BRMCADISCUSSIONPAPERDurabilityrulesforthewaves

BS634914andBS85001guidanceforreinforcedconcreteexposedtoseawater
Adesignerwishingtoderiveaspecificationforconcreteexposedtoseawaterinaccordancewith
EuropeanandBritishStandardsshouldstartbyclassifyingtheexposureclassesasdefinedin
Eurocode2:DesignofconcretestructuresEN1992111andtheEuropeanStandardforConcrete
EN2062.ForUKstructuresthedesignerthenhasthechoiceofeitherusingthedurability
recommendationsoftheBritishStandardforConcreteBS85001:20063ortheBritishStandardfor
MaritimestructuresBS634914:20134.

Seawaterexposureclasses
Table1isasummaryoftheEuropeanstandardexposureclassestogetherwithitsinformative
examplesandtheinformativeguidancefromBS634914:2013andBS85001:2006.Inspectionof
thistableshowsthattheinitialsimplifiedseawaterexposureclassificationsystemisinterpreted
differentlywherespecificapplicationsareconsidered.
Table1.Exposureclassesforcorrosioninducedbychloridesfromseawater
Class EuropeanStandard European
BritishBS634914:2013 BritishBS85001:2006
(EN199211&
EN206
examples
AnnexAExamplesand
EN206)
examples
notesA
descriptionofthe
environment
XS1
Exposedto
Structures Airbornesalt
Externalreinforcedor
airbornesaltbut
neartoor
environmentexposed
prestressedconcrete
notindirect
onthe
toairbornesaltbutnotin surfacesincoastalareas
contactwithsea
coast
contactwithseawateror
water
splash
XS2
Permanently
Partsof
Submergedenvironment Reinforcedand
submerged
marine
permanently
prestressedconcrete
structures submerged
surfacescompletely
submergedand
remainingsaturatede.g.
concretebelowmidtide
levelB
XS2/3

Frequentlywettedlower
tidal,backfilled
XS3
Tidal,splasha
Partsof
Infrequentlywetted
Reinforcedand
sprayzones
marine
uppertidal,dryinternal prestressedconcrete
structures facesofsubmerged
surfacesintheupper
structures
tidalzonesandthe
splashsprayzonesC
ATherateofingressofchlorideintotheconcretewilldependontheconcentrationatitssurface:brackishgroundwater

(chloridecontentlessthan18g/l)willbelessseverethanexposuretoseawater.
BReinforcedandprestressedconcreteelementswhereonesurfaceisimmersedinwatercontainingchloridesand

anotherisexposedtoairarepotentiallyamoreseverecondition,especiallywherethedrysideisatahighambient
temperature.
CExposureXS3coversarangeofconditions.Themostextremeconditionsareinthesprayzone.Theleastextremeisin
thetidalzonewhereconditionscanbesimilartothoseinXS2.

Page 1 of 15

Havingclassifiedtheexposureclassthenthedesignerhastochoosebetweenthetwosetsof
recommendationsforspecifyingdurableconcrete.Ifthedesignpracticeisaccustomedtousingthe
generalConcreteStandardthenthisislikelytobetheirchoice,wheretheMaritimeStandard
appearstobepreferredbythosedesignerswithahistoryofspecialisinginmaritimestructures
aroundtheworld.Until2013bothsetsofrecommendationswerequitecloseandsoinpractical
termsitdidnotmakeabigdifferencewhichsetwasusedtospecifyconcretedurability.The
similaritybetweenthetwosetsofrecommendationsshouldnothavebeensurprisingastheysharea
commonancestry.Itisworthreviewingthehistoricrecommendationsasmanysuccessful
reinforcedconcretemaritimestructureshavebeenconstructedoverthelast100years,andthe
experiencedgainedintermsofthederivedguidancefordurableconcreteshouldnotbediscounted.

HistoricUKrequirements
Table2isasummaryoftheBritishStandardrecommendationsforconcreteexposedtoseawater
from1972to1997.Duringthisperiodthedesignworkinglifewasnotdefinedbutitcanbe
imaginedthatforthetypeofinfrastructureexposedtoseawaterthenthedesignerswouldbe
disappointediftherewassignificantdeteriorationintheirlifetime.Itisalsoevidenttherewasno
directequivalenttotheXS2totallysubmergedclassasdefinedtodayandthereforethevalidityof
thistypeofcomparisoncanbequestioned.
Table2.Historicguidanceforconcreteexposedtoseawaterforanundefinedworkinglife.
Codeandtheirdescriptionsofexposure
conditionsclosesttowhatisnowdesignated
XS2totallysubmerged.

