Dimensional
Tolerance
Specification
The ICH perspective on tolerances for reinforced concrete construction
By Cristian Masana
A lmost everyone can agree that there will be deviations
between the actual dimensions and locations of
concrete elements in a structure and the dimensions
and locations indicated on the project drawings. The
disagreements begin when limits on the acceptable
amount of those deviations are established. The primary
means by which these disagreements can be avoided is
to clearly specify tolerances that can be met using
reasonable care and construction methods and still meet
the owner’s serviceability and aesthetic requirements.
By gathering data on jobs under construction, reviewing
desired tolerances from a survey by the Architect Bureau
Guild, consulting literature on acceptable tolerances, and
using their own judgment, the Instituto del Cemento y
del Hormigón de Chile (ICH) Committee on Technical
Specifications for Contracts has developed ET 004-06,
“Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements.”1
This specification provides a consistent set of tolerances
for six different surface finish grades defined in the
document. Before entering into a construction contract,
contractors should inform the owner if, in their judgment,
the tolerances can be met given the urgency of the
project, the specified materials, and any other specific
requirements. Most importantly, contractors should
inform the owner if they believe the budget is not adequate
to achieve the quality the owner expects.
Surface finish grades and tolerances
The specification separates concrete finishes into six
different grades. Four grades are for general concrete
construction, while the other two are specifically for
slabs. The grades are defined in the specification as:
■ G1: Architectural or exposed concrete—concrete
elements whose surface texture or finish will be
permanently exposed to view without further treatment;
■ G2: Concrete for coating and painting—concrete
elements whose surfaces will be provided with a
rubbed finish or painted;
■ G3: Exposed concrete for public works—concrete
elements whose surface finish is not altered and whose
geometrical finish requirements are not as restrictive
as those of G1;
■ G4: Raw concrete—concrete elements whose surfaces
will be plastered or covered with another finish
different from those considered in G2;
■ G5: Concrete for floors—the upper surface of a slab-on-
ground or suspended slab that will be covered with
carpet, wood, tile, or other material or will be exposed
after polishing; and
An English translation of ICH Technical Specification
ET 004-06 is available with the online version of
this article at www.concreteinternational.com
Concrete international / june 2009 33
■ G6: Concrete for floors—the upper Table 1:
surface of a slab-on-ground or Flatness tolerances for vertical surfaces
suspended slab that will not be Surface L ≤ 1.5 m L≤3m L≤6m L>6m
covered or polished. finish (L ≤ 4.9 ft),* (L ≤ 9.8 ft),* (L ≤ 19.7 ft),* (L > 19.7 ft),*
Different grades may be specified grade mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
for different elements of the same
structure, but they must be clearly G1 4 (0.16) 6 (0.24) 10 (0.40) 25 (1.00)
