ASSIGNMENT -01

NAME – ATUL

REG. No – 17MST0019
REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES

ASSIGNMENT – 01
Q.1) Describe in detail about "Quality Assurance for concrete" in new construction of a
Bridge.

 Solution – Quality assurance refers collectively to all of the steps taken to ensure
adequate confidence that the concrete will perform satisfactorily in service.
 Quality Assurance is about the control of systems, and specifically it will ensure that
projects are delivered according to design, on time and within specified budget.
 The purpose of the QA Plan is therefore to clearly set out exactly what is to be done,
when it will be done, by whom, and most importantly how it will be done. It is a
User’s Manual that will help all of the staff involved in a project to deliver a
successful job.
 This Quality assurance Plan has been developed in response to requests by
Contractors field staff for clearer direction on roles and responsibilities in the
management and supervision of bridge construction projects being implemented by
contractors employed by association. The Plan has been prepared primarily for
larger structures, typically of 25m span and greater, but it is also applicable to all
structures other than simple pipe culverts.
 QUALITY ASSURANCE - The identification of roles and responsibilities of all
parties, together with procedures and systematic management to be followed that will
ensure that the Quality Control System is implemented effectively.
 What Quality Assurance achieve?

1. Standardization - of operating procedures

2. Consistency - in work practices

3. Familiarity - with responsibilities for each individual

4. Confidence - of all staff involved

5. Efficiency - in work output

6. Satisfaction - in a job done to the best of our ability

7. Pride - in a job well done and a project delivered to the best standards

8. All of which are vital to the effective QUALITY OF WORKS

 Factors affecting Quality Assurance

Many factors are involved in the production of high-quality concrete including
materials, proportioning, handling, placing, curing, and testing. Like any other
material, concrete is inherently a variable material. In general, the factors that
contribute to this variability may be grouped as follows

1|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

1. Materials: This includes variability in cement, in the grading, moisture content,

mineral and chemical composition, particle shape and texture of the aggregates; and
the admixtures used.
2. Production: Type of batch plant and equipment, method of transporting concrete,
and the procedures and workmanship used to produce and place the concrete.
3. Testing: The sampling procedure, making and curing of test specimens, and the
test procedures used.

 Schedule of Quality Assurance in construction of bridge:-

 Planning
( i ) The Contractor’s proposed measures to ensure the concrete supplied comply with
the requirements of the specification.

(ii) Details of the competent person appointed by the Contractor to review and ensure
that such requirements of the specification are met.

(iii) The contractor’s proposed procedures to establish the mix proportions prior to
production and subsequent to significant changes in materials or concrete properties.
The procedures should include detailed arrangements on how batch weights of
constituent materials are accurately calculated and properly mixed, taking into
consideration the moisture content of the fine aggregates.

(iv) The Contractor’s proposed procedures to ensure that all design mixes are
designed by a competent and suitably qualified person with adequate experience.

(v) The Contractor’s proposal to ensure that an Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) is prepared and prior approval by the Environmental Protection Department is
obtained for setting up a new concrete batching plant.

 Production
( i ) The Contractor’s proposed implementation plan for the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) recommendations.

(ii) The Contractor’s proposed measures to ensure that materials purchased be

subject to routine tests and fully comply with relevant Standards.

(iii) The Contractor’s proposed procedures to ensure that batching and mixing of
concrete be in accordance with the General Specification for Civil Engineering Works
or General Specification for Building, and their current corrigenda.

2|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 Product Quality Control

The Contractor’s proposed approach to ensure that concrete mixes be randomly
sampled and tested for workability, strength and plastic density in accordance with
Indian Standard and its subsequent clauses provided in code, and that appropriate
corrective actions are promptly taken if the measured values differ from the target
values.

 Training
The Contractor’s proposed plan to ensure that all personnel concerned with the quality
system have received adequate training appropriate to the duties they perform.

 Trial Mix
The proposed values by contractor is then ensured that full production tests are carried
out as agreed by all parties concerned.

 Review of the Quality System

The proposed programme by contractor is then ensured regular review and updating
of the quality system.

 Quality Records

The proposed arrangement by contractor is then ensured that records are frequently
updated and properly maintained and submitted to the Architect/Engineer in order to
permit traceability of raw materials, concrete, test results and corrective actions taken.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS WITH REFERENCE

 At least once every inspection cycle (24 months), a Quality Assurance Review will
be conducted at each district. Typically, this will be a three day event - one day for
an office review, one day for independent on-site field inspections, and one day to
discuss the review and findings.