Verysevere:e.g.exposedto
CP1101:
seawaterormoorlandwaterwith
1972
abrasion
Directlyexposedtosaltwateror
seaspray
BS63491:
1984
Concretesubjecttosevere
abrasion
BS81101:
Verysevere
1985
BS63491:
Continuouslysubmergedinsea
1984
wateruptoalevelof1mbelow
Amd:1989 lowestwater
Mostsevere,concretesurfaces
frequentlyexposedtoseawater
BS81101:
sprayConcreteinseawater
1997
tidalzoneto1mbelowlowest
lowwater
A)
B)
C)

D)

Characteristic Nominal
cubestrength, (Minimum)
cover,mm
N/mm2

Minimum Maximum
w/cratio
cement
contentA),
kg/m3

40

60

330B)

50

50

330B)

40

60

330C)

0.42

50

50

330

0.42

45

40D)

350

0.50

75(50)

350

0.50

50

50D)

400

0.45

Foranominal20mmmaximumaggregatesize
Aminimumcementcontentof400kg/m3shouldbeusedforconcreteinexternalatmosphericorsplashzone.
Wherethewater/cementratioisnotstrictlycontrolledtheminimumcementcontentisincreasedto360kg/m3
Covertobeincreasedby10mmifalowC3Acementisused.

FromTable2itcouldbeconcludedthatspecifyingaconcretewithamaximumwater/cement(w/c)
ratioof0.45,aminimumcementcontentof350kg/m3withaminimumcoverof50mmwould
probablybeadurableconcreteexposedtoXS2totallysubmerged.Indeedthiswasthecaseand
duringthelate1970sandearly1980sasignificantproportionoftheThamesTidalDefencesthat

Page 2 of 15

runfromtheThamesBarrieratWoolwichtoSouthendonSeawereconstructedwithaconcrete
containing350kg/m3ofwhatwouldnowbedesignatedCEMISR3.Thespecifiednominalcover
was50mm.AsshownintheFigure1theconcretewallwasshowingnosignsofdistressafter
nearly30years.Asanasideitisnoticeablethattheoriginaldefences,apaintedsteeltrenchsheet
wallasshownintheforeground,havealmostcompletelydisappearedduetocorrosion.

Figure1.ConcreteseawallasphotographedAugust2005,constructed1978.Remainsofthe
original1960ssteelsheetwallshowninforeground.
Duringthelastdecadeofthe20thCenturyawiderrangeofcementitiousmaterialsbecamereadily
availableforuseinUKconcrete,wherecementitiousadditionssuchasgroundgranulated
blastfurnaceslag(ggbs)andflyashareparticularlyusefulandresistingtheingressofchloridefrom
seawaterandothersources.Atthistimetherewasalsoaneedtoprovideguidanceontheintended
workinglifeaswellasgreaterflexibilityfordesignerstotradeconcretequalitywithcover,wherethe
higherthequalityofconcretethelowerthecoverrequired.
From2000theMaritimeStandardintroducedsetsofrequirementsfor50and100years,andfrom
2002theConcreteStandardincludeddurabilitytablesforXSexposureclassesforaworkinglifeof
atleast50years.Itwasonlywiththeintroductionofthisclassificationforexposureclassesand
settingthedesignworkinglifewasitpossibletostarttodeveloprecommendationsbasedon
modelling.
AsaresultofthesedevelopmentstherequirementsofthetwoStandardsstartedtoconvergewith
respecttopresentation,butdivergewithrespecttorequirements.Thisbecomemostevidentwith
the2013revisionoftheMaritimeStandard.

