IS 8348:1977 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for stacking and packing stone slabs for transportation. This standard provides guidelines for the proper stacking and packing of natural stone slabs for transportation. It covers methods to prevent damage like chipping, scratching, and breakage during handling, loading, transit, and unloading.
Code of practice for stacking and packing stone slabs for transportation
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Cushioning Material | Paddy straw, sarking grass, coconut fibre, wood wool. | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene foam sheets, non-staining slip sheets. | NSI Dimension Stone Design Manual |
| Load Securing Basis | Descriptive guidance (e.g., 'adequately secured'). | Calculation of required lashing forces based on cargo mass, friction, and acceleration coefficients. | EN 12195-1:2010 |
| Acceleration Coefficient (Forward) | Not specified. | 0.8g (i.e., 80% of the cargo weight must be restrained). | EN 12195-1:2010 |
| Slab Transport Orientation | Slabs shall be stacked on edge. | Slabs must be shipped vertically or near-vertically on their natural bed. | NSI Dimension Stone Design Manual |
| Crate Timber Specification | Prescriptive thickness, e.g., 'planks not less than 20 mm thick' for crates up to 1.5 sq m. | Performance-based; chosen based on load, span, and crate design. No single thickness is mandated. | ASTM D6251 / General Crating Principles |
| Max. Stack Height in Crate | Shall not normally exceed 75 cm. | No fixed dimension; determined by slab stability, weight limits of crate and handling equipment. | NSI Dimension Stone Design Manual |
| Primary Transport Structure | Wooden crates and bundles. | Steel A-frames, slab bundles for containers, and custom wooden crates. | ASAA Best Practice Guide / NSI Manual |