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IS 10701:1996 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for plywood for concrete shuttering work - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for high-density plywood intended for use in constructing formwork (shuttering) for concrete structures. It covers the materials, manufacturing process, dimensions, physical and mechanical properties, and testing methods to ensure the plywood can withstand the loads from wet concrete and be reused.
Specifies the requirements for plywood manufactured specifically for use as concrete formwork, including strength and durability.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Shuttering plywood is distinct from Marine plywood (IS 710); while both use BWP adhesive, shuttering ply is denser and designed to withstand the abrasive, alkaline environment of concrete.
! The number of reuses (repetitions) is not specified by the code and depends heavily on site handling, application of mould-release agents, and proper storage.
! Ensure the face veneers are smooth and often film-faced to provide a good concrete finish and increase the lifespan of the formwork.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
plywoodformworktimberconcreteveneer
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
AS 6669:2016Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Plywood — Formwork
Directly specifies requirements for plywood intended for use as concrete formwork, including stress grades.
BS EN 636:2012+A1:2015BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Plywood — Specifications
General plywood standard; its specifications for 'Class 3' (exterior use) cover the durability required for shuttering plywood.
PS 1-19U.S. Department of Commerce, USA
HighCurrent
Structural Plywood
Includes specific 'Plyform Class I' and 'Plyform Class II' grades engineered for concrete forming applications.
JAS 1830:2019Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan
HighCurrent
Concrete Form Plywood
A dedicated Japanese Agricultural Standard for plywood specifically manufactured for use as concrete formwork panels.
Key Differences
≠IS 10701 mandates a specific alkali resistance test where the plywood is immersed in a 10% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Most international standards rely on general bond durability tests (like boil tests) to ensure resistance to wet alkaline cement, but do not specify this exact chemical test.
≠The Indian standard specifies a list of approved timber species for veneers. In contrast, standards like BS EN 636 or PS 1-19 are performance-based, allowing any species that meets the required structural and durability properties for a given class.
≠IS 10701 requires mandatory preservative treatment of all veneers with a 'fixed type' preservative to guard against biological attack. In international standards, preservative treatment is often optional, specified separately based on the expected biological hazard class.
≠Grading in IS 10701 is divided into 'General Purpose' and 'Special Grade', based on wood species and strength. Australian standard AS 6669 uses structural F-grades (e.g., F11, F14, F17) which directly correlate to engineering design values, a more quantitative approach.
Key Similarities
≈All standards require the use of a highly durable, waterproof adhesive. IS 10701 specifies 'Boiling Water Proof' (BWP) grade, equivalent to AS 6669's 'Type A Bond', EN 314-2's 'Class 3' bonding, and PS 1-19's 'Exterior' glue line.
≈A key quality assurance test common to all standards is a boil test (e.g., 72 hours in IS 10701) to verify the integrity of the glue line under extreme moisture and heat, simulating harsh site conditions.
≈All comparable standards place strict limits on veneer quality and panel construction, controlling defects like large knots, splits, and core gaps to ensure a smooth concrete finish and maintain the panel's structural integrity.
≈The core purpose of all these standards is to specify plywood with sufficient mechanical strength (especially bending strength and stiffness) to safely support the pressure of wet concrete without excessive deflection or failure.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Adhesive Bond Quality
Boiling Water Proof (BWP) type, must pass 72-hour boil test.
Type A Bond, must pass 72-hour boil test.
AS 6669:2016
Moisture Content at Dispatch
5% to 15%
Shall not exceed 15% (for Formwork Grade F11 to F22).
AS 6669:2016
Thickness Tolerance (for 12 mm nominal panel)
±5% (±0.60 mm)
±0.5 mm
AS 6669:2016
Test for Bond Durability
72-hour immersion in boiling water, followed by knife test for delamination.
Immersion in boiling water followed by lap-shear tests to determine bond strength (as per EN 314-1).
BS EN 314-2:1993
Surface Finish
Face veneers shall be of a single piece. Can be overlaid with phenolic film.
Specifies 'Plyform' grades (Class I, II) with solid B-grade or better faces, sanded, and treated with a release agent or overlaid.
PS 1-19
Alkali Resistance Test
Mandatory: Immersion in 10% NaOH solution at 65°C for 4 hours.
No direct equivalent chemical test specified; resistance is implied through bond class requirements.
BS EN 636:2012+A1:2015
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum density750 kg/m³
Water resistance test duration72 hours in boiling water
Minimum number of plies for 12 mm thickness9
Adhesive typeBoiling Water Proof (BWP) Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)
Minimum average dry glue shear strength13.7 N/mm²
Minimum modulus of rupture (along the face grain)50.0 N/mm²
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Plywood for Concrete Shuttering Work
What is the main difference between shuttering ply and commercial ply?+
Shuttering ply (IS 10701) uses BWP grade adhesive and has a higher density (min 750 kg/m³) for strength. Commercial ply (IS 303) typically uses MR grade (moisture resistant) adhesive and is not suitable for direct contact with wet concrete.
What does BWP stand for?+
BWP stands for 'Boiling Water Proof'. It indicates the use of Phenol Formaldehyde synthetic resin that can withstand a 72-hour boiling water test without delamination, as required by Clause 10.3.
What is the standard size of a shuttering ply sheet?+
Common sizes include 2440 x 1220 mm, 2140 x 1220 mm, and 1840 x 1220 mm, with thicknesses ranging from 12 mm to 25 mm as per Clause 7.1.
Is film-facing mandatory for shuttering plywood?+
No, the standard does not mandate a film face, but it allows for it. Film-faced shuttering plywood provides a smoother concrete finish and significantly increases the number of reuses.