Concrete

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK TO EXISTING SHORELINE AT LOT 1210A
(PLOT A21729) MK 7 AT 59 GUL ROAD

Concrete Specification
CONTENTS
1.0
Grades of Concrete
2.0
Constitutents Materials
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.0
Hardened Concrete
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4.0
General
Ready-Mixed Concrete
Site Mixing
Testing
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.0
Concrete Mix
Chloride Content of Concrete
Maximum Sulphate Content
Maximum Alkali Content
Workability
Cementitious Content
Production of Concrete
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.0
Cement
Aggregate
Water
Admixtures
Rates of Sampling
Testing Plan
Action on Non-Compliance
Formwork
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
General
Formwork Design
Prop Details
Release Agents
Cambers
Flying Forms
Safety Precautions - Temporary Works
Striking of Formwork
PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK TO EXISTING SHORELINE AT LOT 1210A

(PLOT A21729) MK 7 AT 59 GUL ROAD
CONTENTS
7.0
Concreting
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
Final Preparation and Inspection

Transporting
Placing Concrete
Placing Concrete By Pumping
Compacting Concrete
Protection
Hot Weather Concreting
8.0
Curing Concrete
9.0
Reinforcement
9.1
Material
9.2
Test Certificates
9.3
Cutting and Bending
9.4
Fixing
10.0
Surface Finish of Concrete

10.1
General
10.2
Types of Finishes
10.3
Exposed Surfaces
10.4
Sample Panel
10.5
Protection of Finished Area
11.0
Setting Out And Tolerances

11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
12.0
Construction Joints
12.1
12.2
13.0
General
References
Maximum Allowable Deviations of Structural Works
Survey of Verticality
General
Position of Construction Joints
Expansion, Movement And Settlement Joints
1.0
Grades of Concrete
The grade of concrete to be used in the works shall be as defined in BS5328 by the characteristic
strength in N/mm2 at 28 days as determined from test cubes.
The following code is used to specify type and grade of concrete:
First letter
C - Ordinary Portland Cement

S - Sulphate Resisting Cement
Next 2 digits
grade (characteristic strength at 28 days, N/mm 2)
Last 2 digits
Maximum aggregate size, mm
For example, "concrete C35/20 contains Ordinary Portland Cement, has characteristic strength 35
N/mm2 at 28 days, and the maximum aggregate size is 20 mm. For C30 concrete, where maximum
aggregate size is not specified, aggregate size shall be the nominal maximum size of 20mm.
Where the type of cement is not specified, Ordinary Portland Cement shall be used.
2.0
CONSTITUENT MATERIALS
2.1
Cement
The cement to be used throughout the Works shall be Portland Cement obtained from approved
manufacturers.
The cement shall be as described under one of the following headings:
i.
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Complying with BS 12 and / or SS26
ii.
Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC)

Complying with BS 4027
iii.
Portland pulverised - fuel ash cement (PPFAC)

Complying with BS 6588 and pfa with BS 3892
Unless otherwise specified , all cement shall comply with all of the requirements from BS 4550 for
testing.
The manufacturer's test certificates will in general be accepted as proof of soundness, but the
Engineer/Architect reserves the right to carry out independent tests and to reject any cement which does
not so comply. All such rejected cement shall be removed from the mixing premises, and replaced
entirely at the Contractor's own expense. The Engineer /Architect may, without tests being made, order
that any bag of cement, a portion of the contents of which has hardened, or which appears to be defective
in any other way, be removed from the mixing premises.
All cement shall be obtained from the single agreed source, unless otherwise approved.
2.2
Aggregate
Aggregate for concrete, mortar or for other purposes shall be in all cases free from earth, clay, loam, soft
clay, shale or decomposed stone, organic matter and other impurities and shall be hard and dense.
Aggregate for use in concrete shall conform in all respects with BS 882 and SS 31. Unless otherwise
authorised, the nominal maximum aggregate size for designed mixes shall be 20 mm.
PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK
Pg 1 of 21
2.3
Water
All water used in the concrete works and for curing concrete shall be from the public mains and shall be
fresh, clean and free from all harmful matter in suspension or solution and in accordance with BS
3148.
2.4
Admixtures
Admixtures complying with BS 5075 or SS 320 may be used in concrete mixes with prior approval. The
type and source of admixture, and the amount added and method of use shall be to approval.
In admixtures for use in concrete containing embedded metal and made with any type of cement, the
chloride ion content should not exceed 2% by weight of the admixture or by weight of the admixture or
0.03% by weight of the cement. No admixture containing calcium chloride shall be used.
3.0
HARDENED CONCRETE
3.1
Concrete Mix
3.2
1.
Concrete shall be a designed mix unless the Engineer / Architect permits the use of a standard
mix.
2.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer / Architect, the minimum design slump value for
designed mix concrete for reinforced elements, after the addition of superplasticiser if used,
shall be 75mm.
3.
SRPC shall only be used if stated in the Contract. PFA shall not be used with SRPC.
4.
PFA shall not be used in addition to PPFAC.
Chloride Content of Concrete

The maximum total chloride content of concrete, expressed as a percentage relationship between the
chloride ion and the cementitious content by mass in the concrete mix, shall be as stated in Table 4.1. If
the concrete is of more than one of the types stated, then the lower value of maximum chloride content
shall apply.
Table 4.1
Maximum Total Chloride Content of Concrete
Type of concrete
Prestressed concrete.
Stream-cured structural concrete
Concrete with reinforcement
or other embedded metal
Concrete made with SRPC
3.3
Maximum total chloride content (%)

