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CONTENT

1.0 MATERIALS..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES AND TEST CERTIFICATE.....................................1
1.2 AGGREGATES....................................................................................................1
1.3 CURING COMPOUND.........................................................................................2
1.4 CEMENT.............................................................................................................. 2
1.5 STEEL REFORCEMENT......................................................................................3

2.0 STEEL REINFORCEMENT..............................................................................................5

2.1 GENERAL............................................................................................................ 5
2.2 BENDING OF REINFORCEMENT.......................................................................5
2.3 PLACING OF REINFORCEMENT........................................................................5
2.4 COVER BLOCKS.................................................................................................6
2.5 WELDING OF REINFORCEMENT.......................................................................8

3.0 PRODUCT....................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 PREPARATION OF FORMWORK BEFORE CONCRETING...............................9
3.2 TOLERANCES...................................................................................................10
3.3 REMOVAL OF FORMWORK..............................................................................10
3.4 REMEDIAL TREATMENT OF SURFACES.........................................................11
3.5 FORMWORK DRAWINGS AND DETAILED DESIGN
CALCULATIONS.................................................................................................11

4.0 CONCRETE................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 REMEDIAL TREATMENT OF SURFACES.........................................................12
4.2 TRIAL MIXES.....................................................................................................14
4.3 ADMIXTURES....................................................................................................14
4.4 DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF MATERIALS....................................................15
4.5 MIXING CONCRETE..........................................................................................16
4.6 READY MIX CONCRETE...................................................................................17
4.7 SAMPLING AND TESTING................................................................................17
4.8 TRANSPORT AND PLACING.............................................................................17
4.9 COMPACTION OF CONCRETE.........................................................................18
4.10 CURING OF CONCRETE..................................................................................19
4.11 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS.................................................................................19
4.12 CONCRETE FOR ANCILLARY PURPOSES (CLASS E)...................................20
4.13 CONSTRUCTION TOLERANCES......................................................................20

5.0 TESTING OF MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP........................................................22

5.1 ASSISTANCE IN SAMPLING AND TESTING.....................................................22
5.2 GENERAL..........................................................................................................22
5.3 STRUCTURAL CONCRETE COMPLIANCE......................................................22
5.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL...........................................26
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1.0 MATERIALS

1.1 SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES AND TEST CERTIFICATE

.1 As soon as possible after the Contract has been awarded the

Contractor shall submit to the E.R. a list of the suppliers from whom he
proposes to purchase the materials necessary for the execution of the
Works. Each supplier must be willing to admit the E.R., or his
representatives, to his premises during ordinary working hours for the
purpose of obtaining samples of the materials in question.
Alternatively, if required by the E.R., the Contractor shall deliver the
samples of the materials to the E.R.'s office. Samples shall be taken in
accordance with the relevant British or other Standard where
applicable. Materials subsequently supplied shall conform within any
specified tolerances to the quality of samples which have been
approved by the E.R..Work of this Section shall conform to the
requirements of the Contractor Documents.

.2 The information regarding the names of the suppliers may be

submitted at different times, as may be convenient, but no sources of
supply shall be changed without the E.R.'s prior approval.

.3 When any material or article is required to comply with a British or

other Standard such material or article or its container shall bear the
stamp of the registered certification trade mark of the British Standards
Institution or other relevant body. Alternatively, the Contractor shall
submit to the E.R. test certificates furnished by the supplier or
manufacturer of the material or article indicating compliance with the
relevant British or other Standard.

.4 Unless otherwise stated, all submissions of certificates, drawings,

etc. to the E.R. must be made in 5 copies.

1.2 AGGREGATES

.1 Aggregates for concrete shall consist of naturally occurring material

complying with the requirements of B.S. 882.

.2 The flakiness index of any size of coarse aggregate, determined in

accordance with B.S. 812 shall not exceed 30 for any size of coarse
aggregate.

.3 All aggregates shall be clean and free from dust and dirt and shall be
stored in such a way that they shall be kept free from contact with
deleterious matter. Aggregates of different sizes shall be stored
separately and in such a way that segregation is maintained.

.4 Control_of_Alkali_Silica_Reaction_(ASR)
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.1 The Contractor shall either use non reactive aggregates or

restrict the content of equivalent sodium oxide in the concrete
mix as specified.

.2 Additionally for structural concrete :-

(i) where the specified compressive strength of concrete is

40 N/mm2 or more at 28 days, the `ten per cent fines' value of
the coarse aggregate determined in accordance with B.S. 812.

(ii) the shell content of the aggregate included as calcium

carbonate as determined by the method in B.S. 812 : Part 106
shall not exceed the following amounts :

Nominal_size_(mm) %

40 2
20 5
10 15
fines 30

(iii) chloride levels shall be determined daily in accordance

with B.S. 812 or as otherwise agreed by the E.R.

1.3 CURING COMPOUND

.1 Test certificates, prepared by an approved test laboratory, shall be

supplied by the Contractor to show that the compound complies with
the Specification for a curing efficiency of 90 per cent.

.2 The curing compound shall not react chemically with the concrete to
be cured and shall not crack, peel or disintegrate within three weeks
after application.

1.4 CEMENT

.1 Ordinary Portland Cement and rapid hardening Portland cement shall

comply with the requirements of BS 12.

.2 Portland blast surface cement shall comply with the requirements of

BS 146.

.3 Sulphate-resisting Portland cement complying to the requirements of

BS 4027.

.4 The manufacturer's test certificate shall be supplied with each

consignment of cement. Such certificate shall clearly state the date of
manufacture of the cement in the consignment.

.5 The E.R. reserves the right to order any consignment of cement which
is intended for use in the permanent works to be tested, before
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delivery onto the Site, for compliance with the appropriate B.S. Any
cement which, after testing, in the opinion of the E.R. fails to comply
with the Specification through improper storage or for any other reason
will be rejected.

