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IS 3337:1978 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bullies for general purposes. This standard lays down the specification for timber ballies (poles) used for general construction purposes such as scaffolding, temporary supports, and formwork. It covers standard dimensions, grading, permissible defects, and required wood preservation treatments.
NZS 3605:2001Standards New Zealand (SNZ), New Zealand
HighCurrent
Timber piles and poles for use in building
Specifies requirements for round timber poles, covering species, grading, defects, preservation, and dimensions.
BS EN 12811-1:2003British Standards Institution (BSI) / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), UK/Europe
MediumCurrent
Temporary works equipment - Part 1: Scaffolds - Performance requirements and general design
Covers performance requirements for scaffold components, including timber poles, focusing on system safety and design.
BS 4978:2007+A2:2017British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
MediumCurrent
Visual strength grading of softwood - Specification
Provides the methodology for visual strength grading, a principle used for classifying structural timber poles internationally.
Key Differences
≠IS 3337 uses a prescriptive classification (Class I, II, III) based on dimensions (length and diameter), whereas international standards like NZS 3605 use visual strength grading (e.g., SG8) based on defect characteristics that correlate with mechanical strength.
≠Preservative treatment is optional in IS 3337, referencing IS 401. Modern standards like NZS 3605 mandate specific preservation treatments based on Hazard Classes (e.g., H5 for in-ground contact) to ensure durability for the intended use.
≠IS 3337 specifies a list of approved Indian timber species. International standards typically specify species common to their region (e.g., Radiata Pine in NZS 3605) or provide a framework for qualifying the strength properties of any species.
≠BS EN 12811-1 is a performance-based standard specifying load capacity and stiffness for scaffold components, allowing material innovation. IS 3337 is purely prescriptive, defining the material attributes without linking them to final performance requirements.
Key Similarities
≈All standards, including IS 3337 and NZS 3605, control material quality by setting limits on natural defects such as knots, splits, decay, and slope of grain.
≈The fundamental material specified in both IS 3337 ('bullies') and its international counterparts is round timber poles, i.e., debarked logs with minimal processing.
≈Both IS 3337 and international standards require the poles to be marked for traceability, typically including information on the supplier, class/grade, and preservative treatment.
≈Dimensional control is a common aspect, with both IS 3337 and standards like NZS 3605 specifying tolerances for length, diameter, and straightness to ensure uniformity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Classification Basis
By Classes (I, II, III) based on length and butt/top diameter.
By Strength Grade (e.g., SG6, SG8) based on visual assessment of strength-reducing defects.
NZS 3605:2001
Straightness Tolerance (Sweep)
Deviation not to exceed 1/600 of the length.
Deviation not to exceed 1/300 of the length for poles.
NZS 3605:2001
Preservative Treatment
Optional, to be done as per IS 401 if required by the purchaser.
Mandatory, with preservative type and retention level specified by Hazard Class (e.g., H5 for ground contact).
NZS 3605:2001
Permissible Sound Knot Size
Max diameter of 1/4 of the bully diameter at that point, up to a 50 mm limit.
Limited by Knot Area Ratio (KAR) or as a fraction of the cross-section, varying by strength grade (e.g., max 1/3 of cross-section for SG8).
BS 4978:2007+A2:2017 (principles)
End Split Control
Maximum length of a single split from either end shall not exceed the butt diameter of the bully.
For larger poles, anti-splitting devices (e.g., nail plates) are often required at the ends during seasoning.
NZS 3605:2001
Marking Requirement
Class, supplier identification, and ISI Certification Mark.
Treatment plant, Hazard Class, preservative type, and reference to the standard (e.g., NZS 3605).
NZS 3605:2001
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Standard lengths of ballies2 to 10 m
Minimum diameter at top50 mm
Maximum permissible sweep (curvature)1 in 100 of the length