IS 99181981AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Code of practice for in-situ waterproofing and damp-proofing treatments with glass fibre tissue-reinforced bitumen

IS 9918:1981 provides a comprehensive code of practice for in-situ waterproofing and damp-proofing treatments using glass fibre tissue reinforced bitumen. It covers materials specifications, surface preparation, application methods, and recommended treatment layers for roofs, basements, and below-ground structures. This standard is essential for civil engineers, contractors, and waterproofing specialists involved in designing and executing durable moisture protection systems in buildings and infrastructure.

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98Clauses Indexed
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Waterproofing and Damp-ProofingCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 9918 PDF, IS 9918 pdf free download, IS 9918 free download pdf, IS9918 PDF, IS-9918 PDF, IS 9918 1981 PDF, IS 9918:1981 PDF, IS 9918-1981 PDF, IS 9918 (1981) PDF, IS 9918 1981 edition PDF, IS 9918 edition 1981 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 9918:1981 provides a comprehensive code of practice for in-situ waterproofing and damp-proofing treatments using glass fibre tissue reinforced bitumen. It covers materials specifications, surface preparation, application methods, and recommended treatment layers for roofs, basements, and below-ground structures. This standard is essential for civil engineers, contractors, and waterproofing specialists involved in designing and executing durable moisture protection systems in buildings and infrastructure.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Waterproofing Contractors
  • Structural Engineers
  • Building Maintenance Professionals
  • Construction Supervisors
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Architects specializing in building envelope design

Key Topics Covered

Glass fibre tissue specifications and properties
Bitumen primer and bonding materials
Surface preparation techniques
In-situ waterproofing treatments for roofs
Damp-proofing treatments for basements and substructures
Layering sequences and overlap requirements
Normal, heavy, and extra heavy duty treatment classifications
Application methods for hot bitumen and glass fibre tissue
Protection of waterproofing layers during backfilling
Use of mastic asphalt and other finishing materials
Equipment and tools for laying treatments
Special treatments for corrugated roofing joints

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 9918: Scope Summary

IS 9918 covers the general design, detailing, and preparatory work for damp-proofing and waterproofing of buildings.

Key Points:

  • Scope: Applies to waterproofing and damp-proofing treatments in buildings to prevent moisture ingress.
  • Materials Covered:
    • Bitumen primers
    • Glass fibre base coal tar pitch and bitumen felts
    • Industrial bitumen
    • Paving bitumen
  • Recommended Materials: Pea-sized gravel/grit for concrete and masonry roofs (flat or sloping).
  • Rounding Off: Numerical values for tests or calculations must be rounded as per IS 2:1960 (Rules for rounding off numerical values).

Important References:

Material/AspectIS Code Reference
Bitumen PrimerIS 702 (Specification)
Glass Fibre Base FeltsIS 1322
Industrial BitumenIS 702 (Revised)
Paving BitumenIS 73 (Revised)
Penetration DeterminationIS 1203 (First Revision)

This standard ensures uniformity in waterproofing practices and material specifications for building durability.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 9918 Scope] --> B[Waterproofing & Damp-proofing]
    B --> C[Materials]
    C --> D[Bitumen Primer (IS 702)]
    C --> E[Glass Fibre Felts (IS 1322)]
    C --> F[Industrial Bitumen (IS 702)]
    C --> G[Paving Bitumen (IS 73)]
    B --> H[Design & Detailing]
    B --> I[Use of Pea-sized Gravel]
2Definitions

IS 9918 - Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

Definitions (Clause 2.0)

  • The standard covers general design, detailing, and preparatory work for damp-proofing and waterproofing in buildings.
  • Terms like pea-sized gravel/grit are specified for use in concrete and masonry roofs (Clause 5.1).

Rounding Off (Clause 0.3)

  • Numerical values must be rounded per IS 2:1960.
  • Retain the same number of significant digits as the specified value.