Page 3 of 15

CurrentUKrequirements
ThedurabilityrecommendationsinBS634914:2013werederived5usingchlorideingressmodelling
basedontheFickssecondlawofdiffusioncomprehensivelydescribedbyBamforth6.Thistypeof
modellingwasalsousedtoderivethe50yearTableofBS8500:2006.TheBS8500:2006durability
requirementsfor100yearwereinitiallydraftedusingtheEurocode2recommendationofadding
10mmcovertothe50yearvalues,butwheremorethan10mmcoverwasaddedwherethecement
didnotcontainsignificantproportionsofggbsorflyash.FromTable2itisevidentthatthe
classificationoftheenvironmentissubjecttointerpretationwheretheBritishConcreteand
MaritimeStandardsusedifferentexamplesforeachclassofseawaterexposure.Bearingthese
aspectsinmindperhapsitshouldnotbeasurprisethatalthoughtherearesimilaritiestherearealso
somedisparitiesbetweenthetwosetsofrecommendationsforadesignworkinglifeof50and
100years.
Forstructuraldesigntheengineerfindsanindicationofstrengthclassindispensable,andthe
specificationofaminimumcementcontentisalsoconsideredusefulforqualitycontrolascement
contentcanbereadilyverifiedbyinspectionofweighbatchrecords.Asaconsequencethelimiting
propertiesforcompositionandpropertiesofconcretefordurabilityareexpressedintheUKas
compressivestrengthclass,maximumw/cratio,andminimumcementorcombinationcontent.
Tables3and4areasummaryofthecurrentlimitingvaluesforcompositionandpropertiesof
concreteaccordingtoBS634914:2013andBS85001:2006,fordesignworkinglivesof50and100
yearsrespectively.BothTablesareforXS2exposure,55mmminimumcover,andfortherangeof
cementsorcombinationsavailableintheUK.XS2exposureisselectedasthebasisforcomparison
aspermanentlysubmergedshouldbeanenvironmentleastsusceptibletovariationsof
interpretation.
Table3.Limitingvaluesforcompositionandpropertiesofconcreteforadesignworkinglifeof
50years(XS2exposureat55mmminimumcover)
Standard
Additional
Compressivestrengthclass,maximumw/cratio
Cementor
combination composition
restrictionon
andminimumcementorcombinationcontent
type
composition
(kg/m3)
BS634914Table2
BS85001AnnexA
TableA.4
CEMI

CEMII/AV 620%flyash

C28/35 0.55 320

CEMII/AS
620%ggbs
CEMII/BS
2135%ggbs

C25/30 0.55 340A) C25/30 0.55 320

CEMII/BV 2135%flyash
2535%flyash C25/30 0.55 340A) C25/30 0.55 320

C25/30 0.55 340A) C25/30 0.55 320

CEMIII/A
3665%ggbs
4665%ggbs
C25/30 0.55 340A) C25/30 0.55 320
CEMIII/B
6668%ggbs

C25/30B) 0.55 340A) C20/25 0.55 320

CEMIV/BV 3655%flyash
C25/30B) 0.55 340A) C20/25 0.55 320
A)IftheBS8500strengthandcementtyperelationshipwithw/cratioisadoptedthisvaluewouldbe320kg/m3.
B)IftheBS8500strengthandcementtyperelationshipwithw/cratioisadoptedthisvaluewouldbeC20/25.

Page 4 of 15

Table4.Limitingvaluesforcompositionandpropertiesofconcreteforadesignworkinglifeof
100years(XS2exposureat55mmminimumcover)
Cementor
Standard
Additional
Compressivestrengthclass,maximumw/cratio
combination composition
restrictionon
andminimumcementorcombinationcontent
type
composition
(kg/m3)
BS634914Table3
BS85001AnnexA
TableA.5
CEMI

CEMII/AV 620%flyash

C28/35 0.55 320

CEMII/AS
620%ggbs
CEMII/BS
2135%ggbs

C35/45 0.40 360A) C25/30 0.55 320

CEMII/BV 2135%flyash
2535%flyash C32/40 0.45 360 C25/30 0.55 320

C35/45 0.40 360A) C25/30 0.55 320

CEMIII/A
3665%ggbs
4665%ggbs
C32/40 0.45 360 C25/30 0.55 320
CEMIII/B
6668%ggbs

C32/40B) 0.45 360 C20/25 0.55 320

CEMIV/BV 3655%flyash
C32/40B) 0.45 360 C20/25 0.55 320
A)IftheBS8500strengthandcementtyperelationshipwithw/cratioisadoptedthisvaluewouldbe380kg/m3.
B)IftheBS8500strengthandcementtyperelationshipwithw/cratioisadoptedthisvaluewouldbeC28/35.