indicated in the contract documents. G2 5 (0.20) 7 (0.28) 12 (0.48) 30 (1.20)
G5 and G6 may be used for horizontal
or inclined surfaces, such as ramps, G3 7 (0.28) 12 (0.48) 18 (0.72) 30 (1.20)
but they are not applicable to G4 8 (0.32) 15 (0.60) 20 (0.80) 30 (1.20)
industrial floors specified as flat floors.
* Length L is the distance between points where measurements are taken to determine
The specified tolerances for the
compliance with the specified tolerance.
various grades of concrete finish are
given in Tables 1 to 5. As shown in Table 2:
the tables, the tolerances vary Flatness tolerances for soffit surfaces before support removal
depending on the length L, which is Surface L ≤ 1.5 m L≤3m L≤6m L>6m
the distance between points where finish (L ≤ 4.9 ft),* (L ≤ 9.8 ft),* (L ≤ 19.7 ft),* (L > 19.7 ft),*
measurements are taken to determine grade mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
compliance with the specified
tolerance. These points are usually G1 4 (0.16) 6 (0.24) 10 (0.40) 15 (0.60)
chosen arbitrarily and may be on any G2 5 (0.20) 8 (0.32) 12 (0.48) 18 (0.72)
segment and in any direction along
the plane of the evaluated surface. G3 6 (0.24) 10 (0.40) 15 (0.60) 20 (0.80)
Choosing short lengths for local G4 8 (0.32) 14 (0.56) 20 (0.80) 25 (1.00)
deformations and long lengths for * Length L is the distance between points where measurements are taken to determine
long-wave deformations is suggested. compliance with the specified tolerance.
Predetermined cases with specific
tolerance requirements may exist, Table 3:
such as aisles according to the Flatness tolerances for soffit surfaces after support removal
Chilean General Building Code, and Surface L ≤ 1.5 m L≤3m L≤6m L>6m
other tolerances may be specified to finish (L ≤ 4.9 ft),* (L ≤ 9.8 ft),* (L ≤ 19.7 ft),* (L > 19.7 ft),*
ensure compatibility with adjoining grade mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
elements or other construction.
G1 6 (0.24) 10 (0.40) 15 (0.60) 20 (0.80)
measurement G2 7 (0.28) 12 (0.48) 18 (0.72) 22 (0.88)
The owner or contractor may
G3 8 (0.32) 14 (0.56) 20 (0.80) 25 (1.00)
measure elements where necessary,
preferably by locating areas of G4 9 (0.36) 17 (0.68) 25 (1.00) 30 (1.20)
concern by first performing a visual * Length L is the distance between points where measurements are taken to determine
inspection. The measurements can compliance with the specified tolerance.
be made using any tool or equipment
with ±1 mm (±0.04 in.) accuracy, and Table 4:
the values are rounded to the nearest Other tolerances
1 mm (0.04 in.). The measurements Surface Variation from Door and window Rough seams on faces
are made with respect to an auxiliary finish project axes, openings, of elements,
plane parallel to the axis of the grade mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
outlined element. G1 5 (0.20)* 5 (0.20)* 3 (0.12)
With one exception, tolerances are
measured on concrete elements after G2 6 (0.24) 5 (0.20) 5 (0.20)
the forms are stripped and before G3 10 (0.40) 5 (0.20) 5 (0.20)
any supports are removed. That is,
the tolerances consider only formwork G4 15 (0.60) 10 (0.40) 8 (0.32)
system offsets or deformations—no * Other tolerances may be specified in the general building code or project documents.