0.1
0.35
0.2
Maximum Sulphate Content

The levels of acid-soluble sulphates (as SO3) shall generally not exceed the following limits which are
indicative for the individual constituents of the mix and are subject to the overriding maximum specified
for the total mix:
Coarse aggregate
Fine aggregate
Fresh water
0.4% by weight
0.4% by weight
500 mg/l
The total estimated sulphate content as SO3 of any mix, including that present in the cement shall not
exceed 3.7% by weight of cement in the mix.
Notwithstanding the requirements given above, regular tests in accordance with BS 1881 : Part 6 shall
be made as directed by the Architect on hardened concrete to determine the total sulphate content as SO 3
Pg 2 of 21
of any mix. The concrete will be judged acceptable if this does not exceed 4% by weight of cement in
mix. The cost of such tests shall be borne by the Contractor.
3.4
Maximum Alkali Content

The total concrete alkali content shall not exceed 3.0 kg/m 3 of the concrete. Use of aggregate that
contain potentially alkali reactive constituents shall not be permitted.
3.5
Workability
The workability of the fresh concrete shall be such that the concrete is suitable for the conditions of
handling and placing, so that after compaction it surrounds all reinforcement, tendons and ducts and
completely fills the formwork.
Workability shall be assessed by means of the slump test as specified in BS 1881.
3.6
Cementitious Content
1.
The minimum cementitious content of designed mix concrete of Grade 20 or above using
20mm nominal maximum aggregate size shall be as stated in table 4.2, the minimum
cementitious contents shall be increased by 40 kg/m 3 for 10mm nominal maximum aggregate
size and decreased by 30 kg/m 3 for 40mm nominal maximum aggregate size.
2.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer / Architect, the maximum cementitious content of
designed mix concrete for water retaining structures and water tight structures shall be
400kg/m 3 for concrete containing OPC and shall be 450kg/m 3 for concrete containing either
OPC and PFA or PPFAC. Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer / Architect, the
maximum cementitious content of designed mix concrete other than for water retaining
structures and water tight structures shall be 550kg/m 3.
3.
The cementitious content of designed mix concrete may be varied during routine production at
the discretion of the Contractor by an amount not exceeding 20kg/m 3, provided that the total
cementitious contents is not less than the specified minimum value and does not exceed the
specified maximum value.
4.
When PFA is incorporated in the concrete as a separate material, at least 75% of the specified
minimum cementitious content shall be OPC.
Table 4.2
Minimum Cementitious Content of Designed Mix Concrete of Grade 20 or

Greater with 20mm Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size
Grade strength (MPa)

3
Minimum cementitious content (kg/m )

4.0
PRODUCTION OF CONCRETE
4.1
General
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
270
290
310
330
350
375
400
Manufacturer's certificate shall be submitted to the Engineer / Architect on request.

