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IS 459 : 1992Corrugated and semi-corrugated asbestos cement sheets

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BS EN 494 · ISO 10974
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Roofing Materials
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 459:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for corrugated and semi-corrugated asbestos cement sheets. This standard lays down the requirements regarding composition, dimensions, and physical properties (like load-bearing capacity and impermeability) for corrugated and semi-corrugated asbestos cement sheets used primarily for roofing and cladding.

Specifies requirements for corrugated and semi-corrugated asbestos cement sheets for roofing and cladding.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Roofing Materials
Type
Specification
International equivalents
BS EN 494:2012+A1:2015 · BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/EuropeISO 10974:2012 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
Typically used with
IS 3007IS 11833IS 14871
Also on InfraLens for IS 459
6Key values2Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Always use cat ladders or roof crawl boards when working on AC sheet roofs; never walk directly on them as they are brittle and cannot sustain concentrated point loads.
! Appropriate health and safety precautions (such as P3 masks) must be taken during cutting, drilling, and handling to avoid asbestos dust inhalation.
! Ensure proper end and side laps as specified in IS 3007 during installation to prevent water leakage and uplift during high winds.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 5Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 6Physical CharacteristicsCl. 7Sampling and Criteria for ConformityCl. 8Tests
Pulled from IS 459:1992. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
asbestos cementroofing sheetscorrugated sheets

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS EN 494:2012+A1:2015BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
MediumCurrent
Fibre-cement profiled sheets and fittings — Product specification and test methods
Covers profiled sheets for roofing/cladding but is for non-asbestos fibre-cement.
ISO 393-1:1976ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighWithdrawn
Asbestos-cement products — Part 1: Corrugated sheets
Direct historical equivalent standard for asbestos-cement corrugated sheets.
ASTM C221-98ASTM International, USA
HighWithdrawn
Standard Specification for Corrugated Asbestos-Cement Sheets
US equivalent standard for corrugated asbestos-cement sheets, now withdrawn.
ISO 10974:2012ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Fibre-cement corrugated sheets and fittings for roofing and cladding
Modern ISO standard for the same product form (corrugated sheets) but made from non-asbestos fibre-cement.
Key Differences
≠The most significant difference is the reinforcing fibre; IS 459:1992 specifies chrysotile asbestos, whereas modern standards like BS EN 494 explicitly prohibit the use of any asbestos fibres.
≠IS 459 specifies strength in terms of 'minimum breaking load' (in N/m), while modern standards like BS EN 494 specify it as 'bending moment per metre of width' (in Nm/m), a more fundamental engineering property.
≠Modern standards (e.g., BS EN 494) include more extensive durability tests not found in IS 459, such as freeze-thaw cycles and heat-rain tests, to assess long-term performance in varied climates.
≠Classification of products differs. IS 459 classifies sheets by corrugation profile (AC, SC, TR), whereas EN 494 uses a more complex system based on strength class, height profile, and material type (e.g., C1/X for Class 1 strength, Profile X).
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover the same fundamental product: profiled, corrugated sheets intended for use as roofing and cladding.
≈The primary mechanical test in all standards is a transverse bending test (three-point or four-point loading) to determine the sheet's load-bearing capacity across its corrugations.
≈All standards specify strict controls and tolerances for key dimensions, including length, width, thickness, pitch, and depth of corrugations, to ensure interoperability and proper installation.
≈A core performance requirement in both IS 459 and its international counterparts is water impermeability or water-tightness, which is critical for roofing applications.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Reinforcing FibreChrysotile Asbestos (min. 8% by mass)Prohibited. Typically uses cellulose and synthetic fibres (e.g., PVA).BS EN 494
Transverse Strength (Typical AC sheet)Minimum Breaking Load: ≥ 2750 N/m (for Type B sheets)Minimum Bending Moment: ≥ 40 Nm/m (for Class 1 sheets). Note: Different units and test principles.BS EN 494
Length Tolerance+10 mm, -5 mm± 10 mmBS EN 494
Width Tolerance+10 mm, -5 mm+10 mm, -10 mmBS EN 494
Water Tightness/Permeability TestNo leakage under a 250 mm head of water for 24 hours.No formation of water droplets on the underside after 24 hours under specified test rig conditions.BS EN 494
Apparent DensityNot explicitly specified as a primary requirement.Required to be ≥ 1400 kg/m³ for certain product types/classes.BS EN 494
Durability Test (Freeze-Thaw)Not required.Required for sheets intended for use in climates with freeze-thaw cycles (e.g., 100 cycles with strength retention checks).BS EN 494
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Standard overall width (Corrugated)1050 mm
Pitch of corrugation146 mm
Depth of corrugation48 mm
Standard nominal thickness6 mm
Tolerance on length± 10 mm
Tolerance on thickness± 0.5 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Corrugated Sheets
Table 2 - Dimensions of Semi-Corrugated Sheets
Key Clauses
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6 - Physical Characteristics
Clause 7 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Clause 8 - Tests

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 3007:2000Laying of Asbestos Cement Sheets - Code of Pr...
→
IS 11833:1986Specification for a dry powder fire extinguis...
→
IS 14871:2000Products in Fibre Reinforced Cement - Long Co...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the standard pitch and depth for corrugated AC sheets?+
The standard pitch is 146 mm and the depth of corrugation is 48 mm.
What is the typical thickness of AC roofing sheets specified in this code?+
The standard nominal thickness for general roofing applications is 6 mm.
How is the water-tightness of the sheet tested?+
By conducting an impermeability test where a tube is sealed to the sheet surface, filled with water to a specified height, and checked for wetness at the bottom after 24 hours.

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