InspectionofTable3showsthereisnotalargedifferencebetweentheBS634914:2013and
BS85001:2006recommendationsforaworkinglifeof50years,otherthanBS634914requires
morethan55mmcoverifaCEMIoralowggbsorflyashcontentcementisused.Itisadifferent
matterfor100yearswhereinspectionofTable4demonstratesthatadoptingtheBS634914:2013
requirementsforXS2exposurewillreducethemaximumw/cratiofrom0.55to0.40or0.45,and
increasethetotalcementitiouscontentfrom320to360kg/m3.
HavingtwoBritishStandardsthatrecommenddifferentrequirementsforseawaterexposureis
confusing.ForthisreasontheforthcomingrevisionofBS8500willgoforpubliccomment
incorporatingtheBS634914:2013recommendationsforseawaterexposure,andsubjecttothe
commentsmadeandconsiderationbytheBSITechnicalCommitteeitishopedtoproduceunified
guidance.HavingsaidthisitshouldalsobenotedthatthedevelopmentofunifiedBritishguidance
mayonlybeafirststepbecauseattheEuropeanlevelaframeworkisdevelopingtoestablish
performancebasedrequirementsforallexposureclasses,includingexposuretoseawater.

Page 5 of 15

Europeanframework
ForthenextrevisionofEurocode2aJointWorkingGroup(JWG)ofrepresentativesfromCEN/TC
250/SC2(Designofconcretestructures)andCEN/TC104/SC1(ConcreteSpecification,
performance,productionandconformity)isproposingtointroduceExposureResistancesClasses
whereultimately,eachclasswillbeperformancebased7.
BasedonEuropeanwidetestingandmodellingforseawaterexposuretheJWGalsosuggestsome
preliminarydeemedtosatisfyvaluesforconcrete,withvariousbindercombinations,andtheseare
summarisedinTable5fora100yearsdesignworkinglife.
Table5.Proposedbindercontent,water/cementratioandcoverforadesignworkinglifeof
100yearsexposuretoXS2
Maximumw/c
Minimumcoverfor
Bindertype,cementorcombinationof Minimum
100yearsdesign
cementandanaddition
bindercontent ratio
workinglife,mm
kg/m3
CEMI
NA
NA
NA
CEMII/Ae.g.620%flyashorggbs
280
0.40
55
CEMII/Be.g.2135%flyashorggbs
280
0.40
55
CEMIII/A,3665%ggbs
*
*
*
CEMIII/B,6680%ggbs
280
0.38
55
NA
*

Notapplicable
Proposalstobedeveloped

Foranypracticallevelofworkabilityandavailablematerialsthebindercontenttoachievethestated
minimumw/cratioislikelytobehigherthanthe280kg/m3indicatedinTable5.Itisthew/cratio
thatisthemostimportantfactoraffectingthedurabilityofconcrete,anditisinterestingtonote
thatthevaluequotedissimilartothehistoricUKrequirementssummarizedinTable2.Accepting
thatthereissomesimilarityincurrentUKpracticeandfuturerecommendationsatEuropeanlevel,
inrealitythisis5to10yearsawayandthereisaneedtoagreeunifiedBritishguidancebeforethen.

Page 6 of 15

DraftforPublicCommentBS85001:2014
ThedraftforpubliccommentversionBS8500,DPCBS85001:20148isavailableontheBSIdraft
reviewsystemwebsite.Designersmaywishtotakeacloselookatthetablesforrecommendations
forreinforcedorprestressedelementswithanintendedworkinglifeofatleast50and100years.
TheseareDPCBS85001:2014TablesA.4andA.5,respectively.Thereareanumberofsignificant
changesfromtheearlierversionandtohelpidentifythemAnnexAisarepresentationtherevised
TablesA.4andA.5withBS85001:2006requirementsshowninred.InspectionoftheseTables
showthatforseawaterexposureforanintendedworkinglifeofatleast50yearsthenthereisa
generalincreaseof510mmcover,apartfromwhereCEMI,IIAandIIBScementsareusedwhere
therecommendedincreaseincoveris1535mm.Similarly,forseawaterexposureforanintended
workinglifeofatleast100yearsthenthereisageneralincreaseof515exceptwhereCEMI,IIAand
IIBScementsareusedwheretherecommendedincreaseincoverisfrom20tomorethan45mm.