.6 White or coloured Portland cement shall comply with the physical

requirements of B.S. 12 and pigments shall be inorganic oxide
pigments, either natural or synthetic in origin, complying with the
requirements of B.S. 1014. Pigments whether added just before
mixing or by the cement manufacturer shall be incorporated in the
proportions agreed by the E.R..

.7 Each consignment of cement shall be kept separate, identified and

used in order of delivery.

.8 The Contractor shall provide suitable means of storing and protecting

the cement against dampness. Bagged or bulk cement which has
been stored for more than sixty (60) days or which has become
partially set or which contains lump of caked cement shall be rejected.
The use of cement reclaimed from discarded or used bags will not be
permitted. If rapid hardening cement is used, it shall at all times be
clearly labelled to distinguish it from ordinary cement and shall at all
times be stored separately from ordinary cement.

.9 Cement grout shall consist of Portland cement and water mixed in the
proportions necessary for the intended purpose. The grout shall be
used within one hour of mixing.

1.5 STEEL REFORCEMENT

.1 Hot rolled mild steel bars and hot rolled high yield bars shall comply
with the requirements of B.S. 4449.

.2 The bond strength of deformed bars, as defined in B.S. 4449 and B.S.
4461, shall exceed that of a plain round bar by 40 per cent or more
when tested in accordance with British Standard Code of practice CP
114 : Part 2: Clause 603.

.3 In the case of bars complying with the requirements of B.S. 4449 or

B.S. 4461 the Contractor shall provide a certificate confirming that
samples, taken from the bars delivered to the Works, pass the rebend
test. The frequency of sampling and method of quality control shall be
in accordance with Table 4 and Clause 20 respectively of these British
Standards.
.4 Reinforcement binding wire shall either be No. 16 gauge soft annealed
iron wire or No. 18 gauge stainless steel wire as described in the
Contract.

.5 The above British Standard Specifications refer to the S.I. system of

measurement, however, steel manufactured to equivalent Imperial
sizes will be acceptable if it complies in all other respects with the
above Specifications. The sizes to be used shall be as shown in the
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Contract or as approved by the E.R.. Where exact equivalent bar sizes

are not available the largest imperial size bar shall be substituted for
the specified metric size bar.

.6 If purchased in small lots from a dealer, reinforcement may be

accepted at the discretion of the E.R. upon proof that it meets the
requirements of one of the Specifications listed above.

.7 Bar reinforcement shall be shipped in standard bundles, tagged and

marked in a manner approved by the E.R.. In all cases the contractor
shall submit manufacturer's test certificates or copies thereof to the
E.R. indicating the ultimate strength, yield stress, elongation and result
of the cold bend test described in the relevant B.S.. If no test data is
supplied by the Contractor the E.R. shall have power to select pieces
of steel for testing. Any cost from such tests shall be borne by the
Contractor.
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2.0 STEEL REINFORCEMENT

2.1 GENERAL

.1 Steel reinforcement as specified in Clause 1.5 shall be stored in clean

conditions.

2.2 BENDING OF REINFORCEMENT

.1 Reinforcement shall be bent in accordance with the requirement of

B.S. 4466 subject to the deletions of clause 4.4 and 6.2 to the
dimensions and/or shapes indicated in the Contract.

.2 All reinforcement shall be bent at temperatures in the range of 5

degrees Centigrade and 100 degrees Centigrade.

.3 Cold worked and hot rolled bars shall not be straightened or bent
again once having been bent. Where it is necessary to bend mild steel
reinforcement already cast in the concrete, the internal radius of bend
shall be not less than twice the diameter of the bar.

.4 Cold worked and hot rolled bars shall not be straightened or bent
again once having been bent. Where it is necessary to bend mild steel
reinforcement already cast in the concrete, the internal radius of bend
shall be not less than twice the diameter of the bar.

2.3 PLACING OF REINFORCEMENT

.1 Reinforcement shall be placed and maintained in the positions

indicated in the Contract to the following tolerances :

Concrete cover -3 mm and + 6 mm

Longitudinal location + 25 mm except that the

of bends and ends of specified cover at ends
bars of members shall not be
reduced by more than 3 mm

.2 Unless otherwise permitted by the E.R., all intersecting bars shall be

tied together and the ends of the tying wire shall be turned into the
main body of the concrete. Reinforcement binding wire shall be No.
16 gauge soft annealed iron wire. Where directed by the E.R. No. 12
gauge stainless steel wire shall be used for in-situ members having
exposed soffits.

.3 No splices shall be made in the reinforcement except where indicated

in the Contract or where approved by the E.R..
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.4 Reinforcement temporarily left projecting from the concrete at

construction or other joints shall not be bent out of position during the
periods in which concreting is suspended except with the approval of
the E.R.. If left exposed for some time, such reinforcement shall be
painted with cement grout or other approved means adopted to ensure
that staining of the concrete by rust does not take place.

.5 All bar reinforcement shall be placed, supported and secured before

the beginning of concreting operations. The reinforcement shall be
checked and approved by the E.R. before placement of concrete
begins. The relation between the minimum spacing of bars and the
maximum size of aggregate shall be as follows unless otherwise
approved by the E.R..

.6 The minimum clear distance between two bars in a slab, beam or

column except bars lapping or specifically shown in the Contract as
bundled bars shall not be less than the diameter of the bar (or the
largest bar in the case of unequal bars) or 25 mm or the largest size of
aggregates plus 13 mm whichever is the greatest. Laying or driving
bars into the concrete after placement shall not be permitted.

