IS 15909:2020 is the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for PVC geomembranes used in lining applications — defining the material, dimensional, and performance requirements that PVC geomembrane manufacturers must meet before their products carry the BIS ISI Mark. Key requirements include:
Thickness and thickness uniformity - the geomembrane must meet defined minimum thickness and tolerance specifications across the full sheet width
Tensile strength and elongation - both machine direction and cross-machine direction tensile properties must meet defined minimum values
Tear resistance - the membrane must resist tearing under defined load conditions
Puncture resistance - protection against puncture from sub-grade materials and aggregate contact
Flexibility at low temperature - the membrane must remain flexible and crack-free under cold conditions
Chemical resistance - performance under exposure to chemicals relevant to the lining application
UV stabilisation - resistance to UV degradation during temporary outdoor exposure before installation
Dimensional stability - resistance to shrinkage under heat
Marking requirements - for certified PVC geomembrane rolls
BIS certification under IS 15909:2020 is mandatory for PVC geomembrane manufacturers. Government irrigation projects, water conservation schemes, municipal water storage, and environmental containment projects increasingly specify BIS-certified geomembranes in their procurement documents.