Concrete

Concrete Footings, Slabs, Columns & Beams
Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd
Features of Concrete in Structures

Set out below are some of the principal considerations for reinforced concrete slabs-on-ground, footings and concrete superstructures. Concrete is a mixture of portland cement, sand, stone (called aggregate) and water, which sets hard. It may include various other components which provide colour, increase strength, accelerate hardening, retard hardening, improve fluidity, lighten the structure and many other functions.
Concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension. i.e. It may crack when pulled apart, but not when squeezed together. Tensile strength is provided to concrete structures by the incorporation of steel reinforcement. Concrete shrinks and thus cracks. The inclusion of steel reinforcement (at close centres) will restrict the width of cracks that for in concrete as it shrinks. Steel reinforcement rusts, expands and spalls the concrete if it is placed too close to the concrete surface or if the concrete does not include sufficient cement to protect the steel.
General Behaviour of Concrete Structures

When a concrete slab is suspended, it will bend under the action of its self weight and any imposed gravity loads. This will cause cracks to form at the top of the slab over supports and at the bottom of the slab at the centre of the span. It is at these locations the main tensile reinforcement is placed. Note: There is other reinforcement placed in concrete slabs and beams to control shrinkage cracking, support the main reinforcement and to control diagonal shear cracking near supports.
Top face reinforcement at support
Bottom face reinforcement at centre span
Bottom face reinforcement at centre span
Basic Concrete Specification

Concrete for House Construction in Rural Villages Concrete shall comply with the Drawings, Building Regulations and relevant Standard (AS 2870). Unless stated otherwise, properties shall be not less than: Characteristic compressive strength of 20 MPa Maximum aggregate size of 20 mm Of sufficient slump to facilitate the nominates means of placement The following site-mix concrete is deemed suitable for footings, slab-on-ground and columns. 1 part portland cement 2 parts clean sand 4 parts crushed stone or gravel
Basic 20 MPa Concrete Specification

For 1 cubic metre of 20 MPa concrete, the mix should consist of: 8 bags (40 kg each) of GP or GB portland cement Cement is also available in 20 kg bags, in which case 16 would be required. 0.5 m3 of sand Sand should be clean sharp sand, NOT brickies sand or plasters sand. 1.0 m3 of 20 mm coarse aggregate Aggregate should be clean 20 mm river gravel, crushed aggregate or similar. 220 230 litres of water Less water should be used if the sand and aggregate are damp.
Set out below are the typical quantities for lesser volumes of 20 MPa concrete mix.
Source: Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Grade 20 Concrete Mix 1 cement : 2 sand : 4 gravel (by volume) Cement (Number of 40Kg bags) Sand (m3) Gravel [20mm Coarse Aggregate] (m3) Water (litres)
Volume of Concrete (m3) 0.2 2 0.1 0.2 50-60 0.4 3 0.2 0.4 70-80 0.6 5 0.3 0.6 140-150 0.8 7 0.4 0.8 180-200 1.0 8 0.5 1.0 220-230
Basic 25 MPa Concrete Specification

For 1 cubic metre of 25 MPa concrete, the mix should consist of: 9 bags (40 kg each) of GP or GB portland cement Cement is also available in 20 kg bags, in which case 18 would be required. 0.5 m3 of sand Sand should be concreting sand or sometimes refined to be sharp sand NOT brickies sand or plasters sand. Care in adding water is the key to a successful mix 0.8 m3 of 20 mm coarse aggregate It is important that concrete be made from clean 20 mm crushed aggregate , river gravel or similar 200 220 litres of water Less water should be used if the sand and aggregate are damp
Set out below are the typical quantities for a 25 MPa concrete mix.
Source: Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Grade 25 Concrete Cement (40Kg bags) Sand (m3) 20mm Coarse Aggregate (m3) Water (litre) Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd 0.2 2 0.1 0.2 50-60
Volume of Concrete (m3) 0.4 0.6 4 6 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 70-80 140-150
0.8 8 0.4 0.7 180-200
1 9 0.5 0.8 200-220
Masonry Veneer and Cavity Construction

Reactive clay foundations under a building may swell to form a dome or shrink form a dish. In both cases, the concrete footings or beams & slabs will bend, placing stresses on the superstructure.
The design of buildings with conventional masonry veneer and cavity masonry walls involves: Increasing the stiffness of the footings or beams & slabs Incorporating articulation joints in the masonry walls to break up the structure, thus preempting the formation of any cracks.
Crack Formation in Masonry House Walls

