UMSPCS-Compliance

BIS QCO for Geocells

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS QCO for Geocells

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 17483:2020

10 Apr 2023

01 Jan 2024

Geocells are three-dimensional cellular constructions that are applied in civil engineering and in various infrastructure projects in order to enhance soil stability, spread out loads, and provide erosion control. They are frequently used in the construction of roads, for reinforcing pavements, in embankments, in retaining structures, and for the protection of slopes. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as part of the IS 17483 series, has established Indian Standards for geocells for the purpose of specifying necessary quality and performance.

The specific standards are IS 17483 (Part 1):2020 - Geosynthetics - Geocells - Specification (Part 1): Load Bearing Application, along with IS 17483 (Part 2):2020 - Geosynthetics - Geocells - Specification (Part 2): Slope Erosion Protection Application, and they provide details on the requirements related to the properties of the material, its dimensions, construction, strength, resistance to the environment, and labeling and packaging as required under that specific application.

By following the relevant Indian Standard, the manufacturers will be able to maintain their product quality and prove compliance with the provisions of the Geotextiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024, as well as the BIS certification framework.

Requirements of Quality Control Order

The geocells referred to in the Geotextiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024 are required to meet the prescribed conformity requirements, and the Bureau of Indian Standards has included both IS 17483 (Part 1):2020 and IS 17483 (Part 2):2020 in Scheme-I of its compulsory certification system.

Any manufacturers, importers, and other companies that are involved with geocells must meet the appropriate BIS certification requirements in so far as their products are within the notified scope. The standard that applies will be determined by whether the geocell is to be used for load-bearing purposes or for slope-erosion protection.

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

Key Requirements for Geocells

Important product characteristics under the IS 17483 series may include:

  • Raw material and polymer properties
  • Density and carbon black content, where applicable
  • Cell dimensions and pocket size
  • Geocell depth and configuration
  • Texture and perforation requirements, where applicable
  • Weld or seam strength
  • Retention of strength after environmental exposure
  • Resistance to ultraviolet degradation
  • Manufacturing quality and workmanship
  • Marking, packaging and product identification

For instance, the BIS product manual for IS 17483 (Part 1):2020 contains requirements concerning HDPE geocell material, seam strength, environmental resistance, dimensions, marking and packaging; the exact requirements and acceptance criteria must be determined in accordance with the relevant part of the standard and the most recent BIS product manual.

Uses of Geocells

Geocells are employed in the construction of roads, for reinforcing pavements, in soil stabilisation, in the case of embankments, in retaining structures, for industrial flooring and for slope protection; the reason for this is that their cellular structure allows them to contain the infill material and spread the loads out over the surface beneath.

The geocell specification that should be used will depend on the purpose for which it is to be applied; those designed to carry a load are evaluated in accordance with the requirements set out in Part 1, and those intended for use in protecting against slope erosion are covered by Part 2.

Conformity Assessment under BIS Certification

Where BIS certification is required, manufacturers are obliged to carry out the relevant conformity assessment procedure, including product testing, documentation, quality-control measures and factory assessment where necessary.

The two parts of IS 17483:2020 are included in Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment framework, and manufacturers have to show that they conform to the relevant requirements and observe the licence conditions if they are to use the BIS Standard Mark.

Significance of Conformity

Adherence to the relevant Indian Standard and QCO enables manufacturers to show that their geocells satisfy the technical and quality requirements specified for their intended uses.

Manufacturers must keep production, inspection, testing, and calibration records which are required by the applicable certification framework and also have to make sure that the marking and packaging of the product comply with the relevant BIS requirements.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to get BIS Certification for Geocells in accordance with IS 17483 (Part 1):2020 or IS 17483 (Part 2):2020 will depend on the readiness of the documentation, the product testing, the factory assessment, and the processing by BIS.

As a general rule, it may take several weeks for Indian manufacturers to go through the certification process, whereas applications submitted by foreign manufacturers may take several months due to the extra assessment and coordination requirements.

The length of time actually taken will vary according to the complexity of the application, the laboratory schedules, the readiness of the manufacturing facility, and any questions or further explanations raised during the certification process.

Conclusion

Geocells are geosynthetic materials which are used in the development of infrastructure, in soil stabilisation, in the distribution of loads and in the control of erosion. The IS 17483 series shall provide requirements as per the purpose of its use, with Part 1 dealing with load-bearing applications and Part 2 with slope and erosion control.

These manufacturers, importers, or suppliers must familiarize themselves with the relevant Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders, amendments, and BIS conformity requirements before manufacturing, importing, supplying, processing, or selling regulated products.

If companies are in a position to manufacture and market regulated products and require information on BIS standards, Quality Control Orders, certification procedures, and what it takes to achieve product compliance, UMSPCS presents its clinical services in order to provide an informed regulatory, standards-related hand. Read more also: BIS Quality Control Order for Flexible Water Storage Tank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Geocells are covered by IS 17483 (Part 1):2020 when being used for load-bearing purposes and by IS 17483 (Part 2):2020 when used for slope-erosion protection.

 

 

The BIS includes both sections of the IS 17483 series within the Scheme-I compulsory certification scheme, and the applicability should be verified in light of the relevant QCO and its present provisions.

 

Part 1 deals with geocells to be used in load-bearing applications, while Part 2 relates to geocells for use in slope-erosion protection.

 

These will vary with respect to the section and may include material properties, dimensions, cell construction, seam strength, environmental resistance, and marking and packaging.

 

Foreign manufacturers can apply via the relevant BIS certification route and have to meet the extra requirements applicable to applicants from abroad, including those relating to the Authorized Indian Representative where this applies.

 

If certification is required, a manufacturer may not be able to lawfully manufacture, import, supply or sell the regulated product in India if it fails to comply with the relevant QCO and BIS requirements.

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