Important Specifications Referenced

Material/ItemIS Code Reference
Bitumen PrimerIS (specific code not given)
Glass Fibre Base Coal Tar FeltsIS (specific code not given)
Industrial BitumenIS (revised)
Paving BitumenIS (revised)
Penetration DeterminationIS (first revision)

Notes

  • Pea-sized gravel/grit is recommended for flat or sloping concrete/masonry roofs to aid waterproofing.
  • The standard relies on related IS codes for material specifications.

Rounding Off Example (IS 2:1960)

If a specified value is 3.456 and the test result is 3.4567, round to 3.46 (two decimal places).

flowchart LR
    A[Test/Calculated Value] --> B{Number of Significant Figures?}
    B -->|Match Specified Value| C[Round off accordingly]
    C --> D[Final Value for Compliance]

This ensures consistency and clarity in reporting test results.

3Surface Preparation

IS 9918: Surface Preparation Key Points

1. Surface Preparation (Clause 9.1)

  • Follow IS 3067-1966 and IS 1609-1976 for surface prep standards.
  • Keep site dry and free of water to ensure good adhesion.
  • Walls must remain dry for proper bitumen adhesion and glass fibre impregnation.

2. Treatment for Concrete, Masonry & Metallic Roofs (Clause 6.2)

  • Normal Duty Treatment:
    • Clean surface.
    • Apply bitumen primer at 0.4 kg/m².
    • Let primer become touch dry before next step.

3. Bonding Material (Clause 4.3)

  • Use blown bitumen (IS 702-1961) or residual bitumen (IS 73-1961).
  • Bitumen penetration ≤ 40 (IS 1203-1958 test).
  • Heat bitumen to correct working temperature.

Summary Table for Surface Preparation

StepSpecification/RateReference Clause
Surface cleaningThorough cleaning6.2(a)
Bitumen primer application0.4 kg/m², touch dry before next coat6.2(a), 7.1(a)
Bitumen typeBlown or residual, penetration ≤ 404.3
Surface drynessMust be dry, free of water9.1(b), 9.1(c)
flowchart TD
    A[Start: Surface Cleaning] --> B[Apply Bitumen Primer (0.4 kg/m²)]
    B --> C{Primer Touch Dry?}
    C -- No --> B
    C -- Yes --> D[Apply Damp-Proofing Membrane]
    D --> E[Finish]

This ensures good adhesion and durability of damp-proofing layers per IS 9918.

4Materials

IS 9918 - Materials Key Points

1. Bonding Material (Clause 4.3)

  • Use blown bitumen (IS:702-1961) or residual bitumen (IS:73-1961) or a mix.
  • Must withstand local temperature & slope conditions.
  • Bitumen penetration ≤ 40 (IS:1203-1958 test).

2. Pea-Sized Gravel/Grit (Clause 5.1)

  • Recommended for concrete and masonry roofs (flat or sloping).
  • Provides surface protection and durability.

3. Bitumen Specifications

  • Primer, glass fibre base felts, industrial & paving bitumen conforming to respective IS codes.
  • Penetration test as per IS:1203 (first revision).

4. Rounding Off (Clause None: 0.3)

  • Final test values rounded per IS:2-1960.
  • Maintain same significant digits as specified values.

Typical Bitumen Penetration Test (IS:1203)

Penetration GradeMax Penetration (dmm)
Hard Bitumen≤ 40
Medium Bitumen40 - 90
Soft Bitumen> 90

flowchart LR
    A[Bitumen Type] --> B[Blown Bitumen (IS:702)]
    A --> C[Residual Bitumen (IS:73)]
    B & C --> D[Penetration ≤ 40 (IS:1203)]
    D --> E[Used as Bonding Material]
    F[Pea-Sized Gravel] --> G[Concrete/Masonry Roofs]

This summary ensures compliance with IS 9918 material specifications for waterproofing.

5Surface Finish

IS 9918 – Surface Finish Key Points

Surface Finish (Clause 6.2)

For concrete, masonry, and metallic roofs (flat or sloping), IS 9918 recommends:

  • Normal Duty Treatment:
    • Clean the surface thoroughly.
    • Apply bitumen primer at the rate of 0.4 kg/m².
    • Allow primer to become touch dry before further treatment.