The quantity of cement, the quantity of fine aggregate and the quantities of the various sizes of coarse
aggregate shall be measured by weight.
A separate weighing device shall be provided for weighing the cement. Alternatively, the cement may be
measured by using a whole number of bags in each batch.
The amount of water shall be measured, by volume or by weight. Any solid admixtures to be added shall
be measured by weight but liquid or paste admixtures may be measured by volume or weight.
Pg 3 of 21
The water content of each batch of concrete shall be adjusted so as to produce a concrete of the
workability required by the trial mixes.
4.2
Ready-Mixed Concrete
1.
Delivery
Before discharging any batch of concrete the delivery ticket should be checked to confirm the
grade or mix.
If all the details are correct the driver should be instructed to remix the load to ensure
uniformity - for at least 3 minutes when the concrete has been plant-mixed, or for 8-10 minutes
(80 - 100 drum revolutions) when water is added (in whole or in part) on site.
Concrete mixed at a depot, should arrive on site with the ordered workability : no extra water
should need to be added.
The slump of concrete delivered in a truck can be measured using a sample obtained from the
initial discharge, but note that such a sample is not representative for cube making. After
allowing a discharge of about 0.3m 3, six standard scoopfuls should be collected from the
moving stream to provide a sample of about 20kg, the scoopfuls being taken as quickly as
possible and preferably from the next 0.2m 3 of the discharge. The discharge should then be
stopped, the slump measured, and if within tolerance, the remaining part of the load may then
be discharged. The workability should be within the following limits as appropriate :
Specified value
25mm
50mm
75mm and over
Tolerance
+ 35mm
- 25mm
35mm
(1/3 of specified slum plus 10mm)
If the mix does not comply with the requirements either by slump, ticket details or visual
inspection, it must be refused and returned to the depot. The reasons for return should be
written on the delivery ticket and the truck number and time of rejection recorded.
2.
Discharge
Concrete should be discharged as quickly as possible.
The maximum discharge height for the chute is about 1.5m above the ground and, with
extensions, chutes can cover a radius of about 3m from the back of the truck. If discharging
into trenches or pits, it is essential that the excavation sides are properly shored to prevent
collapse from the weight of the vehicle. If the concrete is to be placed by crane and skips, a lot
of time can be saved by using two skips; the empty one can be filled while the other is in use.
Samples of ready-mixed concrete for compliance compressive strength tests should be
representative of the whole load, with increments being taken from different parts of the
discharge. Cubes should not be made from the same sample of concrete taken for the
alternative method of slump determination described above.
Pg 4 of 21
4.3
Site Mixing
1.
Storage of Material
Materials must be stored so that they are not harmed in any way during storage.
Cement must be kept dry, either in silos or, if in bags, kept under cover and off the ground at
least 300mm above, and not more than 10 bags high.
Aggregates should be handled and stored so as to avoid segregation and contamination by other
aggregates, fuel, mud, etc. Each site will impose its own conditions and will have to be
considered individually, but factors to be taken into account include access for delivery,
adequate storage area available in relation to the quantity to be stored, drainage, avoidance of
double handling and convenience in relation to subsequent use.
Storage of water is not usually a problem if a normal mains supply is used. If water is
abstracted from a stream, well or lake, some storage may be needed in addition to the tank
provided on the batching and mixing plant.
2.
Concrete Mixers
Concrete mixers shall comply with BS1305 or BS4251.
A concrete mixer must be accurately levelled, and checked regularly inaccurate levelling results
in poor mixing and increases mechanical wear as well as affecting weighing mechanisms.
Mixers should not be overloaded beyond their rated capacities.
When bagged cement is to be used, the selection of the size of mixer should be related to the
number of whole bags required for each batch; split-bag batching is inaccurate.
3.
Batching
All materials should be weigh-batched. Provided the weighing mechanisms are carefully
maintained and regularly calibrated, reasonable accuracy should be achieved in the material
proportioning.
5.0
TESTING
All sampling and testing of fresh and of hardened concrete shall be carried out in accordance with
BS1881.
The characteristic strength of concrete is that 28 day cube strength below which not more than 5% of the
test results may be expected to fall.
5.1
Rates of Sampling
The sampling of Works concrete shall generally be at the average rate of one sample for every 20m 3
concrete placed. For critical elements, the average rate may be increased to one sample for every 10m 3
of concrete placed. If, for any reason, the Engineer / Architect is not satisfied with the Works concrete,
he may direct the Contractor to further increase the rate of sampling.
The samples shall be taken at the point of discharge of the mixer or in the case of ready mixed concrete
at the point of discharge from the vehicle or the point of casting as directed by the Engineer / Architect.
For reinforced concrete 6 cubes shall be made from each sample of concrete taken, 3 cubes for test at 7
days and 3 cubes at 28 days.
Pg 5 of 21
5.2
Testing Plan
Compliance with the specified characteristic strength shall be assumed if:
i.
the average strength determined from any group of four consecutive sets of test cubes exceeds
the specified characteristic strength by not less than 0.5 times the current margin, and;
ii.
each individual test result is greater than 85% of the specified characteristic strength.
The current margin shall be taken to be 15N/mm 2 for concrete of grade 20 and above or two thirds of the
specified characteristic strength for lower grade concrete.
If only one cube result fails to meet the second requirement then that result may be considered to
represent only the particular batch of concrete from which that cube was taken provided the average
strength of the group satisfies the first requirement.
If more than one cube in a group fails to meet the second requirement or if the average strength of any
group of four consecutive sets of test cubes fails to meet the first requirement then all the concrete in all
the batches represented by all such cubes shall be deemed not to comply with the strength requirements.
5.3
Action on Non-Compliance
In the event of non-compliance with the testing plan the following action shall be taken.
When the average strength of four consecutive sets of test cubes fails to meet the first requirement of 5.2,
the Contractor shall before proceeding with the concreting, submit to the Engineer / Architect for review
details of the action proposed to ensure that the concrete still to be placed in the works will comply with
the requirements of the Specification.
The action to be taken in respect of the concrete which is represented by the test cubes which fail to meet
either of the requirements of 5.2 shall be determined by the Engineer / Architect. This may range from
qualified acceptance in less severe cases to rejection and removal in the most severe cases.
The Engineer / Architect may wish to carry out tests on the hardened concrete in the structure, such as
the taking of cored samples. The results of any such tests shall not nullify the establishment of noncompliance with the testing plan provided that this was based on valid cube test results. All costs of tests
and reinstatement shall borne by the Contractor.
Additional cubes will be required for various purposes or as directed by the Engineer / Architect. These
shall be made and tested in accordance with BS 1881 but the methods of sampling and the conditions
under which the cubes are stored shall be varied according to the purpose for which they are required.
6.0
FORMWORK
6.1
General
Before erecting formwork, the Contractor shall submit details to the Engineer / Architect of the systems
of formwork he proposes to use, for all main structural members, and for the required concrete surface
finish.
No metal part of any device used for maintaining formwork in the correct location, shall remain
permanently within the specified concrete cover to the reinforcement.
In watertight construction, methods of fixing formwork that leaves openings through the concrete
section when the formwork is removed shall not be used. All wall ties shall have water baffles and wall
kickers shall be cast monolithically with the base slab.
Where the support of formwork is provided by the permanent structure, the adequacy of the structure for
this temporary role shall be checked and confirmed before work commences.
6.2
Formwork Design
Formwork shall be designed in accordance with BS5975 and/or SSCP23.
Pg 6 of 21
Formwork (including supports) shall be sufficiently rigid to maintain the forms in correct positions and
to correct shape and profile so that the final concrete structure is within the limits of the dimensional
tolerances and deviations specified. The supports shall be designed to withstand the worst combination
of self weight, formwork weight, formwork forces, reinforcement weight, wet concrete weight and
construction loads, together with all incidental dynamic effects caused by placing, vibrating and
compacting the concrete.
The formwork shall be so arranged as to be readily dismantled and removed without causing damage to
the cast concrete. All external concrete corners shall be chamfered 15 x 15mm using hardwood fillets
unless otherwise specified on the drawings.
Contractor shall pay special attention to the construction of interface joint between core wall and
beam/slab, and ensure that the structural integrity of the joint is achieved free of gap or void.
Contractor's method statement for detail of construction shall be submitted for review before
commencement of work.
If formwork props are to be left in place when soffit forms are removed, the props shall not be disturbed
during the removal process without approval.
Formwork props shall be positioned between permanent supports so that all members are supported at
not more than 3m centres, in both directions.
Temporary supports to the structure may be required to resist loading conditions imposed by
construction. These shall be provided at the Contractor's own cost.
6.3
Prop Details
Not less than two weeks before the start of any concrete pour requiring props, the Contractor shall
submit to the Engineer / Architect, drawings indicating the props including back props he proposes to
use, a detailed programme of the fixing and striking sequences, and an estimate of the loads to be carried
by the props.
6.4
All propping shall be done with steel props. The use of 'bakau' props is not permitted. Sawn timber
props may be used only if specifically confirmed in writing. If timber props are used, they shall be
straight, clear of knots and cracks, and shall not be spliced.
Release Agents
The internal faces of formwork shall be coated with an approved release agent.
Release agents shall be stored and used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's printed
instructions.
The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the release agent is chemically and physically
compatible, with the finishes to be applied later. Where there are no applied finishes, the Contractor
shall be responsible for ensuring that the release agent will not stain the surface of the finished concrete.
Release agents shall be applied evenly, and care shall be taken to ensure that the release agents do not
come into contact with the reinforcement.
6.5
Cambers
The Contractor is fully responsible to provide all necessary pre-cambering in formwork system to
suspended beams and slabs such that the erected permanent works shall be true to the shape, size, levels,
positions, etc. all in accordance with the construction drawings.
For specific requirements of precamber, refer to Drawings.
Unless otherwise directed, all formwork to suspended beams and slabs shall be constructed with upward
cambers which shall follow a parabolic profile.
The Contractor shall submit his proposed camberings including necessary calculations for review at least
14 days prior to the erection of the formwork for the respective beams/slabs.
Pg 7 of 21
6.6
Flying Forms
Where flying forms or similar type of forms are used, they shall be designed sufficiently rigid and stable
to support the weight of concrete and construction loads and maintain the finished work within the
specified tolerances. Flying forms shall be cleaned of loose materials that may fall off during transit,
before it is brought out into the open.
6.7
Safety Precautions - Temporary Works

