One of the most important things in the field of civil engineering is the observance of the set standards, which is necessary to guarantee the safety, reliability, and quality of construction processes. A huge range of Indian Standards (IS) codes that act as the leading standards for different features of construction are established and published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These standards not only set the norms in the areas of materials, design, construction, and testing, but also make possible the achievement of the same level of quality in engineering works throughout the nation.
What are Indian Standard (IS) Codes?
Indian Standard Codes, or simply IS Codes, are a set of detailed technical specifications and guidelines based on which the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) undertakes the task of standardising practices in different industries, among which civil engineering, architecture and construction are the major ones. These codes aim at safety and quality standards compliance in engineering through a variety of topics included in them, such as material specifications and construction methodologies.
The Role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standard-setting agency, operating under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. BIS came into existence in 1987 under the BIS Act, 1986.
On October 12, 2017, the new BIS Act 2016 came into effect and was responsible for the change of BIS’s status, and hence reconstituted BIS. BIS is the leading organisation responsible for setting up and publishing IS (Indian Standard) codes that help in the design, execution, and upkeep of safety materials, quality, and performance across civil engineering activities.
Why are IS Codes Crucial for Construction Quality?
IS Codes help keep the construction quality at a high level in many ways.
- Standardisation: They offer one set of rules, which means that there are standard types or kinds of work in every construction project that are carried out using them.
- Safety: Through the use of these codes, engineers can come up with building designs that are capable of withstanding different types of loads and various environmental conditions.
- Quality Assurance: They set measures for the component construction materials and methods of workmanship, thus guaranteeing the quality of the structures, which can be made to last long and be trusted.
- Legal Compliance: Appropriate implementation of the IS Codes assists in making all construction methodologies compliant with the national laws, rules, and standards.
- Efficiency: The use of standardised practices allows for a smoother and faster construction process, besides cutting down on mistakes and the need for rework.
Key IS Codes for Civil Engineering
Some of the most important and commonly used IS codes in building projects are:
IS 456: Plain and Reinforced Concrete
IS 456: 2000 has been identified as the code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete. This code guides the concrete design and construction of the structures, among others, through material specifications, mix designs, and the structural analysis aspect. This code outlines the basic requirements for ensuring the strength and serviceability of concrete structures.
IS 875: Design Loads (Parts 1-5)
IS 875 is a collection of standards that define the different types of loads for which buildings and structures are to be designed.
It is made up of five parts:
- Part 1: Dead Loads
- Part 2: Imposed Loads (Live loads)
- Part 3: Wind Loads
- Part 4: Snow Loads
- Part 5: Special Loads and Load Combinations
Each of these parts provides detailed instructions for the calculation of loads that the structures must be designed to resist so that their safety and stability can be maintained.
IS 1786: High Strength Deformed Steel Bars
IS 1786 details the technical requirements for high-strength deformed steel bars used in reinforced concrete structures. It describes the physical properties of the materials, the procedures for testing, and the measures for quality control so as to guarantee the performance and reliability of steel bars in concrete structures.
Key Codes for Bricks, Cement, and Soil Testing
The IS codes used for common building materials like bricks and cement, along with common building procedures, are:
- IS 1077 (1992): Specifications for Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks
- IS 2212 (1991): Code of practice for brickworks
- IS 269 (1989): Specifications for Ordinary Portland Cement, 33 grade
- IS 8112 (1989): Specifications for 43 grade Ordinary Portland Cement
- IS 455 (1989): Specification for Portland slag cement
- IS 650 (1991): Specification for standard sand for testing of cement
- IS 2386 (1963): Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete
- IS 2720 (1983): Methods of Test for Soils
These codes define the standards for the materials that are commonly utilised in the construction of buildings and the engineering projects to be used in different fields, thereby assuring their quality and suitability for use.
How to Use IS Codes?
Navigating the Structure of an IS Code
An IS Code is organised in a stepwise manner, which helps in easy identification and understanding of the major features:
- Title: Shows the main aspects covered by the code.
- Scope: Gives a description of the code’s areas of application and sets its limits.
- Definitions: Helps in understanding common terms and concepts used in the code.
- Requirements: Lists the technical and performance standards.
- Annexes: Facilitate the reader with extra information, examples, or clarifications.
Interpreting Clauses, Tables, and Appendices
To understand the topics in an IS Code, one must know the terms in the code.
- Clauses: Specific or general requirements and instructions are detailed here.
- Tables: They show data in brief, such as material properties or numbers for designing.
- Appendices: Give extra information to the reader, such as calculation methods or illustrative examples.
Accessing and Procuring IS Codes
IS Codes can be accessed in these ways:
- Official BIS Website: The Bureau of Indian Standards’ official portal is a place where you can find the whole range of IS Codes.
- Authorised Distributors: You can buy printed copies of IS Codes from authorised distributors.
- Online Platforms: Multiple online platforms make the IS Codes available for free downloads or viewing, mostly in PDF formats.
The Official BIS Portal for Standards
The official BIS portal (https://www.bis.gov.in ) is the first source for getting IS Codes and other standards. It offers detailed information on different codes, along with their scope, amendments, and related documents.
Differentiating Between Free and Priced Codes
Most IS codes can be accessed without any charges from the BIS website; however, certain updated or specialised codes might need to be bought. Before getting the codes, it is necessary to know if they are available and at what price.
Conclusion
IS codes serve as the primary source of reference for civil engineers, architects, project managers and all other construction professionals, ensuring the safe, high-quality, and economically efficient construction of projects. By using these codes, these professionals become the enablers of a strong and dependable construction industry all over the country.
FAQs
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) formulates and publishes IS Codes that serve as guidelines for various aspects of civil engineering, ensuring standardisation and high quality in construction practices.
IS Codes can be accessed through the official BIS website, authorised distributors, or online platforms offering downloadable versions.
Many IS Codes are available for free on the BIS portal; however, some specialised or updated codes may require a purchase.
IS Codes are periodically reviewed and updated to incorporate advancements in technology, materials, and construction practices.
While IS Codes are specific to India, they align closely with international standards and can serve as a reference for projects in other countries, subject to local regulations.
Apoorva H P Achar