Bonding Material (Clause 4.3)

  • Use blown bitumen (IS:702) or residual bitumen (IS:73) or their mixture.
  • Bitumen penetration should be ≤ 40 (tested as per IS:1203).
  • Bitumen must be heated to the correct working temperature before application.

Rounding Off (Clause 0.3)

  • Final test or analysis values must be rounded off per IS:2-1960.
  • Retain the same number of significant digits as in the standard's specified value.

Summary Table: Surface Finish Treatment

ParameterSpecification
Primer TypeBitumen primer
Primer Quantity0.4 kg/m²
Bitumen Penetration≤ 40 (IS:1203)
Bitumen TypeBlown (IS:702) or Residual (IS:73)
Application ConditionHeated to working temperature
flowchart TD
    A[Clean Surface] --> B[Apply Bitumen Primer (0.4 kg/m²)]
    B --> C[Allow Primer to Dry (Touch Dry)]
    C --> D[Apply Bonding Material (Bitumen ≤ 40 Penetration)]
    D --> E[Proceed with Waterproofing Layers]

This ensures proper bonding and waterproofing as per IS 9918 guidelines.

6In-Situ Waterproofing Treatment for Roofs

IS 9918 - In-Situ Waterproofing Treatment for Roofs: Key Specifications & Formulas

1. Treatment Types & Course Details

Treatment TypeBitumen Coats (kg/m²)Glass Fibre LayersTotal CoursesRainfall Condition
Moderate (5-course)1.6 per coat15< 50 cm
Heavy Duty (7-course)1.6 per coat2 (perpendicular)750-150 cm
Extra Heavy Duty (9-course)1.6 per coat3 (perpendicular)9> 150 cm

2. Typical Five-Course Treatment Sequence (Fig. 1)

  1. Bituminous primer on dry surface
  2. First coat of hot bitumen (1.6 kg/m² min)
  3. First layer of glass fibre tissue (100 mm overlap)
  4. Second coat of hot bitumen (1.6 kg/m² min)
  5. Finishing with pea gravel/grit (0.006 m³/m²) or tiles/concrete

3. Notes on Finishing & Materials

  • Pea gravel or grit: 0.006 m³/m²
  • If gravel unavailable, coarse sand may be used
  • Finishing options: tiles, patent stone, cement concrete
  • For AC/GI corrugated roofs, refer to Fig. 5 for joint treatment with bituminous washers and leak-stop compound.

4. Additional Guidelines

  • Overlap glass fibre layers by 100 mm in both directions
  • For heavy and extra heavy duty, embed subsequent glass fibre layers perpendicular to previous
  • Bitumen application rate: 1.6 kg/m² minimum per coat
  • Adjust number of courses based on rainfall severity (moderate to very severe)

flowchart TD
    A[Dry Roof Surface] --> B[Bituminous Primer]
    B --> C[Hot Bitumen Coat 1 (1.6 kg/m²)]
    C --> D[Glass Fibre Tissue Layer 1 (100 mm overlap)]
    D --> E[Hot Bit
7In-Situ Damp-Proofing Treatment for Basements and Structures Below Ground Level

IS 9918: In-Situ Damp-Proofing Treatment for Basements & Below Ground Structures

Key Specifications & Steps (Clause 7.2):

Normal Duty Treatment (6-course)

  1. Primer: Bitumen primer @ 0.4 kg/m², allow to dry.
  2. Coats & Layers:
    • 1st coat hot bitumen @ 2.4 kg/m² (min).
    • 1st glass fibre tissue layer (100 mm overlap).
    • 2nd coat hot bitumen @ 2.4 kg/m² (min).
    • 2nd glass fibre tissue layer perpendicular to 1st.
    • 3rd coat hot bitumen @ 2.4 kg/m² (min).

Heavy Duty Treatment (8-course)

  • Same as Normal Duty +
  • 3rd glass fibre tissue layer (perpendicular).
  • 4th coat hot bitumen @ 2.4 kg/m² (min).

Extra Heavy Duty Treatment (10-course)

  • Same as Heavy Duty +
  • 4th glass fibre tissue layer (perpendicular).
  • 5th coat hot bitumen @ 2.4 kg/m² (min).