As the foundations shrink or swell and the concrete footings (or beam & slab) respond, the following can occur. Unreinforced Masonry Walls Unreinforced masonry walls of weak masonry may form multiple small cracks. If unreinforced masonry walls have relatively high strength, they will remain intact for small movements, but will eventually crack. Most likely, this will be a single large crack, the most undesirable outcome.
Reinforced Masonry Walls Connected to Concrete Slab Single leaf reinforced hollow concrete masonry superstructures built integrally with the concrete footings, incorporating steel starter bars, vertical wide spaced reinforcement and a continuous horizontal bond beam are capable of cantilevering and spanning large distances without cracking.
Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

Broadly speaking, excess water in fresh concrete leads to high shrinkage, cracking and loss of strength; while too little water in fresh concrete restricts its flow and makes it hard to compact. The problems associated with excessive water are as discussed in the following slides.

Reference: Beware of excess water, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, March 2006:
Strength The strength of the concrete, and hence its ability to support loads, can be severely diminished by too much water in the mix. Cracking As water evaporates from concrete during the hardening process, there is a tendency for earlyage cracking and drying shrinkage cracking. The .width and extent of cracks will increase as the amount of water is increased. Delamination If concrete is too wet when finished, it could dry and shrink at the surface, which remaining moist underneath, causing delamination to occur. Abrasion / Surface Dusting - Excessive moisture in concrete can lead to reduced abrasion resistance of the surface, leading to dusting and possibly to exposure of the coarse aggregate Durability Concrete with excess water will be more prone to penetration by water and salts , and may exhibit increased risk of reinforcement corrosion and spalling of the surface Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd (concrete cancer).

Water / Cementitious Content If water is added to concrete after it leaves the batching plant, the amount of cement (and fly ash, if used) stays the same, but the amount o f water increases. Thus the ratio of water to cementitious content drops. This graph demonstrates how the strength of concrete drops significantly as the water to cementitious content increases. Water to cementitious content in the range 0.45 to 0.80 is usual for conventional concrete, with 0.6 being common. If just 25 litres of water is added to a cubic metre of fresh concrete, the water to cemetitious content would increase by approximately 17 % and the compressive strength would drop by approximately 20 %.
Source: Ryan, W.G. & Samarin, A., Australian Concrete Technology, Longman Cheshire, 1992

Specifying Slump One means of controlling the proportion of water in freshly mixed concrete is to specify an upper limit for slump.
Historically, the choice of permissible slump was the prerogative of the Engineer, and specifications of 80 mm and 100 mm were common.
The Ryan & Samarin recommendation for reinforced footings is 50 mm to 100 mm, while the recommended slump for pavements and slabs is 50 mm to 80 mm.
A value of 100 mm is now reflected in BCA Volume 2 Clause 3.2.3.1 (a) (iii).
Source: Ryan, W.G. & Samarin, A., Australian Concrete Technology, Longman Cheshire, 1992

Slump Test
100
The fluidity of fresh concrete may be measured by the slump test. Concrete slump is determined by moulding fresh concrete in a 300 mm high steel cone. The mould is then removed and the fresh concrete will settle. The slump (the distance down from the top of the cone) can be measured. The slump test gives an indication of the quantity of water in the fresh concrete, although slump is also influenced by the grading of the fine and coarse aggregate, the shape of the aggregate and the quantity of cement.
Handles 300 1.5 mm thick galvanized sheet steel cone Foot plates 100
De-moulded slumped concrete

Slump

Slump The problem is best indicated by the loss in concrete strength, resulting from excess water.
From this chart, it is clear that: If no other adjustments to a mix are made, 25% increase in slump from 80 mm to 100 mm could result in a reduction in strength of approximately1.5 MPa (approximately 7.5% in 20 MPa concrete) If no other adjustments to a mix are made, 50% increase in slump from 80 mm to 120 mm could result in a reduction in strength of approximately 25%. This chart shows that as increasing quantities of water are added, there is a resulting loss of strength.
Source: Readymix - The Effect of Excess Water in Concrete http://www.readymix.com.au/Toolbox/DIY/excessWater.shtml Similar information is available in: Beware of excess water, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, March 2006: Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd

Site Practices Often concrete with an initial slump of 80 mm will stiffen rapidly, particularly in hot or windy conditions. Concretors will request that water be added to the mixer trucks. The addition is most often done, despite BCA Volume 2 Clause 3.2.3.1 (b), which states, Water must not be added to the mix to increase the slump to a value in excess of that specified. The consequence of refusal is the risk of uncompacted and poorly finished concrete. Because the water addition is made on site, there is very little control, and the resulting concrete most often has more water than necessary, with a resulting unpredictable increase in the risk of shrinkage, cracking and low strength. Provided that no water is added on site, concrete may be specified with a 100 mm slump.
Concrete Problems & Solutions

Footing Reinforcement
A common footing design is 1000 x 1000 x 500 with 10 mm diameter reinforcement. In some cases the reinforcement diameter is too small and the dimensions of bent bars are incorrect.
The diameter, dimensions and position of reinforcement should be inspected before placing concrete.

Pad Footings
Do not put too much reinforcement in the footings and ground beams. It is just a waste of money.
Footings and ground beams should have enough, but not too much reinforcement

Thickness and Reinforcement in Concrete Slabs-on-Ground
Often concrete slabs-on-ground are only 50 mm thick and do not contain any steel reinforcement. This can lead to cracking and moisture penetration.
The thickness of slabs-on-ground (that are bigger than 3.0 m x 3.0 m) should be at least 70 mm thick with at least SL42 steel reinforcement mesh (3.8 diameter at 200 mm centres) over compacted fill. If the thickness is increased, so should the reinforcement be increased. Australia The thickness of slabs-on-ground should be 100 mm thick with at least SL72 steel reinforcement over compacted fill.

Formwork Edge forms for suspended concrete slabs are often difficult to secure and keep straight.
When permanent steel sheet formwork is used, preformed metal edge forms can also be screwed to the sheeting by short metal straps.

Reinforcement Cover Steel reinforcement must be surrounded with sufficient thickness of well compacted concrete to prevent corrosion of the steel and spalling of the concrete, commonly known as concrete cancer.
Suspended concrete roof corrosion (India)
Concrete wall corrosion (Australia)
Concrete lintel reinforcement corrosion (India)
The lapping of welded fabric reinforcement in the top face of a slab will significantly increase the thickness of reinforcement and reduce the cover.

Reinforcement Congestion Congestion of reinforcement within beams, columns and the like reduces the cover and leads to difficulties in compacting the concrete around the reinforcement. This can cause both corrosion and loss of bond between reinforcement and concrete.

Vibration The strength of concrete members (footings, slabs, beams, and columns) is dependent on the density of the concrete. Concrete density can be maximized by adequate mechanical vibration.
Photo: Wacker
Mechanical vibration is recommended for all concrete members. Although AS 2870 does not make mechanical vibration of residential footings and slab-on-ground construction mandatory, it is strongly recommended.

Concrete Finishing Mechanical trowelling is used to produce a fine surface.
However, if the concrete has not achieved sufficient hardness, the mechanical trowel (helicopter) may dig into the surface.
Photo: Wacker
Excessive trowelling will lead to a concentration of bleed water at the surface and eventual dusting and/or abrasion of the surface.

Curing Contractors often neglect the correct curing of slabs, resulting in excessive cracking and/or dusting and abrasion. It may be expedient for the Builder to assume responsibility for applying and maintaining the curing system. Sprayed curing compounds require less attention than moistening and covering the slab for an extended period. Curing compounds should comply with AS 3799 and shall be hydrocarbon, solvent-based acrylic, water-based acrylic or wax-based acrylic. However, wax-based compounds should not be used in areas requiring the subsequent application of curing adhesives.

Recesses in Concrete Slabs In order to achieve falls in tiled floors in bathrooms and the like, it is preferable to recess the concrete slabs, otherwise there will be a lip at the tiled edge. This recess may be formed after the concrete has been screeded level. The corner position of recesses can be marked by fixing temporary vertical reinforcing bars to the fabric. Such bars should not puncture the membrane. For large tiled areas, the slab should provide for uniform falls to wastes and associated pipework. If there is likely to be difficulty in achieving such uniform falls, it may be advisable to allow for a 40 to 50 mm screed laid subsequently by the tiler in accordance with AS 3958.1 Appendix A.. The thickness of the screed (if required), tile bedding and tiles should be shown on the structural concrete details, to ensure that the finished levels are appropriate.