Conclusionandrequestforpubliccomment
Arecordofsatisfactorylongtermperformanceinactualstructureshasbeenareliablemethodto
justifyconcretequalityrequirementsinStandards.HavingsaidthisthepublicationofBS634914:
2013thatincorporatestheresultsfromimprovedmodellingtechniquesandtestingdatafor
seawaterexposure,meansthemoreempiricallybasedrequirementsofBS85001:2006for
seawaterexposureshouldbereassessed.ByincorporatingtheBS634914:2013requirements
intotherevisionofBS85001usingtheestablishedw/cratio,minimumcementorcombination
contentandstrengthclassrelationshipsthentherequirementsforseawaterexposurecouldbe
unified.However,therevisiononthisbasismeanstherewillbeasignificantchangein
requirementsandthereforeitisimportantthattheyarethoroughlyreviewedbyasmanyinterested
partiesaspossible.
TheDraftforPublicCommentofBS8500isontheBSIDraftReviewSystem
(http://drafts.bsigroup.com/)andcommentscanbemadeupto31December2014.Commentscan
besentdirectlytoChrisAClearatchris.clear@mineralproducts.orgwithacopytoMussaAwaleh
mussa.awaleh@bsigroup.com
Author:DrChrisAClear,TechnicalDirectorBritishReadyMixedConcreteAssociationandChairof
theBritishStandardsInstitutiontechnicalcommitteeConcrete,productionandtesting,B/517/1.
TheauthorisgratefultohisfellowmembersofB/517/1andtheconcretedesignstandards
committee(B/525/2)fortheirinvaluableandconstructivecomments.
Theauthorapologisesforanyerrorsinthispaperandwillbehappytoreceiveanycommunication
concerningthispaperorthedraftforpubliccommentversionofBS8500.

21November2014

Page 7 of 15

REFERENCES
1. BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION,BSEN199211:2004.Eurocode2:Designofconcrete
structuresPart11Generalrulesandrulesforbuildings.BSI,London,incorporating
corrigendatoFebruary2014.
2. BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION,BSEN206:2013.ConcreteSpecification,performance,
productionandconformity.BSI,London,2013,incorporatingcorrigendumMay2014.
3. BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION,BS85001:2006+A1:2012.Concrete.Complementary
BritishStandardtoBSEN2061.Part1Methodofspecifyingandguidanceforthe
specifier.BSI,London,amended2012.
4. BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION,BS634914:2013.Maritimeworks.Part14General.
Codeofpracticeformaterials.BSI,London,2013.
5. KNIGHTS,J.Reviseddurabilitytablesforreinforcedconcreteinthemaritimeenvironment.
CONCRETE,December/January2013/2014.
6. BAMFORTH,P.B.Enhancingreinforcedconcretedurability.Guidanceonselectingmeasures
forminimizingtheriskofcorrosionofreinforcementinconcrete.TechnicalReport61.The
ConcreteSociety.2004.
7. EUROPEANCOMMITTEEFORSTANDARDIZATION(CEN)DurabilityExposureresistance
classes,anewsystemtospecifydurabilityinEN206andEN1992.JointWorkingGroup
Durability.February2014.
8. BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION,DRAFTFORPUBLICCOMMENTBS85001.Concrete.
ComplementaryBritishStandardtoBSEN206.Part1Methodofspecifyingandguidance
forthespecifier.BSI,London,2014.Latestdateforreceiptofcomments:31December
2014

Page 8 of 15

ANNEX A. Representation of BS 8500 durability recommendations for reinforced and prestressed elements

Page 9 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.4 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 50 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c
20 +c
25 +c
30 + c
35 +c
40 +c
45 +c
50 +c
55 +c
60 +c
65 +c
70 +c
80 +c

Corrosion induced by carbonation (XC exposure classes)

C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
XC1
0.70 240 0.70 240
0.70 240 0.70 240 0.70 240
XC2

XC3/4

Cement/combination types

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

All in Table A.6

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

All in Table A.6

C40/50
0.45 340

C30/37
0.55 300

C28/35
0.60 280

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

All in Table A.6 except IVB-V

C40/50
0.45 340

C30/37
0.55 300

C28/35
0.60 280

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

IVB-V

Corrosion induced by chlorides other than sea water (XD exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)
XD1

XD2

XD3

C40/50
0.45 360

C32/40
0.55 320

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

All in Table A.6

C40/50E)
0.40 380

C32/40
0.50 340

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C32/40E)
0.40 380

C25/30
0.50 340

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C45/55E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.45 360