34 june 2009 / Concrete international

Table 5:
Floor flatness tolerances for suspended slabs and slabs-on-ground
L ≤ 1.5 m L≤3m
Surface (L ≤ 4.9 ft),* (L ≤ 9.8 ft),*
finish grade mm (in.) mm (in.)
G5 3 (0.12) 5 (0.20)
G6 4 (0.16) 7 (0.28)
* Length L is the distance between points where measurements are taken to determine compliance with the specified tolerance.
structural deformations or strains are considered.
Tolerances for vertical elements must be measured
within 24 hours after removal of the formwork. For
horizontal or inclined elements, tolerances are measured
before removing the shoring system.
The exception to measuring tolerances before any
shoring or supports are removed is the tolerances for
soffit surfaces shown in Table 3. These are checked after
formwork and shoring removal and therefore must
include elastic deformations that are calculated and
communicated by the structural engineer.
These tolerances are to be checked at least 30 days
after support removal but before finishes are applied.
Measurements after shoring removal must consider elastic
deformations determined by the structural engineer.
Noncompliance
Corrections and sanctions, for the cases when construction
does not comply with the tolerances for the surface finish
grade specified, should be indicated in the contract
documents. These should also establish whether the
owner is willing to accept surface repairs to meet tolerances
and sanction the eventual rejection of the repair. Repair
procedures to be used should be compatible with the
structural and aesthetic requirements assigned to the
element, and the owner or the owner’s representative
may accept or reject a repair procedure proposed by the
contractor.
In general, repairs are not accepted on G1 (architectural
or exposed) surfaces. The only repair to these surfaces
allowed is the trimming of raw seams of formwork joints
without marking the concrete surface, unless the owner
specifies otherwise. When deviations greater than those
specified are found in elements specified as G1, the
owner may order demolition of the element.
Repairs on G3 and G5 surfaces are acceptable if they
are compatible with the structural and aesthetic
requirements of the element. For G2, G4, G5, and G6,
surface defects may be trimmed or filled to meet the
specified tolerance, but the minimum cover thickness
must be maintained.
L≤6m L>6m Rough seams on
(L ≤ 19.7 ft),* (L > 19.7 ft),* same plane,
mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
7 (0.28) 10 (0.40) 2 (0.08)
10 (0.40) 15 (0.60) 3 (0.12)
Use
The tolerance specification has been used on several
projects because it provides defined finish tolerances and
avoids conflicts when the project is handed over to the
owner. Its continued use is expected to help clarify the
cost of specific tolerance requirements for projects and
provide budget information for various quality levels.
References
1. Especificacion Técnica ET 004-06, “Tolerancias Dimensionales
de Elementos de Hormigón Armado,” Instituto del Cemento y del
Hormigón de Chile, Santiago, Chile, Mar. 2006, 7 pp. (in Spanish)
Selected for reader interest by the editors.
This is the last of a series of articles giving the
Chilean perspective on various concrete construction
issues. Previous articles include:
■ Covarrubias, J.P., “Specification for Concrete
Cracking,” V. 29, No. 9, Sept. 2007, pp. 50-54;
■ Masana, C., “Concrete Dumping Height Specifications,”
V. 30, No. 2, Feb. 2008, pp. 40-42; and
■ Masana, C., “Formwork Removal Specifications,”
V. 30, No. 6, June 2008, pp. 38-40.
Cristian Masana is a Civil Engineer at ICH
working as the Technical Secretary of the
Performance Based Specification Committee
and as Chief of the Pavement Division. His
research interests include design and
construction specifications, time-dependent
behavior of concrete, cracking, and
durability of concrete structures.
Concrete international / june 2009 35
 COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONTRACTS

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ET 004-06:
DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES IN
REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS

INSTITUTO DEL CEMENTO Y DEL HORMIGÓN DE CHILE

San Pío X No 2455 Providencia • Fono: (56-2) 232 6777 • Fax: (56-2) 233 9765 • Santiago Chile • E-mail: ichmail@ich.cl
www.ich.cl
 COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONTRACTS

COMMITTEE SCOPE

The Committee gathers professionals related to the construction area who have shared
their experience and knowledge to prepare this Technical Specification (ET) based on
concrete behavior and aimed at reducing eventual disputes on construction sites.

Representatives of the companies in the Committee:

Company Representative Company Representative

AICE 3 Mr. Fernando Yañez DRS 1 Mrs. Ana María Butrón
AOA 1 Mr. Luis Izquierdo Icafal 2 Mr. Raúl Salas
ARA 3 Mr. Mario Muñoz Metro S.A. 1 Mr. Carlos Mercado
Bechtel 1-3 Mr. Bernhard Paul Minmetal 1-3 Mr. Fernando Durán
Besalco 2 Mr. Manuel Macaya Minvu 1 Mr. Camilo Sánchez
Brotec 2 Mr. Leonardo Vildósola MOP 1 Mr. Rogelio Navarrete
Constructora BI 2 Mr. Luis H. Bravo PUC 4 Mr. Carlos Videla
Cade Idepe 1-3 Mr. Eric Woolvett Salfacorp 2 Mr. Carlos Fernández
Codelco Chile 1 Mr. Felipe Urrutia Sigdo Koppers 2 Mr. Oscar Guarda
Cruz y Dávila 1 Mr. Jorge Bravo Tecsa 2 Mr. Alejandro Albertz
DLP 2 Mr. Javier Darraidou Vial y Vives 2 Mr. Manuel José Navarro

Members of the Formwork and Dimensional Tolerances Committee:

Renato Vargas ICH Technical Secretary (rvargas@ich.cl)

