UMSPCS-Compliance

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

Indian Standard Compliance

BIS QCO for Geotextiles Used in Sub Grade Stabilization in Pavement Structures

Conformity Assessment & Regulatory Compliance

IS 16362 : 2020

10 Apr 2023

10 Oct 2023

Geotextiles employed as part of subgrade stabilization are of great importance in enhancing the performance of pavements, especially in regions where the soil beneath the surface has low strength or a poor load-bearing capacity. The geosynthetic materials serve to separate the soil layers, aid in the distribution of loads, and prevent the subgrade soil from mixing with the aggregate layers, thus contributing to the stability and durability of the pavement structure.

To identify the appropriate quality and performance standards, manufacturers need to check the Indian Standard and Quality Control Order (QCO) relating to geotextiles that are utilized upon stabilization of subgrade in pavement systems. Indian Standard contains specifications concerning the quality of geotextiles and their usage, performance, and tests meant for their evaluation for the proposed use.

Observing the relevant Indian Standard enables manufacturers to maintain the quality of the products and provide proof of compliance with the related legislation while making use of geotextiles in road and pavement building. 

Quality Control Order Requirements

The Geotextiles Quality Control Order, 2022 lays out the rules for geotextiles used for subgrade stabilization in pavement structures, and came into force on April 10, 2023, with S.O. 1706(E). The geotextiles concerned are included in the BIS mandatory certification system. The Indian Standard applicable to this product is IS 16362:2020 titled Geosynthetics - Geotextiles Used in Subgrade Stabilization in Pavement Structures - Specification.

Anyone who is involved in the manufacture or business of products that are the subject of the QCO should check the current order, the relevant amendments, and the certification requirements before manufacturing, importing, supplying, or selling the regulated product in India; and if certification is required, the product has to meet the applicable BIS requirements and acquire the necessary licence.

Key Requirements for Geotextiles Used in Subgrade Stabilization

Important product characteristics specified under IS 16362:2020 include:

  • Type and construction of geotextile
  • Roll length and width
  • Grab strength
  • Sewn seam strength
  • Trapezoidal tear strength
  • CBR puncture strength
  • Burst strength
  • Permittivity and apparent opening size
  • Resistance to installation damage
  • Ultraviolet stability and retained strength
  • Applicable raw material and performance requirements

The test methods in question and the criteria for acceptance must be obtained from the relevant sections of IS 16362:2020, including any applicable amendments. The BIS laboratory lists these characteristics as part of the parameters employed in the assessment of the product.

Uses of Geotextiles in Subgrade Stabilization

Geotextiles are mainly used in subgrade stabilisation in connection with road construction, the development of highways, the construction of pavement foundations and other projects relating to transportation infrastructure. They are included in pavement structures in order to improve the interaction between the soil and aggregate layers.

Their principal functions may include:

  • Subgrade reinforcement
  • Load distribution
  • Reduced rutting
  • Improved pavement durability
  • Separation and soil interaction

When choosing geotextiles, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the soil, the amount of traffic, the conditions under which they are to be installed, the drainage requirements, and the engineering design of the pavement.

Conformity Assessment under BIS Certification

In cases where BIS certification is required, manufacturers are obliged to carry out the conformity assessment procedure as prescribed, involving product testing, the submission of the necessary documents, and a factory assessment where this is applicable.

The standard IS 16362:2020 is included in Scheme-I of the BIS certification system, this scheme covering product certification and the use of the relevant Standard Mark under a valid licence. Manufacturers are advised to refer to the latest edition of the BIS product manual and to the appropriate QCO notifications in order to find out the exact certification requirements.

Significance of Conformity

Adhering to the relevant Indian Standard and Quality Control Order enables manufacturers to show that their geotextiles satisfy the specified quality and performance requirements; it also ensures consistent production, proper quality control, and dependable assessment of the product for use in infrastructure projects.

Manufacturers must keep the testing records, production documentation, quality-control procedures, and certification records required by the applicable BIS framework.

Timeline for BIS Certification

The time taken to secure BIS Certification for geotextiles used in subgrade stabilization in accordance with IS 16362:2020 will depend on the completeness of the application, the laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the BIS processing.

The entire process could take several weeks or even longer, depending on the situation. The main factors are:

  • Documentation
  • Product testing
  • Factory assessment
  • BIS review

Since foreign manufacturers need extra time for inspections of their overseas factories, for coordinating these activities, and for complying with the relevant certification requirements of the foreign manufacturers, businesses should check the expected timeline for their particular application before deciding on production or entering the market.

Conclusion

The use of geotextiles in subgrade stabilization is vital for enhancing the performance and stability of the foundation of pavements; the document IS 16362:2020 specifies the technical requirements applicable to these products, and the Geo Textiles Quality Control Order defines the regulatory framework within which mandatory compliance must be achieved.

Before starting production, importation, or commercialization of any line of goods that fall under the purview of the order, both producers and traders, as well as suppliers, should refresh their knowledge of current provisions of the Indian Standard, QCO requirements, and related modifications, as well as the requirements of BIS certification.

If companies want to know about the relevant standards, product testing, documentation, BIS certification procedures, and regulatory compliance, they can obtain professional assistance in the field of product compliance from UMSPCS.

Read more also: BIS QCO for Geotextiles used in Sub Grade Separation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

IS 16362:2020 states the use of geotextiles for subgrade stabilization within pavement structures, as well as the necessary provisions pertaining to the item.

This item falls under the scope of the Geo Textiles Quality Control Order. Therefore, companies must review the existing QCO and its amendments so they can comply with the certification obligations pertaining to this product.

 

The standard sets out the technical and performance requirements for geotextiles to be used for stabilising the subgrade in pavement structures.

 

 

The tests that apply can include grab strength, seam strength, tear strength, puncture strength, burst strength, permittivity, apparent opening size, resistance to installation damage, and ultraviolet stability.

 

 

Foreign manufacturers may apply for certification under the relevant BIS certification scheme, provided that they meet the applicable eligibility conditions, undergo testing, have their factories assessed, and, where applicable, satisfy the requirements of an Authorized Indian Representative.

 

 

If certification is required, failure to comply could result in regulatory action and impose restrictions on the manufacturing, importing, supplying, or selling of the relevant product in India.

 

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