Recommendations for cement mortar lining for cast iron mild steel and ductile-iron pipes and fittings for transportation of water
IS 11906:1986 provides detailed recommendations for cement mortar lining of cast iron, mild steel, and ductile iron pipes and fittings used in the transportation of water. It specifies materials, lining methods, thickness requirements, curing processes, and quality standards to ensure durable, smooth, and tuberculation-resistant linings suitable for potable and industrial water systems with temperatures up to 80°C. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in water supply infrastructure to enhance pipe longevity and maintain hydraulic efficiency.
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91Clauses Indexed
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1986Edition
Public Health EngineeringCategory
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Overview
What This Standard Covers
IS 11906:1986 provides detailed recommendations for cement mortar lining of cast iron, mild steel, and ductile iron pipes and fittings used in the transportation of water. It specifies materials, lining methods, thickness requirements, curing processes, and quality standards to ensure durable, smooth, and tuberculation-resistant linings suitable for potable and industrial water systems with temperatures up to 80°C. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in water supply infrastructure to enhance pipe longevity and maintain hydraulic efficiency.
Audience
Who Uses This Standard
Water Supply Engineers
Pipeline Design Engineers
Public Health Engineers
Civil Engineers specializing in Water Infrastructure
Municipal Water Authorities
Pipe Manufacturing Quality Control Engineers
Construction Contractors for Water Pipelines
Contents
Key Topics Covered
✓Scope and Application for Water Transportation Pipes
✓Materials Specifications for Cement Mortar and Sand
✓Surface Preparation of Pipes and Fittings
✓Methods of Cement Mortar Lining Application
✓Thickness Requirements for Different Pipe Materials and Sizes
✓Curing Procedures for Mortar Linings
✓Quality Criteria for Lining Surface and Defects
✓Repair and Hand Rendering of Special Fittings
✓Prevention of Tuberculation in Water Pipes
✓Use of Admixtures and Water Quality for Mortar Mixing
✓Acceptance Criteria for Unbonded Areas and Cracks
✓Seal Coats and Protective Coatings
✓Testing and Strength Requirements of Mortar
✓Handling and Dispatch Conditions Post-Lining
Structure
Table of Contents
0Introduction and Background▼
IS 11906: Introduction and Background — Key Specifications & Tables
1. Sand Requirements (Clause 2.2.1.1)
Sand gradation for cement mortar lining must comply with:
Note: Thickness at pipe ends may be reduced (<50 mm chamfer length).
Tolerance: +20% on pipes, +40% on fittings (Clause 7.2).
3. Rounding Off (Clause 0.4)
Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test or analysis results.
Retain same significant figures as specified values.
flowchart TD
A[Sand Grading] --> B[Cement Mortar Lining Thickness]
B --> C[Thickness Tolerances]
C --> D[Rounding Off Rules]
This ensures material quality and lining durability per IS
3Preparation of Pipe and Fittings for Lining▼
Preparation of Pipe and Fittings for Lining (IS 11906)
Key Specifications (Clause 3 & 4.1)
Surface Preparation: Pipes and fittings must be clean, free of rust, oil, and dirt.
Lining Method:
Centrifugal spraying followed by rotation for smoothing, or
Centrifugal spraying with simultaneous trowelling.
Coverage: Entire waterway surface must be uniformly covered.
Mortar Quality: Dense, homogeneous, free from cavities or air bubbles.
Mortar Consistency: Adjusted to minimize sand-cement segregation.
Compaction: Thorough compaction by rotation and optional vibration.
Mortar Mix (Clause 2.4)
Cement : Sand = 1:2 by volume
Compressive strength ≥ 30 N/mm² after 28 days (IS 516:1959)
Admixtures allowed if they don't affect quality or water safety.
Thickness of Lining (Clause 7.1, Table 2)
Pipe Material
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Min. Mean Thickness (mm)
Min. Thickness at One Point (mm)
Cast/Ductile Iron
100 - 250
3
1.5
300 - 900
5
2.5
Over 900
6
3.0
Steel
100 - 300
5
3.0
350 - 900
8
6.0
1000 - 1500
10
8.0
Over 1500
15
12.0
Note: Thickness at pipe ends may be reduced with chamfer length < 50 mm.
Purchaser may specify thicker lining if desired.
Summary Diagram of Lining Process
flowchart LR
A[Pipe/Fitting Surface Preparation] --> B[Apply Mortar by Centrifugal Spraying]
B --> C{Method}
C -->|Rotation Only| D[Rotate Pipe for Smoothing]
4Method of Lining▼
IS 11906: Method of Lining - Key Specifications & Formulas
1. Surface Preparation (Clause 3.1)
Inner surface must be clean, free of foreign materials, loose scale, metal projections.
