CONCRETOR

General

A All aspects of Works shall conform with this Specification, the Construction
Drawings, and also the provisions of the prevalent documents in the following order
except otherwise stated:

(i) The Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulation, and any latest version an
appropriate and the Practice Notes including Practice Notes for Authorized
Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical
Engineers (PNAP) issued by the Building Authority and other relevant
Government Departments.
(ii) Code of Practice for Structural Use of Concrete 2013 issued by the Buildings
Department.
(iii) Construction Standards (HK) and Code of Practice (HK) as applicable.
(iv) Geoguides and manuals issued by the Geotechnical Engineering Office.
(v) General Specification for Civil Engineering Works (GSCEW issued by Hong
Kong Government).
(vi) Other aspects of the design and works not covered by the above documents
shall refer to relevant British Standard where applicable but prior approval on
individual case shall be sought from the Architect/Structural Engineer.

B This Specification is written with the intention of covering a quality of reinforced

concrete which will conform to the requirements of the design and the Main
Contractor shall note that the Specification is to be adhered to in all respects
irrespective of local or common practice.

C Any unsatisfactory work or material is to be removed and replaced at the expense of

the Contractor.

D The Contractor shall provide all labour, material, plant, equipment, tools, services
and all other necessary items to erect and complete in a workmanlike manner all
structural concrete works as shown on the Drawings and/or described in this
Specification.

E The Contractor shall check and verify the location, sizes, number, lengths and
condition of all reinforcement bars and to clean the bars and prepare concrete
surfaces of all pile caps, rafts and other elements of the foundation to receive new
concrete column and walls, all to the satisfaction of the Architect.

F Cutting of completed structural member shall not be permitted without prior approval
from the Architect.

G The Contractor shall provide holes and openings in concrete work together with all
necessary pipe sleeves as required by all other trades.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Co-ordination of work

A The Contractor shall be fully conversant with all Drawings and other information on
Works including mechanical, electrical and Utility Drawings and specifications to be
carried out by Nominated Sub-Contractors and Specialist Contractors.

Materials and workmanship

B The Contractor shall coordinate and make necessary provisions for the built-in work
and embedded pipes or conduits by all Nominated sub-Contractors and Specialist
Sub-Contractors.

Record of work

C The Contractor shall maintain and submit a weekly record in an approved format
which shall indicate major work carried out including form erection, steel fixing,
concrete placing, condition of concrete work exposed upon form removal, etc.

D The record shall further consist the following:

1. description of material used by location including,

2. source and type of cement,
3. source and sizes of aggregates,
4. source and mix proportion of concrete,
5. source and grade of steel bars, etc.
6. delivery and quantity of material to site.

Inspection

E No concrete shall be placed until the placement of reinforcement has been inspected
and approved by the Architect/Engineer.

F Notification to the Architect/Engineer for such inspection shall be a minimum of 48

hours before the actual placement of concrete.

Cement

G Cement shall be Portland Cement of approved manufacture in accordance with

BS12. Manufacturer's test certificates shall be submitted to the Architect when
required.

H Cement shall be delivered to the site or to the Works in strong sealed bags bearing
the manufacturer's name, and shall be perfectly cool and ready for use.

I Cement shall be stored under cover, well protected from the weather, and not in
contact with a damp floor. Cement shall be used as far as possible in the order in
which it has been stored. If for any reason the cement is not used for a considerable
period it shall be inspected and tested before use. Any packages in which there are
hardened lumps or cakes of cement will be rejected and removed off site.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Aggregate

A Coarse and fine aggregates shall comply with BS882 Part 2.

B All aggregates shall be hard, durable, free from adherent coatings of clay or any
other deleterious matter, and shall be non-porous and not liable to flake.
Aggregates shall be stored on clean hard surfaces or in bunkers in such a manner to
prevent contamination and intermingling of different sizes.

C The term "coarse aggregate" denotes a 20mm to 5mm graded aggregate. The term
"fine aggregate" denotes 5mm to No. 100 sieve sand or crushed granite fines. If
considered necessary by the Architect the sand shall be rewashed at the main
Contractor's expense. The use of granite fines in lieu of sand shall be subject to the
approval of the Architect who may require adjustment to the mix proportion.

D The grading of fine and coarse aggregates shall be such as to produce a dense
concrete to suitable workability with the proportions of cement and water to be used.

E When required by the Architect the main Contractor shall draw samples of
aggregates from the stockpiles and have them tested by an approved local testing
authority in accordance with Part 1 of BS812 at his own expense.

