PROJECT No: 1690

PROJECT TITLE:
Portland Drive

CLIENT:
Raven Housing Trust

SPECIFICATION FOR
CONCRETE
1690-SPEC-002

PRELIMINARY
P1 SH SH DD 26/04/18
TENDER ISSUE
Revision Purpose/ Description Originated Reviewed Authorised Date

1 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 GENERAL
2.1 Related British Standards
2.2 Definitions
2.3 Testing
2.4 Rectification
2.5 Information for the Engineer
2.6 Approval of the Engineer
2.7 Information for the CDM Coordinator

3 CONCRETE
3.1 Materials for Concrete
3.2 Concrete Mixes
3.3 Supply of Concrete
3.4 Concreting
3.5 Construction Tolerances

4 FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK

4.1 Design
4.2 Camber
4.3 Tie Bars
4.4 Workmanship
4.5 Erection and dismantling
4.6 Permanent formwork

5 FINISHES
5.1 Samples
5.2 Finishes to formed surfaces
5.3 Finishes to unformed surfaces
5.4 Direct Finishing
5.5 Plastic Cracking
5.6 Random Drying Shrinkage Cracking

6 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS
6.1 Details
6.2 Location
6.3 Workmanship
6.4 Crack inducers in Ground Slabs

7 REINFORCEMENT
7.1 Materials
7.2 Certification
7.3 Workmanship
7.4 Cover
7.5 Embedded items

8 DOWEL BARS
8.1 Materials
2 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
8.2 Bond-breaking
8.3 Compressible Caps
8.4 Workmanship

APPENDIX A REFERENCES

3 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
1 INTRODUCTION

This Specification covers the materials, design, workmanship and testing of concrete,
formwork and reinforcement for structural concrete work.

All concrete shall comply with the requirements and recommendations of the British
Standards and other references in Appendix A.

2 GENERAL

2.1 Related British Standards

British Standards are listed in Appendix A, together with any other references. The latest
editions shall be used, including all current amendments and additions.

All structural concrete shall comply with the requirements and recommendations of BS 8110,
BS EN 206 and BS8500 in all respects (including where relevant normative and also
informative text in EN documents).

Any differences between these requirements and this Specification shall be submitted to the
Engineer for his ruling.

2.2 Definitions

For the purpose of this Specification the definitions given in BS 8500 and BS EN 206-1 shall
apply.

2.3 Testing

The Contractor shall be responsible for all testing. Testing laboratories shall be NAMAS or
equivalent approved and commercially independent from the Contractor. Test results shall be
submitted promptly to the Engineer.

2.4 Rectification

All work which fails to comply with this Specification shall be rectified promptly by a
procedure approved by the Engineer. In particular making good of concrete shall be carried
out within 7 days of removal of the formwork. Work which cannot be rectified to the
satisfaction of the Engineer shall be broken back and reconstructed to the specified standard

2.5 Information for the Engineer

 Test results from trial mixes to prove the strength of each mix and the target slump
 The sampling and testing plan which is proposed for the concrete delivered to site
 Results of teats on the concrete delivered to site
 Drawings showing the proposed location of construction joints
 Details of proposed changes or of problems on site and proposals for rectification.

4 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
2.6 Approval of the Engineer

Wherever the Contractor is required to obtain the approval of the Engineer, this must be
requested in writing and written approval obtained before the work concerned is put in hand.

2.5 Information for the Principal Engineer

The following information shall be provided to the Principal Engineer for incorporation in the
Health and Safety File or its supporting material:
 Full details of each mix used on the project, including the materials used, the mix
design and its verification
 Results and interpretation of all testing undertaken and all certification.

3. CONCRETE

3.1 Materials for Concrete

3.1.1 Initial verification

Prior to starting work on the contract the Contractor shall verify the proposed sources of all
materials and obtain documentary evidence that the materials will comply with this
specification. Where possible constituent materials shall be obtained from suppliers who
operate effective quality systems. Change of material quality or source during the project shall
only take place once this process has been repeated. Trials shall be carried out as required The
Engineer's approval shall be obtained before new materials are used for finishes

3.1.2 Certification

Two copies of Certificates in accordance with the relevant British Standard verifying that the
materials comply with this Specification shall be obtained by the Contractor at the following
intervals:

- Aggregates - each 500m3 (but not less frequently than weekly) for each
grading and source.
- Cement - each consignment from a particular source.
- Water (other than from a statutory undertaking) - monthly.
- Admixtures, curing compounds and other materials - each consignment.

Where certificates are not available for admixtures, technical data sheets shall be obtained
instead.

3.1.3 Cement and cement combinations

3.1.3.1 General

Cement shall be Portland Cement class 42.5R or class 52.5N (rapid hardening) complying
with BS EN197-1 unless another class or cement is specified or approved by the Engineer.

High alumina cement shall not be used.

5 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
Portland limestone cement shall not be used for structural concrete.

