UMSPCS-Compliance

BIS QCO for Geogrids for Flexible Pavements

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) for Geogrids for Flexible Pavements

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 17371:2020

10 Apr 2023

01 Jan 2024

Geogrids are geosynthetic materials employed in road building in order to reinforce and stabilise the various layers of the pavement. They contribute to a better distribution of loads and aid the performance of flexible pavement systems, such as roads which are subjected to different traffic loads and environmental conditions. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set out the quality and performance requirements for such products by issuing specification IS 17371:2020 - Geosynthetics - Geogrids for Flexible Pavements - Specification.

The specification lays down requirements concerning material properties, dimensional stability, tensile strength, strength at given strain levels, junction strength, width, and roll length; it applies to geogrids composed of materials like polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP), with different construction types being subject to the relevant requirements.

Adhering to the appropriate Indian Standard enables manufacturers to keep their product quality steady and to show that they comply with the relevant requirements for geogrids used in flexible pavement applications.

Requirements of Quality Control Order

The regulation concerning geogrids used in flexible pavements is set out in the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, published by the Ministry of Textiles. The relevant notification under the QCO, together with any subsequent amendment, requires that all products falling within the scope of the notification shall comply with IS 17371:2020. The general date on which this requirement came into effect was 1 January 2024.

Any manufacturers, importers and other businesses which are involved in products falling within the scope notified should meet the relevant BIS certification requirements. Products that are covered have to display the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence, with reference to the applicable provisions and exemptions, including those that apply to products made exclusively for export.

Before manufacturing, importing, supplying or marketing these products, businesses should check the most recent QCO, the applicable amendments and the BIS requirements.

Key Requirements for Geogrids for Flexible Pavements

Important product characteristics under IS 17371:2020 include:

  • Raw material and polymer requirements
  • Dimensional stability
  • Ultimate tensile strength
  • Tensile strength at 2 percent strain
  • Tensile strength at 5 percent strain
  • Junction strength
  • Geogrid width
  • Roll length
  • Applicable requirements for PET and PP geogrids
  • Product identification and marking

The specific requirements and acceptance criteria must be determined on the basis of the relevant provisions of IS 17371:2020 and the most recent BIS product manual; the BIS product certification documents list these properties as the key parameters for conformity assessment.

Uses of Geogrids for Flexible Pavements

Geogrids are used in the construction of flexible pavements and for reinforcing such pavements; they may be placed within the various layers of the pavement to provide either reinforcement or stabilization, according to the engineering design and the intended use.

Typical applications include:

  • Highway and road construction
  • Pavement base and sub-base reinforcement
  • Subgrade stabilization
  • Roads subject to repeated traffic loading
  • Infrastructure and civil engineering projects

The geogrids should be selected and positioned in accordance with proper pavement design practices. Although the Indian Standard lays down the requirements for the product, it should not be regarded as a replacement for a full pavement design or construction guideline.

Conformity Assessment under BIS Certification

Whenever BIS certification is mandatory, the manufacturing companies must comply with the conformity assessment measures that include the relevant testing, documentation, and factory evaluation when required. The standard IS 17371:2020 falls under Scheme I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulation, 2018, and the BIS product manual serves as a source of information for the certification process.

Importance of Conformity

Compliance with an Indian standard and QCO allows manufacturers to demonstrate that their geogrids meet the requirements in terms of the material, size, and mechanical characteristics.

Manufacturers should keep records in terms of production, quality control, and tests in accordance with the applicable certification scheme, and those already possessing licenses should double-check amendments that are applicable and adjust the compliance document, if needed. Amendment 1 to IS 17371:2020 has been released by the BIS and states the definition of the "Style Number" with the implementation date set for April 24, 2024.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to secure BIS Certification for geogrids used in flexible pavements in accordance with IS 17371:2020 will depend on the documentation, product testing, factory inspection, and the processing carried out by BIS.

As a general planning estimate:

  • Indian Manufacturers: Approximately 30 days
  • Foreign Manufacturers: Approximately 180 days

These are only approximate estimates of the BIS processing times and are not guaranteed. The actual time taken might vary according to the completeness of the application, the laboratory testing schedules, the factory's assessment requirements, and any questions or further explanations raised during the certification process.

Conclusion

Geogrids are geosynthetic materials which are used for reinforcing and stabilising flexible pavement structures and IS 17371:2020 establishes the related requirements on physical properties, dimensional stability, tensile properties, joint properties and other characteristics of the products produced.

Manufacturers, importers and suppliers must be aware of the proper Indian Standard, Geo Textiles Quality Control Order and conformity of the Bureau of Indian Standards before producing, importing or supplying regulated products to the market.

If companies need information on Bureau of Indian Standards norms, Quality Control Orders, certification procedures, and regulations for product compliance, they can obtain that from UMSPCS. Also get to know more about: BIS QCO for Geocells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

The specification for geogrids used in flexible pavements is given by IS 17371:2020 - Geosynthetics - Geogrids for Flexible Pavements - Specification; this specification lays down the required material and performance characteristics.

Yes, products which are within the ambit of the relevant Geo Textiles Quality Control Order must comply with the prescribed BIS certification requirements and be marked with the Standard Mark, with any applicable exemptions.

The standard specifies dimensional stability, ultimate tensile strength, tensile strength at specified strain levels, junction strength, width, roll length, and the relevant material requirements.

Where the requirements of the applicable BIS conformity assessment scheme provide for it, geogrids have to be tested in accordance with the relevant provisions of IS 17371:2020 by means of the prescribed testing route.

Foreign manufacturers who are eligible can apply under the relevant BIS certification framework and meet further requirements, including those relating to the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) where such requirements apply.

If BIS certification is required, not complying with the relevant QCO and BIS requirements could prevent the manufacturer from being able to legally manufacture, import, supply, or sell the regulated product in India and could result in legal action being taken under the applicable law.

 

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