Control Joints Control joints in concrete structures should be of a material and detail such that they can accommodate the movement that is expected.

Termite Barriers Care must be taken to ensure that any termite barrier can be properly located on the finished concrete structure.

Limits on Crack Widths AS 2870 Residential slabs and footings defines the following limiting crack widths.
Source: AS 2870
Source: AS 3661.1
To prevent termite penetration, AS 3661.1-2000 Termite management Part 1 New building work places a limit of 1 mm on the permissible width of cracks. Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd

Cracking Due to Excessive Retardant Overdosing premixed concrete with retardant will cause excessive cracking and surface defects consistent with the extremely slow hardening.
Specifications
This module provides typical specifications, summarised from the Electronic Blueprint. More comprehensive editable building specifications may be downloaded from: www.electronicblueprint.com
Specifications Footing, Ground Beams, Slab-on-Ground, Piers

Scope This section covers the construction of the following concrete members for residential applications: Concrete footings Concrete ground beams Concrete slab-on-ground Concrete piers. Other specifications cover: Concrete residential pavements and driveways Concrete that is incidental to drainage e.g. precast pits and thrust blocks, Concrete that is incidental to segmental paving and landscaping such as edging, and precast concrete pavers, Concrete in retaining walls, such as footings and precast concrete blocks, Superstructures, comprising suspended beams, slabs, columns and stairs, Moisture and Tree Root Shields Masonry Fire Protection Termite protection systems for concrete slab-on-ground construction.

Relevant Standards AS 3600 Concrete Structures AS 3610 Formwork for concrete AS 3660.1 Termite management New Building work AS 3660.2 Termite management In and around existing buildings and structures Guidelines AS 3660.3 Termite management Assessment criteria for termite management systems AS 1379 Specification and supply of concrete AS 1478.2 Chemical admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout AS 2870 Residential slabs and footings - Construction AS 3799 Liquid membrane-forming curing compounds for concrete AS 4200.1 Pliable building membranes and underlays - Materials AS/NZS 4671 Steel reinforcing materials AS 2159 Rules for the design and installation of piling (SAA Piling Code)

Definitions Site Classifications (based on AS 2870) Class A Most sand and rock sites with little or no ground movement from moisture changes Class S Slightly reactive clay sites with only slight ground movement from moisture changes Class M Moderately reactive clay or silt sites, which can experience moderate ground movement from moisture changes Class H Highly reactive clay sites, which can experience high ground movement from moisture changes Class E Extremely reactive sites, which can experience extreme ground movement from moisture changes Class P Filled sites including soft or unstable foundation, soils, such as soft clay or silt or loose sands, landslip, mine subsidence, collapsing soils, soils subject to erosion, reactive sites subject to abnormal moisture conditions or sites which cannot be classified otherwise. Note: For deep-seated movements, typical of dry climates and corresponding to a design depth of suction change equal to or greater than 3 metres, the classification Classes M, H and E shall be modified to M-D, H-D or E-D.

Sand Bedding A bedding sand layer 50 to 100 mm in thickness shall be placed over the compacted soil base to the level of the underside of the slab. Sand bedding shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 2758.1). Unless stated otherwise, sand shall be clean, free from salts, vegetable matter and impurities, and with the following grading: Sieve 4.75 mm 2.36 mm 1.18 mm 0.600 mm 0.300 mm 0.150 mm 0.075 mm Percent Passing 90 to 100 60 to 100 30 to 85 15 to 60 5 to 30 0 to 15 0 to 10

Vapour Barrier Vapour barriers shall be placed over the bedding sand layer. Adhesive tape shall be fixed around pipe penetrations. Vapour barriers shall comply with the Drawings, Building Regulations and relevant Standard (AS 4200). Unless stated otherwise, vapour barriers shall be not less than medium impact resistance polyethylene vapour barrier 0.2 mm thick. In areas of known salt damp, a damp-proofing membrane with high impact resistance is required. Adhesive tape shall be PVC for normal applications, or polyethylene tape for fixing to higher strength or thicker membranes.