All cement and cement combinations containing ground granulated blast furnace slag
(g.g.b.s.) or pulverised fuel ash (p.f.a.) shall be supplied by manufacturers who hold a current
BSI Certificate of Registration as a BSI Registered Firm of Assessed Capability.

The cement, cement combination, g.g.b.s. or p.f.a. shall comply with the appropriate British
Standard as shown below:
Portland Cement BS EN 197-1
Portland Blast Furnace Cement BS EN 197-4
Low Heat Portland Cement BS 1370
Pulverised Fuel Ash BS 3892 Pt. 1
Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement BS 4027
Supersulphated Cement BS 4248
Portland Pulverised Fuel Ash Cement BS EN 197-1
Pozzolanic Pulverised Fuel Ash Cement BS 6610
Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag BS 6699

3.1.3.2 Combinations of Cement with g.g.b.s. or p.f.a.

Where approved by the Engineer g.g.b.s. or p.f.a. may be combined in the concrete mixer
with Portland cement complying with BS 12 as an alternative to the use of factory
combinations. G.g.b.s. and p.f.a. shall not both be added to the same concrete mix.

If a combined cement is used to produce a sulphate resistant concrete the alumina (Al2O3)
content of the g.g.b.s. shall not exceed 14%.

Combination of cement with g.g.b.s. or p.f.a. shall be carried out under controlled conditions
and the proportions used shall be within the limits set out in British Standards and approved
by the suppliers.

No g.g.b.s., p.f.a. or cement combination including either of them shall be included in

concrete mixes containing sulphate-resisting cement to BS4027.

Supersulphated cement to BS 4248 shall not be combined with any other type of cement.

3.1.3.3 Storage

Cement purchased in bulk shall be stored in purpose built containers maintained in good
condition to the approval of the Engineer. Bag cement shall be stored in a damp-proof, well
ventilated, weather tight building. Cement shall be used in order of delivery and any
consignment of cement stored for longer than six months shall not be used in the works
unless fully tested and approved by the Engineer.

3.1.4 Aggregates

3.1.4.1 General

Aggregates shall comply with BS EN 12620 except where aggregate complying with BS 1047
or BS 13055 Part 1 is specified.

6 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
The following aggregates shall only be used where specifically approved by the Engineer.
The Contractor will be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Engineer that the
finished concrete will comply with this Specification before such approval can be given:
(a) Dolerites, whinstones (or rocks containing them) or other rocks with high
drying shrinkage (see BRE Digest 357)
(b) Aggregates containing coal or lignite particles, reactive pyrites, wastes from
metalliferous mining or other materials that could result in surface staining or
degradation or unsoundness of the concrete
(c) Aggregates containing peat or other organic matter or any material that could
retard the setting or rate of gain of strength or reduce the strength achieved.

Aggregates containing chalk, porous limestone, friable sandstone or other absorbent particles
that are susceptible to frost damage shall not be used.

Particular care shall be taken that marine aggregates are washed thoroughly to remove salts
and that consistent quality is maintained.

3.1.4.2 Carbonates

The carbonate level in the aggregates used in the concrete must be considered when selecting
the appropriate requirements for resisting the thaumasite form of sulphate attack. See BRE
Special Digest 1: Part 2.

3.1.4.3 Storage

Aggregates of each grade and type of material shall be kept separate until batched.
Segregation within each stockpile shall be prevented. Stock piles shall be protected against
frost and against contamination from soil, vegetable matter or other deleterious material. The
floors of bins shall be laid to fall to the outer edge to provide a free draining apron. Fine
aggregate shall be stockpiled for at least 8 hours before use to allow equilibrium moisture
conditions to be reached.

3.1.5 Water

Water shall be clean and free from harmful matter in such quantities as would affect the
properties of the concrete in the plastic or hardened state.

3.1.6 Admixtures

All use of admixtures (including air-entraining agents) requires the Engineer's approval for
each mix in which it is proposed to use them. Their suitability shall be demonstrated by trial
mixes.

Admixtures shall comply with BS EN 934. Neither calcium chloride nor any admixture
containing it shall be used.

Air entraining admixtures shall be such that the air content can be maintained within the
limits specified even if the mixing time is extended to 30 minutes.

7 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
When the use of an admixture is proposed by the Contractor, he shall give the Engineer full
information on the product as laid down in the relevant British Standard and in addition:
(a) the chemical names of the ingredients
(b) percentage chloride ion content by weight
(c) dosage and the effects of under-dosage or over-dosage
(d) air-entrainment properties
(e) Any possible differences between the performance of the admixture when
sulphate resisting cement or cements containing p.f.a. or g.g.b.s. are used
compared to its behaviour with Portland cement.

3.2 Concrete Mixes

3.2.1 Mix Requirements

Unless otherwise shown, requirements for concrete mixes shall be as stated on the drawings.

