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IS 14207 : 1994Guidelines for Canal Lining with Geomembranes

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EN 13362 · USBR Design Standards No. 13, Chapter 19 · GRI-GM18
CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMWater Resources · Irrigation and Canal Structures
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 14207:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for guidelines for canal lining with geomembranes. This standard provides guidelines for selecting and installing geomembrane liners in canals to control seepage. It covers material properties, site preparation, installation techniques, jointing, anchoring, and quality control measures.

Provides guidelines for the selection, design, and installation of geomembranes for canal lining.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Water Resources — Irrigation and Canal Structures
Type
Guidelines
International equivalents
EN 13362:2018 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeUSBR Design Standards No. 13, Chapter 19 · U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, USAGRI-GM18 · Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), USAASTM D7176-20 · ASTM International, USA
Typically used with
IS 10890IS 13360
Also on InfraLens for IS 14207
6Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Subgrade preparation is the most critical step; the surface must be smooth and free of sharp objects to prevent liner puncture.
! Quality of seam welding is paramount for preventing leaks. 100% visual inspection and frequent non-destructive testing of seams are essential.
! Consider provisions for venting gases that may accumulate beneath the liner to prevent uplift and 'whales'.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Site PreparationCl. 6Installation of GeomembraneCl. 7Jointing of GeomembraneCl. 8Anchoring
Pulled from IS 14207:1994. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
geomembranesHDPELDPEPVCgeosynthetics

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 13362:2018CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Geosynthetic barriers - Characteristics required for use in the construction of canals
Directly addresses characteristics and requirements for geosynthetic barriers used in canal construction.
USBR Design Standards No. 13, Chapter 19U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, USA
HighCurrent
Embankment Dams, Chapter 19: Geomembrane Linings
Provides comprehensive design and installation guidelines for geomembrane linings in water conveyance structures.
GRI-GM18Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes
Focuses specifically on the material properties of PVC geomembranes, which are a core component of the IS 14207 guideline.
ASTM D7176-20ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
Provides a material specification for PVC geomembranes, similar to GRI-GM18, covering a subset of the IS guideline's scope.
Key Differences
≠IS 14207 is primarily focused on PVC geomembranes, whereas modern international standards provide detailed specifications for a wider array of polymers like HDPE, LLDPE, fPP, and EPDM.
≠The Indian standard is a general 'guideline'. International counterparts like EN 13362 are more rigorous 'specifications' with defined performance classes and detailed durability testing requirements (e.g., UV exposure, oxidation resistance).
≠International practices, such as ASTM D5820, specify advanced non-destructive seam testing methods like pressurized air channel evaluation for dual-track welds, which are not detailed in IS 14207.
≠IS 14207 references older, corresponding IS test methods. International standards reference globally recognized, and often more advanced, ASTM, ISO, or EN test procedures for material properties and performance.
Key Similarities
≈All standards emphasize the critical need for proper subgrade preparation, ensuring a smooth, stable surface free of sharp objects, stones, and organic material to prevent geomembrane puncture.
≈The fundamental principle of using anchor trenches at the crest of the canal to secure the geomembrane and prevent it from sliding down the slope is a common requirement.
≈Both the IS code and international guidelines mandate the placement of a protective cover (e.g., soil, concrete, or riprap) over the geomembrane to protect it from mechanical damage and UV degradation.
≈General installation principles are consistent, such as deploying panels with sufficient slack to account for thermal expansion/contraction and ensuring panel overlaps are clean before seaming.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Thickness (for small/medium canals)0.5 mm to 0.75 mm0.5 mm (20 mil) to 0.75 mm (30 mil) are common minimumsGRI-GM18
Tensile Strength (PVC)≥ 15 MPa≥ 15 MPaGRI-GM18
Elongation at Break (PVC)≥ 250%≥ 300%GRI-GM18
Tear Resistance (PVC)≥ 30 N≥ 35 N (for 0.75mm thickness)GRI-GM18
Seam Shear Strength≥ 80% of parent material strengthMust achieve Film Tear Bond (FTB), where the parent material fails before the seam itself. Often specified as >90% of parent material strength.GRI-GM19
Seam Overlap (Thermal Weld)Recommended 75 mmTypically 75 mm to 150 mmUSBR Design Standards No. 13
Anchor Trench DepthRecommended ~500 mmTypically 300 mm to 600 mmUSBR Design Standards No. 13
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Minimum recommended geomembrane thickness0.75 mm
Minimum overlap for thermal welded seams75 mm
Minimum anchor trench depth300 mm
Minimum backfill cover in anchor trench300 mm
Typical air pressure for seam testing200 kPa
Maximum recommended side slope for lining3H : 1V

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Properties of Various Geomembranes
Table 2 - Typical Dimensions of Anchor Trenches
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Site Preparation
Clause 6 - Installation of Geomembrane
Clause 7 - Jointing of Geomembrane
Clause 8 - Anchoring

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 10890:1984Specification for planetary mixer used in tes...
→
IS 13360:2013Packaged Natural Mineral Water
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the primary function of geomembrane lining in canals?+
To provide a barrier against water seepage, thereby conserving water and protecting adjacent land from waterlogging (Clause 1.1).
What is the most common method for joining geomembrane sheets on site?+
Thermal welding (hot wedge or extrusion) is the most reliable and commonly used method for creating continuous, watertight seams (Clause 7.2).
How is the geomembrane secured at the top edge of the canal?+
It is typically anchored by burying the end of the sheet in an 'anchor trench' dug along the crest of the canal (Clause 8).
What are some critical properties for geomembrane materials?+
Tensile strength, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and resistance to ultraviolet (UV) degradation are key properties listed in Table 1.

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