UMSPCS-Compliance

BIS QCO for Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS QCO for Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 16392:2015

10 Apr 2023

10 Oct 2023

Geotextiles are important geosynthetic materials that are applied in civil engineering, infrastructure development, and erosion control projects. They are employed for erosion control in hard armor systems, as geotextiles contribute to soil retention and are responsible for water flow management. They augment the effectiveness of protective systems along riverbanks, slopes, and other erosion-prone locations. The Indian Standard that specifies the proper range of characteristics for such materials is IS 16392:2015.

The document titled Geosynthetics - Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems - Specification determines the general and performance requirements for geotextiles that are placed between the energy-absorbing hard armor system and the soil underneath. Such materials are intended to avoid excessive scour and hydraulic uplift pressures which could lead to the instability of erosion-control systems.

For manufacturers, importers and suppliers who are involved with these geotextiles, it is important to understand the relevant Indian Standard, the testing requirements, the provisions regarding amendments and the BIS certification procedure if they are to remain in compliance with the regulations.

UMSPCS offers assistance with regard to BIS certification, including the establishment of standard identities, the assessment of products, the coordination of laboratory activities, and help with the documentation and other aspects of certification.

Requirements of Quality Control Order

Geotextiles used for permanent erosion control in hard armor systems are included in the BIS mandatory certification framework as per IS 16392:2015; BIS has included this standard in the list of products covered by Scheme-I certification, and products falling within the ambit of the relevant Quality Control Order must satisfy the prescribed requirements and display the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence.

Any manufacturers, importers and other companies which are involved in products falling within the scope notified should adhere to the appropriate BIS certification requirements. Before manufacturing, importing, supplying or marketing these products, businesses should check the most recent QCO notification, any applicable amendments and the relevant BIS requirements.

Key Requirements for Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems

Important product characteristics under IS 16392:2015 may include:

  • Raw material and polymer requirements
  • Woven and non-woven geotextile construction
  • Classification based on the specified class and elongation
  • Roll length and roll width
  • Grab strength and sewn seam strength, where applicable
  • Trapezoidal tear strength
  • CBR puncture strength
  • Permittivity and apparent opening size
  • Resistance to installation damage
  • Ultraviolet stability
  • Applicable carbon black content and dispersion requirements for polyolefin materials

The specifications set out the requirements based on the geotextile class, its structure and other relevant product characteristics. The first amendment, which was published in December 2023, made changes to the section on UV stabilisation for polyolefin material and replaced the requirements table. When assessing conformity, manufacturers should consult the amended standard and the latest BIS product manual.

Uses of Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems

Geotextiles are used in civil engineering and infrastructure projects to protect soil from erosion under hard armor systems. Typical applications include:

  • Riverbank and waterway protection
  • Erosion protection on slopes
  • Protection beneath rock armor and riprap
  • Hydraulic erosion-control structures
  • Soil retention beneath protective layers
  • Infrastructure projects exposed to moving water

The material selection is determined considering the characteristics of the site and soil, and the hydraulic needs along with the design associated with hard armor systems. The standard excludes types of geosynthetic materials used for erosion control such as turf-reinforcement mats.

When BIS Certification is Required

Wherever BIS certification is necessitated, manufacturers must make sure to undergo the relevant conformity assessment process related to testing and documentation, along with factory assessment, if there is a need.

The standard IS 16392:2015 is included under Scheme-I that relates to BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The manual of the product, as provided by BIS, provides information about the conformity assessment process covering raw material conformity, sampling, and evaluation. The producers as well as current license owners should check if Amendment No. 1 is applicable to their products and documents.

Significance of Conformity

Adherence to the relevant Indian Standard, the amendment provisions, and the requirements of the QCO enables manufacturers to show that their geotextiles satisfy the specified technical and performance requirements. Moreover, suitable quality-control measures can also contribute to product consistency, durability, and performance when used in erosion-control applications.

Manufacturers must keep production, raw material, testing, and quality-control records as required by the applicable BIS certification framework.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to secure BIS Certification for geotextiles used for permanent erosion control in hard armor systems in accordance with IS 16392:2015 will depend on the documentation, product testing, 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 not guaranteed figures; the actual time taken may vary according to the availability of the laboratory, the extent of the testing, the factory's assessment requirements, the completeness of the application, and any questions raised during the certification process.

Conclusion

Geotextiles used for the permanent control of erosion in hard armor systems are important for preventing the loss of soil, and for ensuring the stability of the protective infrastructure; the requirements for these materials, their construction and their performance are set out in IS 16392:2015 together with its relevant amendments.

Before they manufacture, import, supply or market regulated products, manufacturers, importers and suppliers should be aware of the relevant Indian Standard, the Quality Control Order, the provisions relating to amendments and the requirement concerning BIS conformity.

If companies need information about BIS standards, the applicability of the QCO, certification procedures, and the requirements related to amendments, they can obtain professional support in the area of regulatory and product compliance from UMSPCS. Also, get to know more information about

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

The products are specified in IS 16392:2015 - Geosynthetics - Geotextiles for Permanent Erosion Control in Hard Armor Systems - Specification.

 

 

Any products that are within the range of the compulsory certification requirements laid down by the applicable regulations must meet the relevant BIS requirements and acquire the necessary licence.

 

Geotextiles are listed in the standard in terms of their performance and requirements, as they are utilized in the soil underneath hard armor systems to prevent soil loss and hydraulic uplift.

 

The standard usually dictates the norms of the material characteristics, classification, size, strength, puncture strength, permeability, UV resistance, etc.

 

Yes, amendment No. 1 was issued in December 2023. The changes to the UV stabilization clause were made.

 

Where the applicable conformity assessment scheme requires it, geotextiles have to be tested in accordance with the relevant requirements of IS 16392:2015 by means of the prescribed testing route.

 

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.

 

 

In India, if certification is required, failing to meet the relevant QCO and BIS requirements could have an effect on the lawful manufacture, import, supply or sale of the regulated product.

 

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