The mix shall be specified to the supplier by the contractor in accordance with BS8500-1
clause 4.1 and designed by the contractor’s supplier to meet the requirements of this
specification and to meet the workability, placing, compacting and other requirements of the
contractor.

The contractor may, subject to the approval of the Engineer, specify a designated concrete or
for unreinforced concrete a standardised prescribed concrete provided the specified strength
is attained and the other requirements are met. A designed concrete may be used subject to
discussion and the approval of the Engineer.

3.2.2 Mix Proportions and Properties

In addition to meeting the above requirements for materials and for the specified grade
strength, the mix shall meet the following criterion:
(a) The mix shall be designed to (i) facilitate movement into the forms and around
rebar and (ii) achieve thorough compaction without being prone to segregation,
bleeding, plastic cracking or surface ripple
(b) The mix shall not have excess water on the top surface after compaction
(c) The mix shall have a content of cementitious material not more than 550kg/m
unless approved by the Engineer
(d) Have total mix salt contents limited for:
(1) sulphates: not exceeding 4% sulphate ions by weight of cement (unless
it can be demonstrated that they will not affect the performance of the
mix)
(2) chlorides: as required for durability of rebar; the requirements of the
British Standard shall be met
(e) Have an air content of:
(1) Where no air entrainment is required, 2% maximum
(2) Where air entrainment is required, the following requirements shall be
met:-

8 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 Nominal Mean Total Air Minimum Total
Maximum content by Air Content by
Aggregate size volume (3 tests) Volume
(mm) (%) (%)
10 7.5 5.5
20 5.5 3.5
40 4.5 3.0
(g) At placing, have a temperature of between 5°C and 30°C
(h) Give an acceptable surface finish.

3.2.3 Avoidance of alkali-aggregate reaction

The requirements of the British Standards shall be met. If reference is made to Building
Digest 330 or to Concrete Society Technical Report 30, the latest versions shall be referred to.

3.2.4 Designated Concrete

The requirements of BS8500-1 section 4.2 shall be met. The strength shall be verified by
cube tests and the workability by slump tests unless otherwise agreed by the Engineer.

3.2.5 Designed Concrete

The requirements BS8500-1 section 4.3 shall be met. The Contractor shall obtain the
Engineer's approval of each mix before that mix is used in the works. Any changes to the
approved mixes also require to be approved by the Engineer before they are used in the
works.

The Contractor shall make trial batches using the intended mixing plant and inform the
Engineer of all test results including the slump and the strength achieved. The slump of an
approved mix shall be the control slump.

3.2.6 Standard Prescribed Concrete

Standardised prescribed concrete shall not be used for structural reinforced concrete. Where
specified or approved by the Engineer a standard mix may be used for unreinforced concrete.
The selected mix shall meet all the requirements of the British Standards. The strength shall
be verified by cube tests and the control slump ascertained and tested for on site in the same
way as for a designed mix.

3.2.7 Compliance Testing

Sampling and testing for compliance with the requirements of this Specification shall be in
accordance with the requirements of the British Standards subject to the Engineer's approval
of the sampling and testing plan. The Contractor shall submit details of this plan for approval
and the Engineer's approval shall be obtained before concrete is placed in the works. In
general daily sampling at the rate of one sample per max 50m3 will be expected with
sampling at the rate of one sample per 10m3 at the start of the work and where the quality is
critical (e.g. columns, anchorages) or in any case where the quality is in doubt.

Samples shall be taken from the point of discharge of the concrete into the works.

9 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
Sampling and making of specimens for compliance testing shall comply with BS 1881 and
each set of specimens shall be accompanied by a certificate of sampling and manufacture as
required by BS 1881.

Copies of all test results shall be supplied to the Engineer as soon as they are available. In
addition to the results, compression test reports shall give the following information:
(a) Name of contract
(b) Source of the concrete
(c) Grade and mix details
(d) Section of work where the concrete was placed.

Compression testing machines shall conform to BS 1881 Part 115; they shall have been
satisfactorily "reference tested" within the previous 6 months and a copy of the Certificate
shall be supplied to the CDM Coordinator for the File.

3.3 Supply of Concrete

3.3.1 Cleanliness

All plant shall be cleaned regularly. Plant used for mixes containing OPC shall be free from
traces of high alumina or supersulphated cements.

3.3.2 Production

The requirements of the British Standards shall be met.