2.4 COVER BLOCKS

.1 Cover Blocks required for ensuring that the reinforcement is correctly

positioned shall be as small as possible consistent with their purpose,
of a shape acceptable to the E.R., and designed so that they will not
overturn when the concrete is placed. They shall be made of concrete
with 10 mm aggregate size and the same mix proportions as the main
concrete so as to produce the same strength as the adjacent concrete.
Proprietary cover supports may be used subject to the approval of the
E.R..
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Minimum Nett Cover To All Reinforcement

Class of Concrete

Exposure Conditions Concrete

Grade/ 30 35 40 45
Class
Mild mm mm mm mm

Concrete surfaces protected against 25 20 20 20

weather or aggressive conditions
Moderate

Concrete surface sheltered from

severe rain or freezing whilst wet - 35 30 25
Concrete subject to condensation
Concrete surfaces continuously
under water Concrete in contact
with non-aggressive soil
Severe

Concrete surfaces exposed to severe

rain, alternate wetting and drying or occasional - - 40 30
freezing or severe condensation
Very Severe

Concrete surfaces exposed to sea

water spray, de-icing salts (directly
or indirectly), corrosive fumes or - - 50 40
severe freezing conditions whilst wet
Extreme

Concrete surfaces exposed to abrasive

action, e.g. sea water carrying solids - - - - 60
or flowing water with pH<4.5 or
machinery or vehicles

1 hr. fire resistance 20

2 hr. fire resistance 40

2.5 WELDING OF REINFORCEMENT

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.1 Reinforcement in structures shall not be welded except where indicated

in the Contract or where permitted by the E.R.. All welding procedures
shall be subject to the prior approval of the E.R. in writing.
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3.0 PRODUCT

.1 All formwork shall be so constructed that there shall be no loss of

material from the concrete. It shall be fixed in perfect alignment and
propped and braced so as to withstand without displacement the
weight of construction and the movement of persons, material and
equipment. After hardening, the concrete shall be in the position and of
the shape, dimensions and surface finish described in the Contract.

.2 Internal ties when permitted to be used shall be so arranged as to

allow their removal to a depth of at least 40 mm from the concrete face
without damage to the concrete. No permanently embedded metal
shall have less than 40 mm cover to the finished concrete surface, or
less than the specified cover to the reinforcement, whichever is the
greater. The material and positioning of any internal ties shall be
subject to the approval of the E.R.

.3 To avoid damaged arises, unless otherwise specified, hardwood fillets

shall be fixed to the formwork to form chamfers 25 mm x 25 mm on all
external corners of the concrete whether or not such chamfers are
shown in the Contract.

.4 In general, formwork shall be constructed of sound well-seasoned

timber and/or plywood. In appropriate circumstances the use of steel
forms or forms made of other materials may be permitted. Such forms
shall be of a regular uniform size with make-up sections arranged in a
manner approved by the E.R. They shall conform in all relevant
respects with the requirements specified for timber formwork.

.5 Strength and deflection calculations and drawings of the formwork

shall be submitted for the E.R.'s approval. The Contractor shall ensure
that adequate time is given to enable the E.R. to examine the
calculations and inspect all formwork before concrete is placed within
it.

.6 The formwork shall be lined with a material approved by the E.R.

providing a smooth finish of uniform texture and appearance. The
lining material shall leave no stain on the concrete and shall be so
joined and fixed to its backing that it imparts no blemishes. Internal ties
and embedded metal parts will be permitted. Ties shall be positioned
only in rebates or in other positions as described in the Contract or as
agreed by the E.R.

.7 It shall be of the same type and obtained from the same source
throughout one structure. The arrangement of panels shall be agreed
with the E.R. Any imperfection shall be made good as required by the
E.R.

3.1 PREPARATION OF FORMWORK BEFORE CONCRETING

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.1 The inside surfaces of forms shall be coated with an approved non-

staining release agent before placing concrete. Such release agent
shall be applied strictly in accordance to the manufacturer's
instructions and shall not come into contact with the reinforcement.
Different types of release agents shall not be used in adjacent panels
of formwork to concrete which will be visible in the completed work.

.2 Immediately before concreting all shavings, loose binding wires and

other extraneous matter shall be removed from within the formwork.
No concrete shall be placed until the E.R. has inspected and approved
the formwork and supports thereto.

3.2 TOLERANCES

.1 The formwork shall be set to such lines and levels as to ensure that the
following tolerances are not exceeded in the structures as cast whilst still
supported by the formwork.

(a) For all buried concrete +25 mm and -12 mm

not waterproofed.

(b) For all buried concrete +25 mm and -12 mm

which is waterproofed. but with no abrupt
change of more than 3
mm.

(c) For edge beams and sides + 3 mm but not

of kerbs more than 3 mm in
3.5 metres

(d) For all other concrete + 6mm but not

more than 3 mm in
3.5 metres

3.3 REMOVAL OF FORMWORK

.1 The Contractor shall give adequate notice to the E.R. of his intention to
strike any formwork.

.2 The concrete must be of sufficient age and strength at the time of

striking for it to withstand the effects of striking, including the effect of
thermal shock or the loss of surface durability upon premature
exposure and be able to carry the stresses acting without adverse
effects, such as a reduction in bond strength.

.3 The time at which the formwork is struck shall be the Contractor's

responsibility but the minimum periods between concreting and the
removal of forms shall be adhered to.

.4 As a general guide, the minimum times applicable under normal

circumstances are as follows:-
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(a) Sides of Columns/Piers, Wall and Beams 3 days

(b) Soffit of Slabs (props left under) 7 days
(c) Props to Slabs 14 days
(d) Soffits of Beams (props left) 7 days
(e) Props to Soffits of Beams 14 days

.5 Formwork shall be constructed so that the side forms of members can

be removed without disturbing the soffit forms and if props are to be
left in place when the soffit forms are removed, these props shall not
be disturbed during the striking.