F The Architect shall be notified immediately of any alteration in the source of supply of
aggregate.

Storage of aggregate

G The Main Contractor shall make provision to maintain an ample stock of aggregate
on the job. The aggregate shall be stored on a well drained floor of cement concrete
suitably divided into compartments for the different grades of aggregate.

Water

H Water used for concrete work shall be clean water free from harmful matter and
shall be obtained from Government fresh water mains, or if from other sources shall
comply with the requirements of the Appendix of BS3148.

Concrete Mixes

I The minimum strengths of various concrete mixes shall be in accordance with the
Building (Construction) Regulations, Hong Kong.

J Before a designed mix concrete is used, the Contractor shall submit to the Architect for
approval his proposed mix proportions and materials including:
(a) type and source of cement;
(b) test certificate of cement;
(c) source of aggregate;
(d) grading of aggregate;
(e) proposed slump;
(f) water/cement ratio;
(g) mix proportions; and
(h) admixtures or additives and dosage.
(i) method of placing concrete
(j) method of controlling the temperature of concrete, if required
Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.
K The approval from the Architect to the proposed mix proportions shall not relieve the
Contractor's responsibility in producing concrete to comply with the acceptance criteria
stipulated in this Specification or in accordance with the Building Regulations.

L After the mix proportion is approved, it shall not be altered in any way during the works.
If the Contractor proposes to modify the mix, he shall submit such to the Architect as in
(J) above for approval.

ADMIXTURES

M Admixtures shall not be used without the approval of the Architect.

N Admixtures when used shall comply with the following standards:

(a) Pigment for Portland cement and BS1014

Portland cement products

(b) Accelerating, retarding, or water BS5075:Part 1

reducing admixtures

(c) Superplasticising admixtures BS5075:Part 3

O The chloride ion content of admixtures shall not exceed 2% by mass of the admixture
and 0.03% by mass of the cement.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 NO-FINES CONCRETE

A Cement used in no-fines concrete shall be Ordinary Portland cement to BS12 or

Portland Pulverised-Fuel Ash Cement to BS6588.

B The nominal maximum aggregate size shall be 20 mm; not more than 15% by mass
shall be retained on a 20 mm BS test sieve and not more than 10% by mass shall pass
a 10 mm BS test sieve.

C The aggregate : cement ratio by mass shall be at least 10 and shall not exceed 15.

D The cementitious content shall be such that each particle of aggregate is coated with
cement paste but the compacted concrete has an open texture which permits the flow
of water through the hardened concreted.

LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE

E Non-structural lightweight concrete for insulation or making up levels or falls shall be

cellular concrete made with an approved foaming agent which shall be used in
accordance with the manufacturer's written specification.

The density and strength of the light-weight concrete shall be as

specified on the drawings or subject to agreement with the Architect.

The Contractor shall provide full particulars of the foaming agent, equipment,
proportions of the mix, methods of mixing, density, strength placing and curing, and,
when required by the Architect, such samples as may be appropriate to the type of
work.

F The concrete shall be mixed and placed in accordance with the manufacturer's written
instructions.

DIMENSIONAL DEVIATIONS OF CONSTRUCTION

G The Contractor shall check the actual positions, sizes and alignments of the finished
works. He shall report to the Architect when any dimensional deviations exceed the
permissible values and shall carry out any rectification works, including cutting out and
rebuilding part or the whole of the finished works, as directed by the Architect.

H When required by the Architect, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary instruments
and labour at his own cost for the use of the Architect for checking the finished
structure.

I The maximum dimensional deviation of finished structural members, resulting from all
human errors, limitations of materials and formwork, deflection of formwork, and any
other factors that may affect the positions, sizes and alignments of the finished
structural members, shall not exceed the permissible deviations specified in Table 1.
These permissible deviations are given as plus or minus values from the specified
dimensions on Drawings and such values shall not be cumulative.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

Table 1 - Permissible Dimensional Deviation

Description Member and location Permissible

deviation
Position External face of structural 3 mm
member and wall
Internal member and opening 6 mm
Clear height under Internal beam and external 3 mm
soffit to floor beam over window frame

Sectional Beam 6 mm
dimension
Slab 3 mm
Column 6 mm
Wall thickness 3 mm
Alignment Corewall, lift enclosure wall, 1 in 1000
(vertically & internal panel wall, and external
horizontally) face of structural member
Internal faces of column 1 in 500
Level of floor General floor level (with due 3 mm from
allowance for rendering and specified P.D.
finishes) level

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Water content

A The water cement ratio i.e. the proportion of water to cement by weight shall be such
as to give a reasonable workability and to comply with the Building (Construction)
Regulations. After testing with the trial mixes and taking into consideration the
nature of the work and the degree of workability required and to satisfy the works
cube strength as specified above, the Architect will give to the Main Contractor a
workable water cement ratio and he shall adhere to this given ratio accordingly.