3.3.3 Ready Mixed Concrete

The requirements of the British Standards shall be met, except as modified and supplemented
by the following requirements:

(a) Concrete shall be obtained from a depot approved which is currently registered
under the QSRMC Quality Scheme for Ready Mixed Concrete or equivalent
(b) The supplier shall be instructed in writing by the Contractor to comply with
the requirements of the Drawings and this Specification and the approved
sampling and testing plan together with any other requirements for the concrete
given elsewhere in the contract documents
(c) Where either g.g.b.s. or p.f.a. is to be incorporated in the mix, it shall be added
to the mixer with the other dry ingredients
(d) Water shall only be added to the mix during mixing at the depot. Any
proposal for dry batching or the addition of water in the truck shall be subject
to the Engineer's approval and subject to rigorous control by the Contractor
and supplier
(e) No admixtures shall be added other than any included in the approved mix
design
(f) The Contractor shall if requested immediately pass one copy of the delivery
ticket to the Engineer. In addition to the information mentioned in the British
Standards, the ticket shall give:
(1) The actual batched weights of cement, water, and coarse and fine
aggregates
(2) Details of any admixtures
10 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 (3) Details of air entrainment
(4) The section of the work where the concrete was placed.

3.3.4 Slump at point of placing

The consistency of each batch of concrete shall be checked by means of a slump test at the
point of placing. The Contractor shall, in advance, inform the Engineer in writing the control
slump for each mix.

The slump measured on site shall not vary from the control slump by more than 25mm or one
third of the slump, whichever is the greater.

3.4 Concreting

3.4.1 Permission to concrete

The Contractor shall give the Engineer at least 24 hours notice before concreting to allow the
opportunity for inspection and comment.

3.4.2 Transport of concrete

The requirements of The British Standards shall be met.

In addition to the requirements of The British Standards the concrete shall be compacted and
in its final position within 2 hours of the introduction of cement to the aggregate unless a
longer time is agreed by the Engineer.

3.4.3 Placing and compacting concrete

The requirements of BS 8110 Part 1 clause 6.2.2 shall be met and also:

(a) When directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall demonstrate the efficiency
of the proposed methods of placing and compaction on a trial section. When a
trial section has been approved by the Engineer, this section shall be
maintained as a control for the duration of the contract. The trial section may
become part of the permanent works if appropriate
(b) Concrete shall not be placed or compacted by any method which causes
segregation, undesirable finish or defective structural quality. It shall not be
moved into position by rakes or vibrators
(c) Adequate measures shall be taken to avoid displacing reinforcement and other
embedded items
(d) Adequate staging or other facilities shall be provided so that compaction can
be carried out without either operatives or plant adversely affecting the
reinforcement or concrete that has already been placed
(e) Concrete shall not be subjected to disturbance between 4 hours and 24 hours
after compaction except with the agreement of the Engineer
(f) The number and size of the vibrators shall be such as to ensure thorough
compaction of the entire volume of concrete being placed. They shall be either
the immersion type with a frequency of not less than 100 Hertz when operating
submerged in concrete or the exterior type with a frequency of not less than 50
Hertz. The vibrators shall be applied systematically at such intervals and for
11 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 such periods that dense, compact, homogeneous concrete is produced and
segregation does not occur. Immersion vibrators shall be withdrawn
sufficiently slowly to prevent the formation of voids and shall not be placed
against reinforcement
(g) All equipment shall be kept free from coatings of hardened concrete and shall
not be wetted during use.

3.4.4 Blinding concrete

Blinding concrete shall be placed immediately following final preparation of the ground. It
shall be laid with a finish which will prevent the loss of fines from the structural concrete.
Where a damp proof membrane is specified blinding shall be finished smooth to receive it.

3.4.5 Concreting Against Ground

Where it is specified that concrete shall be placed directly in contact with the ground the
ground surface shall be suitably prepared and the concrete shall be placed before this surface
has deteriorated.

3.4.6 Walls

The concrete in each section between joints or corners shall be placed in successive pours
working away in both directions from the centremost panel of that section. The minimum
interval between placing adjacent panels shall be 3 days unless agreed otherwise.

3.4.7 Temporary Stopends

If a delay of more than one hour occurs during concreting, the work shall be completed
against a temporary stopend. If the location of the joint is not satisfactory for a construction
joint (see 6.2.1) the concrete shall be cut back to a satisfactory location.

3.4.8 Deep Lifts and Large Volume Pours

For lifts exceeding 2.5 metres and for large volume pours which exceed 400mm in depth; the
Contractor shall submit his proposals for the Engineer's approval. Particular attention shall
be paid to the factors mentioned in BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.2 and CIRIA Report R135.
3.4.9 Curing

The recommendations of BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.3 and Table 6.1 shall be followed.

The Contractor shall submit his proposals for the Engineer's approval before work
commences.

Where an applied finish to the concrete is specified, membrane curing compounds will be
permitted only where it can be shown to the Engineer's satisfaction that their use will neither
adversely affect the adhesion of any finish to be subsequently applied, nor have any other
adverse effect.

Membrane curing compound shall be of a colour which makes it readily visible.

12 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
Membrane curing compounds will not be permitted where the aesthetic appearance of the
finished surface is of importance and there is any danger of the membrane becoming difficult
to remove.

3.4.10 Protection

Concrete shall be protected to prevent damage from weather, plant, overloading, rust staining,
falling materials or any other cause. Any damage or disfigurement shall be rectified.