.6 All formwork shall be removed without damage to the concrete in

appearance, strength or durability.

.7 Where it is intended to re-use formwork, it shall be cleaned and made

good to the satisfaction of the E.R.

3.4 REMEDIAL TREATMENT OF SURFACES

.1 As soon as the forms are removed all wire or metal devices used for
securing the formwork which project from or appear on the surface of
the finished concrete shall be removed or cut back at least 40 mm from
the finished surface of the concrete. All holes and pockets so formed
shall be filled with cement mortar mixed in the same proportions as the
fine aggregate to cement of the concrete mix used for that particular
section of the structure. Before patching, the surface to be repaired
shall be thoroughly cleaned, wetted, and thinly coated with cement
paste prior to receiving the patch.

.2 Excessive honeycombing shall be sufficient cause for rejection the

structures containing such honeycombing. The Contractor on receipt of
a written order form from the E.R. shall remove the structures
containing such defects.

.3 Visible cracking and voids shall also be sufficient cause for rejection of
the structures containing such defects.

.4 The E.R. shall be informed of all defects and any proposed remedial
treatment to any concrete surfaces. Concrete surfaces treated or
repaired without first being inspected by the E.R. shall be liable to
rejection.

3.5 FORMWORK DRAWINGS AND DETAILED DESIGN CALCULATIONS

.1 The Contractor is required to submit 5 copies all formwork drawings

together with 5 sets of detailed design calculations to the E.R. for
information and approval.
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4.0 CONCRETE

4.1 REMEDIAL TREATMENT OF SURFACES

.1 Mixes for the classes of concrete shall be designed by the Contractor.

The class of concrete is denoted by the minimum 28 days works cube
strength and the maximum size of aggregate.

.2 The cement content in any mix shall not exceed 550 kg per cubic
metre of concrete. The quantity of water used shall not exceed that
required to produce a dense concrete with sufficient workability to be
placed and compacted where required, and in no case shall the
water/cement ratio be greater than 0.5 for all exposed concrete unless
otherwise specifically approved by the E.R.

.3 The requirements for design mixes of concrete for structures and

general construction shall comply with B.S. 5400 : Part 7, Section 3.6
(Requirement for Design Mixes) unless otherwise indicated in this
Contract.

.4 Aggregate shall comply with Clause 1.2 of the Specifications.

.5 The class of concrete is defined by its grade followed by the maximum

size of aggregate allowed.
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(a) Reinforced_Concrete

Class Maximum Minimum Minimum Compressive

Size Cement Strength 28 days
Aggregate Content ----------------------
Kg/m3 Preliminary Works Test
_____ _________ _______ ___N/mm2___ ___N/mm2__

40/20 20 390 55 40

30/40 40 370 45 30

30/20 20 400 45 30

30/10 10 460 45 30

25/40 40 340 40 25

25/20 20 360 40 25

(b) Mass_and_General_Purpose_Concrete

Class Maximum Minimum Minimum Compressive

Size Cement Strength 28 days
Aggregate Content ---------------------------
Kg/m3 Preliminary Works Test
_____ _________ _______ ___N/mm2___
___N/mm2__

20/40 40 300 35 20

20/20 20 320 35 20

(c) Blinding_Concrete

Class Maximum Minimum Minimum Compressive

E or Size Cement Strength 28 days
Aggregate Content ------------------------
Kg/m3 Preliminary Works Test
_____ _________ ______ __N/mm2___ ___N/mm2__

10/20 20 200 20 10
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4.2 TRIAL MIXES

.1 The Contractor shall prepare trial mixes having workability, strength

and surface finish as criteria to satisfy the E.R. regarding these
qualities. The trial mixes shall be made and compacted in the presence
of the E.R., using the same type of equipment and equipment as will
be used for the Works. The Contractor shall undertake his trial mixes
well in advance of the placing of concrete in accordance with the
approved programme so as to cause no delay to the programme for
placing concrete.

.2 From each trial mix, cubes shall be made and tested in accordance
with BS 5328.

.3 From the same mix as that from which the test cubes are made, the
workability of the concrete shall be determined by the Slump Test in
accordance with B.S. 1881 Part 102 or other method approved by the
E.R. The remainder of the mix shall be cast in a wooden mould and
compacted. After 24 hours the sides of the mould shall be struck and
the surface examined in order to satisfy the E.R. that an acceptable
surface can be obtained with the mix.

.4 For each trial mix eight 150mm compression test cubes shall be made,
cured, stored and tested in accordance with B.S. 1881 Part 108. Four
cubes shall be tested 7 days after manufacture and four cubes 28 days
after manufacture.The strength requirement shall be considered to be
satisfied if none of the strengths of the cube tested after 28 days falls
below the "Preliminary Test" strength stated or if the average strength of
the cubes is not less than this strength and the difference between the
greatest and least strengths is not more than 20 per cent of that
average. In addition, the consistency of the trial mix shall be to the
satisfaction of the E.R.

.5 When a proposed mix has been approved, no variations shall be made

in the mix proportions, or in the type, size, grading zone or source of any
of the constituents except with the approval of the E.R., who may
require further trial mixes to be made before any such variations is
approved.

.6 Until the results of the trial mixes for a particular class have been
approved by the E.R., no concrete shall be placed in the Works.

4.3 ADMIXTURES

.1 Unless agreed by the E.R. neither admixtures nor cements containing

additives shall be used. The Contractor shall submit samples of any
additive or admixture he proposes to use to the E.R. at least 35 days
prior to the date of commencement of construction of the particular
structure or portion of structure on which he intends to use such
admixture or additive. Trial mixes or any other tests incorporating the
proposed admixture or additive shall be made by the Contractor at his
own expense and the results shall be approved by the E.R. before use
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in the works. Any approval if otherwise given under this Clause shall in
no way relieve the Contractor of his obligation to produce concrete with
the specified strength, workability and durability as required under the
Contract.