Avoid inclusions, blisters, or voids affecting lining adhesion.
2. Thickness of Cement Mortar Lining (Clause 7.1, Table 2)
Pipe Material
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Min. Mean Thickness (mm)
Min. Thickness at One Point (mm)
Cast/Ductile Iron
100 - 250
3
1.5
300 - 900
5
2.5
Over 900
6
3.0
Steel
100 - 300
5
3.0
350 - 900
8
6.0
1000 - 1500
10
8.0
Over 1500
15
12.0
Note: Thickness may be increased if requested.
Lining thickness at pipe ends can be reduced; chamfer length < 50 mm.
3. Lining Protection (Clause 6.1)
Protect from extreme heat, rainfall impact, freezing until cured.
4. Thickness Measurement (Clause 8.1)
Measure on fresh centrifuged mortar or hardened lining.
Use a steel pin ≤ 1.5 mm diameter or non-destructive methods.
Take measurements at 4 equidistant points on 2 cross sections near pipe ends:
First set ≥ 200 mm from ends.
Second set as far inside as possible without damage.
graph LR
A[Pipe End] --> B[Cross Section 1 (≥ 200 mm from end)]
B --> C[4 Equidistant Points]
A --> D[Cross Section 2 (Inside)]
D --> E[4 Equidistant Points]
This ensures uniform and compliant
5Socket Cleaning Requirements▼
IS 11906: Socket Cleaning Requirements
Clause 5.1:
Socket must be free of mortar before assembly or lining application to ensure proper fit and bonding.
Related Specifications for Socket Preparation & Protection
Aspect
Requirement/Specification
Socket Cleaning
Remove all mortar, debris, and foreign material completely.
Sand for Mortar (Clause 2.2.1.1)
Use sand passing through standard sieves as per Table 1 below.
Table 1: Sand Grading for Mortar
Sieve Size
% Passing by Weight
2.00 mm
100
850 µm
95 - 100
600 µm
85 - 95
425 µm
45 - 60
250 µm
5 - 25
150 µm
2 - 5
Additional Notes:
Mortar-free sockets ensure proper lining thickness and joint integrity.
Socket cleaning is critical before cement mortar lining application (see Clause 7.1 for lining thickness).
Mortar lining thickness varies by pipe material and diameter (Table 2 in Clause 7.1).
flowchart TD
A[Socket Cleaning] --> B{Is mortar present?}
B -- Yes --> C[Remove mortar completely]
B -- No --> D[Proceed with lining application]
D --> E[Apply mortar lining as per thickness specs]
Summary: Always ensure the socket is thoroughly cleaned of mortar to meet IS 11906 Clause 5.1 and enable proper lining application. Use sand grading per Table 1 for mortar preparation.
6Protection of Work▼
Protection of Work (IS 11906 Highlights):
Clause 6.1:
Lined pipes and fittings must be protected from:
Extreme heat (direct sunlight)
Rainfall impact
Freezing temperatures
until the lining cures enough to resist these conditions.
Key Table: Thickness of Cement Mortar Lining (Clause 7.1)
Pipe Material
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Min. Mean Layer Thickness (mm)
Min. Thickness at One Point (mm)
Cast/Ductile Iron
100 - 250
3
1.5
300 - 900
5
2.5
Over 900
6
3.0
Steel
100 - 300
5
3.0
350 - 900
8
6.0
1000 - 1500
10
8.0
Over 1500
15
12.0
Note:
Thickness at pipe ends can be less than minimum but chamfer length < 50 mm.
Purchaser may request thicker lining.
Additional Specification:
Clause 5.1: Socket must be free from mortar to ensure proper fitting.
flowchart LR
A[Lined Pipe & Fittings] --> B[Protection from Sunlight]
A --> C[Protection from Rainfall]
A --> D[Protection from Freezing]
B & C & D --> E[Curing of Lining]
E --> F[Ready for Handling/Installation]
This ensures durability and integrity of the lining per IS 11906.
7Thickness of Lining▼
IS 11906: Thickness of Cement Mortar Lining
Key Specifications (Clause 7.1, Table 2)
Pipe Material
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Min. Mean Thickness (mm)
Min. Thickness at One Point (mm)
Cast Iron / Ductile Iron
100 - 250
3
1.5
300 - 900
5
2.5
Over 900
6
3.0
Steel
100 - 300
5
3.0
350 - 900
8
6.0
1000 - 1500
10
8.0
Over 1500
15
12.0
Note: Thickness can be increased if purchaser desires.
Chamfer at pipe ends: Thickness may be less than minimum, with chamfer length < 50 mm.
