Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 9271:2004 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (upvc) single wall corrugated pipes for drainage. This standard specifies the requirements for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) single-wall corrugated pipes, both perforated and unperforated, intended for sub-surface and surface drainage systems. It covers material properties, dimensions, physical characteristics, performance requirements like pipe stiffness and impact strength, and methods of test.
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) Single Wall Corrugated Pipes for Drainage
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure pipes are stored away from direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation and potential brittleness over time.
! Handle with care during transport and installation, especially in cold weather, as impact strength is significantly reduced at low temperatures.
! For perforated pipes used in fine-grained soils, a geotextile wrap is essential to prevent clogging of perforations and the surrounding filter material.
BS 4962:1989BSI - British Standards Institution (United Kingdom)
HighCurrent
Specification for plastics pipes and fittings for use as subsoil field drains
Covers single-wall corrugated pipes from PVC-U for subsoil and agricultural drainage.
AS/NZS 2439.1:2007Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand)
HighCurrent
Perforated plastics drainage and effluent pipe and fittings - Part 1: Perforated drainage pipe and associated fittings
Specifies requirements for single-wall corrugated PVC-U pipes for subsoil drainage applications.
ISO 21138-1:2018ISO - International Organization for Standardization (International)
MediumCurrent
Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Structured-wall piping systems of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) — Part 1: General requirements and performance characteristics
Broader standard for various structured-wall pipes, not specific to single-wall corrugated, but covers key PVC-U drainage principles.
ASTM F405-13(2021)ASTM International (USA)
LowCurrent
Standard Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings
Covers a similar product form (single-wall corrugated) for the same application (drainage), but for Polyethylene (PE) material, not PVC.
Key Differences
≠IS 9271 specifies a single, very high minimum pipe stiffness of 35 kN/m², whereas international standards like AS/NZS 2439.1 offer multiple stiffness classes (e.g., SN2, SN4, SN8) to suit different burial depths and load conditions.
≠The Indian standard is exclusively for UPVC pipes. In contrast, equivalent standards like BS 4962 and AS/NZS 2439.1 cover both UPVC and Polyethylene (PE) pipes within the same document.
≠IS 9271 focuses strictly on single-wall corrugated pipes. ISO 21138 has a much broader scope, covering various 'structured-wall' pipe types, including twin-wall (smooth inner bore) and ribbed pipes not addressed by the Indian standard.
≠The falling weight impact test in IS 9271 is mandated at 0°C, reflecting colder installation conditions. While some standards like BS 4962 also use 0°C, others (e.g., in the US) may specify testing at ambient temperatures like 23°C.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally intended for the same primary application: non-pressure subsoil and surface water drainage in civil engineering, agriculture, and construction.
≈Core performance characteristics such as flexibility (bending test), impact resistance (falling weight test), and pipe stiffness are common evaluation criteria across IS 9271 and its international counterparts, even if specific test parameters vary.
≈Like its international peers, IS 9271 provides detailed specifications for perforated pipes, including the minimum total open area per meter and slot dimensions, which is critical for their drainage function.
≈The base material requirement is consistent, specifying a compound based on unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U/UPVC) with necessary additives for processing and durability, and placing limits on the use of rework material.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Pipe Stiffness (Minimum)
35 kN/m²
Offered in classes, e.g., SN4 (≥4 kN/m²) or SN8 (≥8 kN/m²)
AS/NZS 2439.1:2007
Impact Strength Test Temperature
0°C ± 1°C
0°C ± 1°C
BS 4962:1989
Flexibility / Bending Test
No cracking when bent around a mandrel of radius 5 times the nominal diameter (5D).
No cracking when bent around a mandrel of radius 5 times the nominal diameter (5D).
BS 4962:1989
Minimum Perforation Area
30 cm²/m
11 cm²/m (for Class 400 pipes)
AS/NZS 2439.1:2007
Nominal Size Range (mm)
40, 50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 160, 200
60, 80, 100, 160 (other sizes permitted)
BS 4962:1989
Raw Material Nomenclature
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-U)
ISO 21138-1:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Vicat softening point79 °C
Minimum pipe stiffness35 kN/m²
Flattening test requirementNo cracking when flattened to 40% of original diameter
Maximum water absorption0.4 mg/cm²
Sulphated ash content for materialNot more than 9 percent by mass