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IS 2905:1989 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for concrete poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines - methods of test. This standard prescribes the testing methods for concrete poles used in overhead power and telecommunication lines, focusing on dimensional checks, transverse strength testing, and torsion tests.
Concrete poles for overhead power and telecommunication lines - Methods of test
BS EN 12843:2004BSI / CEN (United Kingdom / Europe)
HighCurrent
Precast concrete products. Masts and poles.
Specifies requirements and test methods for precast concrete poles, including for overhead lines.
AS/NZS 4065:2010Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia / New Zealand)
HighCurrent
Concrete utility services poles
Specifies requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of concrete poles for utility services.
IEC 60652:2002IEC (International)
MediumCurrent
Loading tests on overhead line structures
Provides general methods for loading tests on any OHL structure, forming the basis for specific pole tests.
ASTM C1089-18ASTM International (USA)
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Poles
Covers design, manufacture, and testing of a specific type (spun cast) of prestressed concrete pole.
Key Differences
≠IS 2905 defines a prescriptive 'first crack load' based on a crack of 0.1 mm width over 300 mm length. In contrast, EN 12843 uses a modern limit state design approach, assessing cracking performance against a Serviceability Limit State (SLS) load, where crack widths (e.g., 0.2 mm) are checked for durability.
≠The Indian standard specifies a single progressive test procedure to verify 'first crack' and 'ultimate' load. European standards like EN 12843 more formally distinguish between separate tests for Serviceability Limit State (SLS) to check deflection/cracking and Ultimate Limit State (ULS) to verify strength.
≠IS 2905 specifies a fixed load application point at 0.6 m from the pole top. Standards like AS/NZS 4065 require the load to be applied at a point calculated from the resultant of all transverse design forces, making the test setup more specific to the pole's intended use.
≠The permanent set (recovery) test in IS 2905 is conducted after unloading from 75% of the design transverse load. In AS/NZS 4065, this test is performed after unloading from the full Serviceability Design Load, which is a more direct check of elastic performance under normal operating conditions.
Key Similarities
≈All standards (IS, EN, AS/NZS) use a transverse bending test in a horizontal cantilever configuration as the fundamental method for verifying the pole's structural strength against wind and line tension.
≈The primary objective across all standards is to physically test the pole to confirm its ability to safely withstand design-specified loads, ensuring both serviceability (no undue cracking/deflection) and ultimate strength (no collapse).
≈Measurement of deflection at the point of load application at various load stages is a mandatory requirement in IS 2905 and its international counterparts. This data is crucial for assessing stiffness and elastic recovery.
≈All referenced standards require a thorough visual inspection of the pole for any manufacturing defects (e.g., honeycombing, spalling, major cracks) and verification of critical dimensions prior to commencing the load test.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
'First Crack' Width Criterion
A crack not less than 0.1 mm in width.
Typically a maximum of 0.2 mm under Serviceability Limit State (SLS) load for durability considerations.
BS EN 12843:2004 (principles from EN 1992-1-1)
Permanent Set Limit
≤ 10% of deflection after unloading from 75% of design transverse load.
≤ 10% of deflection after unloading from the full Serviceability Design Load.
AS/NZS 4065:2010
Load Hold Duration (at major load step)
2 minutes at 75% of design load; 1 minute at 'first crack' load.
3 minutes at the Serviceability Limit State (SLS) design load.
BS EN 12843:2004
Load Application Point
Fixed at 0.6 m from the top of the pole.
At the calculated design point of transverse load application for the specific line configuration.
AS/NZS 4065:2010
Minimum Age for Testing
Not earlier than 28 days after manufacture.
Not before the concrete has reached specified strength, and generally not before 28 days.
BS EN 12843:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Deflection measurement accuracy1 mm
Overall length measurement accuracy5 mm
Transverse load point from top0.6 m (typical, unless specified otherwise)
Holding time for load stages2 to 3 minutes before taking readings
How is the transverse load applied during testing?+
Gradually via a winch or chain pulley block, generally applied at a distance of 600 mm from the top of the pole.
What is the anchoring method during testing?+
The pole is anchored rigidly from the butt end up to the specified planting depth in a crib or testing bed to simulate actual field embedment.
Are the pass/fail load requirements specified in this code?+
No, IS 2905 only provides the testing methodology. The actual load limits and acceptance criteria are found in the relevant product specifications like IS 1678.