Mixing of concrete

B All materials for concrete shall be measured by weight. Cement shall be measured
in the maker's bags, each batching being made with whole numbers of bags only.
Aggregate shall be weighed in the required proportion in a batch weigher of an
approved type.

C Mixing shall be carried out with machine driven batch mixers of approved type and
size and complete with the following accessories:

1) means of weighing aggregate; and

2) an automatic water gauge with means of varying the quantity of water

according to the moisture content in the aggregate.

D The time of mixing shall be a minimum of two minutes.

E The Main Contractor shall provide sufficient mixers to give adequate output of
concrete for each day's work, and shall set out his equipment to allow a free flow of
materials to the mixers, and of concrete from the mixers to the works.

F In exceptional circumstances, hand mixing may be allowed with the prior approval of
the Architect. The concrete batch shall be mixed on a watertight, non-absorbent
platform, using the following procedures:

1) The cement and fine aggregate shall be mixed dry until the mixture is
thoroughly blended and uniform in colour.

2) The coarse aggregate shall then be added and mixed with the cement and
fine aggregate until the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout
the batch.

3) The water shall then be added and the entire batch mixed until the concrete
appears to be homogeneous and has the desired consistency.

G The Main Contractor shall add 10% extra quantity of cement at his cost for all hand-
mixed concrete used for reinforced concrete structural members.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Consistency of concrete and slump tests

A The Main Contractor shall make every effort to produce concrete of uniform
consistency. In general, the minimum practical amount of water shall be used,
consistent with full compaction by vibration.

B Slump test shall be carried out in accordance with "Construction Standard for
Testing Concrete Vol. 1" Hong Kong or as directed by the Architect.

C Any batch of concrete shall be considered as not complying with the specified
requirements for workability, if the measured slump differs from the approved or
specified slump by more than 25 mm or 1/3 of the approved or specified value,
whichever is greater.

D The Main Contractor shall note that the water content specified for the various
grades of concrete will give a dry mix which may not flow easily from the mixer, and
the Main Contractor shall provide special supervision over all mixers to prevent the
use of water in excess of that specified in order to increase the workability of the
concrete.

Test cubes

E Samples of freshly mixed concrete shall be obtained and 150mm test cubes be
made and cured under the supervision of the Architect in accordance with
"Construction Standard for Testing Concrete Vol. 1" Hong Kong and with the
Building (Construction) Regulations.

F Unless otherwise directed by the Architect, the concrete shall be filled into the mould
in layers approximately 50mm deep and each layer shall be compacted either by
hand or by vibration as described below. After the top layer has been compacted,
the surface of the concrete shall be finished level with the top of the mould.

1) Compacting by hand - a standard tamping bar of steel weighing 1.80kg,

380mm long, and having a ramming face 25mm square, shall be used and
the strokes of the bar shall be distributed in a uniform manner over the cross-
section of the mould. The number of strokes per layer for 150mm cubes
shall not be less than 35.

2) Compacting by vibration - the first two layers shall be compacted by a plate

vibrator on top of the mould for a period of 15 seconds. The final layer shall
be similarly vibrated for a period of 20 seconds.

G After curing, the test cubes shall be tested by a laboratory designated by the
Architect and shall withstand the crushing stresses specified.

H Test reports and all required records of the test cubes shall also be submitted for
approval in accordance with "Construction Standard for Testing Concrete Vol. 1 and
Vol. 2" Hong Kong.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Standard of acceptance

A The standard of acceptance shall be in accordance with the Building (Construction)

Regulations 1990 Edition, Hong Kong.

B In the event of the specified strength requirements not being complied with, the
Architect may require that the site concrete represented by the test cubes of such
low result be investigated by means of non-destructive tests and/or, if applicable,
taking and testing of cores. If such investigations reveal that the strength of the site
concrete is below the specified minimum, that part of the work shall be condemned
and replaced as directed by the Architect at the main Contractor's expense.