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 320

C25/30
0.50 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C32/40E)
0.40 380

C28/35
0.45 360

C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

Page 10 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.4 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 50 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c

25 +c

30 +c

35 + c

40 +c

45 +c

50 +c

55 +c

60 +c

65 +c

70 +c

75 +c

80 +c

Cement/combination types

Corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water (XS exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)

XS1

XS2

C40/50E)
0.40 380
C32/40E)
0.50 340

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.50 340

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C32/40E)
0.50 340

C45/55E)
0.35F) 380
C32/40E)
0.50 340

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340
C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C28/35
C35/45E)
0.40 380 0.50 340
C32/40E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.45 360

C25/30
0.55 320
C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C32/40E)
0.40 380
C32/40E)
0.40 380

C25/30
0.50 340
C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIIB

C32/40E)
0.40 380
C32/40E)
0.40 380

C25/30
0.50 340
C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 340
C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IVB-V

C40/50E)
C45/55E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C40/50E)
0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.50 340

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C40/50E)
0.40 380

C32/40E)
0.50 340

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C28/35
0.50 340

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C28/35
0.50 340

C20/25
0.55 320
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C32/40E)
0.40 380

C25/30
0.50 340
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C28/35
0.45 360
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.35F) 380
C25/30
0.50 340

C45/55E)
C35/45E)
0.35F) 380 0.45 360

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380

Page 11 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.4 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 50 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c

25 +c

30 +c

35 + c

40 +c

45 +c

50 +c

55 +c

60 +c

65 +c

70 +c

75 +c

80 +c

Cement/combination types

Corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water (XS exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)

XS3

C45/55E)
CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,
0.35F) 380 CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C35/45E)
0.40) 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C28/35
0.50 340

C28/35
0.50 340

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C32/40E)
0.45 360

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C28/35
0.45 360
C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.35F) 380
C28/35
C32/40E)
0.40 F) 380 0.45 360

C45/55E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.40) 380

A dash () indicates that greater cover is recommended.

A)
Where appropriate, account should be taken of the recommendations to resist freeze-thaw damage (see A.4.3, Table A.8), aggressive chemicals (see A.4.4, Table A.11) and abrasion (no guidance
provided).
B)

Expressed as the minimum cover to reinforcement plus an allowance in design for deviation, c, e.g. to allow for workmanship. Check the appropriate design code to see whether it is recommended
that the minimum cover to prestressing steel is adjusted by a factor cdur,.

C)
Also applies to heavyweight concrete. For lightweight concrete the maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content applies, but the compressive strength class needs to be changed to
a lightweight compressive strength class (see BS EN 206:2013, Table A.8 and A.4.1, Note 2) on the basis of equal cylinder strength if designing to BS EN 1992.
D)

For adjustments to cement or combination content for different maximum size of aggregate, see Table A.7.

E)

If the concrete is specified as being air entrained in accordance with the XF2 or XF4 recommendations in Table A.8, the minimum compressive strength class for corrosion induced by chlorides may be
reduced to C28/35.
F)

In some parts of the UK it is not possible to produce a practical concrete with a maximum w/c ratio of 0.35.

Page 12 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.5 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 100 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c
25 +c
30 +c
35 + c
40 +c
45 +c
50 +c
55 +c
60 +c
65 +c
70 +c
75 +c
80 +c

Corrosion induced by carbonation (XC exposure classes)

C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
C20/25
XC1
0.70 240 0.70 240
0.70 240 0.70 240 0.70 240
C25/30
0.65 260

XC2

XC3/4

Cement/combination types

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

C20/25
0.70 240

All in Table A.6

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

All in Table A.6

C40/50
0.45 340

C35/45
0.50 320

C30/37
0.55 300

C28/35
0.60 280

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

All in Table A.6 except IVB-V

C40/50
0.45 340

C35/45
0.50 320

C30/37
0.55 300

C28/35
0.60 280

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

C25/30
0.65 260

IVB-V

Corrosion induced by chlorides other than sea water (XD exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)
XD1

XD2

XD3

C45/55
0.40 380

C40/50
0.45 360

C35/45
0.50 340

C32/40
0.55 320

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

C28/35
0.60 300

All in Table A.6

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C32/40
0.50 340

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C28/35
0.45 360

C25/30
0.50 340

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C45/55E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.45 360