Reinforcement for Concrete Slab on Ground and Footings Reinforcement shall be placed in accordance with the drawings such that the following laps and cover are achieved. Three N12 corner bars 2.0 metre long shall be placed at all re-entrant corners. Reinforcement Minimum Required Laps Bars Fabric Trench mesh 500 mm 2 cross wires overlapping 500 mm
Bar and Fabric Reinforcement Reinforcement shall comply with AS 4671, AS 2870. Unless stated otherwise, properties shall be not less than: Deformed bars - 500 MPa, normal ductility (N) Square fabric, rectangular fabric and trench mesh - 500 MPa, low (L) or normal (N) ductility ribbed wires Fitments -500 MPa, low (L) or normal (N) ductility ribbed wires Round bar (e.g. R250 N10 for dowels) - 250 MPa round. Fibre Reinforcement Fibre reinforcement used for enhancing toughness and impact resistance of concrete shall comply with the relevant Standard (ASTM A820 Type 1 for steel fibres). Unless stated otherwise, fibre reinforcement shall be polypropylene or steel fibres capable of being mixed uniformly throughout the concrete.

Bar Chairs Bar chairs shall be placed at one metre centres both ways. Bar chairs shall incorporate wide bases and be placed on metal bases that do not puncture the vapour barrier. Where fabric with 7 mm bars at 200 mm centres (SL72), or lighter, is used, the bar chair spacing shall be reduced to 800 mm. Bar chairs shall be placed to give the following clear cover. 40 mm in concrete in contact with unprotected ground 40 mm in concrete exposed externally 30 mm to a sealed vapour barrier 20 mm to the internal surface

Concrete for slab on ground and footings Concrete shall comply with AS 2870. Unless stated otherwise, properties shall be not less than: Characteristic compressive strength of 20 MPa (Strength grade N20) Maximum aggregate size of 20 mm Of sufficient slump to facilitate the nominates means of placement Subject to plant control testing.

Placing Concrete Trenches and footing excavations shall be dewatered and cleaned prior to concrete placement so that no softened or loosened material remains. All concrete shall be compacted by mechanical immersion vibrator. Notes Formwork - Edge forms for suspended concrete slabs are often difficult to secure and keep straight. When permanent steel sheet formwork is used, preformed metal edge forms may also be screwed to the sheeting by short metal straps. Reinforcement Cover - The lapping of welded fabric reinforcement in the top face of a slab will significantly increase the thickness of reinforcement and reduce the cover. The slab thickness shall be such as to provide both sufficient cover and sufficient effective depth. Finishing Concrete Concrete surfaces shall be finished as noted below unless specified otherwise. Floor slabs - Steel float. External paths, driveways and parking areas at less than 10% slope - Fine broomed steel float. External paths, driveways and parking areas at greater than 10% slope - Coarse broomed steel float. Vertical surfaces exposed in the completed building - Rubbed back to fill all voids and provide smooth surface. Vertical surfaces not exposed in the completed building - Off form finish.

Recesses in Concrete Slabs In order to achieve falls in tiled floors in bathrooms and the like, recess the concrete slabs to avoid a lip at the tiled edge. This recess may be formed after the concrete has been screeded level. The corner position of recesses may be marked by fixing temporary vertical reinforcing bars to the fabric. Such bars should not puncture the membrane. For large tiled areas, the slab should provide for uniform falls to wastes and associated pipework. If there is likely to be difficulty in achieving such uniform falls, it allow for a 40 to 50 mm screed laid subsequently by the tiler. The thickness of the screed (if required), tile bedding and tiles should be shown on the structural concrete details, to ensure that the finished levels are appropriate. Curing Concrete All concrete shall be cured using a sprayed curing compound. Wax-based compounds shall not be used in areas requiring the subsequent application of curing adhesives. Notes 1. The Builder shall; Apply and maintain the curing system; or Ensure that the Contractor correctly applies and maintains the curing system. 2. Sprayed emulsions require less attention than moistening and covering the slab.