 A Quality Assurance Engineer from the Bridge Division will conduct a

comprehensive office review of the District Quality Control process and
documentation. The District Quality Control process is well defined. The Quality
Assurance office review will focus on the overall completeness, legibility, and
accuracy of the Quality Control review documentation. The Engineer will also
review several bridge folders that were part of the District Quality Control to focus
on the specific quality of the folder review.

 Checklists will be reviewed to ensure the folder review is a thorough, thoughtful

review rather than a simple visual check of the folder contents. Any questions or
discrepancies in the consultant submission discovered by the District can be
reviewed and discussed at this time.

3|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 The QA office review will also determine if the folders include documentation for
appropriate action taken according to the follow-up action reports.

 The Quality Assurance Engineer also will conduct a new, independent re-
inspection of a sample of bridges as determined in advance. The review will use
new forms and identify all the elements in the bridge, the appropriate condition
states, and the NBI data. This inspection will be a collaboration between the Bridge
Division and District personnel, with on-site discussions of elements, condition
states, ratings, and any follow-up action recommendation.

 The sample of bridges should be from the sample used in the District Quality
Control re-inspection. There should be a representation of the different types of
bridges commonly found in the District, including a variety of bridge types,
complexity, span numbers, and span lengths. Also, consider bridges with critical
findings or recommended load ratings and postings, any bridges needing
rehabilitation or follow-up actions, and new structures (to check initial routine
inspections).

 Once the independent field reviews are complete, the Quality Assurance Engineer
will schedule a close out meeting with District Bridge Inspection personnel to cover
the findings and any recommendations for improvement. The District Bridge
Engineer and District Engineer are encouraged to join the meeting. Issues to be
covered include how District Quality Control inspection results compare with QA
findings and the most recent routine consultant inspections.

 The comparison will focus on appropriate assignment of elements, reasonable

consistency with element conditions, states, and the NBIS condition ratings.
Specific limits for the expected consistency between the two inspections should be
discussed. Every effort will be made to define the results quantitatively. For
example, document the number of errors per bridge inspection when compared to
the Quality Assurance review; document the number of coding errors per
submission; document the number of errors or omissions per review by the Quality
Control review process; document the number of folders missing data for load
rating or load posting calculations and using the calculation result, report is done to.

 Report making will give an idea regarding the quality control and quality of
material and numbers of errors as during the construction and maintenance of
bridge.

4|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

Q.2) Discuss about deterioration of Timber Structures.

Soln - Timber decay (rot) is caused by a biological attack within the wood by certain species
of fungi. The fungus can lie dormant in the timber for years until the right conditions present
themselves. The conditions needed are oxygen, moisture and nutrients, with moisture being
the critical component. If moisture is not present in timber, then the fungi will remain
dormant, even when oxygen and the nutrients they require are abundant.

Decay of timber at the edge

 DRY ROT – Dry rot is the term given to brown rot decay caused by certain fungi that
deteriorate timber in buildings and other wooden constructions seemingly without an
apparent source of moisture. The term is a misnomer because all wood decaying fungi
need a minimum amount of moisture before decay begins.
 The decayed wood takes on a dark or browner crumbly appearance, with cubical like
cracking or checking, that becomes brittle and can eventually crush the wood into
powder.
 The term dry rot is somewhat misleading, as both species of fungi Serpula lacrymans
and Meruliporia incrassata require an elevated moisture content to initiate an attack on
timber (28–30%). Once established, the fungi can remain active in timber with a
moisture content of more than 20%.

Dry rot

5|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 WET ROT - Wet rot is probably the commonest. If you have lived in a 1960’s house
or flat for any length of time you will be familiar with wet rot galloping around the
window frames, door frames and the fascia boards decaying, despite careful painting
and maintenance. The reason was the wrong timber was used due to shortages
following the explosion of building in that period.
 Buildings of all ages can be affected by wet rot as it is a fungus which feeds on
timber, the timber must be damp or wet for the fungus to thrive and continue the
rotting process. Take away the cause of dampness and the rot stops. This is not rocket
science but wet rot continues to occur in buildings, due mostly to lack of maintenance,
including leaking roofs, flashings, gutters, water pipes, and proper decoration.
 The use of timber with a higher resistance to rot, better design of joinery and use of
preservatives have gone a long way to reduce the problems of wet rot.