Notes:

  • 6-course: Normal conditions
  • 8-course: Severe conditions
  • 10-course: Very severe conditions
  • Optional 10-15 mm mastic asphalt layer (IS 1195:1978) for added protection on basement floors.
  • Protect basement wall treatment during backfilling.

Summary Table:

Treatment TypeBitumen CoatsGlass Fibre LayersTotal CoursesApplication Rate (Bitumen)
Normal Duty3262.4 kg/m² per coat
Heavy Duty4382.4 kg/m² per coat
Extra Heavy Duty54102.4 kg/m² per coat

flowchart TD
    A[Clean & Prime Surface] --> B[1st Coat Bitumen]
    B --> C[1st Glass Fibre Layer]
    C --> D[2nd Coat Bitumen]
8Method of Laying In-Situ Waterproofing Treatment

IS 9918: Method of Laying In-Situ Waterproofing Treatment

Key Specifications & Steps (Clause 8):

  • Surface Preparation:

    • Clean with wire brushes.
    • Prime entire surface with recommended primer.
  • Application Process:

    1. Pour hot bitumen on surface (min 1.6 kg/m² for waterproofing).
    2. Embed glass fibre tissue with 100 mm overlap in both directions.
    3. Apply second coat of hot bitumen at 1.6 kg/m².
    4. For multi-layer, stagger joints midway.
    5. Embed finishing materials (pea gravel/grit at 0.006 m³/m²) into hot bitumen while wet.

Treatment Types & Coats:

Treatment TypeCoats of Bitumen (kg/m²)Glass Fibre LayersFinishingCourses Recommended
Normal3 coats @ 2.4 kg/m²2 layersOptional mastic asphalt6 courses (Note 1)
Heavy Duty4 coats @ 2.4 kg/m²3 layersOptional mastic asphalt8 courses (Note 2)
Extra Heavy Duty5 coats @ 2.4 kg/m²4 layersOptional mastic asphalt10 courses (Note 3)
In-situ Waterproofing3 to 4 coats @ 1.6 kg/m²1 to 3 layersPea gravel/grit or tiles5 (moderate) to 9 (very severe) courses

Notes on Rainfall Severity for In-Situ Waterproofing:

  • Moderate: <50 cm rainfall → 5 courses
  • Severe: 50-150 cm rainfall → 7 courses
  • Very Severe: >150 cm rainfall → 9 courses

Typical 5-Course Waterproofing Layer Sequence (Fig. 1):

graph TB
   A[Bituminous Primer on Dry Surface]
   B[1st Coat Hot Bitumen (1.6 kg/m²)]
   C[1st Glass Fibre Tissue Layer (100 mm overlap)]
   D
9Method of Laying In-Situ Damp-Proofing Treatment

IS 9918: Method of Laying In-Situ Damp-Proofing Treatment

Key Specifications & Steps:

1. Surface Preparation

  • Clean surface thoroughly (wire brush for waterproofing).
  • Prime with bitumen primer @ 0.4 kg/m²; allow to become touch dry.

2. Bitumen & Glass Fibre Tissue Application (Above Ground & Basement)

Treatment TypeBitumen CoatsGlass Fibre LayersBitumen Rate (kg/m²)Overlap of TissueNotes
Normal Duty322.4 (min) per coat100 mmLayers embedded perpendicular
Heavy Duty432.4 (min) per coat100 mmThird tissue layer added
Extra Heavy Duty542.4 (min) per coat100 mmFourth tissue layer added
  • Each glass fibre layer is embedded perpendicular to the previous.
  • Overlaps staggered and sealed with hot bitumen.

3. Additional Protection (Optional)

  • Mastic asphalt coat: 10-15 mm thick (IS 1195-1978) for basement floors.
  • Protective lining for basement walls during backfilling.