Formwork Formwork shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 3610). Key Joint Form Key joint forms shall comply with the Drawings, Building Regulations and relevant Standard (AS 2870). Unless stated otherwise, key joint forms shall provide keys in 100, 150 or 200 mm slabs, and shall include all required wedges and pegs. Where a control joint is to be constructed with a flexible sealant, a polyethylene foam strip shall be inserted. Otherwise a PVC capping strip shall be inserted. Unless stated otherwise, the colour shall be grey. Stripping Formwork Unless adverse weather or the use of retarders delays the hardening of concrete, the minimum stripping time for formwork shall be 3 days. Maintenance The building owner is responsible for the building and site maintenance as detailed in the CSIRO Pamphlet 10-19 Guide to Home Owners on Foundation Maintenance and Footing Performance.
Specifications Concrete Superstructures

Scope This section covers the construction of reinforced concrete superstructures, including beams, columns, suspended slabs, stairs and walls. Building Regulations and Standards All materials and construction shall comply with the most recent version of: the relevant parts of the Building Regulations: the Standards referred to therein; other Standards nominated in this specification; and other relevant Regulations. Relevant Standards AS 3600 Concrete Structures AS 3610 Formwork for concrete AS 1379 Specification and supply of concrete AS 1478.2 Chemical admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout AS 3799 Liquid membrane-forming curing compounds for concrete AS/NZS 4671 Steel reinforcing materials AS 3850 Tilt-up concrete construction AS 1538 Cold formed steel structures code AS 1397 Steel sheet and strip

Reinforcement Reinforcement shall be placed in accordance with the Drawings and the relevant Standard (AS 3600). Unless specified otherwise on the drawings, structural laps shall be as follows: N 12 bars N 16 bars N 20 bars N 24 bars Fabric 500 mm 650 mm 800 mm 1100 mm 2 cross wires overlap
In slabs, bar chairs shall be placed at one metre centres both ways. Unless specified otherwise in the Drawings or Standard, bar chairs shall provide cover not less than the following:

Minimum Cover Requirements for Standard Formwork and Compaction (mm) Characteristic Compressive Strength of Reinforced Concrete Exposure 20 MPa 25 MPa 32 MPa 40 MPa 50 MPa Classification A1 20 20 20 20 20 A2 (50) 30 25 20 20 B2 (60) 40 30 25 B1 (65) 45 35 C (70) 50 Note: These values may need to be increased to comply with the particular Standard. The values in brackets apply when the exposure is to only one surface. Minimum Cover Requirements for Rigid Formwork and Intense Compaction (mm) Characteristic Compressive Strength of Reinforced Concrete Exposure 20 MPa 25 MPa 32 MPa 40 MPa 50 MPa Classification A1 15 15 15 15 15 A2 (35) 20 15 15 15 B2 (45) 30 25 20 B1 (50) 35 25 C (55) 40 Note: These values may need to be increased to comply with the particular Standard. The values in brackets apply when the exposure is to only one surface.

In reinforced or prestressed concrete structrures: Exposure Environment A1includes: members in contact with the ground and protected by a damp-proof membrane, residential footings in non-aggressive soils, members in interior environments fully enclosed within a building except for a brief period of weather exposure during construction, members in exterior environments above ground and further than 50 km from the coast, being non-industrial and arid climate Exposure Environment A2 includes: other members in non-aggressive soils members in exterior environments above ground and further than 50 km from the coast, being non-industrial and temperate climate Exposure Environment B1 includes: members in interior environments in industrial buildings, being subject to repeated wetting and drying members in exterior environments above ground and further than 50 km from the coast, being non-industrial and tropical climate members in exterior environments above ground and further than 50 km from the coast, being industrial and any climate zone members in exterior environments above ground and 1 km to 50 km from the coast, in any climate zone members in fresh water Exposure Environment B2 includes: members in exterior environments above ground and up to 1 km from the coast (excluding tidal splash zones), in any climate zone members permanently submerged in sea water Exposure Environment C includes : members tidal splash zones Exposure Environment U includes: members in aggressive soils members in soft or running water members in exposures other than those described above

Reinforcement Reinforcement shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 4671). Unless stated otherwise, properties shall be not less than: Deformed bars - 500 MPa, normal ductility (N) Square fabric, rectangular fabric and trench mesh - 500 MPa, low (L) or normal (N) ductility ribbed wires Fitments -500 MPa, low (L) or normal (N) ductility ribbed wires Round bar (e.g. R250 N10 for dowels) - 250 MPa round Bar Chairs Bar chairs shall be placed at one metre centres both ways. Bar chairs shall incorporate wide bases and be placed on metal bases that do not puncture the vapour barrier. Where fabric with 7 mm bars at 200 mm centres (SL72), or lighter, is used, the bar chair spacing shall be reduced to 800 mm. Bar chairs shall be placed to give the following clear cover. 40 mm in concrete exposed externally 20 mm to the internal surface

Concrete Concrete shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 3600). The Drawings shall state the required strength and aggregate size for each member. Unless stated otherwise, properties for low rise construction shall be not less than: Characteristic compressive strength of 32 MPa (Strength grade N32) Maximum aggregate size of 20 mm Of sufficient slump to facilitate the nominates means of placement Subject to plant control testing. Curing Compounds Curing compounds shall comply with the relevant Standard (or AS 3799). Unless stated otherwise, curing compounds shall be hydrocarbon, solvent-based acrylic, waterbased acrylic or wax-based acrylic. Wax-based compounds shall not be used in areas requiring the subsequent application of curing adhesives.

