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IS 10442 : 1983earth augers (Spiral type)

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ASTM D1452 / D1452M - 18 · ISO 22475-1 · BS 5930
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationGeotechnical · Soil and Foundation Engineering
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 10442:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for earth augers (spiral type). This standard lays down the requirements for materials, dimensions, and manufacture of spiral type earth augers. These tools are used for advancing boreholes in soil for exploration and sampling purposes, particularly in cohesive soils.

earth augers (Spiral type)

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Geotechnical — Soil and Foundation Engineering
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (August 1993)
International equivalents
ASTM D1452 / D1452M - 18 · ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USAISO 22475-1:2021 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)BS 5930:2015+A1:2020 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
Typically used with
IS 226IS 1570
Also on InfraLens for IS 10442
6Key values1Tables4FAQs
Practical Notes
! The standard references IS 226 for steel, which has been withdrawn. Users should refer to its replacement, IS 2062, for equivalent steel grades like E250.
! These augers are most effective in cohesive soils above the water table and are generally operated manually with extension rods.
! Ensure the coupling on the shank is compatible with the extension rods and T-piece being used on site, as specified in other related standards.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialCl. 4DimensionsTable 1 - Dimensions for Spiral Type Earth AugersCl. 5Manufacture, Workmanship and FinishCl. 7Marking
Pulled from IS 10442:1983. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Amendment 1 (August 1993)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
steelsoil

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM D1452 / D1452M - 18ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
Covers procedures and equipment types, including spiral augers, for geotechnical soil sampling.
ISO 22475-1:2021ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
MediumCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and groundwater measurements — Part 1: Technical principles for execution
Specifies technical principles for soil sampling, which includes descriptions and types of augers used.
BS 5930:2015+A1:2020BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
LowCurrent
Code of practice for ground investigations
A comprehensive ground investigation code that mentions hand augers as a tool for shallow borings and sampling.
Key Differences
≠IS 10442 is a prescriptive manufacturing standard specifying exact materials, dimensions, and hardness, intended for producers and procurement. International equivalents are procedural standards focused on the *application* of augers for geotechnical sampling, describing functional types rather than manufacturing details.
≠The Indian Standard mandates specific Indian material grades (e.g., steel per IS 1079 for blades, tubes per IS 1239 for shank), whereas international standards describe materials functionally (e.g., 'wear-resistant steel') without specifying national grades.
≠IS 10442 includes a specific performance test for the tool's durability (e.g., drilling a set number of holes without damage). Geotechnical standards like ASTM D1452 focus on the quality of the soil sample obtained, not the durability of the tool itself.
≠The Indian Standard provides a fixed list of nominal auger diameters (75 mm to 300 mm), while international standards describe a typical range of sizes used in practice without mandating specific dimensions.
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the fundamental design of a spiral (helical) auger, which uses a rotating flight to move excavated soil upwards and out of the borehole.
≈The primary components identified are consistent: a cutting head/bit, a spiral flighting on a central stem/shank, and a handle for applying torque and downward pressure.
≈Despite different primary purposes (general construction vs. scientific sampling), all standards acknowledge that spiral augers are tools for creating vertical holes in soil and unconsolidated materials.
≈The typical sizes of hand-operated augers mentioned or implied in international standards are within the same general range as those specified in IS 10442 (approx. 3 to 12 inches or 75 to 300 mm).
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Blade/Cutting Edge Hardness45 to 55 HRCNot quantitatively specified; described functionally as 'hard-surfaced' or 'heat-treated' for durability.ASTM D1452 (General Practice)
Shank/Stem MaterialSteel tube conforming to IS 1239 (Part 1)Not specified; functionally must be steel pipe or rod with sufficient strength for the applied torque.ISO 22475-1 (Functional Description)
Blade MaterialSteel sheet conforming to IS 1079Not specified; described functionally (e.g., 'steel plate'). Material must be suitable for forming and abrasion resistance.ASTM D1452 (Functional Description)
Mandated Nominal DiametersSpecifies 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, & 300 mmNo mandated list; notes a typical range from 1.5 in to 12 in (approx. 38 to 305 mm).ASTM D1452 / D1452M - 18
Spiral Pitch SpecificationSpecified in a table based on diameter (e.g., 90-100 mm pitch for 100 mm auger).Not specified. The pitch-to-diameter ratio is a design choice affecting cutting efficiency.General engineering, not specified in ASTM/ISO
Marking RequirementsRequires Manufacturer's name, nominal size, and ISI Certification Mark.No marking requirements for the tool itself are specified in procedural standards.ASTM D1452 / ISO 22475-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Standard Auger Nominal Sizes50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm
Blade Material SpecificationSteel conforming to Grade St 42-S of IS 226
Shank Cross-Section20 x 20 mm square section
Overall Length for 100 mm Auger450 mm
Number of Spirals for 100 mm Auger1.5 turns
Minimum Blade Thickness3.15 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions for Spiral Type Earth Augers
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Material
Clause 4 - Dimensions
Table 1 - Dimensions for Spiral Type Earth Augers
Clause 5 - Manufacture, Workmanship and Finish
Clause 7 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 226:1975Structural Steel (Standard Quality)
→
IS 1570:2017Schedules for Wrought Steels
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the standard diameters available for spiral augers under this code?+
The standard nominal sizes are 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mm (Table 1).
What material is specified for the auger blades?+
The blades are specified to be made from steel conforming to Grade St 42-S of IS 226 or an equivalent grade (Clause 3.1).
What is the standard shank size for these augers?+
The shank is a square section measuring 20 x 20 mm to connect with extension rods (Clause 4.3).
Is this standard for mechanical or manual augers?+
The specifications are primarily for manual augers used with extension rods and a T-piece for geotechnical site investigation.

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