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IS 15389:2003 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for geosynthetics - bituminous geomembranes for canal lining and similar applications - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for factory-manufactured bituminous geomembranes (BGMs) used for lining canals, reservoirs, and other water containment applications. It covers the material composition, physical and mechanical properties, dimensions, and test methods to ensure the product's performance and watertightness.
Specifies requirements for bituminous geomembranes used for lining of canals, ponds, and other similar civil engineering waterproofing applications.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Subgrade preparation is critical; the surface beneath the membrane must be smooth and free of sharp objects to prevent punctures during and after installation.
! This is a material specification standard; proper installation, especially the seaming/jointing of panels, is crucial for overall system performance and is covered in separate codes of practice like IS 15909.
! For applications with prolonged exposure to sunlight, consider specifying a UV-resistant top surface or plan for a protective cover (soil, concrete tiles) to prevent long-term degradation of the bitumen.
Covers bituminous sheets for below-ground waterproofing (tanking), a similar application to canal lining.
ASTM D6164 / D6164M - 11(2018)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements
Specifies SBS modified bitumen sheets with polyester reinforcement, often used in waterproofing applications.
UNE 104423:2009AENOR - Spanish Association for Standardization, Spain
HighCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Bituminous sheets with polymeric reinforcement for waterproofing of buried structures.
Spanish standard for bituminous sheets used in buried structures, directly comparable to lining.
Key Differences
≠IS 15389 classifies products into two simple types based on reinforcement (Type 1: Polyester, Type 2: Glass Fibre), whereas international standards like GRI-GM22 have more detailed classifications based on reinforcement type and structure (e.g., non-woven, woven, composite).
≠European standards (EN 13969) mandate a watertightness test under pressure (e.g., 60 kPa), a direct performance measure. IS 15389 relies on an indirect measure of water absorption (<2%).
≠GRI-GM22 and other advanced standards often specify requirements for seam strength (peel and shear), which is a critical aspect for liner integrity but is not explicitly defined in the IS 15389 specification.
≠While IS 15389 specifies static puncture resistance (CBR test), GRI-GM22 also includes requirements for dynamic puncture resistance, providing a more comprehensive assessment of durability against impacts during installation.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the product as a composite material with a central reinforcement carrier (polyester or glass) impregnated and coated with a modified bituminous compound.
≈Core physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and mass per unit area are specified in all standards as fundamental indicators of quality and performance.
≈All standards include a requirement for low-temperature flexibility or cold bend testing to ensure the material does not crack in colder conditions during installation or service.
≈The primary purpose across all standards is to create an impermeable barrier to water, which is the fundamental function of the geomembrane in applications like canal lining or basement tanking.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Thickness
4.0 mm (nominal)
≥ 3.5 mm or ≥ 4.0 mm (varies by type)
GRI-GM22
Tensile Strength (Longitudinal, Polyester Reinf.)
≥ 700 N / 50 mm (Type 1)
≥ 800 N / 50 mm (for non-woven polyester)
GRI-GM22
Elongation at Break (Longitudinal, Polyester Reinf.)
≥ 35 % (Type 1)
≥ 40 % (for non-woven polyester)
GRI-GM22
Low Temperature Flexibility
No cracking @ -15 °C
Pass @ -25 °C (for higher performance grades)
EN 13969:2004
Static Puncture Resistance (CBR)
≥ 900 N
≥ 1500 N (for comparable polyester type)
GRI-GM22
Watertightness
Water Absorption < 2%
Pass at 60 kPa for 24 hours
EN 13969:2004
Tear Resistance (Nail Shank)
Not Specified
≥ 300 N (Typical value for polyester reinforced)
EN 13969:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
To define the minimum quality and performance requirements for bituminous geomembranes to be used in canal lining and similar waterproofing applications.
What is the minimum tensile strength for a Type 1 BGM?+
20 kN/m in the longitudinal direction and 15 kN/m in the transverse direction, as per Table 1.
How is watertightness verified?+
The membrane must show no signs of leakage when subjected to a hydrostatic pressure equivalent to a 10 m head of water for 24 hours (Clause 8.9 and Table 1).
Does this standard cover site installation procedures?+
No, this standard is a material specification. Installation methods are detailed in separate guidelines such as IS 15909.