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 320

C25/30
0.50 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C32/40E)
0.40 380

C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C28/35
0.45 360

Page 13 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.5 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 100 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c

25 +c

30 +c

35 + c

40 +c

45 +c

50 +c

55 +c

60 +c

65 +c

70 +c

Cement/combination types

75 +c

80 +c

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.50 340

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

Corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water (XS exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)

XS1

XS2

C45/55E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C40/50E)
C45/55E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380
C35/45E)
0.45 360

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C32/40E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C28/35
0.50 340

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C25/30
0.55 320

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C32/40E)
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C28/35
0.50 340

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C32/40E)
0.40 380
C30/37E)
0.50 340

C28/35
0.45 360
C28/35
0.55 320

C25/30
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIIB

C28/35
0.45 360
C30/37
0.55 320

C25/30
0.50 340
C28/35
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IVB-V

C40/50
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.40 380
C35/45
0.50 340

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.50 340

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

C28/35
0.55 320

IIB-V, IIIA

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C28/35
0.50 340

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C25/30
0.55 320
C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C28/35
0.50 340
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C28/35
0.50 340

IIIB, IVB-V

C28/35
0.45 360

C20/25
0.55 320
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C25/30
0.50 340
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C28/35
0.45 360
C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

C32/40E)
C35/45E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380
C25/30
C20/25
0.50 340 0.55 320

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C35/45
0.45 360

Page 14 of 15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BS 8500-1: 2014 Table A.5 Durability A) recommendations for reinforced or prestressed elements with an intended
working life of at least 100 years
BS 8500-1:2006 recommendations due to be superseded
Nominal
cover B)
mm

Compressive strength class, maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content for normal-weight concrete C) with 20 mm
maximum aggregate size D)
15 + c

25 +c

30 +c

35 + c

40 +c

45 +c

50 +c

55 +c

60 +c

65 +c

70 +c

Cement/combination types

75 +c

80 +c

CEM I, IIA, IIB-S, CEM I-SR0,

CEM I-SR3

C35/45E)
0.40 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

IIB-V, IIIA

Corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water (XS exposure classes) adequate for any associated carbonation induced corrosion (XC)

XS3

C45/55E)
C40/50E)
0.35F) 380 0.40 380

C40/50E)
C35/45E)
0.35 F) 380 0.40) 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C28/35
0.50 340

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

C25/30
0.55 320

IIB V 25% fly ash, IIIA 46%

ggbs

C40/50E)
C35/45E)
0.35 F) 380 0.40) 380

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.40 380
C25/30
0.55 320

C32/40E)
0.45 360

C40/50E)
0.35F) 380
C28/35
0.50 340

C20/25
0.55 320

C20/25
0.55 320

IIIB, IVB-V

C32/40E)
C28/35
0.40 F) 380 0.45 360

C32/40E)
0.40 380
C25/30
0.50 340

C28/35
0.45 360

C35/45E)
0.35F) 380
C25/30
0.50 340

C25/30
0.50 340

A dash () indicates that greater cover is recommended.

A)
Where appropriate, account should be taken of the recommendations to resist freeze-thaw damage (see A.4.3, Table A.8), aggressive chemicals (see A.4.4, Table A.11) and abrasion (no guidance
provided).
B)

Expressed as the minimum cover to reinforcement plus an allowance in design for deviation, c, e.g. to allow for workmanship. Check the appropriate design code to see whether it is recommended
that the minimum cover to prestressing steel is adjusted by a factor cdur,.

C)
Also applies to heavyweight concrete. For lightweight concrete the maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement or combination content applies, but the compressive strength class needs to be changed to
a lightweight compressive strength class (see BS EN 206:2013, Table A.8 and A.4.1, Note 2) on the basis of equal cylinder strength if designing to BS EN 1992.
D)

For adjustments to cement or combination content for different maximum size of aggregate, see Table A.7.

E)

If the concrete is specified as being air entrained in accordance with the XF2 or XF4 recommendations in Table A.8, the minimum compressive strength class for corrosion induced by chlorides may be
reduced to C28/35.
F)

In some parts of the UK it is not possible to produce a practical concrete with a maximum w/c ratio of 0.35.

Page 15 of 15