3.4.11 Weather-Effects

The work shall be planned to take account of seasonal changes in weather. The Contractor
shall obtain daily temperature forecasts from a reputable source and concreting shall be
programmed accordingly.

In cold weather the work shall comply with the recommendations of BS 8110 Part 1 Clause
6.2.4. Bolt pockets and other water-retaining holes shall be suitably protected against ingress
of water to prevent disruption by freezing.

In hot weather the work shall comply with the recommendations of BS 8110 Part 1 Clause
6.2.5.

3.5 Construction Tolerances

Notwithstanding any tolerances specified below or on the Drawings or elsewhere in the

contract documents, the concrete work shall be constructed to an accuracy which is
compatible with the finish and which will permit the proper assembly of components and
installations.

In addition, the accuracy of the work shall be within the tolerances stated on the Drawings or
specified elsewhere in the contract documents and shall also, on completion, be within the
following limits:

All setting out dimensions +5mm - 5mm

Sections of concrete members (see note 2) +5mm - 5mm
Underside of foundations against ground 5mm high 00mm low
Top surfaces of foundations, bases and piers 5mm high 20mm low
Surface level of slabs to datum (See note 1) +10mm -10mm
Plumb of columns and walls in storey height +5mm - 5mm
Plumb of columns and walls in full building height +20mm -20mm
Inside faces of lift shafts in storey height +5mm - 5mm
Inside faces of lift shafts in full building height +10mm -10mm
Dimensions and position of openings +5mm -5mm
Position of embedded items +5mm -5mm
Position of bolt pockets (mean of set) +15mm -15mm
Position of bolt pockets (to mean)
(measured at surface of foundation) +5mm - 5mm
Inclination of bolt pockets 1 in 100

Notes:
13 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 1. The surface of slabs shall be within roughness and wave tolerances required to
suit their subsequent treatment and purpose. Where floor slabs are to be left
unscreeded, they shall be flat with a tolerance of 3mm measured against a 3m
straight-edge placed on the surface at any locations and all ridges and steps
shall be eliminated and any irregularities shall be of long (greater than 150mm)
wavelength, within a variation in level of not more than 2mm in 600mm. Roof
slabs shall be smooth to meet the requirements of applied finishes.

2. The thickness of a slab shall not be less than 95% of the nominal thickness
specified.

3. Where stated on the drawings, slabs shall be laid to the specified falls.

4. Gaps and slots for joint fillers and sealants shall satisfy the requirements of the
suppliers of the products to be used.

4 FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK

4.1 Design

The recommendations of BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.6.1 shall be followed.

Provision shall be made to allow the formwork to be adjusted accurately to line and level and
for it to be erected and removed in an approved sequence without damage to the concrete.

Supports shall be founded where the construction is sufficiently strong and rigid. This may
necessitate supports being carried down to the foundations or other suitable bases.

The design of falsework shall be in accordance with BS 5975. The Contractor shall appoint a
falsework coordinator to carry out the duties outlined in BS 5975.

4.2 Camber

The Contractor shall allow for deflection of formwork during construction so that the
hardened concrete conforms to line and level.

In the absence of any specified camber to the as-struck concrete, the soffit of all beams more
than 5m in span shall be laid to a camber in mm given by:

(span in mm)²
--------------------------
7200 x (depth in mm)

4.3 Tie Bars

The material and details of tie bars through the concrete require the Engineer's approval.

Cover to tie bars remaining embedded in the concrete shall not be less than for reinforcement.

14 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
4.4 Workmanship

The quality of formwork shall be sufficient to give the specified quality of finish.

Faces in contact with the concrete shall be treated with a release agent in accordance with BS
8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.6.2.

Surface retarding agents shall not be used unless specified or agreed by the Engineer.

All joints in formwork shall be close-fitting to prevent leakage of grout from the concrete.

At construction joints formwork shall be tightly secured against previously cast or hardened
concrete to prevent loss of grout or the formation of steps in the concrete.

Formwork shall be constructed to provide straight and true angles, arrises and edges.

Where external corners will be visible when work is completed they shall have a 25mm
chamfer (measured across the chamfer). The fillets shall be accurately sized to provide a
smooth and continuous chamfer.

Where formed faces will be visible when work is completed, formwork panels shall be
arranged in a neat, uniform manner and shall have true edges to permit accurate alignment.
Joints between panels shall either be vertical or horizontal.

4.5 Erection and dismantling

The recommendations of BS5975, the Concrete Society publication CS123 and of BS 8110
Part 1 Clause 6.2.6.3 shall be followed. Unless agreed otherwise by the Engineer, the
following minimum periods shall apply:

Element Striking Propping

Vertical formwork to columns, walls etc 24 hours N/A
Soffits formwork to slabs 5 days 12 days
Soffits of slabs made with precast concrete planks N/A 12 days
Soffit formwork to beams 12 days 18 days

4.6 Permanent formwork

Permanent formwork where specified shall be securely fixed and all details and joints shall be
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and to the Engineer's approval.
Metal decking used as permanent formwork shall be in accordance with BS 5950 Part 4.