The Contractor shall be responsible for the provision of all necessary temporary works, and safety
measures in accordance with the regulations and bye-laws.
6.8
Striking of Formwork
Before the formwork is removed, the Contractor shall ensure that the concrete has attained sufficient
strength and that the structure will be stable and not adversely affected when formwork is struck.
The responsibility for the safe removal of any part of the formwork or props rests entirely with the
Contractor.
The minimum period before removing formwork to structural members shall be as follows:
Location
Beam sides, walls and columns
Period
-
generally
large cross sections
2 days
3 days minimum
Slab soffit formwork (props replaced)
7 days
Formwork props to slabs
10 days
Beam soffit formwork (props replaced)
8 days
Formwork props to beams
15 days
Earlier striking of forms (but not props) may be approved, if the Contractor can show that this will not
cause damage to the concrete or the structure. The Contractor shall make good any such damage at his
expense should it occur.
The making and testing of cubes to establish the period before striking, shall be at the Contractor's own
expense. These cubes shall be stored and cured in a manner that simulates the curing of the concrete
used in the works.
Permission to strike formwork on the basis of the strength of specially cast cubes, shall be withdrawn if
the strength of the cubes is not representative of the strength of the cast concrete.
The vertical propping to all formwork shall be carried down sufficiently far in the structure to provide
the necessary support, without damage or overstress or displacement of any part of the construction.
Structural props shall be retained in position until new construction is sufficiently strong to be self
supporting, and any loads to be placed thereon during the construction period.
7.0
All formwork to soffits shall be constructed such that formwork can be removed without disturbing the
structural props.
CONCRETING
7.1
Final Preparation and Inspection

