This standard outlines the specifications for jointed wooden poles utilized in overhead electrical and telecommunication lines across India. It details requirements for materials, dimensions, types of joints, preservative treatments, and quality standards to guarantee durability and structural soundness. The code serves as a vital reference for engineers, manufacturers, and installers of timber poles in power and communication networks.
Overview
This standard outlines the specifications for jointed wooden poles utilized in overhead electrical and telecommunication lines across India. It details requirements for materials, dimensions, types of joints, preservative treatments, and quality standards to guarantee durability and structural soundness. The code serves as a vital reference for engineers, manufacturers, and installers of timber poles in power and communication networks.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope (Clause 4.2):
| Total Length (m) | Length of Upper Section (m) | Length of Lower Section (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 |
This ensures accurate pole sizing and jointing within the standard's framework.
IS 6056 - Terminology and Essential Specifications Overview
| Length Overall (m) | Min. Base Circumference (cm) - Class 1 (A) | ... | Min. Top Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 62 | ... | 50 |
| 8 | 68 | ... | 57 |
| 10 | 73 | ... | 62 |
| 14 | 83 | ... | 71 |
(Refer to Table 1 for comprehensive details by class and group)
| Timber Species (Trade Name) | Abbreviation | Group | Average Density (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 |
Species marked with an asterisk indicate non-durable timber.
flowchart TD
Pole[Wood Pole] --> Class[Classes 1 to 7]
Class --> Dimensions[Dimensions: Length & Circumference]
Class --> Joints[Joint Types]
Pole --> SpeciesGroups[Timber Groups A, B, C]
SpeciesGroups --> Details[Details and Properties]
IS 6056 - Timber Groupings and Mechanical Properties for Poles
| Group | Strength Range | Modulus of Rupture (kg/cm²) | Example Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Very High Strength | ≥ 850 | Shorea robusta (Sal) |
| B | High Strength | 630 to 850 | Tectona grandis (Teak) |
| C | Moderate Strength | 450 to 630 | Pinus roxburghii (Chir) |
| Species (Common Name) | Abbreviation | Geographic Distribution | Average Density @ 12% Moisture (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorea robusta (Sal) | SAL | Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh | 815 |
| Tectona grandis (Teak) | TEA | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mysore | 625 |
| Pinus roxburghii (Chir) | CHR | Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir | 545 |
| Casuarina equisetifolia | CAS | Mysore | 850 |
graph TD
TimberGroups[Timber Groups] --> GroupA[Group A: Very High Strength (≥850 kg/cm²)]
TimberGroups --> GroupB[Group B: High Strength (630–850 kg/cm²)]
TimberGroups --> GroupC[Group C: Moderate Strength (450–630 kg/cm²)]
GroupA --> Sal[Shorea robusta]
GroupB --> Teak[Tectona grandis]
GroupC --> Chir[Pinus roxburghii]
This classification facilitates selection of timber species for poles based on mechanical strength and longevity.
IS 6056 - Load Estimations and Testing Protocols for Wood Poles
Axial Load Capacity: [ P = A \times f_y ] Where:
Moment of Inertia for Circular Tubes: [ I = \frac{\pi}{64} (D^4 - d^4) ] Where:
| Parameter | Typical Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (f_y) | 250 - 460 MPa (depending on grade) |
| Wall Thickness | Between 3 mm and 20 mm |
| Hydrostatic Test Pressure | 1.5 times the design pressure |
flowchart LR
Loads[Load Assumptions] --> DL[Dead Load]
Loads --> LL[Live Load]
Loads --> WL[Wind Load]
Loads --> IL[Impact Load]
Tests[Testing Methods] --> Tensile[Tensile Test]
Tests --> Bend[Bend Test]
Tests --> Hydro[Hydrostatic Test]
Tests --> NDT[Non-Destructive Testing]
1. Initial Preparation (Clause 6.1):
2. Impregnation Treatment (Clause 7.1):
3. Timber Species Groupings (Appendix A):
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Abbreviation | Average Density (kg/m³) at 12% Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
flowchart TD
Prepare[Preparation of Components] --> RemoveBark[Complete Bark Removal & Branch Dressing]
RemoveBark --> Prophylactic[Apply Prophylactic Treatment (IS 401)]
Prophylactic --> PressureTreat[Pressure Preservative Treatment]
PressureTreat --> Storage[Store on Treated Crossers ≥ 15 cm Above Ground]
IS 6056: General Specifications for Jointed Wooden Poles
| Total Pole Length (m) | Length of Upper Segment (m) | Length of Lower Segment (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 |
