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IS 1678 : 1998Prestressed concrete poles for overhead power, traction and telecommunication lines

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EN 12843 · JIS A 5373 · IEEE 1070
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMStructural Engineering · Cement Matrix Products
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 1678:1998 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for prestressed concrete poles for overhead power, traction and telecommunication lines. This standard prescribes the requirements for the design, materials, manufacture, and testing of prestressed concrete poles used for overhead electrical power transmission, traction, and telecommunication lines.

Prestressed concrete poles for overhead power, traction and telecommunication lines

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Structural Engineering — Cement Matrix Products
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (1999); Amendment 2 (2003)
International equivalents
EN 12843:2020 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeJIS A 5373:2016 · JSA (Japanese Standards Association), JapanIEEE 1070-2016 · IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), USA
Typically used with
IS 456IS 1343IS 1785IS 6006
Also on InfraLens for IS 1678
6Key values2Tables4FAQs

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

Practical Notes
! Poles must be clearly marked with the manufacturer's name, year of manufacture, and designated working load.
! Lifting and handling points must be strictly adhered to; improper handling can induce bending moments that exceed the cracking moment of the pole.
! Curing must be thorough, and transfer of prestress should only occur once the concrete has reached the specified transfer strength to avoid bursting cracks.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 6MaterialsCl. 7Concrete RequirementsCl. 9Design RequirementsCl. 10Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 15Sampling and Testing
Pulled from IS 1678:1998. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments2 amendments
1999Amendment 1 (1999)
2003Amendment 2 (2003)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
prestressed concretehigh tensile steelcementaggregates

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 12843:2020CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Precast concrete products — Masts and poles
Directly comparable product standard specifying requirements for precast concrete masts and poles for various overhead line applications, including power, lighting, and telecommunication.
JIS A 5373:2016JSA (Japanese Standards Association), Japan
HighCurrent
Precast concrete products – Precast concrete piles and poles
Product specification covering precast concrete poles, often centrifugally spun and prestressed, used for utilities and other structural applications in a similar manner to IS 1678.
IEEE 1070-2016IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), USA
MediumCurrent
Guide for the Design and Construction of Concrete Transmission Pole Structures
Provides comprehensive guidelines for the structural design, material selection, fabrication, and testing of concrete transmission pole structures, including prestressed concrete, from a design and construction perspective.
Key Differences
≠Concrete grade classification: IS 1678 specifies concrete grades using 'M' designation (e.g., M40, based on cube strength), whereas EN 12843 uses 'C' classes (e.g., C32/40, referencing cylinder/cube strength), and IEEE 1070 refers to ACI 318, which commonly uses psi or MPa based on cylinder strength.
≠Prestressing steel specifications: IS 1678 refers to IS 14268 for prestressing steel (e.g., uncoated stress relieved low relaxation seven-ply strand). In contrast, EN 12843 references EN 10138 series, IEEE 1070 typically references ASTM A416, and JIS A 5373 refers to JIS G 3137/3536, each with specific grades, relaxation properties, and test methods.
≠Dimensional tolerances: While all standards define tolerances for length, straightness, and cross-section, the specific numerical values and methods of specification vary. For example, IS 1678 uses percentage or fixed max values for length, while EN 12843 provides fixed values for different pole length ranges.
≠Design philosophy and safety factors: IS 1678 explicitly defines a ratio between Ultimate Transverse Load (UTL) and Working Load (WL) (e.g., 2.5 for power lines). International standards like EN 12843 typically employ partial safety factors for loads and materials as per Eurocodes, and IEEE 1070 utilizes Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) principles from ACI, leading to different load combinations and resistance reduction factors.
≠Testing procedures and acceptance criteria: Although ultimate load tests are common, the specific test setups, loading rates, definition of failure, and criteria for crack width or deflection under serviceability conditions can differ significantly among IS, EN, and JIS standards.
Key Similarities
≈Overriding purpose: All standards share the fundamental objective of ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of prestressed concrete poles used in critical infrastructure applications such as power, traction, and telecommunication lines.
≈Material quality requirements: Common foundational requirements for the quality of constituent materials, including cement, aggregates, water, and the high-tensile steel reinforcement utilized for prestressing.
≈Performance-based design principles: All emphasize the pole's ability to meet specified performance criteria, including ultimate load capacity, resistance to bending and shear forces, and serviceability requirements related to deflection and crack control under various loading conditions.
≈Durability and long-term performance: Inclusion of provisions for ensuring the long-term durability of the poles, such as minimum concrete cover to reinforcement, requirements for dense and impermeable concrete, and consideration of environmental exposure conditions.
≈Manufacturing quality control: Emphasis on stringent quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, encompassing material testing, precise dimensional checks, and comprehensive performance testing of the finished poles.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Concrete Compressive Strength (28 days)M40 (40 N/mm² cube strength)C32/40 (32 N/mm² cylinder strength, 40 N/mm² cube strength equivalent)EN 12843:2020
Characteristic Tensile Strength of Prestressing Steel (approx.)1670 N/mm² (for 7-ply strand as per IS 14268)1860 N/mm² (Grade 270 for strand, ultimate tensile strength fpu)IEEE 1070-2016 (referencing ASTM A416)
Minimum Concrete Cover to Prestressing Steel (typical for spun poles)20 mm15-20 mm (for spun concrete poles, depending on manufacturing and exposure conditions)JIS A 5373:2016
Tolerances on Overall Length±1% or ±50 mm (whichever is less)±10 mm (for poles up to 10 m), ±20 mm (for poles > 10 m)EN 12843:2020
Ratio of Ultimate Transverse Load (UTL) to Working Load (WL)2.5 (for power/traction lines), 2.0 (for telecom lines)Not specified as a direct ratio, but implicitly determined by partial safety factors for loads and materials (e.g., γF, γM) as per Eurocodes.EN 12843:2020
Straightness ToleranceNot more than 1/500th of the lengthNot more than 1/500th of the length or 10 mm (whichever is greater)EN 12843:2020
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
minimum concrete gradeM 40
minimum cover to prestressing steel20 mm
tolerance on overall length±15 mm
tolerance on cross sectional dimensions+3 mm / -3 mm
minimum factor of safety against ultimate failure2.0 or 2.5 (as specified by purchaser)
minimum clear spacing between wires15 mm or 3x wire dia

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Tolerances on Dimensions
Table 2 - Scale of Sampling and Permissible Number of Defectives
Key Clauses
Clause 6 - Materials
Clause 7 - Concrete Requirements
Clause 9 - Design Requirements
Clause 10 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 15 - Sampling and Testing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 456:2000Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Pract...
→
IS 1343:2012Prestressed Concrete - Code of Practice
→
IS 1785:2000plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed c...
→
IS 6006:1983uncoated stress-relieved strand for prestress...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the minimum grade of concrete required for prestressed poles?+
The minimum grade of concrete shall be M 40.
What is the required minimum cover for prestressing steel?+
The minimum clear cover to prestressing steel should be 20 mm.
What is the primary mechanical test required for acceptance?+
The transverse strength test, which checks the failure load against the ultimate design breaking load.
Can splicing of prestressing wires be done?+
No, splicing of tensioned wires is generally not permitted within the length of the pole.

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