Jorge Montegu Committee Advisor
NAME INSTITUTION NAME INSTITUTION
Luis Izquierdo AOA 1 Juan Horstman Moldajes Peri 5
Arturo Holmgren Cementos Polpaico 5 Jorge Ignacio Prieto Moldajes Peri 5
Yuri Tomicic Cementos Polpaico 5 Rodrigo Núñez Moldajes RMD 4
Javier Darraidou DLP 2 René Guerra Resmat - Dictuc 5
Cristian Masana ICH Oscar Guarda Sigdo Koppers 2
Federico Delfín Idiem U.de Chile 4 Hugo Barrera Usach 4
Oscar Flores Inarco 2 Rodrigo Mujica VMB Ingenieros Estructurales 3
Gabriel Muñoz Moldajes Peri 5

1.- Owner or his representative (Concrete Construction Inspector & Architects)

2.- Contractor
3.- Designer
4.- University
5.- Industrialist
 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

ET 004-06: Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

CONTENTS COMMENTS
I. GENERAL

I.1. Objective: The aim of this Technical

Specification (ET) is to set dimensional tolerances C.I.1.a) Deviations from values and lines
for reinforced concrete elements in order to indicated in drawings are accepted in
include them in the construction contract. construction, but limits to those deviations
should be established.

C.I.1.b) Contractor should inform the owner in

advance (before submitting a construction
contract) that, in his judgment, such tolerances
are impossible to obtain.
I.2. Terminology: The following terms are used
in this ET:
I.2.1. Finishing Grades: different types of concrete C.I.2.1 Normal qualities required in actual jobs.
surface finishing and associated permissible
dimensional tolerances.
I.2.2 Architectural or exposed concrete, Grade 1:
concrete elements, whose surface texture or
finishing will be permanently exposed to view,
without further treatment.
I.2.3. Concrete for coating and painting, Grade 2:
concrete elements that shall be provided with a
rubbed finish or painted as finishing.
I.2.4. Exposed concrete for public works, Grade 3:
concrete elements whose surface finishing is not
changed in form and whose geometrical finishing
requirements are lower than those of Grade 1 (for
architectural or exposed concrete).
I.2.5. Raw concrete, Grade 4: concrete elements
whose surfaces shall be plastered or shall be
covered with other finishing, different from those
considered in Grade 2.
I.2.6 Concrete for floors, Grade 5: the upper part C.I.2.6.a. Surfaces may be horizontal or inclined
of a slab-on-ground or concrete floor that will be (ramps).
covered with carpeting, wood, tiles or other
material, or will be exposed once polished. C.I.2.6.b. The polished finishing may be manual
or mechanical according to the project
specifications.

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 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

I.2.7. Concrete for floors, Grade 6: the upper part

of a slab-on-ground or concrete floor without
recovering or polishing.
I.2.8. Permissible deviation: the allowable C.I.2.8. Permissible deviations shall depend on
difference between a particular value and the the Grade previously chosen by the owner.
reference value. Deviations may be positive (+) or
negative (–). In this document deviations are
considered symmetrical. Under special
conditions, deviations may be asymmetrical.
I.2.9. Tolerance: the absolute value of sum of
permissible deviations.
I.2.10. Flatness: the difference of distances
between a reference theoretical plane (vertical,
horizontal or inclined) and the actual surface of
the element. Verticality: Flatness of a vertical
element. Horizontality: Flatness of a horizontal
element.
I.2.11. Rough seams: clots or scales left on the
element surface at the joints of formwork plates,
between wall sections, or arising during the
surface finishing of slabs or concrete floors. In all
cases, these are measured on a direction
perpendicular to a theoretical surface parallel to
the element’s face.

I.3. Scope
I.3.1. Dimensional tolerance values defined in this C.I.3.1. Finishing Grades have been set for
ET were set considering the maximum permissible construction procedures consistent with actual
limits. finishing techniques.

I.3.2. Maximum permissible values are measured

on stripped concrete elements without recovering,
and considering only formwork system
deformations. No structural deformations or
strains are considered.