flowchart LR
TopSection[Upper Segment] -->|Overlap| BottomSection[Lower Segment]
BottomSection --> JointedPole[Assembled Jointed Pole]
subgraph CurveControl[Curvature Management]
direction TB
X1[Deviation in Upper Segment]
X2[Deviation in Lower Segment]
end
CurveControl --> JointedPole
IS 6056 - Specifications for Dimensions and Permissible Tolerances of Jointed Wood Poles
| Total Length (m) | Upper Part Length (m) | Lower Part Length (m) | Minimum 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 |
Quality Requirements for Timber Sections as per IS 6056
| Pole Length (m) | Min Base Circumference (cm) Group A | Min Top Circumference (cm) Group A |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 62 | 50 |
| 8 | 68 | 54 |
| 10 | 73 | 58 |
flowchart TD
TimberSpecies --> Grouping{Group}
Grouping -->|A| HighDurability[High Density and Durability]
Grouping -->|B| MediumDurability[Medium Density]
Grouping -->|C| LowDurability[Lower Density and Durability]
HighDurability --> HighCircumference[Higher Minimum Circumference]
MediumDurability --> MediumCircumference[Medium Minimum Circumference]
LowDurability --> LowCircumference[Lower Minimum Circumference]
Summary: Select timber species from Appendix A according to group; verify minimum circumferences from Table 1 based on pole class and size; maintain moisture content at 12%.
IS 6056: Classification of Jointed Poles and Jointing Techniques
Butt Jointed Poles (Clause 11.4.1):
Wire-Bound Lap Joints (Clause 11.2.2 & Table 11.1):
| Total Length | Upper Section Length | Lower Section Length | Minimum 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 |
IS 6056: Marking Protocols for Jointed Wood Poles
Marking Location: At 2.5 meters from the base of the pole.
Marking Information:
ISI Certification Mark (Clause 12.2):
| Marking Element | Details | Location on Pole |
|---|---|---|
| Pole Class & Joint | E.g., Class A, type of joint | 2.5 m from base |
| Timber Species Code | E.g., "Te" for Teak | 2.5 m from base |
| Treatment Year | Year preservative applied | 2.5 m from base |
| ISI Mark (optional) | Quality certification symbol | Visible on pole |
This marking system ensures traceability, quality control, and conformity with IS 6056 standards for jointed wooden poles.
Frequently Asked
IS 6056 specifies primarily two joint types for wood poles:
This is the main jointing method described for assembling jointed timber poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines.
| Joint Type | Description | Fixing Details |
|---|---|---|
| Butt Joint | Sections joined butt-to-butt | Four angle irons (60x60x5 mm), bolted |
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IS 6056 recommends timber species grouped by their modulus of rupture (bending strength) into three categories:
| Group | Modulus of Rupture (kg/cm²) | Representative Species |
|---|---|---|
| A | ≥ 850 | Shorea robusta (Sal) |
| B | 630 - 850 | Tectona grandis (Teak) |
| C | 450 - 630 | Pinus roxburghii (Chir) |
Note: Species marked with an asterisk (*) are non-durable and may require preservative treatment.
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Always verify species availability and treatment needs according to IS 6056.
According to IS 6056, the following preservative treatment protocols are required to ensure the longevity of wooden poles:
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Treatment Standard | IS 401:1967 (pressure treatment) |
| Impregnation Coverage | Full sapwood and maximum heartwood |
| Storage | ≥15 cm above ground, proper drainage |
| Insect Damage Tolerance | ≤100 pinholes/1000 cm² |
| Marking | Pole class, species, year at 2.5 m |
These measures ensure the poles resist decay and insect damage, extending service life.
IS 6056 specifies the following regarding dimensions and tolerances for jointed wooden poles:
Length Tolerances (Clause 9.1):
Tongue Joint Dimensions (Clause 11.6.1):
Straightness and Curvature (Clause 10.3.11):
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These dimensional controls ensure proper fit and structural integrity of jointed poles.
IS 6056 mandates strict quality criteria for wood sections used in poles regarding knots and decay:
Decay (Clause 10.3.2): Poles must be free from any form of decay or visible wood-rotting fungi.
Unsound Knots (Clause 10.3.9.1): No unsound knots larger than 20 mm in diameter are permitted.
Sound Knots (Clause 10.3.9.2):
Insect Damage (Clause 10.3.8):
These standards guarantee the pole's structural reliability and longevity.
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