Other tests

C The Architect shall during the progress of the Work have power to order tests, other
than cube tests, in accordance with "Construction Standard for Testing Concrete Vol.
1 and Vol. 2" Hong Kong as far as is practicable due to local conditions.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Ready mixed concrete

A Ready mixed concrete from an approved supplier may be used with the written
permission of the Architect.

B The onus is on the Main Contractor to ensure that all concrete is strictly in
accordance with the requirements of this Specification.

C The weights of cement and fine and coarse aggregate shall be continuously
recorded at the batching plant by means of sealed recording heads cross referenced
to the delivery dockets. Records of cement and aggregate and water content of
each batch shall be made to determine the moisture content of the aggregate and
the amount of water added to the materials shall be adjusted accordingly.

D The name and works address of the Ready Mixed Concrete Supplier and the
technical data about the mix proportion, grading curves of the fine and coarse
aggregate, slump, water cement ratio, and preliminary test results as required in the
Building (Construction) Regulations or as directed by the Building Authority shall be
submitted to the Architect for his approval.

E The concrete shall be placed in its final position and left undisturbed within 1 hour
maximum of the time when the cement first comes into contact with the wetted
aggregates, i.e. from the time when hydration of the cement commences.

F The Main Contractor shall ensure that a record is kept at the Ready Mixed Concrete
Supplier's works of the exact time when the concreting materials are mixed and the
water added. This time shall be inserted on the Delivery Docket sent with the lorry
driver, and shall be initialed by the responsible Time-keeper at the mixing plant.

G The times of arrival of all lorries must be carefully recorded at the site and be
available for inspection by the Architect at all times.

H A record book must be kept on site containing the following information:

1) Time of arrival of lorry.

2) Time of mixing of concrete materials and adding of water.
3) Registration number of lorry and name of Depot.
4) Time when concrete is placed in position and left undisturbed.
5) Mix.
6) Position where concrete is placed.
7) Whether test cubes were taken from this delivery.
8) Slump.

I The Main Contractor shall be responsible for the performance of the Ready Mixed
Concrete Supplier. The Architect shall have the right to instruct the Main contractor
to change the Supplier or to stop further use of ready mixed concrete during the
progress of the Works if any of the requirements specified in this Specification has
not been satisfactorily complied with.

J The concrete is to be mixed and laid in accordance with the manufacturer's printed
instructions.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Waterproof concrete

A Waterproof concrete shall be used for such elements of basement beams, slabs,
basement walls, watertanks, swimming pool, foundation caps or elements which will
be in contact with water or exposed to alternate wetting and drying conditions.

Waterproof concrete to basement construction

B The reinforced concrete structure shall be constructed in "waterproof concrete" in

such a way as to prevent any leakage of water into the building.

C The term "waterproof concrete" shall mean concrete satisfying this specification in
every respect but also complying with the following additional requirements which
shall be deemed to have been included in the billed rates therefore.

D The concrete shall be placed continuously between construction joints which shall be
submitted to the Architect for approval prior to the commencement of basement
concreting works. The order of concreting shall be such as to allow the greatest
practicable time interval between the concreting of adjacent bays and in no
circumstances shall this intervals be less than 7 days.

E PVC or natural rubber or steel (of corrosion resistant type) water-bars may be used
as a precaution against seepage at construction joints but the use of these water-
bars will not be demanded if the Main Contractor shall submit with his tender a full
description of the precautions which he proposes to take to ensure watertight joints.

F If water-bars are not used, at each construction joint the whole surface of the
existing concrete shall be thoroughly roughened before fresh concrete is cast
against it.

G Whether water-bars are used or not the contractor shall be wholly responsible for the
watertightness of the structure and if any leaks, weeping or damp patches, occur he
shall make these good in a satisfactory manner (by grouting or other means) all at
this own expense. He shall also be responsible for the cost of any redecoration
which may be made necessary by the leaks.

H If water-bars are used these shall be of an approved type and jointed so as to be

effectively continuous strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. The shuttering at construction joints shall be designed so as to
hold water-bars firmly in place and great care shall be taken in placing the concrete
so as to ensure that the water-bars are fully embedded.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Additives

A Additives to concrete shall not be used without the express permission of the
Architect.

B When approved additives are used for improving the properties of the concrete, the
quantity of the compound to be used, and the reduction in quantities of the
ingredients in the concrete shall be as specified by the manufacturer or as directed
by Architect.

Transporting concrete

C Concrete shall be conveyed from the place of mixing to the place of final deposit as
rapidly as practicable by approved methods which shall prevent segregation or loss
or of ingredients. It shall be placed in its final position before initial set has
commenced.