Placing Concrete Trenches and footing excavations shall be dewatered and cleaned prior to concrete placement so that no softened or loosened material remains. All concrete shall be compacted by mechanical immersion vibrator. Notes Formwork - Edge forms for suspended concrete slabs are often difficult to secure and keep straight. When permanent steel sheet formwork is used, preformed metal edge forms may also be screwed to the sheeting by short metal straps. Reinforcement Cover - The lapping of welded fabric reinforcement in the top face of a slab will significantly increase the thickness of reinforcement and reduce the cover. The slab thickness shall be such as to provide both sufficient cover and sufficient effective depth. Finishing Concrete Concrete surfaces shall be finished as noted below unless specified otherwise. Floor slabs - Steel float. Vertical surfaces exposed in the completed building - Rubbed back to fill all voids and provide smooth surface. Vertical surfaces not exposed in the completed building - Off form finish.

Recesses in Concrete Slabs In order to achieve falls in tiled floors in bathrooms and the like, recess the concrete slabs to avoid a lip at the tiled edge. This recess may be formed after the concrete has been screeded level. The corner position of recesses may be marked by fixing temporary vertical reinforcing bars to the fabric. Such bars should not puncture the membrane. For large tiled areas, the slab should provide for uniform falls to wastes and associated pipework. If there is likely to be difficulty in achieving such uniform falls, it allow for a 40 to 50 mm screed laid subsequently by the tiler. The thickness of the screed (if required), tile bedding and tiles should be shown on the structural concrete details, to ensure that the finished levels are appropriate. Curing Concrete All concrete shall be cured using a sprayed curing compound. Wax-based compounds shall not be used in areas requiring the subsequent application of curing adhesives. Notes 1. The Builder shall; Apply and maintain the curing system; or Ensure that the Contractor correctly applies and maintains the curing system. 2. Sprayed emulsions require less attention than moistening and covering the slab.

Permanent Formwork Formwork shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 1538, AS 1397). Unless stated otherwise, permanent formwork shall be: Cold-rolled steel Manufactured from galvanised steel base material of thickness 0.75 mm, 0.90 mm or 1.00 mm (as nominated on the drawings) With 550 MPa yield strength With a galvanised coating not less 200 gm/m2 (Z200). Formwork Formwork shall comply with the relevant Standard (AS 3610). Stripping Formwork Minimum stripping time for formwork shall be 14 days. No masonry shall be constructed on slabs that are still supported by props.
Sample Inspection Schedules
This sample inspection schedule defines a minimum level of control that should be exercised by a builder during construction. It is not intended for use by licensed tradesmen, installers or authority inspectors, who would need to apply more rigorous inspections.
Construction Checklist Builder: Site: Activity: Cast in-situ Concrete Piers Item or Product Drawings & specifications Pier location Pier diameter Founding material Pier depth Casing (if required) Reinforcement grade Reinforcement diameter Reinforcement spacing Reinforcement laps Reinforcement ligatures spacing Concrete strength Inspection Required Inspect controlled docs Check grid Check hole position Check auger diameter Visual inspection Measure depth or monitor volume Measure diameter Spot check markings Spot check diameter Spot check Spot check Spot check Spot check dockets Accept Criteria Latest issue on site +,- 50mm +,- 50mm As specified As specified +,- 20% + 20mm ,- 10mm As specified As specified +,- 10% +,- 10% +,- 10% As specified Hold Witness Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Witness Date Inspector Comment
Construction Checklist Builder: Site: Activity: Concrete Footings, Ground Beams, Slab-On-Ground Item or Product Drawings & specifications Footing width Footing length Reinforcement cover Edge forms Level on sand bed Membrane and tape Reinforcement grade Reinforcement diameter Reinforcement spacing Reinforcement laps Reinforcement ligature spacing Plumbing roughed-in Concrete strength Curing Inspection Required Inspect controlled docs Spot check Spot check Check chair size Check all edges Spot check levels Spot check taping Spot check markings Spot check diameter Spot check Spot check Spot check Check all positions Delivery dockets Spot check Accept Criteria Latest issue on site + 10%,- 2% + 10%,- 2% As specified +,- 20 mm + 10 mm, -30mm As specified As specified As specified +,- 10% +,- 10% +,- 10% +,- 50 mm As specified As specified Hold Witness Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Witness Witness Date Inspector Comment
Construction Checklist Builder: Site: Activity: Concrete Superstructures Item or Product Drawings & specifications Beam & column width Beam & column depth Slab and stair depth Reinforcement cover Reinforcement grade Reinforcement diameter Reinforcement spacing Reinforcement laps Reinforcement ligature spacing Plumbing & electrical roughed-in Concrete strength Curing Inspection Required Inspect controlled docs Spot check forms Spot check forms Spot check forms Check chair size Spot check markings Spot check diameter Spot check Spot check Spot check Check all positions Delivery dockets Spot check Accept Criteria Latest issue on site + 10%,- 2% + 10%,- 2% + 10%,- 2% As specified As specified As specified +,- 10% +,- 10% +,- 10% +,- 50 mm As specified As specified Hold Witness Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Hold Witness Witness Date Inspector Comment
Safety & Emergency Work Method Statements

