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IS 13158:1991 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for prestressed concrete circular spun poles for overhead power, traction and telecommunication lines. This standard specifies the requirements for prestressed concrete (PSC) circular poles manufactured by the centrifugal spinning method. It covers materials, dimensions, manufacturing processes, testing procedures, and acceptance criteria for poles used in overhead power, traction, and telecommunication lines.
Prestressed concrete circular spun poles for overhead power, traction and telecommunication lines
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The centrifugal spinning process creates a dense, high-strength concrete outer layer, which enhances durability, but requires stringent quality control during production.
! Handling and transportation of these slender poles require special care and specified support points to avoid damage before installation.
! Verification of the transverse load test results is the most critical acceptance criterion for ensuring the pole's performance in service.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
prestressed concretecementhigh tensile steel
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS EN 12843:2004BSI / CEN (British Standards Institution / European Committee for Standardization), UK / Europe
HighCurrent
Precast concrete products - Masts and poles
Covers design, performance, and manufacturing of precast concrete poles, including those for overhead lines.
AS/NZS 4065:2010Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia / New Zealand
HighCurrent
Concrete utility services poles
Specifies requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of concrete poles for utility services.
ASCE/SEI MRE 123-14ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), USA
MediumCurrent
Prestressed Concrete Transmission Pole Structures: Recommended Practice for Design and Installation
Provides design and installation guidance rather than a product specification, but covers the same type of structure.
Key Differences
≠The Indian Standard classifies poles by their ultimate transverse load capacity in kilograms (e.g., 200 kg, 400 kg). In contrast, EN 12843 classifies poles by nominal height and characteristic bending resistance (in kNm).
≠IS 13158 uses a working stress design philosophy with a global factor of safety (e.g., 2.5 on working load for ultimate load). European and Australian standards (EN 12843, AS/NZS 4065) are based on limit state design, using partial safety factors for loads and material strengths.
≠IS 13158 specifies a single minimum concrete cover of 20 mm. EN 12843 links minimum cover requirements to specific environmental exposure classes (e.g., XC, XD, XS), resulting in variable cover values (often higher than 20 mm) depending on the installation environment.
≠The maximum allowable crack width under working load is stricter in the Indian standard (0.1 mm) compared to the typical limit in EN 12843 for many exposure classes (0.2 mm).
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of high-strength, pre-tensioned prestressing steel and high-strength concrete to manufacture the poles.
≈The centrifugal spinning process (spun concrete) is recognized by all standards as a primary method for producing dense, strong, hollow concrete poles.
≈All standards mandate a rigorous testing regime, including type tests on representative samples to verify structural performance (bending strength, deflection) and routine acceptance tests.
≈The fundamental structural form, a tapered, hollow circular cross-section, is a common feature driven by the manufacturing process and structural efficiency requirements.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Concrete Grade/Strength (Cube)
M40 (40 N/mm²)
Typically C50/60 (50 N/mm² cylinder / 60 N/mm² cube) or higher for prestressed poles.
BS EN 12843:2004
Minimum Concrete Cover to Tendons
20 mm
25 mm (for moderate exposure class XC3/XC4)
BS EN 12843:2004
Maximum Crack Width at Working Load
0.1 mm
0.2 mm (for prestressed members in exposure classes XC, XF)
BS EN 12843:2004
Factor of Safety (Ultimate vs. Working Load)
2.5
Not directly comparable; uses partial load factors (e.g., 1.5 for variable actions like wind) in Limit State Design.
BS EN 12843:2004
Tolerance on Overall Length
± 25 mm
± 0.5% of length, max ± 50 mm (e.g., ± 50 mm for a 10m pole)
BS EN 12843:2004
Tolerance on Straightness
Not to exceed 0.3% of the length
Not to exceed 3 mm per metre of length (equivalent to 0.3%)
AS/NZS 4065:2010
Max Curing Temperature (Steam Curing)
70 °C
70 °C (maximum concrete temperature)
BS EN 12843:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum grade of concreteM 40
Minimum cement content360 kg/m³
Minimum cover to prestressing steel20 mm
Load factor for ultimate load test2.5 times the specified working load
Permissible deflection at working loadNot specified, but recovery of 85% of deflection is required after load removal
Permissible crack width at working loadNo visible cracks
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Dimensions of Poles
Table 2 - Details of Poles and Reinforcement for a Particular Series