.2 Approved admixtures shall be introduced into the mix at the time of

adding water by a method ensuring an even and accurate dispersion
throughout the mix.

.3 The use of admixtures containing calcium chloride in any form is

strictly prohibited.

.4 Admixtures to be used, when required or permitted, shall conform to the

appropriate specifications listed below:-

(a) Air-entraining admixtures ASTM C260.

(b) Water-reducing admixtures ASTM C494, Type A.

(c) Retarding admixtures ASTM C494, Type B.

(d) Accelerating admixtures ASTM C494, Type C.

(e) Water-reducing and retarding admixtures, ASTM C494, Type D.

(f) Water-reducing and accelerating admixtures, ASTM C494,

Type E.

4.4 DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF MATERIALS

.1 Cement shall be stored in a dry weather-proof shed with a raised

wooden floor or in a silo and shall be delivered in quantities sufficient
to ensure that there is no suspension of interruption of the work
concreting at any time. If stored in sheds, each consignment shall be
kept separate and distinct. The delivery and use of bulk cement will
only be permitted after the Contractor has submitted particulars of the
siting of silos and all other details of the intended storage
arrangements and has obtained the written approval of the E.R.

.2 Coarse aggregate, unless otherwise agreed by the E.R., shall be

delivered to the Site in separate sizes (2 sizes when the maximum size
is 20mm and 3 sizes when the maximum size is 40mm or more).
Subject to the approval of the E.R. aggregates may be delivered to the
site as blended materials, including fine aggregate direct from the
blending plant for discharge direct into the mixing or batching plant.
Stockpiling of blended aggregate will not be permitted and the E.R.
reserves the right to withdraw his approval of the use of such
aggregate at any time should he not be satisfied that adequate
precautions are being taken to prevent segregation of the material.

.3 All aggregates brought on to the Site shall be kept free from contact
with deleterious matter and in the case of aggregates passing a 5mm
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sieve they shall be deposited on the site of mixing not less than 8
hours before use. Aggregates of different sizes shall be stored in
different hoppers, or different stockpiles which shall be separated from
each other on a concrete floor sloping to the back of the stockpile with
adequate drainage.

4.5 MIXING CONCRETE

.1 The weighing and water-dispensing mechanisms shall be maintained

in good order. Their accuracy shall be maintained within the tolerances
described in B.S. 1305 and checked against accurate weights and
volumes required by the E.R.

.2 The weights of cement and each size of aggregate as indicated by the

mechanisms employed shall be within a tolerance of + 2 per cent of
the respective weights per batch agreed by the E.R.. The weight of
the fine and coarse aggregates shall be adjusted to allow for the free
water contained in them. The water to be added to the mix shall be
reduced by the quantity of free water contained in the fine and coarse
aggregates, which shall be determined by the Contractor by a method
approved by the E.R. immediately before mixing begins, and further as
the E.R. requires.

.3 Unless otherwise agreed by the E.R., concrete shall be mixed in a

batch type mixer manufactured in accordance with B.S. 1305 or in a
batch type mixer a specimen of which has been tested in accordance
with B.S. 3963 and having a mixing performance within the limits of
Table 6 of B.S. 1305. Where appropriate the batch capacity, method of
loading, mixing time and drum speed shall conform to the details
furnished in accordance with the requirements of B.S. 3963 for the mix
which corresponds most closely to the mix proportions being used. The
mixing blades of pan mixers shall be maintained within the tolerances
specified by the manufacturer of the mixer and the blades shall be
replaced when it is no longer possible to maintain the tolerances by
adjustment.

.4 Mixers which have been out of use for more than 30 minutes shall be
thoroughly cleaned before any fresh concrete is mixed. Unless
otherwise agreed by the E.R. the first batch of concrete through the
mixer shall contain only two thirds of the normal quantity of course
aggregate. Mixing plant shall be thoroughly cleaned before changing
from one type of cement to another.

.5 The Contractor shall ensure that the constituent materials of the

concrete are sufficiently cool to prevent the concrete from stiffening in
the interval between its discharge from the mixer and compaction in its
final position. In order to meet the requirement of the Contract in
respect of the temperature of placed concrete the Contractor shall take
such steps as are necessary to minimise the temperature of the
constituents which may include the shading and watering of
aggregates, the addition of ice to mixing water the shading and/or
reflective painting of plant and vehicles
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4.6 READY MIX CONCRETE

.1 Ready-mixed concrete as defined in B.S. 5328, batched off the Site,

may be used only with the agreement of the E.R. and shall comply with
all requirements of the Contract.

.2 The concrete shall be carried in purpose made agitators, operating

continuously, or truck mixers. The concrete shall be compacted and in
its final position within 2 hours of the introduction of water to the mix,
unless a longer time is agreed by the E.R.. The time of such
introduction shall be recorded on the Delivery Note together with the
weight of the constituents of each mix.

.3 When the truck mixed concrete is used, water shall be added under
supervision either at the Site or the central batching plant as agreed by
the E.R. but in no circumstances shall water be added in transit.

.4 Unless otherwise agreed by the E.R., truck mixer units and their mixing
and discharge performance shall comply with the requirements of B.S.
4251. Mixing shall continue for the number and rate of revolutions
recommended in accordance with item 9 in Appendix B of B.S. 4251
or, in the absence of the manufacturer's instructions, mixing shall
continue for not less than 100 revolutions at a rate not less than 7
revolutions per minute.

4.7 SAMPLING AND TESTING

.1 The Contractor shall take samples of the concrete for testing. Unless
otherwise instructed by the E.R. the number and frequency of
sampling shall be at the rates given in Clause 5.3. Samples shall be
taken at the location of placing of the concrete and sampling shall be
carried out in accordance with B.S.1881, Part 1.