Measurement (Clause 8.1)
Measure on fresh centrifuged mortar or hardened lining.
Use a steel pin ≤1.5 mm diameter or non-destructive methods.
Take readings at 4 equidistant points on 2 cross sections near each pipe end:
First set ≥ 200 mm from ends.
Second set as far inside as possible without damage.
Tolerances (Clause 7.2)
Pipe lining: +20%
Fittings lining: +40%
Protection (Clause 6.1)
Protect lining from sun, rain, and freezing until cured.
flowchart TD
A[Pipe/Fitting] --> B{Nominal Diameter}
B -->|Cast Iron/Ductile Iron| C[Thickness as per Table 2]
B -->|Steel| D[Thickness as per Table 2]
C & D --> E[Measure thickness at specified points]
E --> F{Within tolerance?}
F -->|Yes| G[Accept lining]
F -->|No| H[Reapply or adjust lining]
This ensures durability and compliance with IS
8Determination of Lining Thickness▼
IS 11906: Determination of Lining Thickness
Key Specifications (Clause 7.1, Table 2)
Pipe Material
Nominal Diameter (mm)
Minimum Mean Layer Thickness (mm)
Minimum Thickness at One Point (mm)
Cast or Ductile Iron
100 - 250
3
1.5
300 - 900
5
2.5
Over 900
6
3.0
Steel
100 - 300
5
3.0
350 - 900
8
6.0
1000 - 1500
10
8.0
Over 1500
15
12.0
Note: Thickness at pipe ends may be reduced, chamfer length < 50 mm.
Tolerance (Clause 7.2): +20% for pipes, +40% for fittings.
Thickness Measurement (Clause 8.1)
Use a steel pin ≤1.5 mm diameter on fresh mortar or non-destructive methods on hardened mortar.
Measure at 4 equidistant points on 2 cross sections near each pipe/fitting end.
First cross-section ≥ 200 mm from ends; second as far inside as accessible without damage.
Additional Protection (Clause 6.1)
Protect lined pipes from sun heat, rainfall impact, and freezing until curing.
flowchart LR
A[Pipe/Fitting] --> B[Measure at 2 cross sections]
B --> C[4 equidistant points each]
C --> D[Use steel pin ≤1.5mm or NDT]
D --> E[Check thickness against Table 2]
E --> F{Within tolerance?}
F -->|Yes| G[Accept lining]
F -->|No| H[Rework or reject]
This ensures lining thickness meets durability and corrosion resistance standards.
9Curing of Lining▼
IS 11906: Curing of Cement Mortar Lining
Key Specifications (Clause 9.1)
Curing Duration: Minimum 7 days from mortar application.
Curing Methods:
Continuous wet curing by sprinkling water (e.g., sprinkler hose at invert).
Covering with moist sacking, canvas, or hessian kept constantly wet.
For overground pipes, protect from direct sunlight using moist hessian or similar.
Membrane curing with approved compounds allowed after mortar sets (with Engineer-in-Charge approval).
Important Notes:
Proper curing ensures hard, durable, and fully hydrated mortar lining.
Protect lined pipes from extreme heat, rainfall impact, and freezing until cured (Clause 6.1).
Inner surface must be clean and free from projections before lining (Clause 3.1).
Summary Table: Curing Methods vs. Conditions
Method
Duration
Conditions
Notes
Wet curing (sprinkler)
≥ 7 days
Keep surface wet continuously
Common method
Covering with moist cloth
≥ 7 days
Keep sacking/canvas/hessian moist
Suitable for underground pipes
Membrane curing
After set
Use approved curing compounds
Requires Engineer approval
Protection from sun
During curing
Use moist hessian for overground pipes
Prevents heat damage
Conceptual Flow of Curing Process
flowchart TD
A[Apply Mortar Lining] --> B[Final Setting of Mortar]
B --> C{Choose Curing Method}
C -->|Wet Curing| D[Sprinkler Hose / Wet Cover]
C -->|Membrane Curing| E[Apply Approved Compound]
D --> F[Maintain Moisture for ≥7 Days]
E --> F
F --> G[Protect from Sun & Weather Until Fully Cured]
G --> H[Durable, Hydrated Lining Achieved]
Additional Tips:
Maintain constant moisture; drying causes poor hydration and cracking.
Avoid direct sunlight and freezing during curing.
Adjust mortar consistency and centrifuging speed to minimize segregation (Clause 4.1).
This ensures **quality
10Lining Quality▼
IS 11906: Key Specifications for Lining Quality
1. Surface Preparation (Clause 3.1)
Inner surface must be clean, free of foreign material, loose scale, metal projections.