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IS 1726:1991 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cast iron manhole covers and frames - part 1: general requirements. This standard specifies the general requirements, grading, materials, manufacture, and load testing for cast iron manhole covers and frames used in drainage and sewerage networks. It categorizes covers into four grades (LD, MD, HD, EHD) based on their load-carrying capacity to suit various traffic conditions.
Specifies general requirements for cast iron manhole covers and frames for various drainage and sewerage applications.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Environmental — Drainage, Sewerage and Sanitary Fittings
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cast irongrey cast ironbitumen
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 124-2:2015CEN
HighCurrent
Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas - Part 2: Gully tops and manhole tops made of cast iron
Directly corresponds to the scope of IS 1726, specifying requirements for manhole covers made from grey and ductile cast iron. It is the modern European successor to older national standards.
AASHTO M 306-10AASHTO
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Drainage, Sewer, Utility, and Related Castings
Covers a broader range of cast iron products for infrastructure but includes specific requirements for manhole frames and covers. It is the primary reference standard in many US transportation projects.
BS EN 124:1994BSI / CEN
HighWithdrawn
Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas. Design requirements, type testing, marking, quality control
This was the primary predecessor to the current EN 124 series and was widely adopted. Its structure and load classes heavily influenced modern standards and it's a direct historical equivalent to IS 1726.
BS 497:1976BSI
HighWithdrawn
Specification for manhole covers, road gully gratings and frames for drainage purposes
The original British standard for cast iron manhole covers. IS 1726 shares a similar heritage and approach, focusing on grey cast iron and specific load designations.
Key Differences
≠Load classes in IS 1726 are designated by test load in tonnes (e.g., HD-20 for 20 tonnes), while EN 124 uses alphanumeric codes linked to specific installation areas and test loads in kilonewtons (e.g., D400 for 400 kN in carriageways).
≠IS 1726:1991 is specific to grey cast iron (Grade FG 200). Modern international standards like EN 124-2 have a stronger emphasis on spheroidal graphite cast iron (ductile iron) for higher load classes due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio.
≠International standards like EN 124 mandate a 'permanent set' test, measuring the non-recoverable deflection after applying a partial load to assess elasticity. IS 1726:1991 primarily focuses on an ultimate load test to check for fracture.
≠The EN 124 standard is a multi-part series, with Part 1 covering general principles and other parts covering specific materials (cast iron, steel, composites, etc.). IS 1726:1991 is a single document focused solely on grey cast iron.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards are fundamentally aimed at ensuring the safety, durability, and functional performance of manhole covers and frames in pedestrian and vehicular areas.
≈Both standards use a static load test applied to the center of the cover as the primary method for verifying its load-bearing capacity.
≈Both require mandatory information to be cast onto the cover, including the manufacturer's mark, the relevant standard number, and the load class or duty.
≈Both standards specify requirements for basic geometric features like the clear opening size and seating surfaces to ensure a stable and non-rocking fit between the cover and the frame.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Material Specified
Grey Cast Iron, Grade FG 200 or higher (as per IS 210).
Lamellar graphite cast iron (e.g., EN-GJL-200) and Spheroidal graphite cast iron (e.g., EN-GJS-500-7).