4.8 TRANSPORT AND PLACING

.1 The method of transporting and placing concrete shall be to the

approval of the E.R. Concrete shall be so transported and placed that
contamination, segregation or loss of the constituent materials does
not occur.

.2 All formwork and reinforcement contained in it shall be clean and free

from standing water immediately before the placing of the concrete.

.3 Concrete shall not be placed in any part of the works until the E.R.'s
approval has been given.

.4 Concrete when deposited shall have a temperature of not more than

35C. It shall be compacted in its final position within 30 minutes of
discharge from the mixer unless carried in purpose made agitators,
operating continuously, when the time shall be within 2 hours of the
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introduction of water to the mix and within 30 minutes of discharge

from the agitator.

.5 Except where otherwise agreed by the E.R., concrete shall be

deposited in horizontal layers to a compacted depth not exceeding 450
mm where internal vibrators are used or 300 mm in all other cases.

.6 Unless otherwise agreed by the E.R., concrete shall not be dropped

freely into place from a height exceeding 2 metres. When trunking or
chutes are used they shall be kept clean and used in such a way as to
avoid segregation. Concrete shall not be pumped or discharged
through aluminium or aluminium alloy conduits.

.7 Approved means shall also be provided to avoid premature stiffening

of concrete placed in contact with hot, dry surfaces. Surfaces,
including reinforcement, against which concrete is to be placed shall
be shielded against direct rays of the sun shall be sprayed with water
to prevent excessive absorption by the surfaces of water from the
fresh concrete.

.8 A complete record shall be kept of the date, time and conditions of

placing the concrete in each portion of the work and this shall be
available for inspection by the E.R. at any time.

.9 Except where permission for night work is given by the E.R., all concrete
shall be placed in daylight, and the placing of the concrete in any portion
of the work shall not be started if it cannot be completed in daylight.
Permission for night work will not be given unless adequate system of
lighting, which has the approval of the E.R., is provided by the
Contractor.

4.9 COMPACTION OF CONCRETE

.1 All concrete shall be compacted to produce a dense homogeneous

mass. Unless otherwise agreed by the E.R., it shall be compacted with
the assistance of vibrators. Sufficient vibrators in serviceable condition
shall be on site so that spare equipment is always available in the
event of breakdowns.

.2 Internal vibrators shall be capable of producing not less than 10,000

cycles per minute, and external vibrators not less than 3,000 cycles per
minute. The amplitude of vibrations shall be sufficient to produce
satisfactory compaction.

.3 Vibration shall not be applied by way of the reinforcement. Where

vibrators of the immersion type are used, contact with reinforcement
and all inserts shall be avoided, so far as is practicable.

.4 Concrete shall not be subjected to vibration between 4 and 24 hours

after compaction. Concrete that has partially hardened shall not be
vibrated.
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.5 Accumulation of water on the surface due to any cause during

compaction is to be prevented as far as possible and any such water is
to be removed before further concrete is placed.

4.10 CURING OF CONCRETE

.1 Immediately after compaction and for 7 days thereafter concrete shall

be protected against the harmful effects of the weather, including rain,
wind, rapid temperature changes, and from drying out. The methods of
protection used shall be subject to the approval of the E.R.

.2 When elevated-temperature curing is used, the temperature of the

concrete shall not exceed 50C within 2 hours, and the maximum
temperature attained shall not exceed 80C. the rise in temperature
within any period of 30 minutes shall not exceed 10C. The rate of
subsequent cooling shall not exceed the rate of heating.

.3 The method of curing employed shall prevent loss of moisture from the
concrete. Details of the method to be used shall be subject to the
approval of the E.R.

4.11 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

.1 The position and details of any construction joints not described in the
Contract shall be subject to the approval of the E.R., and shall be so
arranged so as to minimise the possibility of the occurrence of
shrinkage cracks.

.2 The upper surface of lifts of concrete walls and columns shall be

horizontal and if the formwork extends above the joint on the exposed
face it shall be cleaned of adhering concrete before the next lift is
placed. The concrete placed immediately above a horizontal
construction joint shall contain only two thirds the normal quantity of
coarse aggregate, shall not be the first batch through the mixer and
shall be thoroughly compacted and worked against the existing
concrete.

.3 Where a construction joint contains formed or vertical surfaces, the

surfaces shall be roughened to expose the aggregates without
damaging it or the arrises of the joint. The surfaces shall then be
washed with clean water to remove laitance and loose materials. A 1:1
slurry of cement and concreting sand shall, wherever possible, be well
worked into the surfaces immediately before the fresh concrete is
placed.

.4 Where sections of the work are carried out in lifts the reinforcement
projecting above the lift being cast shall be adequately supported so
as to prevent movement of the bars during the casting and setting of
the concrete.
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.5 Wherever possible, laitance and loose material shall be removed while

the concrete is still green and no further roughening shall then be
required. Where this is not possible, it shall be removed by
mechanical means provided the concrete has been in position for
more than 24 hours. The roughened surface shall then be washed
with clean water.

4.12 CONCRETE FOR ANCILLARY PURPOSES (CLASS E)

.1 Class E (Class 10/20) concrete shall be composed of ordinary Portland

Cement and aggregates complying with B.S. 882 including all-in
aggregate within the grading limits of Table 3 of the British Standard.

.2 The ratio of the combined or all-in aggregate to the cement shall not
be more than 8:1 by volume or 10:1 by weight. No account need be
taken of bulking.

.3 Concrete shall be mixed by machine to a uniform colour and

consistency before placing. The quantity of water used shall not
exceed that required to produce a concrete with sufficient workability to
be placed and compacted where required.

