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IS 11906:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for cement mortar lining for cast iron mild steel and ductile-iron pipes and fittings for transportation of water. This standard provides recommendations for the in-situ or factory application of cement mortar lining to cast iron, mild steel, and ductile iron pipes and fittings used for water transportation. It covers material specifications, mix proportions, application methods (primarily centrifugal), lining thickness, curing procedures, and inspection to ensure a durable and protective internal surface.
Recommendations for cement mortar lining for cast iron mild steel and ductile-iron pipes and fittings for transportation of water
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The centrifugal application method is highly recommended over hand application to achieve a dense, uniform lining with better adhesion and lower permeability.
! Proper and immediate curing after lining is critical to prevent shrinkage cracks and ensure the lining achieves its specified strength and durability.
! Ensure the sand used is well-graded as per IS 383 and washed to remove clay, silt, and organic impurities, which can compromise the mortar quality.
ISO 4179:2005ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Ductile iron pipes and fittings for pressure and non-pressure pipelines — Cement mortar lining
Specifies factory-applied cement mortar lining for ductile iron pipes, a key part of the IS scope.
AWWA C104/A21.4-21AWWA (American Water Works Association), USA
HighCurrent
Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings for Water
Covers factory-applied cement mortar lining for ductile iron pipes and fittings, the US equivalent.
BS EN 545:2010BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for water pipelines. Requirements and test methods
A comprehensive standard for DI pipe systems that includes requirements for cement mortar lining.
AWWA C602-17AWWA (American Water Works Association), USA
MediumCurrent
Cement-Mortar Lining of Water Pipelines in Place
Specifically addresses in-situ lining, which is one of the application methods covered by IS 11906.
Key Differences
≠IS 11906 is a broad 'recommendation' covering CI, MS, and DI pipes for both factory and in-situ application, whereas international standards like ISO 4179 or AWWA C104 are specific mandatory standards for factory-applied lining on ductile iron pipes only.
≠Modern international standards like AWWA C104 and BS EN 545 often include provisions or requirements for an optional bituminous or polymeric seal coat over the lining for aggressive waters, a detail not specified in IS 11906:1986.
≠IS 11906 gives a qualitative guideline for the water-cement ratio ('as low as possible'), while standards like ISO 4179 provide a quantitative limit (e.g., not exceeding 0.5).
≠International standards often allow for a wider range of cement types, such as sulfate-resisting or blast furnace slag cements (e.g., in BS EN 545), whereas IS 11906 primarily refers to Ordinary Portland Cement (IS 269).
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental purpose across all standards is to provide a dense, continuous cement mortar lining to protect the pipe's interior from corrosion and maintain water quality.
≈All standards specify the same basic constituents for the mortar: a mix of Portland cement and clean, properly graded siliceous sand.
≈For factory application, the centrifugal spinning method is the common, specified process in IS 11906 and its international counterparts to achieve a dense, uniform lining.
≈A controlled curing process (using moisture, steam, or sealing compounds) is a mandatory step in all standards to ensure the lining achieves proper strength, hardness, and hydration.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Lining Thickness (DN 300 Pipe)
3.0 mm
3.0 mm (min. mean thickness)
ISO 4179:2005
Minimum Lining Thickness (DN 1000 Pipe)
6.0 mm
5.0 mm (min. mean thickness)
ISO 4179:2005
Cement : Sand Ratio (by Volume)
Not leaner than 1:2
Not less than one part cement to two parts sand
AWWA C104/A21.4-21
Water-Cement Ratio
As low as possible consistent with workability (no value specified)
Shall not exceed 0.5
ISO 4179:2005
Sand Grading (% Passing 300 micron sieve)
15% - 35%
10% - 30%
AWWA C104/A21.4-21
Sand Grading (% Passing 150 micron sieve)
5% - 15%
0% - 10%
AWWA C104/A21.4-21
Initial Moist Curing Period
At least 24 hours
Until lining has set, then further curing (e.g., fog/spray for at least 24h)
AWWA C104/A21.4-21
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Mortar mix proportion (Cement:Sand by volume)1:2
Minimum 7-day compressive strength of mortar17.5 N/mm²
Minimum 28-day compressive strength of mortar25.0 N/mm²
Minimum lining thickness for 100mm pipe3.0 mm
Maximum lining thickness for 2000mm pipe12.0 mm
Minimum curing period7 days
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Nominal Thickness of Cement Mortar Lining