No concrete shall be poured without the Engineer / Architect being notified. The Engineer / Architect
shall be notified of any concrete pour 24 hours in advance, exclusive of Holidays, for an inspection to be
made of the formwork, underlays, sub-bars, reinforcement, expansion joints, anchors and other items
that are to be embedded in the concrete.
Pg 8 of 21
The Contractor shall submit "Request for Inspection form" or "Record of inspection and approval for
concreting form" for any inspection work as stated in this clause.
The Contractor is to allow for such inspections and for making any required or instructed corrections.
No claims for extra costs or extension of time will be authorised because of delays due to failure to give
notification or make allowances, as described above. No inspection or confirmation shall relieve the
Contractor of his responsibility for the proper execution of the works.
Immediately before the concrete is placed in any section of the formwork, the interior of that section
shall be completely cleared of all extraneous material, including water, by means of compressed air, or
other approved methods.
Each section of formwork for structural members, shall be inspected by the Engineer / Architect
immediately before concrete is placed in that section, and the Contractor shall carry out any adjustments
to formwork, reinforcement or levels, as directed by the Engineer / Architect, prior to placing of any
concrete.
All reinforcement shall be free from mud, paint, oil, retarders, rust, loose mill scale, grease or any other
substance which may adversely affect the steel or concrete chemically, or reduce the bond. The Engineer
/ Architect may direct the Contractor to clean off thoroughly any such substance by wire brushing or
other methods and the Contractor shall allow in his rates for any such cleaning.
7.2
Transporting
Concrete shall be transported from the mixer to the formwork as rapidly as practicable by method which
will prevent the segregation or loss of any of the ingredients and maintain the required workability. It
shall be deposited as nearly as practicable in its final position to avoid rehandling.
7.3
7.4
Placing Concrete
1.
The permission of the Engineer shall be obtained before concrete is placed in any part of the
permanent work. The Contractor shall inform the Engineer before concreting starts and shall
allow the Engineer sufficient time to inspect the work which is to be concreted.
2.
Concrete shall be placed and compacted in its final position within 2-1/2 hours of the
introduction of cement to the concrete mix.
3.
Concrete which in the opinion of the Engineer is no longer sufficiently workable shall not be
placed in the permanent work.
Concrete shall not be placed in water other than by tremie or in bags.
5.
Concrete shall be placed as close as practicable to its final position and shall not be moved into
place by vibration. Trunking or chutes shall be used to place concrete which will fall more than
2.7m unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer.
6.
Concrete shall be placed in such a manner that the formwork, reinforcement or built-in
components are not displaced.
7.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer, concrete other than concrete placed by tremie shall
be placed in horizontal layers to a compacted depth of not more than 450mm if internal
vibrators are used and to a compacted depth of not more than 150mm in other cases.
8.
Concrete shall be placed continuously within the element to beconcreted. Fresh concrete shall
not be placed concrete which has been in position for more than 30 minutes unless in the
opinion of the Engineer the concrete already placed is sufficiently workable and the permission
of the Engineer has been obtained. If permission is not obtained, a construction joint shall be
formed, concrete shall not be placed against the concrete already placed for at least 24 hours
unless permitted by the Engineer.
Placing Concrete By Pumping
Pg 9 of 21
7.5
1.
Concrete pumps shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations. The pumps and pipelines shall be maintained in a clean condition. Internal
surfaces of pipelines shall not be aluminium. Joints in pipelines shall be tightly fixed and shall
not permit grout loss.
2.
Concrete pumps shall be positioned such that pipelines are as short and straight as practicable
and require as little repositioning as practicable. Bends in pipelines shall be arranged in such a
manner that the concrete, formwork, reinforcement or built-in components are not disturbed.
3.
Pipelines shall be lubricated by passing cement grout or concrete through the pipeline before
the concrete is pumped. The initial discharge of pumped concrete shall not be placed in the
permanent work.
Compacting Concrete
1.
Concrete shall be compacted to form a dense homogeneous mass.
2.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer / Architect, concrete shall be compacted by means
of internal vibrators of suitable diameter. A sufficient number of vibrators shall be maintained
in serviceable condition on the Site to ensure that spare equipment is available in the event of
breakdown.
3.
Vibrators shall be used in such a manner that vibration is applied continuously and
systematically during placing of the concrete until the expulsion of air has practically ceased;
vibrators shall not be used in a manner which will result in segregation. Internal vibrators shall
be inserted to the full depth of the concrete placed and shall be withdrawn slowly.
Vibration shall not be applied by way of the reinforcement, and contact between internal
vibrators and formwork, reinforcement or built-in components shall be avoided as far as
possible. Concrete shall be vibrated in such a manner that the formwork, reinforcement or
built-in components will not be displaced.
4.
5.
7.6
Concrete which has been in position for more than 30 minutes shall not be vibrated.
Protection
Surfaces which are exposed to view in the finished works, shall be protected from spillage, stains and
any other damage.
New concrete should be protected immediately after placing. In very hot weather, it will be preferable
for the concrete in walls or long pours to be placed in reasonably uniform layers allowing adequate
vibration of the interface between newly poured concrete and previously poured concrete. Large slab
pours must be controlled carefully, and edges watched to ensure that placement is as uniform as possible
and workability is maintained. If necessary a very fine water spray could be used to keep the edges ready
for the next pour.
7.7
All concrete must be protected against moisture loss to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking. Exposed
surfaces must be protected by membrane or cover a wetted as soon as possible. Timber forms should be
kept moist throughout the curing period.
Hot Weather Concreting
When placing concrete in hot weather, concreting shall be completed as quickly as possible and
continuity of construction maintained.
After concreting, exposed surfaces shall be protected from the sun and as soon as the concrete has
hardened sufficiently, be covered and kept moist by approved means.
Where directed by the Engineer / Architect, exposed surfaces shall be sprinkled with a fine spray of
water soon after concreting in order to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking.
The subgrade and formwork shall be sprinkled with water before concreting. All pools of water formed
through excessive sprinkling shall be removed.
In important structural members and in exceptionally hot weather and drying winds, the Contractor may
be required to confine concreting to the cooler parts of the day.
Pg 10 of 21
8.0
CURING CONCRETE
1.
Concrete shall be protected against harmful effects of weather, running water and drying out by
one of the following methods :
Method 1
A liquid curing compound shall be applied to the concrete surface

by a low pressure spray until a continuous visible covering is
achieved.
Method 2
The concrete surface shall be covered with hessian, sacking, canvas

or other absorbent material agreed by the Engineer or with a layer of
fine aggregate at least 25mm thick; the hessian, sacking, canvas,
absorbent material or fine aggregate shall be kept constantly wet.
Method 3
The concrete surface shall be covered with polyethylene sheeting;

concrete surfaces which have become dry shall be thoroughly wetted
before the sheeting is placed.
Method 4
Unformed concrete surfaces shall be covered with polyethylene

sheeting until the concrete has hardened sufficiently for water
curing to be carried out. Water curing shall be carried out by
spraying the concrete surface continuously with cool water or by
ponding immediately after the sheeting is removed. If in the
opinion of the Engineer water curing is impracticable, Method 2
shall be used instead of water curing.
2.
Method 1 shall not be used on concrete surfaces against which concrete will be placed or which
will have a Class T1 finish or which will be painted or tiled.
3.
Methods 1, 2, 3 or 4 shall be carried out on unformed concrete surfaces immediately after the
concrete has been compacted and finished. Methods 1, 2 and 3 shall be carried out on formed
concrete surfaces immediately after the formwork has been removed.
4.
Polyethylene sheeting shall be impermeable and shall have a nominal thickness of 0.125mm.
5.
Hessian, sacing, canvas, absorbent material and polyethylene sheeting shall be lapped and
securely held in position in such a manner that the concrete surface will not be damaged.
6.
Cold water shall not be applied to concrete surfaces or formwork intermittently in large
quantities.
7.
The different methods of protection shall be maintained for the minimum periods stated Table
4.3 after the concrete has been placed. The minimum periods may be reduced by the number of
days during which formwork is left in position.
Table 4.3
Type of structure
Method of
protection
Minimum period of protection (days)

