IS 4651:1989 Part 4 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for planning and design of ports and harbours - wharves and jetties. Provides general design considerations, stability criteria, allowable stresses, and material durability requirements for the structural design of port and harbour facilities like wharves and jetties.
Lays down the criteria for the design and construction of wharves and jetties in ports and harbours.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Coastal and Marine Engineering
- Type
- Code of Practice
- Amendments
- Reaffirmed 2020
Also on InfraLens for IS 4651
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Special attention must be given to the 'splash zone' where alternate wetting and drying accelerates chloride-induced corrosion.
! Concrete cover and grade requirements in this code often supersede standard terrestrial building codes due to the harsh saline environment.
! Fenders and mooring accessories must be integrated into the structural model early to safely transfer concentrated berthing forces.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
reinforced concretestructural steeltimbermarine piles
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
minimum factor of safety against sliding1.5 under normal loads
minimum factor of safety against overturning1.5 under normal loads
minimum clear cover in splash zone75 mm
minimum clear cover in submerged zone50 mm
factor of safety for deep slip circle failure1.5
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Minimum Clear Cover for Concrete in Marine Environments
Table 2 - Permissible Increase in Stresses for Load Combinations
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials (Concrete, Steel, Timber)
Clause 5 - Permissible Stresses
Clause 6 - Stability Criteria
Clause 7 - Design Considerations for Marine Environment
Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the minimum factor of safety against overturning for marine structures?+
1.5 for normal operating conditions, though it may be reduced for extreme, transient load combinations like seismic events.
What concrete cover is recommended for piles in a marine environment?+
Typically 75 mm for the splash zone and zones exposed to severe corrosion to protect the reinforcement.
Are permissible stresses allowed to be increased for marine structures?+
Yes, permissible stresses in steel and concrete can be increased by specified percentages when accounting for transient loads like wind, wave, or earthquake forces.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.