5. FINISHES

5.1 Samples

Full-scale reinforced samples shall be built by the Contractor to demonstrate finishes for the
Engineer's approval. The samples shall incorporate junctions, joint and applied finishes if
required by the Engineer. If acceptable, the samples may be incorporated in the works.
15 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
Subsequent finished work shall not be inferior to the samples, which shall be used as models.
The remainder of the work shall use the same methods as the models.

5.2 Finishes to formed surfaces

5.2.1 General

All forms shall be well made and not liable to move or allow grout-loss. They shall be true to
shape and free from defects likely to detract from the appearance of the finished concrete.

Whatever method the Contractor uses for obtaining each finish, the same method (including
the formwork, the release agent and the curing procedure) shall be used for the whole of each
separate building or item of construction.

For exposed finishes fins and irregularities projecting more than 3mm shall be removed; the
positions of formwork ties shall be to the Engineer's approval and the holes left shall be filled
with a cement and fine aggregate paste to match the colour of the original concrete.

5.2.2 Types of finish

Where details of the required finishes are not specified separately the following shall apply:

Type A - Rough finish for buried or rendered work:

BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.7.3: This finish is obtained by the use of properly designed
formwork or moulds of timber, plywood, plastics, concrete or steel. Small blemishes caused
by entrapped air or water may be expected, but the surfaces should be free from voids,
honeycombing or other blemishes.

Type B - Normal finish for exposed work:

BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.7.3: This finish can only be obtained by the use of high quality
concrete and formwork. The concrete should be thoroughly compacted and all surfaces
should be true with clean arrises. Only very minor surface blemishes should occur, with no
staining or discolouration from the release agent.

Type C- Superior finish for exposed work:

BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.7.3: This finish is obtained by first producing a Type B finish. The
surface is then improved by carefully removing all fins and other projections, thoroughly
washing down, and then filling the most noticeable surface blemishes with a cement and fine
aggregate paste to match the colour of the original concrete. The release agent should be
carefully chosen to ensure that the concrete surface will not be stained or discoloured. After
the concrete has been properly cured, the face should be rubbed down, where necessary, to
produce a smooth and even surface.

Additional Requirements: The surface shall be free from the imprint of grain. Unfaced
wrought boarding or standard panels shall not be used. The material for the form shall be
provided in large sheets and arranged in an approved uniform pattern; joints between sheets
16 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
shall be arranged to coincide with architectural features, sills or heads of windows or changes
in direction of the surface; all joints between sheets shall be accurately aligned in the plane of
the sheets.

Type D - Enhanced superior finish:

This finish shall be obtained in the same way as Type C finish except that while the concrete
is still green all surface blemishes shall be filled.

Where BS 8110 is quoted above, for "should" read "shall" in applying the text.

5.3 Finishes to unformed surfaces

Where details of the required finishes are not specified separately the following shall apply:

SF - Screeded Finish

The surface shall be made flat by striking off surplus concrete with a straight-edge,
immediately after compaction.

TF - Tamped Finish

A screeded finish shall first be obtained. When the moisture film has disappeared from the
surface and the concrete has hardened sufficiently to prevent excess laitance from being
worked up to the surface, the surface shall be tamped with a heavy straight-edge to produce a
uniform slightly-ridged surface, sufficiently rough to ensure a good bond for subsequent
layers (see Note 3 to table 5.5 in BS 8110 Part 1).

FF - Floated Finish

A screeded finish shall first be obtained. The, when sufficiently hardened, the surface shall
be floated off using any suitable method to depress the surface coarse aggregate and to
smooth and compact the surface to a "coarse sand-paper" texture.

STF - Steel Trowelled Finish

A floated finish shall first be obtained. When the moisture film has disappeared from the
surface and the concrete has hardened sufficiently to prevent excess laitance from being
worked up to the surface, the surface shall be firmly trowelled using any suitable method to
smooth and compact it and obtain a hard, smooth surface free from trowel marks or crazing.
If excess laitance is brought to the surface it shall be removed.

BR - Brushed finish

A floated finish shall first be obtained. Then, when sufficiently hardened, a textured finish
with average depth 1mm shall be obtained by drawing a wire broom over the surface (at right
angles to the flow of traffic, where relevant).

5.4 Direct Finishing

Direct finishing shall be as specified for the project.

17 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
5.5 Plastic Cracking

If plastic shrinkage or plastic settlement cracking occurs, the construction affected shall be
rectified and the Contractor shall take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence.
Rectification proposals may include crack closure by light surface impact while the concrete
is still plastic or crack sealing but the results shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer.