Concrete not containing
Concrete containing
PFA or PPFAC
PFA or PPFAC
Water retaining structures
and water tight structures
2, 3 or 4
2, 3 or 4
Others
9.0
Minimum Periods of Protection for Concrete
REINFORCEMENT
Pg 11 of 21
9.1
Material
The types of reinforcement bars will be identified on the Drawings as a prefix to the bar diameter.
The prefixes have the following meaning:
a.
Grade 250 plain round mild steel bars complying with BS 4449
b.
Grade 460 high yield deformed bars to BS 4449
c.
A,B
Steel fabric reinforcement complying with BS 4483
The sources of supply for all materials shall be approved before these materials are delivered on the site.
Reinforcement shall be stored clear of working areas and supported above the surface of the ground, and
shall be protected from damage and from deterioration due to exposure.
Reinforcement hooks and bends shall comply with the requirement of BS 4466. The Contractor shall
prepare bar bending schedules.
Reinforcement not readily identifiable as to the required quality, will be liable to rejection.
9.2
Test Certificates
The Contractor shall supply the Engineer / Architect with test certificates from the steel manufacturer
showing compliance with specified requirements. In addition at least one tension test shall be made for
each lot of 50 tonnes in each diameter supplied for the works in an independent testing laboratory as
directed by the Engineer / Architect.
9.3
Cutting and Bending

Reinforcement details are provided in the Drawings. The Contractor shall determine from these
Drawings the required dimensions of the bars, and shall cut and bend the reinforcement in accordance
with BS 4466 to meet the requirement of cover, lap length, etc as indicated on the Drawings.
Reinforcement shall not be heated to facilitate bending.
Reinforcement shall not be re-bent unless approved. Any bar that shows signs of fracture shall be
replaced.
The rates for bar and fabric reinforcement shall include checking, sorting, storing, fabricating, wastage,
cleaning, hoisting in position, and provision of all necessary spacers, hangers, stools, and chair supports,
whether or not shown on the Drawings.
Rates for fabric reinforcement shall include minimum 250mm overlaps between adjacent sheets, and for
cutting around obstructions.
9.4
Fixing
All reinforcement shall be accurately placed with correct cover and securely fixed in the positions shown
on the Drawings, by an approved method. Tying wire, etc shall be fixed such that it does not encroach
into the concrete cover. In conjunction with the preparation of bar bending schedules, the Contractor is
required to produce and submit dimensioned RC workshop drawings showing all rebar works,
connection details, actual curtailment details, bar lap details and locations, SEM openings and submit to
Engineer / Architect for approval prior to cutting and erection on site.
The concrete cover to the reinforcement shall be within + 5mm of that specified. Unless otherwise
shown on the Drawings cover to reinforcement shall be in accordance with BS 8110.
Where spacers are used to maintain the concrete cover to the reinforcement, these may be of either
concrete or plastic, unless otherwise specified. Plastic spacers shall be of approved design, and are not to
be used to support heavy loads.
Pg 12 of 21
The Contractor shall supply and fix all chairs required to maintain the reinforcement in the correct
positions.
The Contractor shall obtain approval for the size and spacing of chairs, if not detailed.
Spacer blocks shall be made of cement, sand and fine aggregate, and shall match the mix proportions of
the surrounding concrete, being similar in strength, durability and appearance.
10.0
SURFACE FINISH OF CONCRETE
10.1
General
For all visible concrete, appearance and uniformity of colour is important and all materials shall be
obtained from single consistent sources. The aggregates shall be durable and free of any impurities
which may cause staining. The mix proportions and the grading, particularly of the fine aggregate, shall
be maintained constant. In formwork, the replacement of individual plywood sheets or sections of
timber in large panels shall be avoided.
Release agents for formwork shall be carefully chosen for the particular conditions they are required to
fulfil. Where a concrete surface is to be permanently exposed only one agent shall be used throughout the
entire area. Release agents shall be applied evenly and contact with reinforcement and avoided. Where
the surface is to receive an applied finish, care shall be taken to ensure the compatibility of the release
agent with the finish.
Curing methods and conditions including the time of removal of formwork shall receive careful
consideration. Components which are intended to have the same surface finish shall receive the same
treatment.
High quality surface finishes are susceptible to subsequent damage and special protection shall be
provided in vulnerable areas.
Pg 13 of 21
10.2
Types of Finishes
Formed Surfaces Not Exposed to View
For surfaces not exposed to view (Sawn-Formwork), lumber and plywood for formwork shall conform to
BS5268, SS1 and BS5975. Small blemishes caused by entrapped air or water may be expected, but the
surface should be free from voids or honey combs.
Formed Surfaces Exposed to View
10.3
10.4
a.
Flat Smooth Form Faces (Off-Form Concrete) for concrete surfaces exposed to view shall be
plywood with water resistant surface of phenolic film or equal and approved in undamaged,
like-new condition. Panels shall be laid out using full sheets in vertical position with splice
seams at the same level. Joints shall be reinforced so that edges remain flush and true, Finish
will be equivalent to BS 8110 Type B Finish.
b.
If so directed by the Engineer / Architect, forms for Columns & Walls (Fair Face Concrete)
shall be metal, fibreglass, or cardboard and with a smooth uniform finish. Discontinuities,
bulges, will not be allowed. Joints shall be tight and flush. Finish will be equivalent to BS
8110 Type C Finish.
Exposed Surfaces
a.
All surfaces to be finished to be true planes within 6mm in 3m as determined by a 3m

straightedge placed anywhere on the slab in any direction.
b.
"Troweled finish": Hard steel trowel finish surface with no aggregate showing.
c.
Exposed Broom Finish Flatwork: Required on all paved surfaces including exterior paving
surfaces where indicated in the Drawings. Use push broom with 1.6 mm diameter bristles or
equivalent and approved. Brush consistently and continuously across each area designated.
d.
"Float Finish": Concrete shall be surfaced with a wood float in a manner which will compact
the concrete and produce a surface free of depressions or ridges.
e.
Monolithic power float finish with non-metallic dry shake surface hardener and dust proofer to
ramps (with grooves), heavy loaded areas, carparks, driveways and pedestrian traffic areas as
specified.
Sample Panel
Erect at an area designated by the Engineer / Architect, a minimum 1.2m wide x 2.4 m high sample
panel of off-form and fair face concrete to be reviewed by Engineer / Architect prior to beginning
concrete work. Sample panel shall include use of representative form ties, butted form liner joint or
butted form joint, outside corner with return of 25mm or more, soffit with return of 25mm or more, and
horizontal rustification strip. The objective is to test forming, placing and finishing techniques to be
used on the job. The Contractor shall submit drawing of sample panel for approval and request
Architect's inspection with prior permission of formwork before placement of concrete. The most
representative type of mix design of concrete shall be used. The sample panel shall not form part of the
permanent work and shall be removed upon completion of Engineer / Architect's inspection. The
Contractor shall be deemed to allow all costs for erection and removal of the sample panel.
10.5
Protection of Finished Area