Placing of concrete

D No concrete shall be placed until the disposition of the steel reinforcement has been
checked and approved by the Architect.

E Concrete shall be placed in its final position as soon as possible after mixing and in
such a manner as to avoid segregation of the concrete and displacement of the
reinforcement or formwork. Placing shall be continuous between specified or
approved construction joints.

F Suspended runways for the workmen placing and vibrating the concrete shall be
provided wherever possible and so constructed to avoid damaging and displacing
the reinforcement. Steel fixers shall be constantly in attendance while concreting is
in progress to maintain the reinforcement in correct position.

G Mass concrete shall be deposited in layers from 225mm to 300mm thick and shall
follow each other as quickly as possible to prevent any distinct joint between them.

H Concrete shall not be dropped from a height exceeding 2.00m or such height as may
cause segregation.

I The Main Contractor shall obtain the Architect's prior approval should placing of
concrete by pumping be proposed.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Concrete placed on rock

A Rock surfaces upon which concrete is to be placed shall be free from oil, mud,
pieces of wood and foreign matter of any kind. Loose, shattered and unsound rock
fragments shall be removed. The surface shall be inspected and approved by the
Architect before concrete is placed. Before concreting, and where directed by the
Architect, sections of the rock shall be cut out and galvanized steel tubes shall be
placed in position and the ends concreted into the rock, in order to lead out water
seeping through the rock.

Compaction of concrete

B Concrete shall be thoroughly compacted by means of mechanical vibration during

the operation of placing, and carefully worked around the reinforcement and
embedded fixtures (if any) and into corners of the formwork without disturbing them.
The frequency of vibration shall be as high as possible and in no case less than
5,000 cycles per minute.

C The Main Contractor shall supply sufficient vibrators of each type to ensure that
vibration is carried out efficiently without delay, and without breaks in continuity
throughout the operation of concrete placing. Hand compaction shall not be allowed
without the prior approval of the Architect.

D In general, vibration shall be continued until the concrete mass becomes plastic,
mortar begins to come to the surface and air bubbles cease to appear. Over-
vibration, causing segregation, surface laitance or leakage through formwork, shall
be avoided.

E Concrete shall be placed in layers not exceeding 500mm thick until vibration of each
layer is completed. Care must be taken to ensure that successive layers are well
worked together.

F Immersion vibrators shall be fully inserted into the concrete at points of application
not exceeding 500mm apart and shall be withdrawn slowly to prevent the formation
of voids. Immersion vibrators shall not be permitted to come into contact with
formwork, reinforcement, or other embedded fixtures.

G All horizontal surfaces of floor slabs shall be finally compacted by the use of surface
vibrators. Arrangement must be made in such a way that thorough and uniform
compaction is achieved.

H External vibrator of the clamp-on type shall not be used without prior approval and
direction of the Architect.

I Vibration shall not be used as means of distributing heaped concrete into position.

J After being placed and compacted, the concrete must be left absolutely undisturbed
while setting.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Revibration

A Where for any reason, concreting cannot be carried out without interruption, and at
meal times, care shall be taken that vibration of new concrete, in contact with that
vibrated before the break, is done within two hours of the stoppage. If this cannot be
arranged, the old concrete must be left to harden undisturbed for not less than 2
days before the new concrete is poured, and the joint treated as a normal
construction joint, as specified.

Construction joints

B Concreting shall be carried out continuously up to construction joints, the position

and arrangement of which shall be submitted by the Contractor for the approval by
the Architect prior to the commencement of concreting works.

C Where practicable, construction joints shall be either vertical or horizontal; vertical

joints shall be formed against a rigid stop board and rebated; horizontal joints shall
be level and formed with a suitable key, if required.

D Wherever possible, the position of construction joints shall be settled before

concreting begins. As a general rule joints in columns are to be made as near as
possible to the underside of the deepest beam. Joints in beams and slabs shall be
made at the middle of the span. Vertical joints in walls shall be kept to a minimum.

E Before placing new concrete, the surface of the old concrete shall be thoroughly
roughed and cleaned; in the case of horizontal surfaces, any laitance or scum on the
surface shall be removed by spraying the surface with water and brushing to expose
the coarse aggregate.

F Immediately before concreting is resumed, the roughened joint surface shall be

thoroughly cleaned and loose matter removed, preferably without re-wetting, and
then treated with a thin layer of cement grout of the same water cement ratio as the
concrete to be placed, worked well into the surface and followed by a 10mm thick
layer of freshly mixed cement/sand mortar of similar richness and consistency to that
in the concrete mixture.