Summary of Coats for Normal Duty (Example):

StepMaterialRate (kg/m²)Notes
1Bitumen Primer0.4Touch dry before next step
2Hot Bitumen (1st coat)≥ 2.4Embed 1st glass fibre tissue
3Hot Bitumen (2nd coat)≥ 2.4Embed 2nd glass fibre tissue
4Hot Bitumen (3rd coat)≥ 2.4Finish coat

Important Notes:

  • Overlap joints: Minimum 100 mm, staggered in multi-layers.
  • Number of courses:
    • Normal: 6 courses
Appendix AList of Equipment and Tools for Laying Treatments

IS 9918: List of Equipment and Tools for Laying In-Situ Glass Fibre Treatment (Clause 9.2 & Appendix A)

Key Equipment & Tools:

  • Bitumen melting kettle with stirrer (for heating and maintaining hot bitumen)
  • Rubber squeegees (for spreading bitumen evenly)
  • Spraying or watering cans (for surface preparation or cleaning)
  • Accessories: mineral turpentine, waste cotton, firewood, scaffolding (for support and safety)

Specifications for Laying Treatment (Summary):

Treatment TypeBitumen Coat Rate (kg/m²)Glass Fibre LayersOverlap (mm)Notes on Layers & Finishes
Normal Duty1.61100Final finish: pea gravel/grit (0.006 m³/m²) or tiles
Heavy Duty1.62 (perpendicular)100Third coat of bitumen applied
Extra Heavy Duty1.63 (perpendicular)100Fourth coat of bitumen applied
  • Overlap joints should be staggered midway between layers.
  • Finishing materials embedded into hot bitumen while pouring.
  • For basement damp-proofing, bitumen coat rate is higher (2.4 kg/m²) with more layers (up to 5 layers for extra heavy duty).
  • Course of treatment varies by rainfall severity (5, 7, 9 courses for moderate to very severe rainfall).

Typical Five-Course Waterproofing Treatment (Fig. 1 Summary):

flowchart TB
    A[Bituminous Primer on Dry Surface]
    B[1st Coat Hot Bitumen]
    C[1st Layer Glass Fibre Tissue]
    D[2nd Coat Hot Bitumen]
    E[Pea Gravel or Grit Finish]

    A --> B --> C --> D --> E

Important Notes:

  • Minimum 100 mm overlap on sides and ends.
  • Joints between layers must be staggered.
  • Care to avoid damage when laying heavy stone flooring.
  • Protection (e.g., mastic asphalt) recommended for basement treatments.

This concise summary

Popular Questions About IS 9918

?What are the specified properties and minimum weight of the glass fibre tissue used?

According to IS 9918 (Clause 4.2), the glass fibre tissue used for waterproofing and damp-proofing must have the following properties:

  • Composition: Thin, flexible, uniformly bonded mat of chemically resistant borosilicate staple glass fibres.
  • Structure: Random open porous mat bonded with a thermosetting phenolic resin.
  • Minimum weight: 40 g/m²
  • Nominal thickness: 0.50 ± 0.1 mm
  • Physical properties: Must conform to Appendix A of IS 7193-1974.

Summary Table

PropertySpecification
MaterialBorosilicate glass fibres + phenolic resin
Weight (min.)40 g/m²
Thickness0.50 ± 0.1 mm
StructureRandom open porous mat
Chemical resistanceYes, chemically resistant

This ensures durability, flexibility, and resistance to weathering when embedded in bitumen for waterproofing applications.

?Which types of bitumen are recommended for bonding and waterproofing?

According to IS 9918:

Recommended Bitumen Types for Bonding and Waterproofing

  • Bonding Material (Clause 4.3):

    • Blown type bitumen conforming to IS 702-1961 or
    • Residual bitumen conforming to IS 73-1961, or a mixture of both.
    • Penetration value must be ≤ 40 (per IS 1203-1958).
    • Bitumen should be heated to the correct working temperature.
    • Selected based on local temperature and surface gradient.
  • Waterproofing Medium (Clause 2.1):

    • Bitumen or suitable bituminous compounds that:
      • Embed into glass fibre reinforcement to form a monolithic membrane.
      • Prevent water/moisture penetration.
      • Act as a top dressing.

Additional Notes:

  • Use bitumen-based aluminium mastics for heat reflective and aesthetic surface finishes (Clause 5.2).
  • For surface finish, pea-sized gravel or grit is recommended over bitumen on concrete/masonry roofs (Clause 5.1).

