ISI Certification (BIS) for GEOSYNTHETICS RETAINING STRUCTURES GEOGRIDS USED IN REINFORCED SOIL RETAINING STRUCTURES IS 17373

Geogrids can be categorized as geosynthetic materials that are used in the construction industry in the form of a reinforcing material. It can be used in the soil reinforcement or used in the reinforcement of retaining walls and have many other applications.

Introduction to Indian Standard IS 17373 : 2020;  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures

·       IS 17373 : 2020 cover  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures.

·       This standard specifies material properties and specifications that are required for geogrids to be used as reinforcement in design of reinforced soil walls (RSW) and reinforced soil slopes (RSS).

·       This standard is a specification aid for material purchase and shall not be used as design or construction guideline. Design review of the reinforced soil system and geogrids is recommended to be carried out separately. The design of an RSW or RSS structure is to be carried out by engineers as per recommended standard Indian and global practice and design details of geogrid reinforcement as well as material properties of soil fill.

·       IS 17373 : 2020 specifies the quality parameters or characteristics of the  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures as follows :

(i)           Material

(ii)         Dimensional Stability

(iii)        Requirements of Geostrips

(iv)        UV Resistance

(v)          Ultimate Tensile Strength

(vi)        Chemical Resistance Strength

(vii)       Width

(viii)     Roll Length

(ix)        Elongation at designated load

1.   Mandate for ISI Mark Certification of Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures (IS 17373 : 2020)

·       In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 16 read with section 17 and sub-section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest and after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, hereby makes the following Order, namely

Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022.

·       As per the Geo Textiles (Quality control) order, all the manufacturers of Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures are obligated to obtain ISI Mark Certification.

3.   Procedure to obtain BIS Certification of  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures to use ISI mark as per IS 17373 : 2020

·       For Indian Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 30 days)

·       For Foreign Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 180 days)

·       Requisites to get the BIS license for  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures

·       Conformity of Raw Material as per IS 17373 : 2020

·       In-house testing laboratory for mandatory tests

·       Competent Quality Control Personnel

·       Adherence to the BIS guidelines for  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures as per Indian standard IS 17373 : 2020

·       There are 3 major categories of document required to get the BIS license:

a.   Administrative Details

b.   Technical Details

c.    Quality Control Personnel Details

d.   Commercial Details

4.   Expenses involved in obtaining BIS certificate for  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures as per IS 17373 : 2020 under the Product Certification (Scheme-I) of BIS :

·       In the certification process, product testing is the most important stage as it determines whether the quality of the product meets Indian standards.

·       For the same purpose, investments in testing facilities are required to install test equipment for internal factory test laboratories.

·       Apart from charges mentioned above in the table, we may ask you to pay/reimbursement for a Pre-Visit at your Factory Premises to ensure the conformity of your product as per the relevant Indian Standard & BIS guidelines for its BIS certification.

5.   Role of ERCS Private Limited in getting your product certified :

·       To get BIS certification and produce a standard quality product, the manufacturer must ensure that their product must follow the specified Indian Standard Specifications (ISS) which we directly interpret to you from the BIS officials as per the Indian Standards.

·       ECRS Private Limited will be your friend, philosopher and guide in the whole process of getting your product certified by the concerned authorities/ departments.

·       Scope of work by ECRS Private Limited:

a.     Ensuring the conformity of your product as per IS 17373 : 2020:

ERCS Pvt. Ltd. has developed a vast network within the Geotextile Industry & various BIS departments to assist for ensuring conformity of the product  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures according to according to IS 17373 : 2020.

b.     Effective documentation with the awareness of the BIS guidelines:

In order to facilitate the manufacturing industry in obtaining BIS certifications, guidelines have been developed. Our team has the experience of completing over 150 projects and technically competent acquaintances in various Industries.

We are familiar with the Indian Standard Specifications & BIS guidelines and deliver the most suitable interpretation to the Quality Control Personnel so we can do a reliable and effective documentation of your product in accordance with the BIS guidelines.

c.      A pre-visit can be paid at your factory premises:

In the process of getting BIS certification, the officer from BIS authority visits the factory for inspection. In order to get good results, the BIS inspection should go smoothly without any Non-Conformity. By keeping this goal in mind, our team will organize a pre-visit to your factory premises so that required changes can be adapted so as to remove the elements of fallibility.

d.     Assistance for BIS audits:

We will explain the whole procedure of conducting a BIS inspection and make you aware of the things which need to be prepared and readily available at the time of inspection.

2.   Benefits of getting ISI Mark for  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures to sell in Indian Market with our help :

§  The term “ISI mark" means, that a certain product conforms to the quality standards set up by the government.

§  It is compulsory for  Geosynthetics retaining structures - Geogrids used in reinforced soil retaining structures to obtain the ISI Mark and the violators are penalized with the material seize and a significant sum as fine.

§  Getting certification improves the probability of your product to survive and compete in the market.

§  Customers have the tendency of buying ISI certified products as it ensured safety and standard quality. Hence, with the certified products you can win the confidence and trust of the buyer.

§  With the word of mouth of such client list, you can establish your credibility in the market.