G In self-finished concrete work, vertical and horizontal construction joints shall be

avoided wherever possible.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Junction of different concretes in monolithic work

A The change from one grade of concrete to another will generally be made at a
construction joint. Where the drawings require different grades of concrete to be
cast together without construction joints the higher strength concrete shall be placed
first. The lower strength concrete shall be placed before the high strength concrete
has set and the two shall be well vibrated together.

B The high strength concrete shall extend at least 300mm or such distance as shown
on the drawings beyond the junction of the two members, towards the area of lower
strength concrete.

C Where a different concrete mix is required for facing work it shall be separated
during placing by means of temporary shutter which shall be gradually withdrawn
during the vibration of the concrete.

Curing and protection of concrete

D Concrete shall be protected during the first stage of hardening from the harmful
effects of sunshine, drying winds, rain or running water, and from mechanical injury
or premature drying out.

E All exposed concrete surfaces shall be kept constantly wet for four days by spraying
or watering or by other approved means as soon as practicable after placing.

Hot weather concreting

F In hot weather, concreting shall be carried out as quickly as possible and exposed
surfaces and shuttering shall be covered and kept moist by approved means
immediately after placing so as to control evaporation. The Main Contractor shall be
responsible for reinstating any concrete affected by cracking.

Inspection before concreting

G The prepared bed, formwork and reinforcement must in all cases be inspected and
approved by the Architect before any concrete is laid.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Steel reinforcement

A All steel reinforcement shall comply with the requirements of BS4449 and CS2:2012
and the current Authorized Persons and Registered Structural Engineers, Practice
Note no. 122 issued by the Buildings Authority, and be free from loose scale, rust, oil
or dirt.

B The Main Contractor shall obtain approval from the Architect of the source of the
reinforcement before any order is placed.

C In the event of the source being approved, the Main Contractor shall make
arrangements to the satisfaction of the Architect to ensure that all steel delivered to
the site shall come from this source only, and shall in no way be mixed with steel
coming from any unapproved source.

D No change in source of supply of steel reinforcement will be allowed unless with the
written approval of the Architect.

E The Main Contractor shall submit to an approved testing authority for testing, the
number of specimens as chosen by the Architect as required under the aforesaid
Practice Note of each diameter of mild steel and high tensile steel, for tensile
strength, yield stress, mass, percentage of elongation and cold bend in accordance
with BS4449:1997. Before any steel is delivered to site, the Main Contractor shall
submit to the Architect in duplicate the test results of the above samples, certificate
of origin of the proposed mild steel, certificate of origin of the proposed high tensile
steel, chemical composition of the proposed mild and high tensile steel bars and a
guarantee from the manufacturer that all high tensile steel will have the minimum
yield strength required.

F The Main Contractor shall provide test specimens not less than 600mm long for
each diameter of bar selected at random by the Architect, from each consignment of
steel delivered to site. The test specimens shall be tested at an approved testing
authority at the Main Contractor's expense.

G Approval given by the Architect to any source of steel, or to any consignment of steel
under the above conditions, does not in any way relieve the Main Contractor from his
contractual liability to supply materials which comply with the Specification. Any
materials which are, in the opinion of the Architect, unsatisfactory or do not comply
with the requirements of BS4449 and the aforesaid Practice Notes, will be rejected.
Any batch of unsatisfactory material will be rejected, and shall be removed from the
site.

H Cold twisted steel bars shall comply with BS4461.

I Steel fabric reinforcement shall comply with the requirements of BS4483.

J Reinforcement bars shall be stored with each size of rods in a separate lot and in
such a manner as to avoid contamination by dirt and mud and to avoid rusting.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Bending and fixing of reinforcement

A The steel reinforcement shall be accurately bent to the specified dimensions and
rigidly fixed in the correct position as shown on the Drawings.

B Bending dimensions shall be in accordance with BS4466.

C Reinforcement shall not be bent or straightened in a way that will injure the material
and all bending shall be done cold.

D High tensile steel rod reinforcement shall not be straightened or re-bent once having
been bent. Where it is necessary to bend mild steel rod reinforcement projected
from cast concrete, the internal radius of bend shall be not less than twice the
diameter of the rod.

E Where necessary the Main Contractor shall clean the bars of all loose rust, loose
scale, etc by wire brushing and to remove oil and grease, or other harmful matter
likely to destroy the bonding between the concrete and reinforcement bars, before
placing the concrete.

