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IS 784 : 2001Prestressed Concrete Pipes (Including Fittings)

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AWWA C301 · AWWA C304 · AS/NZS 4058
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMWater Resources · Cement Matrix Products
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 784:2001 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for prestressed concrete pipes (including fittings). This standard specifies the requirements for the manufacture, dimensions, tolerances, and testing of prestressed concrete pipes (both cylinder and non-cylinder types) and their fittings, primarily used for water supply, drainage, and sewerage networks under pressure.

Prestressed Concrete Pipes (Including Fittings)

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Water Resources — Cement Matrix Products
Type
Specification
International equivalents
AWWA C301-20 · American Water Works Association (AWWA), USAAWWA C304-14 · American Water Works Association (AWWA), USAAS/NZS 4058:2007 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 456IS 383IS 1785IS 3597IS 8112IS 12269
Also on InfraLens for IS 784
5Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Ensure the concrete core has achieved adequate strength before initiating wire wrapping to prevent excessive elastic shortening and creep losses.
! Every single pipe must undergo a hydrostatic test at the manufacturing facility prior to dispatch; batch testing is not sufficient for pressure pipes.
! Handling and transportation of PSC pipes must be done with padded slings or specialized lifting tackles to avoid chipping the protective cement mortar coating, which could lead to wire corrosion.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 5MaterialsCl. 6Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 8Manufacture of PipeCl. 9CuringCl. 11Tests
Pulled from IS 784:2001. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
prestressed concretehigh tensile steel wirecementaggregates

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
AWWA C301-20American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA
HighCurrent
Prestressed Concrete Pressure Pipe, Steel-Cylinder Type
Covers steel-cylinder type prestressed concrete pipes, which is one of the two types covered by IS 784.
AWWA C304-14American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA
HighCurrent
Design of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe
Provides detailed design procedures specifically for prestressed concrete cylinder pipes, complementing AWWA C301.
AS/NZS 4058:2007Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-pressure)
Covers a broader range of precast concrete pipes, but includes a section on prestressed pipes for pressure applications.
BS EN 641:1994British Standards Institution (BSI), UK / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumWithdrawn
Sewerage systems. Prestressed concrete pipes and ancillary fittings.
Specified requirements for prestressed concrete pipes used in sewerage systems, overlapping in manufacturing and testing principles.
Key Differences
≠IS 784 covers both steel-cylinder and non-cylinder type prestressed pipes in a single standard, whereas AWWA separates standards by type (e.g., AWWA C301 for cylinder type) and design (AWWA C304).
≠The hydrostatic field test pressure in IS 784 is specified as the working pressure of the pipe. In contrast, AWWA standards typically require a higher test pressure, often 125% of the working pressure, to provide a greater safety margin during commissioning.
≠Pipe classification in IS 784 is primarily based on internal working pressure (e.g., 0.4, 0.6, 1.0 MPa). AWWA classification is more complex, based on a combination of pressure class and external load design criteria to meet specific project conditions.
≠IS 784 specifies concrete grades (e.g., M40, M50), which defines a characteristic compressive strength. AWWA C301 specifies minimum compressive strengths in psi for the core and coating separately, without using a grade system.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental principle: inducing circumferential compressive stress in a concrete core by wrapping it with high-tensile steel wire under tension to counteract tensile stresses from internal pressure.
≈All standards mandate critical performance tests, including a hydrostatic pressure test to ensure water-tightness and structural integrity, and a three-edge bearing test to verify external load capacity.
≈The use of flexible, watertight joints, typically of the spigot-and-socket type with a rubber gasket (O-ring), is a common requirement to ensure the integrity of the pipeline.
≈All standards place a strong emphasis on the quality of constituent materials, specifying requirements for cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, and high-tensile prestressing steel.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Concrete Strength (Core)M40 grade (characteristic strength of 40 MPa)4,000 psi (approx. 27.6 MPa)AWWA C301-20
Minimum Concrete Cover over Prestressing Wire20 mm for pipes up to 600mm dia; 25 mm for larger pipes3/4 inch (19 mm) for cement-mortar coatingAWWA C301-20
Routine Hydrostatic Test Pressure (at factory)Equal to the working pressure of the pipe.A pressure that produces a tensile stress of 225 psi in the core, calculated per pipe design.AWWA C301-20
Water Absorption of Concrete CoreMax 6% by mass after 24-hr immersion.Max 6% by mass (for standard applications).AS/NZS 4058:2007
Governing Standard for Prestressing WireIS 1785 (Part 1), IS 6003ASTM A648 / A648MAWWA C301-20
Standard for Portland CementIS 269, IS 1489, IS 8041, etc.ASTM C150 / C150M (Types I, II, III, IV, V)AWWA C301-20
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
minimum concrete compressive strength40 N/mm² (M40 grade) at 28 days
minimum cover to prestressing wire15 mm
factory hydrostatic test pressure1.5 times the maximum working pressure
minimum internal diameter80 mm
curing period steam curingUntil concrete attains sufficient strength (usually 24 N/mm²) to withstand prestressing forces

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Nominal Internal Diameters of Pipes
Table 2 - Tolerances on Dimensions
Key Clauses
Clause 5 - Materials
Clause 6 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 8 - Manufacture of Pipe
Clause 9 - Curing
Clause 11 - Tests

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 456:2000Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Pract...
→
IS 383:2016Coarse and Fine Aggregates for Concrete - Spe...
→
IS 1785:2000plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed c...
→
IS 3597:1966Concrete pipes - Methods of test
→
IS 8112:1989Ordinary Portland Cement, 43 Grade - Specific...
→
IS 12269:1987Ordinary Portland Cement, 53 Grade - Specific...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the minimum grade of concrete required for prestressed concrete pipes?+
The minimum 28-day compressive strength of the concrete core should be 40 N/mm² (M40).
What are the mandatory acceptance tests for PSC pipes?+
The mandatory tests include the hydrostatic pressure test on every pipe and the three-edge bearing test on selected samples.
What is the minimum cover required for the high tensile prestressing wire?+
A minimum concrete/mortar cover of 15 mm must be provided over the prestressing wire for corrosion protection.
Can these pipes be used for carrying aggressive sewage?+
Yes, but special precautions like sulphate-resisting cement or internal protective linings must be specified if the fluid or surrounding soil is aggressive.

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