IS 2090:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for design of bearings for bridges. This standard lays down the requirements for the manufacture, supply, and testing of high tensile steel bars (plain and ribbed) intended for use in prestressed concrete. It strictly governs chemical composition and vital physical properties such as proof stress, minimum elongation, and long-term stress relaxation.
Provides earlier general guidelines and requirements for the design and selection of bridge bearings.
Overview
- Status
- Superseded — superseded by IS 2090:2018
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Bridges and Bridge Engineering
- Type
- Specification
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (1993)
Also on InfraLens for IS 2090
Practical Notes
! High tensile steel bars must never be welded or subjected to localized heat on site, as this permanently destroys their required tensile properties.
! Ensure proper storage strictly away from moisture to prevent surface corrosion; pitting acts as a stress concentrator leading to premature brittle failure.
! The 1000-hour relaxation test is crucial for verifying the material's ability to maintain prestressing forces over the structural lifespan.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
high tensile steelprestressed concretealloy steel
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Carbon content (max)0.90 %
Sulphur content (max)0.050 %
Phosphorus content (max)0.050 %
Minimum elongation at rupture6 %
0.2% Proof stress (min)80% of minimum ultimate tensile strength
Stress relaxation (max after 1000h)5% at 70% UTS initial stress
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Chemical Composition
Table 2 - Physical Requirements
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Manufacture
Clause 4 - Chemical Composition
Clause 6 - Physical Requirements
Clause 10 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the maximum permissible sulfur and phosphorus content in the steel?+
0.050% each (Clause 4), to prevent brittleness and ensure durability during tensioning.
Can high tensile steel bars used for prestressing be welded?+
No, welding alters the microstructure and significantly degrades the high-tensile properties achieved during manufacturing.
What is the minimum elongation required for these bars?+
A minimum of 6% elongation at rupture on a gauge length of 5.65 √A (Clause 6.2).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.