F All bars or links shall be securely tied together with soft annealed iron wire at
sufficient intersections to prevent displacement during the course of concreting.

G Small precast concrete blocks of a quality similar to that of the concrete, or

proprietary spacers of a type approved by the Architect, shall be used on the bottom
and sides of forms to ensure the specified cover to the reinforcement. Special care
shall be taken to ensure the correct level of top bars in cantilevers, and over
supports or beams.

H Metal chairs or other approved types of support shall be used to maintain the
position of reinforcement, free from displacement when concrete is placed and
compacted.

I Unless otherwise specified or shown on the drawings, reinforcement shall have the
following minimum cover of concrete:

For main bars in substructure including columns and beams below ground - not less
than 65mm.

For main bars in columns not less than 40mm.

For main bars in beams and walls - not less than 25mm nor less than the diameter of
such bars.

For main bars in slabs and staircases - not less than 20mm nor less than the
diameter of such bars.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Welding reinforcement

A The Architect's approval must first be obtained before welding reinforcement. When
welding is permitted care shall be taken to prevent fires and suitable fire
extinguishers shall be provided close to each working point. Where there is a risk of
sparks or hot weld metal falling on flammable material below, a man with a portable
fire extinguisher shall be on watch at the lower level.

B Only skilled welders shall be employed on the work. For all welds other than tack
welds, full details of the welding procedure (including type of electrode and the
preparation of the joint) shall be submitted for the Architect's approval.

Use of mechanical couplers/splices

C Where the use of mechanical couplers/splices is required or approved the ends of

the bars shall be accurately cut at 90 to the axis of the bar within a tolerance of 2 by
means of a power operated hacksaw or a cutting wheel. A suitable bench clamp or
jig shall be used to hold the bar securely while it is being cut.

D All burrs and foreign matters shall be removed from the bearing surfaces and when
the bars are butted together one bar shall be turned as necessary to reduce the
angle between the bearing surfaces to 3 or less. The collar shall then be held in
position and the wedge tightened with a 2kg hammer.

E The position of splices shall be as shown on the drawings. The splices shall be
staggered so that not more than half the bars are coupled at any location and the
distance between staggered splices shall be not less than 30 times the diameter of
the bars.

F A sample of each type of mechanical coupler shall be submitted to the Architect for
testing and approval prior to the use of any coupler in the works.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Formwork

A The contractor shall be responsible for the design, stability, supply, fixing and
alignment of all formwork and supports.

B All formwork shall be so constructed as to be of sufficient strength to carry the

working loads and the weight of the wet concrete, having due regard to incidental
loading and vibration of concrete; and to remain rigidly strutted, braced and stiffened
during the placing of concrete without bulging or undue deflection.

C Forms shall be sufficiently watertight to prevent loss of cement grout and fine
materials from the concrete during placing and consolidation.

D All rubbish, particularly chippings, sawdust and dirt shall be removed from the interior
of the forms before the concrete is placed and the formwork in contact with the
concrete shall be cleaned and thoroughly wetted or treated with an approved
composition which shall be kept out of contact with the reinforcement.

E All formwork shall be set accurately to line, level and plumb including any camber
which may be specified on the drawing or as directed by the Architect. In general
slabs shall be laid with an upward camber of 10mm in spans of 3.50m.

F Wall formwork shall be left open at not more than 1.20m lifts, and each lift concreted
and vibrated before the next lift is poured. Formwork must be watertight and well
braced against bulging and leakage. The studs and wailings shall be spaced at
about 600mm centres.

G Before concrete is placed, all inserts, conduit and miscellaneous items shall be
carefully set in correct positions; and no holes shall be made in concrete for later
insertion of pipes or other fittings without the approval of the Architect.

H All formwork shall be inspected and approved by the Architect before concrete is
placed.

I Where fair-faced concrete is required, the formworks shall also comply with the
requirements of Architectural Concretor section.

J All stop end formwork at day work joints shall be fixed prior to commencement of
concrete placing.

K All formwork shall be supported on ground of adequate capacity or on completed

building works of adequate strength to bear such loading arise in the formwork
without causing undue damage to the previously completed building works.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Removal of formwork

A Formwork shall be kept in position, fully supported, until the concrete has hardened
and gained sufficient strength to carry itself, and any loads likely to be imposed upon
it, with safety.

B All forms shall be removed without such shock or vibration as would damage the
concrete. Before the soffit and struts are removed, the concrete shall be exposed
where necessary by removal of the side forms in order to ensure that it has
sufficiently hardened.