.4 The concrete shall be compacted by mechanical vibration.

4.13 CONSTRUCTION TOLERANCES

.1 (a) Dimensional_Tolerances

The maximum tolerances of any linear dimension must be less

than 20 mm.

(b) Positioning_Tolerances

Isolated concrete block :

- Main axis + 20 mm from the theoretical axis.

Groups of several concrete blocks :

- Main axis of each block + 10 mm from the theoretical

axis.

Anchor bolts :

- the real position must be at the theoretical position +

5mm.

Channel :
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- the real position must be at theoretical position +30mm

(c) Level_Tolerances

The maximum tolerances of levels for :

- channel inverts : + 20 mm
- drainage :
- general concrete : + 20 mm
- floors : + 20 mm
- top of anchor bolts : + 10 mm
- equipment bases : + 10 mm
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5.0 TESTING OF MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

5.1 ASSISTANCE IN SAMPLING AND TESTING

.1 The Contractor shall supply all samples of materials for testing. He

shall render such assistance as may from time to time be required by
the E.R. in taking and packing them into containers provided by the
Contractor and despatching them for test or in making, examining and
testing them.

5.2 GENERAL

.1 The Contractor shall give to the E.R. written notice of the date and
place away from the Site, at which any item or part of an item will be
tested in accordance with the Contract at least 14 days before the test
is due to be carried out. The E.R. will give 24 hours notice of his
intention to attend any test.

.2 Whether or not the E.R. attends a test the Contractor shall supply two
duly certified copies of the results of all tests to the E.R.

.3 Where the Contract provides for testing on completion of manufacture

of the item such tests shall take place at the manufacturer's premises
unless agreed otherwise by the E.R.

5.3 STRUCTURAL CONCRETE COMPLIANCE

1. General

.1 All sampling and testing of constituent materials shall be carried

out in accordance with the appropriate British Standard. In
particular, sampling and testing of fresh and of hardened concrete
shall comply with B.S. 1881 unless this is at variance with this
Specification.

.2 Strength

.1 General

Compliance with the specified characteristic strength shall be

based on tests made on cubes at an age of 28 days unless there
is evidence, satisfactory to the E.R., that a particular testing
regime is capable of predicting the strength at 28 days of concrete
tested at an earlier age.

Unless otherwise directed by the E.R., the rate of sampling shall

be given below but not less than one sample shall be taken on
each day that concrete of that grade is used.
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RATES OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

Use of Concrete Sample for one batch selected
randomly to represent an average
volume of not more than the lesser of
Reinforced
Concrete: 20 m3 or 20 batches
Mass Concrete 50 m3 or 50 batches

.2 Testing

One cube shall be made from a sample taken from a randomly

selected batch of concrete. Samples shall be taken at the point of
discharge from the delivery vehicle.

For compliance purposes :-

(i) the average strength determined from any group of four

consecutive test cubes shall exceed the specified characteristic
strength by not less than 0.5 times the current margin;

(ii) each individual test result shall be greater than 85% of the
specified characteristic strength.

If only one cube result fails to meet the second requirement (ii),
then that result shall be considered to represent only the particular
batch of concrete from which that cube was taken.

If the average strength of any group of four consecutive test

cubes fails to meet the first requirement (i), then all the concrete
on all the batches represented by all such cubes shall be deemed
not to comply with the strength requirements. For the purposes of
this clause the batches of concrete represented by a group of four
consecutive test cubes shall include the batches from which
samples were taken to make the first and the last cubes in the
group of four, together with all the intervening batches.

.3 Special Testing

Special testing shall be used if required in the Contract.

One test cube shall be made from each of two independent

representative samples taken from every batch of concrete
selected for testing.

The average strength of the two test cubes taken from the same
batch of concrete shall exceed the specified characteristic
strength by not less than 2.0 N/mm2 or one-tenth of the specified
strength, whichever is the smaller.
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If the average strength of the test specimens taken to represent a

given batch of concrete fails to meet the appropriate requirement,
the whole of the batch of concrete represented by those
specimens shall be deemed not to comply with the strength
requirement of the Specification. Compliance with this
requirement in respect of a given batch of concrete shall not be
adduced as evidence of compliance in respect of any other batch.

3. Workability

.1 The workability of the fresh concrete shall be such that the

concrete is suitable for the conditions of handling and placing as
described so that after compaction as it surrounds all
reinforcement, tendons and ducts and completely fills the
formwork. Workability shall be measured for each batch or at
such times as directed by the E.R. using one of the following tests
in accordance with B.S. 1881, and shall be within the following
limits of the required values :-

Slump + 25 mm or + one-third of the required value,

whichever is the greater

Compacting + 0.03, where the required value is 0.90

factor or more
+ 0.04 where the required value
is between 0.80 and 0.90
+ 0.05, where the required value is 0.80
or less

Vebe + 3 seconds or + one-fifth of the required value,

whichever is the greater

4. Control of Alkali-Silica Reaction

(a) The Contractor shall either use non-reactive aggregates

(as defined in Sub-Clauses (b) or (c) below) or restrict
the content of equivalent sodium oxide in the mix.

(b) Coarse aggregates and fine aggregates that each

contain at least 95% (by weight) of one or more of the
rock or artificial types shown below shall be considered
to be non-reactive, provided they are not contaminated
with any opal, tridymite or cristobalite or contain a total
of more than 2% (by weight) of chert, flint or chalcedony
taken together.
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AGGREGATE TYPES
Granite
Andesite Limestone
Basalt Marble
Diorite Microgranite
Dolomite Quartz
Schist
Slate
Feldspar Syenite
Gabbro Trachyte
Gneiss Tuff

In the case of quartz it shall not contain quartzite or

more than 30% (by weight) highly strained quartz. The
quartz shall be classified as highly strained if the
petrological examination of thin sections of grains give
an average undulatory extinction angle of more than
25. The extinction angle shall be measured on at least
20 separate grains.