Protect finished work from damage due to subsequent construction operations. Make provisions to keep
finish concrete free from laitance, spillage, leaking forms or other contaminants.
Erect and maintain temporary wood corner guards and panels to protect concrete where construction
traffic occurs.
11.0
SETTING OUT AND TOLERANCES
11.1
General
Pg 14 of 21
Before work commences on Site the Contractor shall submit for approval his methods of dimensional
setting out, construction and checking which must be such that the tolerances achieved in the Works will
comply with the specification.
The Contractor shall provide all reasonable facilities to the Engineer / Architect to allow him to carry out
dimensional checks on the accuracy of construction, including the provision of equipment such as levels,
theodolites, plumbs, tapes, etc., and the provision of skilled labour needed for survey work. Any such
checks carried out by the Engineer / Architect will in no way relieve the Contractor of his responsibility
for setting out the Works.
11.2
References
At the beginning of the Contract, the Contractor shall establish an approved Site datum and horizontal
reference grid to an accuracy of 3mm on which all subsequent setting out on the Site shall be based.
The reference points shall be checked and certified by an approved independent licensed surveyor. The
reference points shall be established on a steel post driven deep into the ground and adequately protected
by a mass concrete surround which shall not be disturbed, buried or removed during the course of the
Contract.
During the course of the Contract, profile boards shall be set up on stakes concreted into the ground at
grid line positions.
11.3
Maximum Allowable Deviations of Structural Works

The Contractor shall also refer to the Cladding Specification and where applicable, the stricter of the two
specification requirement shall be used.
1.
Levels
The deviation of height from floor to floor shall not exceed the following:
2.
a.
Height of structural level above the datum

on the level immediately below..................................... +5mm
b.
The height deviation of any structural level

from the control bench mark .......................................+10mm
Foundation
Maximum deviations of concrete works in foundation shall be as follows:
a.
Maximum deviations measured in any horizontal

direction from the nearest reference grid line...............+25mm
b.
Maximum deviation of grid on plan.............................+10mm per 30m
c.
Maximum deviation in any horizontal

direction within a structure...........................................+35mm
d.
The deviation of the level of foundation surface

from nearest transferred bench mark............................+20mm
Pg 15 of 21
3.
Elements or Components above Foundations

a.
Maximum deviation in plan of any point

measured from the nearest reference grid line..............+ 10mm
b.
Maximum deviation in verticality.

Plumbness in height of:
Up to and including 0.5m............................................. + 3mm
Over 0.5m up to and including 1.5m............................+ 5mm
Over 1.5m up to and including 15m............................. + 10mm
Over 15m up to and including 150m........................... + 15mm
Over 150m pro rata (to the nearest 5mm).....................+ 20mm (max)
Notwithstanding the dimension tolerance mentioned above, the Contractor shall take
all measures to ensure that all walls of all lift shafts are not more than + 12mm out of
verticality at any point between the top to bottom for the entire height. Failure of the
Contractor to maintain the required tolerance will render him liable for all
rectification work that may be required by the Engineer / Architect and/or the lift subcontractor.
c.
Cross section, linear dimensions and openings.

Maximum deviations from dimensions of beams, slabs, columns and walls:
Up to and including 300mm......................................... + 5mm
Over 300mm up to and including 600mm....................+ 10mm
Over 600mm up to and including 1.5m........................ + 15mm
Over 1.5m.....................................................................+ 20mm (max)
Bow or Camber (other than designed Camber)
Maximum deviation of any point of the surface from straight line joining the
extremities of the surface.
For extremities up to and including 3m apart...............+10mm
Over 3m up to and including 9m apart.........................+ 15mm
Over 9m apart ..............................................................+ 20mm (max)
Twist (distance of any one corner from the plane containing the other 3 corners)
For diagonal up to and including 3m............................+ 5mm
For diagonal over 3m up to and including 8m..............+ 10mm
For diagonal over 8m....................................................+ 15mm (max)
Pg 16 of 21
4.
Squareness of Corner (the longer of the two adjacent sides should be taken as the base line and
the maximum deviation of the shorter side from a perpendicular to the base line is to be related
to the length of the shorter side)
Short side up to and including 0.5m...........................................+ 5mm
Over 0.5m up to and including 2m.............................................+15mm
Over 2m
5.
........................................................................+20mm (max)
Maximum deviation from the designed level