Wet rot

 RISING DAMP- Rising damp normally occurs in properties which either have not
been built with a damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has failed. The most
obvious signs of rising damp are a brown "tidemark" on the wall and the plaster
below feeling cold or damp to the touch.
 Rising damp can affect any wall in contact with the ground and therefore can affect
internal as well as external walls. It does not normally rise above about a metre in
height. A phenomenon in masonry walls affected by rising damp is efflorescence.
Water moving through a wall or other structure, or water being driven out as a result
of the heat of hydration as cement stone is being formed, brings salts to the surface
that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone.

6|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit,
that can normally be brushed off. The resulting white deposits are referred to as
"efflorescence" in this instance. Since primary efflorescence brings out salts that are
not ordinarily part of the cement stone, it is not a structural, but, rather, an aesthetic
concern.

The main causes of rising damp are:

 A damaged damp-proof course (dpc) and/or the damp proof course no longer copes
with changing conditions such as a rise in ground level.
 Inadequate sub-floor ventilation – lack of ventilation in the sub-floor results in a
build up of humidity and means only minimal evaporation from the soil and base
walls occurs.
 Sub-floor obstructions – any debris in the sub-floor can obstruct the flow of
ventilation and may contribute to dampness by bridging the damp-course.
 Poor drainage and/or damaged guttering and pipes – Water may be directed
underneath your house if you have poor drainage and built up garden beds and
sloping grounds. If storm water pipes, gutters, roofs or down pipes are damaged, this
can cause excessive leaking which can also cause dampness problems.

Rising damp

7|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

Structural Dampness Structural dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture in the

structure of a building, either the result of intrusion from outside or condensation from within
the structure. A high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused by condensation,
rain penetration or rising damp.

The main factors that contribute to dampness in a building are

 Damaged gutters
 Leaky pipes
 Leaking roofs
 Leaky shower recesses
 Poor sub-floor ventilation
 Condensation due to poor ventilation
 Breakdown of damp proof course
 Poor drainage away from building
 Faulty flushing around roof structures
 Faulty joints in windows
TIMBER PRESERVATION

 CCA TREATED PINE -Most of the timber used in pergolas and decking
substructure is CCA treated pine. CCA treated timber is pressure treated and designed
for use in outdoor areas or areas of increased moisture or insect habitation. CCA
stands for Copper (23-25%) Chrome (38-45%) and Arsenic (30-37%).
 This solution is water borne and is designed to protect timber from rotting, attacks
from fungus, termites and other wood boring insects. Within the solution Copper acts
as a guard against rotting and decay, Arsenic is used as a pesticide to ward off insects
and Chromium is used to bind these two agents together and make the treatment
insoluble, in doing so preventing the solution from leaching from the timber.
 Once treated with a CCA solution pine will have a slight greenish tinge. CCA
treatment will guard against decay and insects; however natural discolouration will
still occur if the timber is left unpainted or unstained.

CCA treated pine

8|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 TANILITH E (COPPERBASED) PRESERVATIVES- In response to increasing

environmental pressure to find preservative formulations that have reduced reliance
on non-biodegradable and heavy metal constituents, a number of copper-based
preservatives have been developed such as Tanalith E (or Copper Azole).
 These preservatives have copper as a primary active constituent as well as an organic
co-biocide such as Tebuconazole The main advantage of these products is the
elimination of arsenic and chromium which is seen as an improvement for
occupational health, environmental liability and disposal of wastes.

Tanilith e (copperbased) preservatives

 PRIMER- Primer or undercoat is a preparatory coating put on materials before
painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint
durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted. If used
on timber before use or erection (eg on the back of weatherboards) the timber will be
better protected from the effects of moisture. Tanalised Treated Pine (Blue pine)
 TANALISED TREATED PINE - is a safe organic based insecticide treatment
which protects wood against termites. It is made up of a common insecticide called
permethrin and a linseed oil blend, which makes it safe and cost effective. The timber
treated with this treatment is used for framing and roof trusses in construction. There
are two versions of this treatment, one blue in colour which is only suitable for used
in areas south of the Tropic of Capricorn and red which is suitable for all areas in
Australia. Tanilised treated timber is guaranteed for 25 years when used in accordance
with the building code and Australian Standards.

Tantalised treated pine

9|Page
 ASSIGNMENT -01

Q.3) Explain in detail about "Corrosion mechanism of Reinforcements used in

structures"

 Steel is used in concrete principally as reinforcement. Concrete ordinarily provide an

almost ideal environment for protecting steel from corrosion. Its high alkalinity causes
the formation of a thin invisible protective passive film of Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) on
the steel (thickness approx. 10000 A0 ).
 It is expected that when the embedded steel is protected from air by an adequate thick
cover of low permeability concrete, the corrosion of steel would not arise. This
expectation is not fully met in practice, as is evident from the unusually high
frequency with which the RCC & PSC structures suffer damage due to steel
corrosion.
 The magnitude of damage is especially large in structures exposed to marine
environments. The damage to concrete, resulting from corrosion of embedded steel,
manifests in the form of expansion, cracking and eventually spalling of the cover
concrete.