II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

II.1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR

DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES

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 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

II.1.1 Maximum permissible deviations shall be
established by the project engineer according to
the Grade chosen and must be clearly specified in
the project’s documents.
C.II.1.1.a) There are six Grades for the maximum
permissible tolerances.
C.II.1.1.b) The owner may choose a different
Grade, even though this may not agree with any
type described in this ET.
Example: Concrete for public works may be
specified as Grade 1.

C.II.1.1.c) Required Grades may be different for

different elements of the same construction, if so
indicated.

II.1.2. Deviation of vertical elements shall be

measured 24 hours after formwork removal.

II.1.3. For horizontal or inclined elements,
deviations will be those measured before removing
the bracing system. Measurements after bracing
removal must consider elastic deviations designed
by the structural engineer.
C.II.1.3. This instruction does not exempt the
contractor from complying with the specified
formwork removal conditions.

II.1.4. The following tables show the maximum C.II.1.4. Tables were constructed according to
permissible dimensional tolerances for different document DTE TM3.
finishing grades of reinforced concrete:

II.1.5. MAXIMUM VALUES OF

DEFORMATION ON SURFACE FINISHING C.II.1.5.i. These dimensional tolerances are
established for typical cases. Special cases using
a) FLATNESS ON VERTICAL different requirements must be specified by the
SURFACES owner. These requirements must be clearly
Height L≤ 1.5 m L≤ 3 m L≤ 6 m L> 6 m written in the project drawings and technical
Grade Max., Max., Max., Max., specifications.
mm mm mm mm
± ± ± ±
C.II.1.5.ii. Terminology used to define Grades is:
G1 4 6 10 25
G2 5 7 12 30
G3 7 12 18 30
G1 = Grade 1: Architectural or exposed concrete.
G4 8 15 20 30 G2 = Grade 2: Concrete for coating and painting.
G3 = Grade 3: Exposed concrete for public works.
G4 = Grade 4: Raw concrete.
G5 = Grade 5: Concrete for floors which will be
recovered or polished.
G6 = Grade 6: Concrete for floors, without
recovering or polishing.

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 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

b) FLATNESS ON HORIZONTAL
SURFACES (ceilings) OF C.II.1.5.iii L is the total or partial reference length,
FORMWORK AFTER CASTING arbitrarily chosen, on any section or direction of
Length L≤ 1.5 m L≤ 3 m L≤ 6 m L> 6 m the plane. It is suggested choosing short lengths
Grade Max., Max., Max., Max., for local deformations, and long lengths for long-
mm mm mm mm
wave deformations.
± ± ± ±
G1 4 6 10 15
G2 5 8 12 18
G3 6 10 15 20
G4 8 14 20 25

c) FLATNESS ON HORIZONTAL C.II.1.5.c) Table II.1.5.c refers to deformation

SURFACES (ceilings) AFTER during construction, including element
FORMWORK REMOVAL deformation, without overloads, measured at the
Length L≤ 1.5 m L≤ 3 m L≤ 6 m L> 6 m raw construction stage and at least 30 days after
Grade Max., Max., Max., Max., formwork removal.
mm mm mm mm
± ± ± ±
G1 6 10 15 20
G2 7 12 18 22
G3 8 14 20 25
G4 9 17 25 30

d) OTHER DEVIATIONS C.II.1.5.d).i. Predetermined cases with specific

Variations from door and Rough requirements may exist. Ex.: aisles according to
the project axes window seams on the Chilean General Building Code.
openings element’s
face C.II.1.5.d).ii. Consider the option “measurement
Grade Max., mm Max., mm Max., mm agreement.” This maximum deviation refers to
± ± ±
that specified in the project drawings. If fitting
G1 5(1) 5(2) 3
elements or different construction systems are
G2 6 5 5
used, other tolerances may be specified.
G3 10 5 5
G4 15 10 8

