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IS 16670:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for geosynthetics - geocells - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for geocells used for ground improvement, made from materials like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It covers material composition, physical dimensions (cell depth, thickness), mechanical properties (seam strength), and durability characteristics to ensure performance in geotechnical applications.
Specifies requirements for geocells used in soil stabilization and confinement applications.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Geotechnical — Geosynthetics and Ground Improvement
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Seam peel strength is a critical performance parameter; ensure the specified type (Type 1, 2, or 3) matches the design requirements for confinement.
! Verify the UV stability properties (like carbon black content) if the geocells will have prolonged exposure to sunlight during construction.
! The choice between smooth and textured surfaces depends on the required frictional interaction with the infill soil; textured cells offer higher friction.
Both standards provide minimum requirements for material properties, dimensions, and testing of geocells.
ISO/TR 18228-5:2018International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
MediumCurrent
Design using geosynthetics - Part 5: Stabilization
Provides design guidance for geocell applications, while IS 16670 is a product manufacturing specification.
GRI-GC8Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI), USA
LowCurrent
Standard Specification for Stress Crack Resistance of HDPE Geocell
Focuses solely on the stress crack resistance property, which is one of many parameters in IS 16670.
Key Differences
≠IS 16670 classifies geocells into Type 1 (smooth/textured) and Type 2 (perforated), whereas ASTM D8439 classifies based on cell wall thickness and polymer formulation (e.g., standard, enhanced UV, enhanced chemical resistance).
≠The minimum requirement for Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR) is significantly more stringent in ASTM D8439 (>1000 hrs) compared to IS 16670 (500 hrs).
≠ASTM D8439 specifies a tighter range for carbon black content (2.0-2.5%) than IS 16670 (2.0-3.0%).
≠While both standards require UV resistance testing, they use different test methods and acceptance criteria. IS 16670 requires ≥70% retained strength, while ASTM D8439 requires ≥50% retained seam peel strength for its standard formulation.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards primarily specify High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as the raw material for geocell manufacturing.
≈Both are product specifications that define minimum physical, mechanical, and endurance properties rather than design or installation guidelines.
≈The importance of seam strength is central to both standards, with specific minimum peel strength requirements linked to the thickness of the geocell material.
≈Both standards list very similar or identical requirements for sheet tensile strength at yield for corresponding material thicknesses.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Seam Peel Strength (1.50 mm sheet)
≥ 1260 N
≥ 1270 N (285 lbf)
ASTM D8439
Carbon Black Content
2.0% to 3.0%
2.0% to 2.5%
ASTM D8439
Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR)
≥ 500 hours (F20)
> 1000 hours (Transition Time)
ASTM D8439
Sheet Tensile Strength at Yield (1.25 mm sheet)
≥ 15 kN/m
≥ 15 kN/m (85 lbf/in)
ASTM D8439
UV Resistance (Retained Strength after 1000h)
≥ 70% of initial strength (per IS 16352)
≥ 50% of initial seam peel strength (per ASTM D7238)
ASTM D8439
Density of Polyethylene Sheet
≥ 0.935 g/cm³
≥ 0.935 g/cm³
ASTM D8439
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Sheet Thickness (Smooth)1.25 mm
Minimum Sheet Thickness (Textured)1.50 mm
Carbon Black Content by Mass2.0 to 3.0 percent
Minimum Seam Peel Strength (Type 1)1070 N
Minimum Seam Peel Strength (Type 2)1425 N
Minimum Seam Peel Strength (Type 3)2050 N
Minimum Stress Crack Resistance500 h
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Properties of Geocells
Table 2 - Mechanical Properties of Geocells
Table 3 - Environmental and Endurance Properties of Geocells
What material is specified for manufacturing geocells?+
The base material should be virgin High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) conforming to IS 7328, as per Clause 4.
How is the strength of the cell junction specified?+
The cell junction strength is specified as 'Seam Peel Strength', with minimum values for three different types given in Table 2.
What is the minimum thickness for a textured geocell sheet?+
The minimum sheet thickness for textured geocells is 1.50 mm, as per Table 1.
What are the durability requirements for geocells?+
Key durability requirements include resistance to UV degradation and oxidation, checked via tests for carbon black content and Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) as specified in Table 3.