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IS 16704 : 2018Performance Requirements for Precast Concrete Products

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EN 13369 · BS EN 13369 · AS 3850.1
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMStructural Engineering · Swimming Pools and Sports Facilities
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 16704:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for performance requirements for precast concrete products. This standard specifies the performance requirements for precast concrete products used in the construction of swimming pools and other sports facilities. It covers materials, geometrical properties, mechanical resistance, durability, and testing methods. The code ensures that precast elements meet the necessary quality and safety standards for these specialized applications.

Specifies performance requirements for various precast concrete products, including those used in construction of sports facilities.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Structural Engineering — Swimming Pools and Sports Facilities
Type
Specification
International equivalents
EN 13369:2018 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeBS EN 13369:2018 · BSI (British Standards Institution), United KingdomAS 3850.1:2015 · Standards Australia, AustraliaPCI MNL-116-17 · PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute), USA
Typically used with
IS 456IS 1786IS 383IS 10262IS 516IS 2386
Also on InfraLens for IS 16704
6Key values4Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Pay close attention to specified geometrical tolerances (Clause 6) as they are critical for the assembly and water-tightness of pool structures.
! Ensure all materials, especially admixtures and jointing materials, are certified as compatible with chlorinated pool environments to prevent degradation.
! Surface finish requirements are stringent; verify finishes upon delivery before installation to avoid aesthetic and functional issues like algae growth or injury.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5RequirementsCl. 6Geometrical PropertiesCl. 7Physical and Mechanical PropertiesCl. 9Production ControlAnnex A - Test for Water Absorption
Pulled from IS 16704:2018. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
precast concreteconcretecementsteel reinforcementadmixtures

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 13369:2018CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Common rules for precast concrete products
Provides common requirements and performance criteria for a wide range of precast concrete products, acting as a parent standard.
BS EN 13369:2018BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Common rules for precast concrete products
The UK's adoption of the European standard, EN 13369, with a national annex for country-specific provisions.
AS 3850.1:2015Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Prefabricated concrete elements, Part 1: General requirements
Specifies general requirements for the materials, design, casting, and handling of prefabricated concrete elements.
PCI MNL-116-17PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute), USA
MediumCurrent
Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural Precast Concrete Products
Focuses on quality control procedures to achieve product performance, rather than setting the performance criteria itself.
Key Differences
≠IS 16704 is a single, self-contained standard, whereas the European system uses EN 13369 as a 'common rules' document that works with a large suite of specific product standards (e.g., for slabs, walls, beams).
≠Durability requirements in IS 16704 are linked to Indian exposure conditions defined in IS 456 (Mild, Moderate, Severe, etc.), while EN 13369 refers to European exposure classes in EN 206 (e.g., XC, XD, XS) which reflect different corrosion mechanisms.
≠IS 16704 provides a specific maximum limit for water absorption (6% by mass) as a general durability requirement, whereas EN 13369 does not specify a general limit, leaving it to product-specific standards or project specifications based on exposure.
≠The Indian standard refers to Indian standards for testing and design, such as IS 456 for concrete design and IS 1642 for fire resistance. EN 13369 refers to the Eurocode suite (e.g., EN 1992 for design, EN 1992-1-2 for fire) and EN test methods.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 16704 and EN 13369 are fundamentally performance-based, defining the required outcomes (e.g., strength, tolerances, durability) rather than prescribing a specific manufacturing method.
≈Both standards mandate a Factory Production Control (FPC) system to ensure consistency of materials, production processes, and conformity of the finished product.
≈Both standards cover a similar set of core performance aspects, including mechanical resistance, durability (through cover and concrete quality), dimensional tolerances, and surface finish criteria.
≈Both act as 'parent' documents that heavily reference other standards for fundamental requirements, such as the main national concrete design code (IS 456 for India, EN 1992/Eurocode 2 for Europe) and material testing standards.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum concrete grade (Reinforced Concrete)M25 (compressive strength of 25 MPa)C20/25 (compressive strength of 20 MPa) for mildest exposure (XC1)EN 13369 / EN 206
Straightness tolerance (deviation from line)L/750 or 20 mm, whichever is lessL/750 or 20 mm, whichever is less (for Class 1 tolerance)EN 13369:2018
Length tolerance for element (3m < L ≤ 6m)±12 mm±10 mm (for Class 1 tolerance)EN 13369:2018
Cross-sectional dimension tolerance (H ≤ 150mm)±5 mm±5 mm (for Class 1 tolerance)EN 13369:2018
Water Absorption (by mass)Shall not be more than 6%Not specified as a general rule; defined in product standards or for specific durability requirements (e.g., freeze-thaw).EN 13369:2018
Concrete cover tolerance (deviation from specified cover)Negative deviation: 0 mm; Positive deviation: +10 mmNegative deviation from *minimum* cover is not permitted. A tolerance (Δc,dev, typically 10 mm) is added to the minimum cover to get the nominal cover for design.EN 13369 / EN 1992-1-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Minimum concrete strength class for structural elementsM35
Maximum water absorption by mass6%
Minimum cement content for 'Very Severe' exposure340 kg/m³
Maximum w/c ratio for 'Very Severe' exposure0.45
Permitted deviation in length of element (up to 6m)±10 mm
Minimum nominal cover for 'Very Severe' exposure50 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Limiting Values for Composition and Properties of Concrete
Table 2 - Permitted Deviations for Dimensions (Tolerances)
Table 3 - Surface Characteristics and Imperfections
Table 4 - Minimum Concrete Strength Class
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Requirements
Clause 6 - Geometrical Properties
Clause 7 - Physical and Mechanical Properties
Clause 9 - Production Control
Annex A - Test for Water Absorption

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 456:2000Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Pract...
→
IS 1786:2008High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires f...
→
IS 383:2016Coarse and Fine Aggregates for Concrete - Spe...
→
IS 10262:2019Concrete Mix Proportioning - Guidelines
→
IS 516:2021Methods of Tests for Strength of Concrete - P...
→
IS 2386:1963Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete -...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the key performance aspects covered by this code?+
The code covers mechanical resistance, serviceability (e.g., deflection), durability, geometrical tolerances, and surface finish (Clause 5).
Does this code specify the concrete mix design?+
No, it specifies performance requirements like minimum grade and durability properties (Table 1). Mix design should be done as per IS 10262 to meet these requirements.
What are the tolerance limits for precast elements?+
Permitted deviations for dimensions like length, height, and straightness are detailed in Clause 6 and Table 2.
Is this standard applicable to all precast concrete products?+
No, its scope is limited to precast concrete products intended for the construction of swimming pools and sports facilities.

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