Summary Table:

PropertyBitumen TypeIS Code ReferencePenetration (max)
Bonding MaterialBlown or Residual BitumenIS 702 / IS 73≤ 40
Waterproofing MediumBitumen compounds with glass fibreIS 9918 Clause 2.1N/A
Loading diagram...

This ensures effective bonding and waterproofing per IS 9918 standards.

?How should surfaces be prepared before applying the waterproofing treatment?

Surface Preparation for Waterproofing (IS 9918):

  1. Clean the Surface:

    • Remove dust, dirt, loose particles, oil, grease, and any other contaminants.
    • Old surfaces should be renewed or repaired using cement mortar with medium-coarse sand or lime-surkhi mortar.
  2. Dry the Surface:

    • Ensure the site is free of water and moisture.
    • Use suitable drying methods to achieve a dry surface for good adhesion.
  3. Priming:

    • Apply bitumen primer at 0.4 kg/m².
    • The primer should embed the surface fully and be allowed to become touch dry before further treatment.
  4. Wall Condition:

    • Walls should remain dry to ensure the first bitumen coat adheres well and impregnates any glass fibre tissue properly.

Summary Table:

StepActionKey Details
CleaningRemove loose particles, oil, dirtRenew old surfaces
DryingKeep surface free of moistureUse drying methods
PrimingApply bitumen primer0.4 kg/m², touch dry
Wall ConditionKeep walls dryFor good adhesion

This ensures optimal bonding and waterproofing effectiveness.

?What are the differences between normal, heavy, and extra heavy duty treatments?

Differences Between Normal, Heavy, and Extra Heavy Duty Treatments (IS 9918):

AspectNormal DutyHeavy DutyExtra Heavy Duty
Bitumen Coats2 coats (1st & 2nd)3 coats (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)4 coats (1st to 4th)
Bitumen Quantity (kg/m²)1.6 to 2.4 (depending on clause)Same as Normal + extra coatSame as Heavy + extra coat
Glass Fibre Layers1 layer with 100 mm overlaps2 layers; 2nd layer embedded perpendicular3 layers; each subsequent layer perpendicular
FinishingPea gravel/grit or tiles/concreteSame as NormalSame as Normal
Total Courses5 to 6 courses7 to 8 courses9 to 10 courses
Recommended forModerate rainfall (<50 cm)Severe rainfall (50-150 cm)Very severe rainfall (>150 cm)

Key Points:

  • Normal Duty: Basic waterproofing with 2 coats of bitumen and 1 glass fibre layer.
  • Heavy Duty: Adds an extra glass fibre layer perpendicular to the first and an additional bitumen coat.
  • Extra Heavy Duty: Further adds a third glass fibre layer and a fourth bitumen coat for maximum protection.
Loading diagram...

This layered approach ensures increasing waterproofing robustness with rainfall severity.

?How many layers of glass fibre tissue and bitumen coats are required for basement waterproofing?

According to IS 9918 for basement waterproofing:

Number of Layers & Bitumen Coats:

Treatment TypeGlass Fibre Tissue LayersBitumen CoatsTotal Courses*Notes
Normal Duty2366-course treatment recommended
Heavy Duty3488-course treatment recommended
Extra Heavy Duty451010-course treatment recommended

*Each "course" = 1 layer of glass fibre tissue + 1 coat of bitumen.

Key Details:

  • Bitumen coat rate: 2.4 kg/m² minimum per coat.
  • Glass fibre layers are embedded perpendicular to the previous layer.
  • Overlap of glass fibre tissue: 100 mm in both directions.
  • Optional mastic asphalt (10-15 mm thick) can be added over the treatment for extra protection.
  • Basement walls should be protected during backfilling.

Summary:

  • Normal: 2 glass fibre layers + 3 bitumen coats.
  • Heavy: 3 glass fibre layers + 4 bitumen coats.
  • Extra Heavy: 4 glass fibre layers + 5 bitumen coats.

This layering ensures a monolithic waterproof membrane for effective basement protection.

Loading diagram...

This diagram shows the layering sequence for increasing duty levels.

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