IS 14399 (Part 1) : 2000Hot Press Moulded Thermosetting Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Resin (GRP) Sectional Water Storage Tanks, Part 1: panels, Part 2 Guidelines for assembly, installation and test
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IS 14399:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for hot press moulded thermosetting glass fibre reinforced polyester resin (grp) sectional water storage tanks, part 1: panels, part 2 guidelines for assembly, installation and test. This standard, in two parts, covers GRP sectional water tanks. Part 1 specifies requirements for the hot press moulded panels, including materials, dimensions, and physical properties like strength and water absorption. Part 2 provides guidelines for the assembly, installation, and testing of the complete tank.
Hot Press Moulded Thermosetting Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Resin (GRP) Sectional Water Storage Tanks, Part 1: panels, Part 2 Guidelines for assembly, installation and test
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure the supporting structure (concrete plinth or steel frame) is perfectly level and complies with Part 2 guidelines to prevent panel stress and leakage.
! The most common failure points are sealant application and incorrect bolt torque during assembly; these must be strictly supervised.
! Always verify the manufacturer's ISI marking on each panel to ensure conformity with the standard.
BS EN 13280:2001BSI (British Standards Institution), UK / CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Specification for glass fibre reinforced cisterns of one piece and sectional construction, for the storage of cold water
Specifies requirements for GRP sectional tanks for cold water storage, covering materials, properties, and testing.
AWWA D121-18AWWA (American Water Works Association), USA
HighCurrent
Bolted Aboveground Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Panel-Type Tanks for Water Storage
Covers design, manufacturing, and erection of bolted FRP panel tanks, directly comparable to the IS code's scope.
SS 245:1995 (Amd 1, 2013)Enterprise Singapore, Singapore
HighCurrent
Specification for glass reinforced polyester sectional water tanks
Details specifications for GRP sectional tanks including materials, construction, properties, and testing, similar to IS 14399.
BS 7491-3:1994BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) cisterns, tanks and vessels. Specification for sectional rectangular tanks
As a predecessor to the EN standard, its scope was almost identical to IS 14399 for GRP sectional tanks.
Key Differences
≠International standards like AWWA D121-18 provide more comprehensive guidelines for environmental loads, including detailed seismic, wind, and snow load calculations, which are less emphasized in IS 14399.
≠Potability requirements in international standards are often more stringent; AWWA D121 requires compliance with NSF/ANSI 61, and BS EN 13280 requires compliance with national regulations (e.g., WRAS in the UK), whereas IS 14399 has more general non-toxicity requirements.
≠IS 14399 specifies a fixed maximum water absorption limit (0.5%), while BS EN 13280 is more performance-based, relying on test methods like ISO 62 without setting a universal prescriptive limit in the main body.
≠AWWA D121-18 includes specific requirements for UV protection on exterior surfaces for outdoor tanks, such as gel coats with UV inhibitors, which are more detailed than the general guidelines for outdoor suitability in IS 14399.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the use of hot press moulded thermosetting GRP/FRP panels, ensuring high strength, dimensional accuracy, and consistent quality.
≈The fundamental material composition is consistent across standards, specifying glass fibre reinforcement (typically E-glass) within a thermosetting polyester resin matrix.
≈The core assembly concept is identical: a modular tank constructed from flanged panels bolted together with a sealant strip at the joints and supported by an internal or external bracing system.
≈All standards mandate key mechanical property tests for the panels, including flexural strength, tensile strength, and Barcol hardness, to ensure the material's structural integrity.
≈A full hydrostatic leak test is a mandatory requirement after assembly in all compared standards, typically requiring the tank to be watertight for a 24-hour period.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Glass Content (% by mass)
30% (minimum)
Typically 35% for SMC panels
BS EN 13280:2001 (Annex A)
Barcol Hardness (on moulded surface)
45 (minimum)
40 (minimum for SMC panels)
BS EN 13280:2001 (Table A.1)
Flexural Strength
100 MPa (minimum)
100 MPa (minimum)
BS EN 13280:2001 (Table A.1)
Tensile Strength
60 MPa (minimum)
65 MPa (minimum)
BS EN 13280:2001 (Table A.1)
Water Absorption (24h immersion)
0.5% by weight (maximum)
No specific limit; must pass overall performance and potability tests (Test method per ISO 62).
BS EN 13280:2001
Potability Certification
Must be non-toxic and suitable for potable water (as per IS 10500)
Must comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61
AWWA D121-18
Hydrostatic Leak Test Duration
24 hours (minimum)
24 hours (minimum)
AWWA D121-18
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Barcol Hardness (Scale 934-1)40
Minimum Glass Content by mass30%
Maximum Water Absorption20 mg
Minimum Tensile Strength70 MPa
Minimum Flexural Strength100 MPa
Minimum Flexural Modulus6000 MPa
Standard Panel Size1000 x 1000 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Panels
Table 2 - Dimensional Tolerances for Panels
Table 3 - Flatness Tolerances for Panels
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Requirements
Clause 5.4 - Physical Requirements
Annex A - Method for Determination of Water Absorption
Annex B - Method for Determination of Resistance to Bleaching Water
What is the minimum required glass content in a GRP panel?+
Minimum 30% by mass, as per Table 1 of IS 14399 (Part 1).
Are these tanks suitable for drinking water?+
Yes, provided the materials are of potable grade. The resin system should conform to IS 10146 for contact with drinking water.
What are the standard panel sizes specified?+
The code covers panels of 1000 x 1000 mm, 1000 x 500 mm, and 500 x 500 mm. The 1000 x 1000 mm panel is the most common.
Does this standard cover the bolts, nuts, and sealant?+
No, Part 1 of this standard is for the GRP panels only. Part 2 gives guidelines, and fasteners/sealants should be as per manufacturer's specifications, typically using stainless steel or galvanized steel bolts.