(c) When the proportion of chert or flint is greater than 60%

(by weight) of the total aggregate it shall be considered
to be non-reactive provided it contains no opal, tridymite
or cristobalite.

(d) The definition of rock types shall be as in B.S. 812 : Part

102 Table 2. Feldspar, quartz, chalcedony and opal,
tridymite or cristobalite are minerals the first two of which
shall be defined as in B.S. 6100 : Section 5.2.
(e) The petrographical examination of aggregates for alkali-
silica reaction shall be carried out as required.

(f) When the coarse and fine aggregates are not accepted
as wholly non-reactive the amount of equivalent sodium
oxide shall not exceed 3.0 kg in any cubic metre of
concrete.

(g) The equivalent sodium oxide content of the cement shall

be taken as that of the proposed quantity of cement in
the mix, with 10 kg of cement added for each cubic
metre of concrete to allow for tolerances in batching.

(h) The acid-soluble alkali content of the Portland cement

shall be taken as the average of 25 daily determinations
of equivalent sodium oxide, plus twice the standard
deviation for the period in which the cement was
manufactured. The Contractor shall submit to the E.R.
test certificate furnished by the cement manufacturer
giving the results of these tests. The acid-soluble alkali
content of the Portland cement shall be determined in
accordance with the method recommended in B.S. 4550
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: Part 2 or an x-ray florescence technique calibrated

against the British Standard.

(i) The equivalent sodium oxide (Na 2O) in the mix shall be
calculated from the equivalent sodium oxide ((Na2O +
0.66 K2O) in the cement, the chloride ion (Cl ion) in the
aggregate and the amount of equivalent sodium oxide
(Na2O) in any admixtures or water to be used in the mix
as follows :

Equivalent Na2O (Concrete) =

Equivalent acid soluble Na2O

(cement, admixtures and water) +

0.76 Cl ion (aggregates)

(j) The equivalent sodium oxide content of the course and

fine aggregate shall be calculated from the quantity of
chloride ion present, which shall be measured by the
method in B.S. 812.

5.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

.1 The Contractor will be required, as part of its scope of work, to submit

to the E.R. for approval and implement a Quality Assurance system
which will meet the requirements of the Specifications, various
Standards and the Authorities.

.2 In addition to applying Quality Assurance principles to its own work, the

Contractor will be required to supervise the Quality Assurance and
Quality Control activities undertaken by his sub- contractors. The
Contractor shall ensure that all Quality Assurance and Quality Control
documentation required by the Specifications and the Statutory
Authorities is submitted in an approved form to the E.R. The records
to be included in it shall be open for inspection by the E.R. at all times
during the project.

.3 The Scope of Work for Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities
shall be, but not limited to :-

(i) Shop drawings

o checking all sub-contractors calculations and shop drawings

to ensure that all relevant standards have been complied
with;

o ensuring, before order placement, that the proposed sub-

contractor fully understands the work package; is
technically competent to execute it to the required standard;
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and has sufficient resources to complete the work in the

required time frame;

(ii) Procurement/fabrication

o ensure that only approved materials are used in fabrication;

o check material certificates;

o random material checks;

o check and approve Weld Procedures;

o check and approved Welder Qualifications;

o check and approve trade qualifications for other tradesmen;

o verify requirements are fully complied with;

o witness tests;

(iii) Construction/Testing

o ensure that only approved materials are used on site;

o check material certificates;

o check and approved Weld Procedures;

o check and approve Welder qualifications;

o check and approve trade qualifications for other tradesmen;

o verify requirements are fully complied with;

o witness tests;

o compile Quality Control/Quality Assurance documents of all

records and As-built drawings.
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APPENDIX A
GENERAL CONCRETE SPECIFICATION

LIST OF BRITISH STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL USE OF CONCRETE

1. Cement

B.S. 12 : Portland Cement (Ordinary and Rapid-Hardening)

B.S. 146 : Portland Blast Furnace Cement

B.S. 915 : High Alumina Cement

B.S. 1370 : Low Heat Portland Cement

B.S. 4027 : Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement

B.S. 4246 : Low Heat Portland Blast Furnace Cement

B.S. 4248 : Supersulphated Cement

2. Water

B.S. 3148 : Tests for Water for Making Concrete

3. Admixtures

B.S. 1014 : Specification for Pigments for Cement, Magnesium

Oxychloride and Concrete

B.S. 3587 : Specifications for Calcium Chloride

B.S. 3892 : Specification for Pulverized-fuel Ash for use in Concrete

B.S. 5075 : Specification for Concrete Admixtures.

4. Aggregates

B.S. 812 : Methods for Sampling and Testing Mineral Aggregates,

Sands and Filters

B.S. 882 : Specification for Aggregates from Natural Sources for

Concrete

B.S. 1047 : Air-cooled Blast Furnace Slag Aggregate for Use in

Concrete
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5. Reinforcement

B.S. 4449 : Hot Rolled Steel Bars for the Reinforcement of Concrete

B.S. 4461 : Cold Worked Steel Bars for the Reinforcement of

Concrete

B.S. 4466 : Bending Dimensions and Scheduling of Bars for the

Reinforcement of Concrete

B.S. 4482 : Hard Drawn Mild Steel Wire for the Reinforcement of
Concrete

B.S. 4483 : Steel Fabric for the Reinforcement of Concrete

B.S. 5135 : Arc Welding of Carbon and Carbon Managanese Steels

6. Dimensional Tolerance

PD 5605 : Accuracy in Building

7. Tests on Concrete

B.S. 1881 : Methods of Testing Concrete

(Part 1, 5, 6 and 101 to 122)