS 6056 Appendix A for detailed species, availability, and average density.
Loading diagram...
For design and durability, always check species availability and treatment requirements per IS 6056.
?What preservative treatments are required to ensure pole durability?▼
Preservative Treatment Requirements per IS 6056:
Complete Impregnation: All components must be treated to impregnate sapwood fully and as much heartwood as possible for non-durable species (see Appendix A).
Treatment Standard: Use pressure and preservative treatment as specified in IS 401:1967.
Prophylactic Treatment: Immediately after preparation, components require prophylactic treatment per IS 401:1967 to prevent insect and fungal damage.
Storage: Treated components should be stacked on treated crossers, at least 15 cm above ground, with proper drainage and cleanliness to avoid decay.
Marking: Jointed poles must be marked at 2.5 m from the bottom with:
Pole class and joint type,
Timber species symbol,
Year of treatment.
Insect Damage Limits: Pin holes allowed up to 100 per 1000 cm², with no more than 10 in any 25 cm².
Summary Table for Treatment
Aspect
Requirement
Treatment Standard
IS 401:1967 (pressure treatment)
Impregnation
Full sapwood + max heartwood
Storage
15 cm above ground, proper drainage
Insect Damage Tolerance
≤100 pin holes/1000 cm²
Marking
Class, species, year at 2.5 m
This ensures long-term durability against decay and insect attack.
?How are the dimensions and tolerances for jointed poles defined?▼
Dimensions and Tolerances for Jointed Poles (IS 6056)
Length Tolerance (Clause 9.1):
The overall length of jointed poles is measured between extreme ends.
Upper or lower components can be:
Not more than 5 cm shorter
Not more than 10 cm longer than the specified length.
Tongue Dimensions (Clause 11.6.1):
For jointed poles with tongue joints:
Length of tongue = 1× diameter of pole at joint
Width of tongue = 0.5× diameter of pole at joint
Straightness and Curvature (Clause 10.3.11):
Curvature allowed in one plane and direction per component.
Components must be assembled so curvatures oppose each other in one plane.
Sum of max deviations (X1 + X2) ≤ ½ of mean diameter of the pole.
Loading diagram...
This ensures proper fit and structural integrity of jointed poles.
?What quality criteria must wood sections meet regarding knots and decay?▼
According to IS 6056, wood sections (poles) must meet the following quality criteria regarding knots and decay:
Decay (Clause 10.3.2):
Poles must be free from decay and any visible wood-rotting fungi.
Unsound knots (Clause 10.3.9.1):
No unsound knots larger than 20 mm diameter are allowed.
Sound knots (Clause 10.3.9.2):
Maximum diameter of any single sound knot: 150 mm, not exceeding 25% of the pole circumference at that cross-section.
Sum of diameters of all sound knots in any 50 cm length: 300 mm, also not exceeding 25% of the circumference.
Knots ≤10 mm diameter are ignored for summation limits.
Insect damage (Clause 10.3.8):
No insect damage except pinholes allowed up to 100 per 1000 cm², with a max concentration of 10 pinholes per 25 cm².
This ensures structural integrity and durability of wooden poles.
✦
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