5.6 Random Thermal and Shrinkage Cracking

Random thermal and shrinkage cracking shall be controlled by designing the concrete and
methods of construction using the approach set out in CIRIA Report C660. If any cracking of
the concrete occurs in an uncontrolled manner, the construction affected shall be rectified and
the Contractor shall take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. Rectification proposals
may include injection sealing of the cracks, subject to the Engineer's agreement that this is an
acceptable method.

6. CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

6.1 Details

Construction joints, including stop-ends and crack-inducing joints, shall meet the following
requirements:

(a) Construction joints shall be at right angles to the member and shall have neat,
clean lines. Formed joints shall be plain unless a key or surface rebate is
specifically detailed on the drawings or called for by the Engineer.

(b) Where kickers are required they shall be placed integrally with the floor slab;
this may necessitate a special design for the formwork. Kickers shall have a
height of not less than 70mm and not more than 170mm above the floor slab or
above any splay.

(c) Joints in columns shall only be formed about 15mm above the soffits of
suspended floors, at floor levels, or at the tops of kickers. There may be a joint
between haunches or column capitals and the column.

(d) Horizontal joints in walls shall only be formed at the top of kickers, the
underside of suspended floors and as specified on the drawings.

6.2 Location

The location of construction joints shall be subject to the Engineer's approval. The
Contractor's proposals shall be based on the following guidelines:

(a) The number of construction joints should be kept as few as possible consistent
with reasonable precautions against the effects of shrinkage; their location
shall take due account of shear and other stresses. Joint lines shall be arranged
so that they coincide with features of the finished work and meet the
requirements of any added finishes, screeds, etc.

18 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 (b) Vertical joints in walls generally should not be spaced at intervals greater than
10m and in no case shall be more than 12m. Where, however, a wall changes
direction by at least 60 degrees, the overall spacing of joints may be increased
to 20m subject to the length of pour in either leg of the wall being no more
than 10m. Where possible joints should be positioned at least 2m away from
corners.

(c) Joints in beams and slabs shall be between the quarter and third points of the
span unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. It is preferable that no joints
are formed in end bays.

Joints in slabs on ground should be aligned with column or grid lines whenever practicable
and diamond-shaped or circular separations shall be provided around columns.

6.3 Workmanship

6.3.1 General

Work at construction joints shall be in accordance with BS 8110 Part 1 Clause 6.2.9.. The
recommendations for “joints to transfer tensile or shear stresses” shall be followed for all
joints, unless otherwise agreed by the Engineer. Roughening of the joint surface shall be
carried out sufficiently to remove the outer mortar skin.

6.3.2 Kickers

Kickers shall be of the same mix of concrete as the main member. The concrete shall be
vibrated or rammed into place and prepared as for other joints.

6.4 Crack inducers in Ground Slabs

Crack inducers in slabs on ground shall be fixed where shown on the drawings and used in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

7. REINFORCEMENT

7.1 Materials

7.1.1 General

All reinforcement shall be supplied by firms holding a current Certificate of Approval for the
relevant type of reinforcement issued by CARES, the UK Certification Authority for
Reinforcing Steels. All high yield steel bar reinforcement shall carry the appropriate
identifying rolling marks.

7.1.2 Type of Reinforcement

The reinforcement shall comply with the relevant British Standards as given below:

Mild steel, hot rolled deformed high yield steel and

cold worked deformed high yield steel bars BS 4449
19 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
 Austenitic stainless steel bars BS 6744
Fabric reinforcement BS 4483

All loose bars shall be high yield steel deformed bars unless specified otherwise.

Deformed bars shall have a Type 2 bond classification.

Fabric reinforcement shall be high yield steel unless specified otherwise.

7.1.3 Reinforcement Couplers

Where reinforcement couplers are specified or are permitted by the Engineer they shall be
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The tensile strength and the fatigue performance of coupled sections of bar should comply
with the relevant British Standard for the type of bar.

7.1.4 Tying Wire

Tying wire shall be 1.6mm diameter black annealed mild steel wire. The use of any other
type requires the approval of the Engineer. The ends of the wire shall be bent back away
from the surface of the member to avoid rust staining.

If galvanised or stainless steel reinforcement is used, the tying wire shall be of the
corresponding material. However galvanised or stainless steel wire shall not be used where
the reinforcement is ordinary uncoated mild or high-yield steel.

7.1.5 Spacers

The type of spacer requires the approval of the Engineer. They shall be of durable material
and shall be designed to avoid corrosion of reinforcement and spalling of concrete.

Concrete spacer blocks shall be made from cement, sand and small size coarse aggregate.
The mix proportions shall match those of the surrounding concrete and the blocks shall be
comparable to the surrounding concrete in strength, durability and appearance.

The spacer blocks, their positioning and fixing shall be sufficient to ensure that all
reinforcement is adequately supported to achieve the specified location, cover and spacing of
reinforcement . As a minimum, the standards recommended in Concrete Society publication
"Spacers for Reinforced Concrete" shall be enforced.