C For ordinary reinforced concrete no formwork shall be removed or eased within the
periods given in table 10 of Building (Construction) Regulations 1990 Edition, Hong
Kong.

D In cold weather or for large span construction the above specified time shall be
appropriately increased as instructed by the Architect.

E The Main Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by premature or
careless removal of formwork.

F No metal part of any device for securing formwork shall be allowed to remain within
the specified concrete cover.

G After removal of formwork, fins of concrete shall be rubbed off and blowholes and
form-tie holes filled with mortar.

Steel formwork

H The use of steel formwork is allowed subject to prior written approval from the
Architect; should approval be given, the steel sheets are to be of heavy gauge,
properly braced to the satisfaction of the Architect and free from oil or dirt. Lapping
of steel sheets will not be allowed.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Plywood Formwork

A Plywood formwork in the form of sheeting shall be waterproof and of adequate

thickness for the purpose bonded with 'marine' type phenolic resin. All walls and
settings shall be formed with plywood forms.

Wrot formwork

B Where self-finished concrete is to be formed by wrot formwork, the formwork shall

be constructed of or lined with wrot timber or other approved material. All joints shall
be tightly butted to prevent leakage of grout. Form markings where inevitable shall
be controlled and in regular pattern.

Ties for formwork

C All form ties shall be to the Architect's approval.

D Position of such ties passing through the formwork shall be to the Architect's
approval.

E Any holes left after removal of ties shall be filled with concrete or mortar of approved
composition.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Main Contractor's plant attached to buildings

A Where the Main Contractor proposes to use climbing tower cranes, or any type of
plant which places any load on the reinforced concrete structure, he must furnish full
details of such plant to the Architect for approval before the work is actually
commenced. Loads from such plant or equipment shall only be imposed on such
completed storeys of the structure where the concrete has already attained the
minimum 28 days crushing strength. If necessary and architecturally acceptable the
structure shall be strengthened at the Main Contractor's cost in order to carry such
loads.

B The Main Contractor shall be responsible for making good to the satisfaction of the
Architect any damage to the permanent structure which may be caused by his plant.
C If the Main Contractor desires to leave any supports for his shuttering etc
permanently embedded in the concrete, he must furnish in writing exact details of his
proposals and approval must be obtained from the Architect prior to concreting.

Plain concrete ground slabs

D Plain concrete ground slabs resting on hardcore where not exceeding 30m shall be
laid in alternate bays not exceeding 10m ; where laid in areas over 30m the
concrete shall be laid in bays not exceeding 30m per bay. The formwork to the
edges of the concrete shall be the full depth of the slab.

E Expansion joints, unless otherwise described shall not be provided but the edges of
adjacent bays shall be prevented from adhering by means of strips of approved
building paper faced with a bituminous mastic.

Surface bed finishings

F Surface beds shall be laid level or to falls, with additional thickness to receive walls
where required and, unless specified to be finished in situ, shall be surfaced to
receive screeds or pavings.

G Surface beds required to be finished in situ shall have one of the following finishes
using additional cement for surfacing if required:

a) Tamped finish - after compaction to finished levels, the concrete shall be

lightly tamped with a light beam having a 20mm wide foot to give regular,
parallel and equally spaced shallow markings.

b) Trowelled finish - after compaction to finished levels, the concrete shall be

wood floated and lightly steel trowelled to a smooth face and lightly dragged
with a soft broom in parallel strokes at right angles to the length of the work.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.

 Concrete to receive pavings

A Where concrete is shown or specified to be finished with cement and sand or

granolithic pavings, the finish, where practicable, shall be laid on the concrete whilst
the latter is still "green".

B Where, in the opinion of the Architect, the finish cannot immediately follow on the
concrete, the latter shall be thoroughly cleaned, well wetted and washed over with
cement grout before the finishing material is laid.

Partially set concrete or mortar

C No re-mixing of set or partially set concrete, mortar or grout shall be permitted and
any concrete, mortar or grout that may be condemned by the Architect for any
reason shall be immediately removed.

Defective work

D Any defective concrete work shall be cut out and made good at the Main
Contractor's expense as directed by the Architect.

Sleeves, conduits, etc in structure

E The Main Contractor shall set and install sleeves, conduits, etc in the structure for
drain pipes or other services. Where required, sleeves, conduits, etc shall be set
and installed by specialist contractors approved by the Architect and at the Main
Contractor's cost.

Technical Specification for Concretor C M Wong & Associates LTD.