All work shall be carried out in a safe manner, minimizing risk of injury and fatality. Work Method Statements, relevant to the particular project, must be prepared in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations, for inclusion as part of a site-specific Safety & Emergency Plan and Job Safety Analysis. Sample Work Method Statements for construction activities are available in a Training Package, Site Safety from www.electronicblueprint.com . They are intended to demonstrate the principles relevant to site safety for this form of construction. However, they are not intended to be a complete list of all requirements.
Disclaimer & Copyright

Disclaimer This training package covers broad engineering principles and building practices, with particular emphasis on affordable housing and associated village infrastructure in the AsiaPacific region. These broad principles and practices must be translated into specific requirements for particular projects by professional architects, engineers or builders with the requisite qualifications and experience. Associated sample specifications and drawings are available in electronic format, with the express intention that architects, engineers and builders will edit them to suit the particular requirements of specific projects. The design, construction and costing of structures must be carried out by qualified and experienced architects, engineers and builders, who must make themselves aware of any changes to the applicable standards, building regulations and other relevant regulations. The authors, publishers and distributors of these documents, specifications and associated drawings do not accept any responsibility for incorrect, inappropriate or incomplete use of this information. Copyright Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd All rights are reserved. Permission is given for individuals to use this material in the preparation of designs, specification and contracts for individual projects. Permission is also given for not-for-profit Nongovernmental Organizations to use this material in the preparation of Building Skills Training Programs and for the design, specification and construction of affordable housing and associated infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. Use of this material for any other commercial purposes prohibited without the written permission of the copyright owner.

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Concrete

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Concrete Footings, Slabs, Columns & Beams

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Features of Concrete in Structures

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General Behaviour of Concrete Structures

Top face reinforcement at support

Top face reinforcement at support

Top face reinforcement at support

Bottom face reinforcement at centre span

Bottom face reinforcement at centre span

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Basic Concrete Specification

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Basic 20 MPa Concrete Specification

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Basic 25 MPa Concrete Specification

0.8 8 0.4 0.7 180-200

1 9 0.5 0.8 200-220

Masonry Veneer and Cavity Construction

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Crack Formation in Masonry House Walls

Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

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Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

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Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

De-moulded slumped concrete

Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

Problem of Excessive Water in Concrete

Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

Concrete Problems & Solutions

Suspended concrete roof corrosion (India)

Concrete wall corrosion (Australia)

Concrete lintel reinforcement corrosion (India)

Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Concrete Problems & Solutions

Concrete Problems & Solutions

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Specifications Footing, Ground Beams, Slab-on-Ground, Piers

Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd

Specifications Footing, Ground Beams, Slab-on-Ground, Piers

Specifications Footing, Ground Beams, Slab-on-Ground, Piers

Copyright: Quasar Management Services Pty Ltd

Specifications Footing, Ground Beams, Slab-on-Ground, Piers