UMSPCS-Compliance

BIS QCO for Geotextiles used in Sub Grade Separation in Pavement Structures

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS Quality Control Order for Geotextiles Used in Subgrade Separation in Pavement Structures

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 16391:2015

10 Apr 2023

10 Oct 2023

Geotextiles are important geosynthetic materials that are used in road construction and in pavement engineering to improve the performance and durability of pavement structures; those used for separating the subgrade help to prevent the mixing of the soil subgrade with the layers of aggregate above it and thus contribute to the stability and structural performance of the pavement.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified quality standards and performance parameters for these items, which are presented in IS 16391:2015 - Geosynthetics - Geotextiles Used in Sub-grade Separation in Pavement Structures - Specification. This Indian Standard provides details of geotextile specifications, such as requirements for geotextile characteristics, size, strength, permeability, etc.

This adherence to the relevant Indian Standard would enable the manufacturers to have a consistent quality of the product while demonstrating that the company complies with the stipulations mentioned in the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order.

Requirements of Quality Control Order

Geotextiles used for subgrade separation in pavement systems are indeed part of the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, thus making IS 16391:2015 part of the mandatory list of certifications as per BIS.

Companies involved in manufacturing/importing/selling any product as per the scope of the mentioned order would have to abide by the relevant rules established by the BIS for certification. Thus, before manufacturing/importing/selling any type of product under consideration, companies should check for recent notifications pertaining to QCO along with its amendments, implementations, and BIS requirements

Key Requirements for Geotextiles Used in Subgrade Separation

Important product characteristics under IS 16391:2015 may include:

  • Type of geotextile
  • Roll length and roll width
  • Grab strength
  • Sewn seam strength
  • Trapezoidal tear strength
  • CBR puncture strength
  • Burst strength
  • Permittivity
  • Apparent opening size (AOS)
  • Resistance to installation damage
  • Ultraviolet stability and retained strength

These factors are useful for evaluating the geotextile's mechanical strength, its filtration performance, and its capacity to endure the conditions it will face during installation and service. The relevant requirements and criteria for acceptance must be established in accordance with IS 16391:2015 and the most recent BIS product manual.

Uses of Geotextiles Used in Subgrade Separation

The geotextiles specified in IS 16391:2015 are mainly employed in the construction of roads and pavements, for the purpose of separating the natural soil subgrade from the layer of aggregate above it.

Their principal functions include:

  • Preventing the intermixing of subgrade soil and aggregate
  • Maintaining the integrity of pavement layers
  • Supporting pavement stability
  • Providing specified filtration characteristics
  • Helping reduce aggregate contamination by underlying soil

The choice of the right geotextile will depend on the conditions of the project, the properties of the soil, the pavement design and the applicable engineering specifications.

Conformity Assessment under BIS Certification

Where BIS certification is required, manufacturers are required to carry out the relevant conformity assessment procedure, including product testing, documentation and factory assessment where these are required. The IS 16391:2015 standard is included in Scheme-I of the BIS certification framework for products which are subject to compulsory certification.

Significance of Conformity

By following the corresponding Indian Standard and QCO, manufacturers are able to sustain the quality of their products in accordance with the law. The manufacturers must keep a record of their manufacturing, quality, and testing processes and ensure that the final product still conforms to the necessary requirements and specifications.

With regard to infrastructure works, adherence to the corresponding standard is also helpful as it allows demonstration of the effectiveness of the geotextiles against the described characteristics.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to secure BIS Certification for geotextiles used in subgrade separation in accordance with IS 16391:2015 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

The information in this section is only a general estimate of the BIS time frames; no commitment is made as to the actual times used. The true time utilized may differ due to laboratory schedules, completeness of submission, requirements for assessment at the manufacturer’s facility, and wherever questions arise during certification.

Conclusion

Geotextiles used for subgrade separation are pertinent in pavement construction because they assist in separating the soil and aggregate layers, and IS 16391:2015 prescribes requirements regarding dimensions and strength, functioning, degree of filtration, and so forth.

The separation of soil and aggregate layers made by geotextiles is important in pavement construction, as they assist in ensuring. Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must bear in mind the Indian Standard, the Quality Control Order, and the BIS conformity requirements before they create, import, supply, or manufacture the regulated products.

Asking for assistance in the scope of BIS standards, Quality Control Orders, certification processes, and product compliance has resulted in many regulatory assistance consultations by means of UMSPCS. Read more also: BIS QCO for Geotextiles used as Protection or Cushioning Materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

The Indian Standard IS 16391:2015 relates to the use of geotextiles in subgrade separation in the work of construction of asphalt pavement.

 

The standard outlines the specific requirements for physical properties, strength of materials, dimensions, and the filtration characteristics of the geotextile materials.

 

The tests include grab strength, seam strength, tear strength, CBR puncture strength, burst strength, permittivity, and apparent opening size.

 

The standard IS 16391:2015 comes under the umbrella of the Geo Textiles Quality Control Order, and companies must understand the provisions of the relevant QCO and implement it as applicable.

 

Foreign manufacturers who are eligible may apply via the relevant BIS certification route and also meet other requirements, including those relating to the Authorized Indian Representative where this applies.

 

In cases where certification is required, failing to comply could have an effect on the lawful manufacture, import, supply or sale of the relevant products in India and could lead to action being taken under the applicable law.

Our Clients

Latest Blogs and News

The tips and updates given by our company’s BIS certification consultant expert have been shared in our blogs as a trusted BIS Certificate Consultant in India.

❓ Ask a Question

Service & blog Page Form
ISO Badge
Contact Page Form