Length up to and including 8m...................................................+ 5mm
Over 8m up to and including 15m..............................................+ 10mm
Over 15m....................................................................................+ 15mm (max)
11.4
Survey of Verticality
The Contractor shall employ the same independent licensed surveyor responsible for establishing the
reference points to check the vertical alignment of all core walls and columns and is to submit the survey
results to the Engineer / Architect within seven days from the date of completion of the site survey.
12.0
CONSTRUCTION JOINTS
12.1
General
Construction joints shall be used wherever there is a discontinuity in placing concrete.
The number of construction joints shall be kept as few as possible consistent with reasonable precautions
against shrinkage. Concreting shall be carried out continuously up to construction joints. The joints
shall be at right angles to the general direction of the member and shall take due account of shear and
other stresses.
Concrete shall not be allowed to run to a feather edge and vertical joints shall be formed against a stop
board. The top surface of a layer of concrete shall be level and reasonably flat unless design
considerations make this undesirable. Joint lines shall be so arranged that they coincide with features of
the finished work, wherever possible.
If a kicker is used, it shall be at least 70mm high unless otherwise shown and carefully constructed. It is
preferable for the kicker to be incorporated with the previous concrete. Where possible, the formwork
shall be designed to facilitate the preparation of the joint surface, as the optimum time for treatment is
usually two to four hours after placing.
Prior to recommencement of concreting on a joint, the surface of the concrete against which new
concrete will be cast shall be free from laitence and shall be roughened to the extent that the largest
aggregate is exposed but not disturbed. Care shall be taken that the joint surface is clean immediately
before the fresh concrete is placed against it.
Where the Engineer / Architect considers that special preparation is necessary, eg. for an insitu structural
connection or for concreting up a temporary access hole, preparation shall be carried out preferably
when the concrete has set but not hardened, by spraying with a fine spray of air and water or brushing
with a stiff brush, sufficiently to remove the outer mortar skin and expose the larger aggregate without its
being disturbed. Where this treatment is impracticable, sand blasting or a needle gun shall be used to
remove the surface skin and laitence. Hacking of hardened surfaces shall be avoided.
Pg 17 of 21
12.2
Position of Construction Joints

Unless otherwise instructed, the construction joints shall be located such that:
i.
The effect of shrinkage of the concrete is minimum and within permissable limits.
ii.
The spacing of construction joints for structure other than watertight construction, shall not
exceed the following limits:
Maximum area within joints.......................................................up to + 100m2 and
Maximum distance between joints..............................................up to + 13m
iii.
The spacing of construction joints for watertight construction shall not exceed the following
limits:
Slab
......................................................................................10m in any direction
Walls
......................................................................................maximum distance between

......................................................................................joints 5m
Where the position of construction joints desired by the Contractor will result in alterations to
the design, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing complete revised details for review
prior to commencing work.
iv.
13.0
Adjacent bays of slabs and walls shall not be cast within 7 calendar days apart.
EXPANSION, MOVEMENT AND SETTLEMENT JOINTS

Expansion, movement and settlement joints shall be incorporated in the works as shown on the
Drawings.
Waterstops and joint fillers shall be supplied and installed in all expansion and movement joints. Filler
material shall be stored flat on a dry surface adequately protected from rain or moisture in such away
that the material does not deteriorate.
Expansion and movement joints shall be sealed by an approved sealant applied in strict accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions to the dimensions shown on the Drawings. The surface of the concrete to
which the sealer is to adhere shall be straight and cleaned of all filler material, dirt, oil, grease and other
matter. The sealer shall be applied by method recommended by the manufacturer so that the sealer is
brought flush to the surface of structure and a smooth surface is achieved. Excess material and spillage
shall be properly cleaned off and removed.
Settlement joints have been incorporated at the lowest basement level to accommodate the differential
settlement between the highrise and lowrise sections of the buildings. These joints have been left partly
unconcreted as shown in the drawings until all the expected settlement has taken place or as otherwise
directed by the Engineer / Architect. If the differential settlement causes the joint to crack, the cracks
shall be grouted with an approved epoxy grout prior to concreting the rest of the joint, as shown in the
drawing.
Dowel bars shall be installed and cast in across the settlement joint where shown on the Drawings. The
bars shall be straight with clean cut ends of the diameters and lengths as shown on the Drawings.
Pg 18 of 21

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PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK TO EXISTING SHORELINE AT LOT 1210A

(PLOT A21729) MK 7 AT 59 GUL ROAD

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK TO EXISTING SHORELINE AT LOT 1210A

Final Preparation and Inspection

Surface Finish of Concrete

Setting Out And Tolerances

Expansion, Movement And Settlement Joints

C - Ordinary Portland Cement

grade (characteristic strength at 28 days, N/mm 2)

Maximum aggregate size, mm

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC)

Portland pulverised - fuel ash cement (PPFAC)

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

PFA shall not be used in addition to PPFAC.

Chloride Content of Concrete

Maximum Total Chloride Content of Concrete

Maximum total chloride content (%)

Maximum Sulphate Content

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Maximum Alkali Content

Minimum Cementitious Content of Designed Mix Concrete of Grade 20 or

Grade strength (MPa)

Minimum cementitious content (kg/m )

Manufacturer's certificate shall be submitted to the Engineer / Architect on request.

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Safety Precautions - Temporary Works

Slab soffit formwork (props replaced)

Formwork props to slabs

Beam soffit formwork (props replaced)

Formwork props to beams

Final Preparation and Inspection

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Concrete shall not be placed in water other than by tremie or in bags.

Placing Concrete By Pumping

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Concrete shall be compacted to form a dense homogeneous mass.

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

A liquid curing compound shall be applied to the concrete surface

The concrete surface shall be covered with hessian, sacking, canvas

The concrete surface shall be covered with polyethylene sheeting;

Unformed concrete surfaces shall be covered with polyethylene

Minimum period of protection (days)

Water retaining structures

and water tight structures

Minimum Periods of Protection for Concrete

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Grade 460 high yield deformed bars to BS 4449

Steel fabric reinforcement complying with BS 4483

Cutting and Bending

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

SURFACE FINISH OF CONCRETE

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

All surfaces to be finished to be true planes within 6mm in 3m as determined by a 3m

Protection of Finished Area

SETTING OUT AND TOLERANCES

PROPOSED SHORE PROTECTION WORK

Maximum Allowable Deviations of Structural Works

Height of structural level above the datum

The height deviation of any structural level