Process of corrosion

MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN CONCRETE DETERIORATION BY

CORROSION OF EMBEDDED STEEL

Corrosion of steel in concrete is an electrochemical process. The electrochemical potentials, to

form the corrosion cells, may be generated in two ways:

(i) Concentration cells may be formed due to differences in concentration of dissolved ions
in the vicinity of steel, such as, chlorides and oxygen.
(ii) Composition cells may be formed when two dissimilar metals are embedded in
concrete, such as steel rebars and aluminum conduit pipes, or when significant
variations exist in surface characteristics of the steel. 2.2.2 As a result, one of the two
metals (or some part of the metal when only one metal is present ) becomes anodic and
the other cathodic.

10 | P a g e
 ASSIGNMENT -01

(iii) The fundamental chemical changes occurring at the anodic and cathodic areas are as
follows: At anode surface Fe ® 2e + Fe2+ (metallic iron) At cathode surface 1/2 O2 + H2
O + 2e- ® 2(OH)- (air) (water) At anode Fe++ + 2(OH)- ® FeO. (H2O) x (rust)

Chemical reaction

DURABILITY OF CONCRETE

 The transformation of metallic iron to rust is accompanied by an increase in volume,

which depending on the state of oxidation, may be as large as 600 % of the original
metal . This volume increase is believed to be the principal cause of concrete
expansion and cracking.
 It should be noted that the anodic reaction involving ionization of metallic iron will
not progress far unless the electron flow to the cathode is maintained by consumption
of the electrons at the cathode; for this the presence of both air and water at the
surface of the cathode is absolutely necessary.
 Also, ordinary iron and steel products are covered by a thin iron oxide film which
becomes impermeable and strongly adherent to the steel surface in alkaline
environments, thus making the steel passive to corrosion, that is, metallic iron will not
be available for the anodic reaction until the passivity of steel is destroyed.
 The anode process cannot occur until the protective or the passive iron oxide film is
either removed in an acidic environment (e.g., carbonation of concrete) or made
permeable by the action of Clions. The cathode process can not occur until a
sufficient supply of oxygen and water is available at the steel surface. The electrical
resistivity of concrete is also reduced in the presence of moisture and salts.

11 | P a g e
 ASSIGNMENT -01

 Carbonation The Carbon-di-oxide gas present in the atmosphere combines with

hydrated concrete (alkaline hydroxides) and partly neutralize the alkaline nature of
concrete. This process is known as carbonation.

 Carbonation brings down the pH value of concrete from above 12-13 to less than 9.
When depth of carbonation increases and becomes equal or more than the depth of
cover of reinforcement, it breaks down passive film surrounding steel and make steel
embedded in concrete more active.

 Chloride attack Free chloride ions present in concrete, surrounding reinforcement,

react with alkaline solution at anode to form hydrochloric acid which destroys the
passive protective layer on the reinforcement steel.

 The surface of steel then becomes activated locally to form the anode, with the
passive surface forming the cathode, setting the electrolytic process. Presence of free
chloride ions in concrete depends upon total chloride contents of concrete. Chlorides
are present in concrete due to ingredients, mixing water and calcium chloride used as
accelerating admixtures etc. Chlorides enter concrete due to salt water spray in sea
shore or through atmosphere.

 In the absence of chloride ions in the solution, the protective film on steel is reported
to be stable as long as the pH of the solution stays above 11.5. Since normally
hydrated Portland cements contain alkalis approximately 20% by weight in the pore
fluid, normally there is sufficient alkalinity in the system to maintain the pH above 12.
In exceptional conditions (e.g., when concrete has high permeability and alkalis and
most of the hydroxide are either carbonated or neutralized by an acidic solution), the
pH of concrete in the vicinity of steel may be reduced to less than 11.5 , thus,
destroying the passivity of steel and setting the stage for the corrosion process.

PREVENTION

Coating materials to be coated on rebar while dipping into concrete

 De-rusting Solution
 Epoxy Coating
 Alkaline Powder
 Phosphate Jelly
 Inhibitor Solution
 Sealing Solution

…………………………………………………****…………………………………………..

12 | P a g e