C.II.1.5.e) Grade 5 (G5) and Grade 6 (G6) may be

e) Floors
Rough used for horizontal or inclined surfaces (ramps).
L≤ 1.5 m L≤ 3 m L≤ 6 m L> 6 m seams These Grades are not applicable to industrial floors
on same specified as flat floors. See TDS 004-06.
plane
Grade Max., Max., Max., Max., Max.,
mm mm mm mm mm
± ± ± ± ±
To be recovered or polished
G5 3 5 7 10 2
Without recovering and without polishing
G6 4 7 10 15 3

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 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

II.2.CHECKING TOLERANCE STANDARDS

II.2.1. The owner or contractor may measure
elements where necessary, preferably by visual
inspection in areas where dimensional problems are
observed.
C.II.2.1. The contract or protocol between the
parties shall stipulate who will effect
measurements, which areas or job sections are to
be measured, the amount of measurements and
the time when these shall be carried out.

II.2.2. Measurements must be made using any tool C.II.2.2. Recommended tools and equipments for
or equipment with ±1 mm accuracy. these measurements are mentioned in document
TDS 004-06
II.2.3. Measurements will be rounded to the
nearest millimeter.

II.2.4 Measurements will be made with respect to C.II.2.4 Tolerances of the outlined axis are not
an auxiliary plane parallel to the outlined element covered by this technical specification. It is
axis. suggested that these tolerances be specified in a
separate chapter of the project’s specifications.

II.2.5. Maximum permissible tolerances shall be

complied with throughout the total section as well
as in any partial section.

II.3 NONCOMPLIANCE

II.3.1. In case contractor does not comply with
maximum permissible tolerances for the grade of
the specified surface, measurements, and
corrections and sanctions shall be indicated in the
contract documents.
C.II.3.1. Actions to be carried out will depend on
the type and location of the element in the
structure.

II.3.2. Noncompliance with maximum permissible C.II.3.2. Noncompliance with dimensional

tolerances, in intermediate or final batches, its tolerances does not exempt the contractor from
correction, or repairing actions, will be the his responsibility over the effects that repairs or
contractor’s responsibility. corrections may cause on the structure stability or
durability.

II.4. REPAIR OF SURFACE FINISHING

II.4.1. The contract should establish whether the

owner is willing to accept surface repairs to meet
permissible tolerances, and sanction the eventual
rejection of the repair.

II.4.2. The owner or his representative may accept

or reject a repair procedure proposed by the

5
 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

contractor.

II.4.3. Repair procedures to be used must be

compatible with the structural and aesthetic
requirements of the element.

II.4.4 General criteria for different

finishing Grades:

II.4.4.1. Finishing on architectural or exposed

concrete:
Normally repairs will not be accepted on such
surfaces. Nevertheless, if deviations are greater
than the specified tolerances for exposed concrete
Grades, repairs will be carried out as follows:

II.4.4.1.a) Grade 1: Only trimming raw seams of

formwork joints without marking the concrete
surface will be accepted, unless the owner specifies
otherwise.

II.4.4.1.b) When deviations and surface damage

greater than those specified are found in elements
specified Grade 1, the owner may order
demolishing the element.

II.4.4.1.c) Deviations greater than specified and
damage on the element surface of Grade 3 and
Grade 5 may accept minor repairs, compatible
with the structural and aesthetic requirement of
the element.
C.II.4.4.1.c) Special aesthetic requirements for
finishing grades G3 or G5 must be included in the
contract specifications.

II.4.4.2. Concrete surface finishing with C. II.4.4.2. Concrete Grade 4 and Grade 6 are not
recovering: considered exposed concrete.

If measured deviations are greater than those

specified for Grades not considered exposed
concrete, such as Grade 2, Grade 4, Grade 5 and
Grade 6, surface defects may be trimmed or filled
in order to meet the specified tolerance. This by no
means allows reducing the minimum specified
recovering thickness.

6
 ET 004-06:
Dimensional Tolerances in Reinforced Concrete Elements

III. FOLLOWING CONTRACTOR’S OWN

CASTING PROCEDURE

DOES NOT APPLY

IV. LACK OF CONTRACTOR’S OWN

CASTING PROCEDURE

DOES NOT APPLY