7.2 Certification

Copies of certificates verifying that the reinforcement complies with this Specification shall
be given by the Contractor to the CDM Coordinator Certificates shall be in accordance with
the British Standard as appropriate for each consignment of reinforcement from each source.

7.3 Workmanship

All cutting, bending, welding and fixing (including the provision of spacers, chairs and other
supports) shall comply with BS 8110 Part 1 Clauses 7.2 to 7.6. Welding of reinforcing bars
20 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
shall comply with BS 7123, including tack welding for locational purposes. The design of
tack welded assembles shall take account of any transportation requirements including
location of lifting points for safe handling.

Where concrete members contain galvanised or stainless steel reinforcement or embedded

items as well as ordinary uncoated mild or high-yield steel reinforcement then contact
between dissimilar metals shall be prevented, if necessary by inserting electrically insulating
material between them.

7.4 Cover

7.4.1 The required cover specified on the Drawings is the nominal cover. The sizes of
spacers and the dimensions of all reinforcement shall be based on this nominal cover. The
fixing of reinforcement and formwork shall also be such as to maintain the nominal cover.

The actual cover shall be equal to the nominal cover within a tolerance of "minus" 5mm and
the greater of plus 8mm or 1% of the thickness of the section. Any defective work shall be
rectified to the approval of the Engineer.

7.5 Embedded items

All embedded items shown on the drawings shall be fixed in the positions shown within the
specified tolerances (where given) and/or within tolerance to accommodate subsequent
construction.

Where this necessitates the modification or displacement of the reinforcement the

Contractor's proposals for such work require the approval of the Engineer.

8. DOWEL BARS

8.1 Materials

Unless specified otherwise, dowel bars shall be straight round smooth mild steel bars
complying with BS 4449. The free end shall be sawn and free from burrs or other
irregularities.

8.2 Bond-breaking

Bond breaking at expansion or contraction joints may be achieved by means of dowel

sheaths.

Dowel bar sheaths shall be thin plastic sheaths conforming with the requirements of the
Highways Agency Specification.

8.3 Compressible Caps

Caps shall be securely fixed and shall permit free movement of one end of the bar.

8.4 Workmanship

21 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
Dowel bars shall be rigidly supported so that they are correctly aligned. Disturbance before
and during concreting shall be avoided.

APPENDIX A - REFERENCES

The British Standards referred to in this Specification are listed below, together with any
other References specified. The latest editions shall be used, including all current
amendments and additions. Any difference between their requirements and this Specification
shall be submitted to the Engineer for his ruling.

BRITISH STANDARDS

BS 812 Testing aggregates

BS 1881 Testing concrete
BS 4449 Carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete
BS 4482 Cold reduced steel wire for the reinforcement of concrete
BS 4483 Steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete
BS 5950 Part 4 Code of Practice for design of floors with profiled steel sheeting
BS 5975 Code of Practice for falsework
BS 6100 Glossary of building and civil engineering terms
BS 6744 Austenitic stainless steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete
BS EN ISO 17660-1 Metal arc welding of steel for concrete reinforcement
BS 7542 Method of test for curing compounds for concrete
BS 8110 The structural use of concrete
BS 8500 Concrete. Complementary standard to BS EN 206 Part 1
Part 1 Method of specifying and guidance for the specifier
Part 2 Specification for constituent materials and concrete
BS EN 196 Methods of testing cement
BS EN 197 Cement
BS EN 206 Part 1 Concrete. Specification, performance, production and conformity
BS EN 450 Fly ash for concrete
BS EN 480 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout (Test methods)
BS EN 934 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout
Part 2 Concrete Admixtures – definitions, requirements, conformity, marking
and labelling
Part 4 Admixtures for prestressing tendons – definitions, requirements,
conformity, marking and labelling
Part 6 Sampling, conformity control and evaluation of conformity
BS EN 1008 Mixing water for concrete
BS EN 12620 Aggregates for concrete
BS EN 13055 Specification for lightweight aggregates for masonry units and structural
concrete
BS EN 13263 Silica fume for concrete

OTHER REFERENCES

Building Research Establishment

BRE Digest 330 Alkali-silica reaction in concrete

22 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1
BRE Digest 357 Shrinkage of Natural Aggregates in Concrete

BRE Special Digest No.1: Concrete in aggressive ground

Part 1 Assessing the aggressive chemical environment
Part 2 Specifying concrete and additional protective measures.
Part 3 Design Guides for common applications
Part 4 Design Guide for specific precast products

Highways Agency

Specification for Highway Works (as currently modified by Technical Memoranda)

Concrete Society

Technical Report 30 Alkali Silica reaction - minimising the risk of damage to concrete.
Spacers for Reinforced Concrete.

Publication CS123 – Checklist for erecting and dismantling falsework

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

Report R135 – Concreting deep lifts and large volume pours

Report R660 – Early-age thermal crack control in concrete

23 of 23
Document CS/1 Rev 13/1