UMSPCS-Compliance

BIS QCO for Geotextiles used as Protection or Cushioning Materials

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS Quality Control Order for Geotextiles Used as Protection or Cushioning Materials

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 16090:2013

10 Apr 2023

01 Oct 2023

Geotextiles that are used as protective or cushioning materials are an important type of geosynthetic employed in civil engineering, in the development of infrastructure, in environmental protection, and in lining systems. The objective is to shield the geomembrane from damage caused by piercing objects, mechanical loading, and the environment during the installation and throughout the life span of the product. In order to establish the particular performance and quality requirements, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established the standard IS 16090:2013 - Geosynthetics - Geotextiles as Protection (or Cushioning) Materials - Specification.

The standard provides for the requirements regarding the material properties, mass per unit area, tensile strength, tear strength, puncture resistance, UV resistance, and other relevant properties of the product; the BIS Product Manual has classified different varieties of geotextiles based on mass per unit area and guides sampling, testing, inspection, and certification.

As per the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, all geotextiles falling within the scope notified shall conform to the relevant Indian Standard and BIS certification requirements. Manufacturers and companies that are involved with these products should also take into account Amendment No. 1 to IS 16090:2013, since this amendment has revised certain material requirements and test methods.

Requirements of Quality Control Order

Geotextiles which are used as protective or cushioning materials fall within the framework of the Geotextiles (Quality Control) Order. The relevant order specifies that IS 16090:2013 is the Indian Standard applicable to these products and that BIS has included this standard in the list of products requiring compulsory certification under Scheme-I.

The date of implementation of the said QCO was 1 January 2024. All individuals who are manufacturers, importers, or otherwise engaged with the products falling under the notified scope need to comply with the BIS certification requirements prior to manufacturing, importing, supplying, or marketing of the controlled products in India. Prior to making the decision about compliance, all organizations need to consult the existing QCO, any amendment made to the QCO, and any exemption that may apply.

Key Requirements for Geotextiles for Protective or Cushioning Purposes

Important product characteristics under IS 16090:2013, as amended, include:

  • Mass per unit area
  • Tensile strength
  • Trapezoidal tear strength
  • CBR puncture resistance
  • Maximum UV resistance after 500 hours of exposure
  • Material conformity and UV stabilisation
  • Applicable dimensional and construction requirements
  • Marking, packing and product identification

The UV stabilisation rules for polyolefin materials were revised by Amendment No. 1, which was published in December 2023; this amendment also altered the test methods for tensile strength and for CBR puncture resistance and took ISO 9864 out as an alternative test method for mass per unit area.

The specific requirements and criteria for acceptance must be determined based on the present version of IS 16090:2013, Amendment No. 1, and the relevant BIS product manual.

Uses of Geotextiles Used as Protection or Cushioning Materials

These geotextiles are mainly employed as a means of protecting geomembranes and to give a cushioning effect in civil engineering and environmental projects. Typical uses are:

  • Solid waste landfills
  • Liquid impoundments and containment systems
  • Geomembrane lining projects
  • Environmental protection systems
  • Civil engineering and infrastructure projects
  • Applications requiring protection against puncture and mechanical damage

Using them helps to lower the chance of geomembranes being damaged by construction work, by contact with hard materials, and by other mechanical stresses. It is important that they have the right tensile strength, puncture resistance, and durability if they are to carry out their intended function.

Conformity Assessment under BIS Certification

In cases where BIS certification is required, manufacturers have to carry out the relevant Scheme-I conformity assessment procedure, including product testing, technical documentation, manufacturing quality controls, and factory assessment where necessary.

The product manual prepared by the BIS for standard IS 16090:2013 covers the methods of sampling and the grouping of product classes, as well as the use of test equipment, inspection, and testing. It further lays down the requirements concerning the keeping of test records and the application of the Standard Mark and licence number to the product in accordance with the relevant certification conditions.

Significance of Conformity

Manufacturers can show that their geotextiles satisfy the specified quality and performance requirements by complying with IS 16090:2013 and the relevant QCO.

Manufacturers ought to keep appropriate production controls, make sure that the raw materials conform, carry out the necessary testing, and keep records to support the product's compliance. Additionally, current BIS licence holders have to ensure that the relevant amendments have been put into effect within the timeframes specified.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to secure BIS Certification for geotextiles used as protection or cushioning materials in accordance with IS 16090:2013 will depend on the documentation, the results of laboratory testing, the factory assessment, and the processing carried out by BIS.

As a general planning guide:

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

These are only indicative plans, not guaranteed BIS processing times, and the actual time taken may differ according to the readiness of the application, the testing timetable, the manufacturing assessment, the product category, and any questions or further clarifications made during certification.

Conclusion

Geotextiles, which are used as protective or cushioning materials, are of great importance in protecting geomembranes in a variety of infrastructure, landfill, and containment applications. The standard IS 16090:2013 lays down the relevant requirements concerning their material characteristics, strength, puncture resistance, and UV performance.

Before the manufacturing, importing, supplying, or marketing of any regulated product, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers shall have knowledge of the Indian Standard for geotextiles, Geo Textiles Quality Control Order Amendment No. 1, and the conformity requirements of BIS.

If a firm requires professional guidance regarding BIS standards, Quality Control Order, certification procedure, and compliance with the amendment, they could get professional help in regard to regulation and standardization from UMSPCS.  Also, get to know more about BIS QCO for Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

The products are described under IS 16090:2013 - Geosynthetics - Geotextiles Used as Protection (or Cushioning) Materials.

 

Any products that are within the range of the relevant Geotextiles QCO have to meet the BIS certification requirements as specified. Companies should check the current order and any existing exemptions.

 

These requirements cover the mass per unit area, tensile strength, trapezoidal tear strength, CBR puncture resistance, and UV resistance, among others.

 

The amendment has changed the requirements for UV stability of polyolefin material and updated the testing methods for tensile strength and CBR puncture resistance, along with the determination of mass per unit area.

 

Foreign manufacturers who are eligible can apply under the relevant BIS certification framework and meet the extra requirements applicable to overseas manufacturers, including those relating to the Authorized Indian Representative where such provisions apply.

 

The tests that apply involve mass per unit area, tensile strength, trapezoidal tear strength, CBR puncture resistance, and UV resistance following 500 hours of exposure, in accordance with the standard and certification requirements.

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