IS 15974:2012 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for evaluation of existing concrete structures for durability and service life - guidelines. This standard provides guidelines for the systematic evaluation of existing concrete structures to assess their condition and durability. It outlines a methodology for investigation, including diagnostic testing (NDT and destructive), to identify causes of deterioration and to aid in the prediction of remaining service life.
Provides guidelines for evaluating existing concrete structures concerning their durability and service life.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Demolition, Renovation and Repair of Structures
- Type
- Guidelines
Also on InfraLens for IS 15974
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This is a 'Guidelines' document, not a prescriptive code; it requires significant engineering judgment for interpretation and application.
! The code recommends a phased approach: preliminary investigation, followed by detailed and specialized investigations if required. This prevents unnecessary and costly testing.
! Service life prediction models discussed are highly sensitive to the quality of input data from investigations. Results should be interpreted as probabilistic indicators for decision-making, not as absolute certainties.
Frequently referenced clauses
concretereinforced concretesteel reinforcement
International Equivalents
🌐
International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Limiting crack width in 'Very Severe/Extreme' exposure0.1 mm
Limiting crack width in 'Moderate' exposure0.2 mm
pH value for passivation of steel reinforcement> 9.5
Max total chloride content for RCC in severe exposure (by mass of cement)0.20 %
Max total chloride content for PSC in severe exposure (by mass of cement)0.10 %
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Classification of Environment for Durability Evaluation
Table 2 - Limiting Crack Width for Reinforced Concrete Members (Indicative Values)
Table B.1 - Non-Destructive Test Methods for Diagnosis of Deterioration and their Applicability
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Principles of Durability Evaluation
Clause 5 - Methodology for Evaluation of Existing Structures
Clause 6 - Diagnostic Investigation and Testing
Clause 7 - Evaluation of Service Life
Annex B - Test Methods for Diagnosis of Deterioration
Frequently Asked Questions4
What are the main stages of durability evaluation?+
Preliminary investigation, Detailed investigation, and Specialized investigation (Clause 5.2).
What NDT is used to check for corrosion activity?+
Half-Cell Potentiometry is the primary method to assess the probability of active corrosion in reinforcement (Annex B).
What is the indicative limiting crack width for a structure in a 'severe' environment?+
0.1 mm, as per Table 2. However, the significance of any crack depends on its cause, nature, and location.
Does this code provide repair methods?+
No, this code focuses on evaluation and diagnosis. Repair methods and materials are covered in other standards like the IS 13430 series.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.