UNIT-1 - SPECIFICATION & SPECIFICATION WRITING

SPECIFICATION - Definition

Specification deals with the methods of execution, qualities of materials, nature of labour to be employed,
proportion in which materials are to be mixed, measurements of work done, etc.

The information regarding the quality of materials and workmanship is conveyed in a separate contract
document which is known as the specifications for the work.

It is intended that the combination of the drawings and specifications will completely define the
structure, physically as well as technically.

OBJECTS OF SPECIFICATION

1. To define the quality of materials and workmanship, so that the contractor will be able to put correct rates
for the different items of work.

2. It will serve as a guide to the contractor as well as the supervising staff during execution.

3. To state the information which the engineer wants to convey so as to fulfill the needs of his design. The
specifications describe and limit the responsibilities of the owner and contractor.

NECESSITY OF SPECIFICATION

i. The cost of a unit quantity of work is governed by its specifications.

ii. Specification of a work is required to describe the quality and quantity of different materials
required for a construction work and is one of the essential contract documents.

iii. This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the work. Thus specification of a work
serves as a guide to a supervising staff of a contractor as well as to the owner to execute the work to
their satisfaction.

iv. A work is carried out according to its specification and the contractor is paid for the same. Any
change in specification changes the tendered rate.

v. As the rate of work is based on the specification, a contractor can calculate the rates of various items
of works in tender with his procurement rates of materials and labour. Thus tender rate without
specification of works is baseless, incomplete and invalid.
vi. Specification is necessary to specify the equipment, tools and plants to be engaged for a work and
thus enables to procure them beforehand.

vii. The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of materials for a work involved in a
project.

viii. Specification is an essential contract document and is required for Arbitration or court cases.
IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFICATION

The drawings and specifications contract form two important contract documents.

The provisions in the specifications are given more legal strength. In case of discrepancy between drawings and
specifications, the provisions of the specifications shall govern.

The specifications serve as the best guide to the contractor and his sub-contractors, material suppliers and
architect's or owner's site supervisors. It also serves as a useful legal document in case of disputes between the
owner and the contractor.

HOW TO WRITE SPECIFICATION

While writing specification the following principles shall be adopted.

(a) Description of materials: The quality and size of materials required to do an item of work shall be fully
described for checking up at site according to the bindings provided in the specification. The proportion
of mixing or treatment of materials if required before use shall be clearly described.

(b) Workmanship: Complete description of workmanship, the method of mixing to the proportion, the method
of laying, preparation of base or surface, compaction, finishing and curing, etc, specifically applicable to
the item of work shall be clearly stated in different clauses.

(c) Tools and plants: The tools and plants to be engaged to carry out a work shall be described. The method
of operation and by whom to be supplied shall be stated.

(d) Protection of new work: The method of protection of new works against damage or the method of curing if
required, the test of completed work if necessary shall be described in separate clauses.

(e) Expression: While writing a specification endeavor shall be made to express the requirements of the
specification clearly and in concise from avoiding repetition and unusual words. The style of tense shall remain
throughout. The sentence shall be short, simple and concise.
(f) Clauses of the specifications: As far as possible, the clauses shall be arranged in the order in which work shall be
carried out. While framing clauses for quality of materials, workmanship, tools and plants, etc practical
possibilities shall be realized. Abbreviations which are familiar can be used. Specifications depend upon the site
conditions, the nature of work and the purpose for which the work is carried out. It is only through practice
we will acquire the necessary skill to write well phrased clauses.

TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS

Are broadly divided into two categories:

1) General specifications

2) Detailed specifications.

1. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The quantity surveyor write down the brief description of every item, which are known as general or brief
specifications. These do not form part of contract document and is useful to the person preparing the
estimate of the work.

2. DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

It forms a part of the contract document and they are divided into three groups as follows:

i) General Provisions

ii) Technical Provisions

iii) Standard Specifications

General Provisions

Also known as conditions of contract and they apply to the work as a whole and the conditions
governing the contract are written.

Technical Provisions

Describe the technical requirements of each type of construction and also provide for the inspection and tests
during construction.

(a) Specifications for materials and workmanship

(b) Specifications for performance

(c) Specifications for proprietary commodities

For Specification of materials, the following properties such as physical properties, chemical
composition, electrical, thermal and acoustical properties, appearance, protection required during
transportation, handling, etc, are required.

For Workmanship, the results desired should be specified, description of construction method for each item,
instruction regarding the protection of the finished goods are important.

For Specification of performance, they are written for equipment and machinery such as pumps, motors, etc.
The principal features to be included are: General description, Design, Provision for special equipment,
Guarantee.

For Specifications of Proprietary commodities, specifications include commercial products,

standardized or patented. (Name of a particular brand or firm)

Standard Specifications

It is possible to standardize the specifications for most of the items occurring in works of similar nature. Each
office develops its own standard specifications.

Following points to be noted:

i. Reference made to the standard specifications is really suitable to the particular work.

ii. The blank spaces left, has to be suitably filled up.

iii. Suitable additions, alterations, improvements or corrections should be noted so as to be included

for the next job.

iv. For construction works in India P.W.D Handbook is treated as standard specifications.

v. It should be periodically revised and its edition with date of issue, title, etc should invariably be
mentioned.

vi. Every city has got its own building codes to suit the requirements of the locality, possible to
prescribe the specifications by law.

vii. Advantages are many fold. Results in simplified field control, manufacturing cost reduced,
products improved due to research.

PRINCIPLES OF SPECIFICATION WRITING

1. Subject Matter: should relate to the information required.

2. Grammar: All sentences shall comply with the rules of the grammar.

3. Abbreviations: only well-known in the building industry to be used.

4. Development of style: to present clear picture of facts.

5. Selection of words: suitable words with desired meaning should be used.

6. Accuracy: information should be complete and correct.

7. Conflicting requirements: no conflicts of any type result.

8. Practical limits and commercial: sizes keep in view the practical limitations of materials and
workmanship.

9. Clearness: Clear as far as possible - what the contractor shall or shall not do.

10. Fairness: Be fair- not be framed so as to throw all the risks on the shoulders of the contractor.

11. Brevity: Sentences should be short, simple and concise.

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN OF SPECIFICATION

It should be designed rather than simply written or copied.

1. Changes: The designer of a specification should be given an opportunity to observe the field
application of his specification. Such a procedure will help in increasing the knowledge of the designer and he
may utilize the knowledge, if found necessary, to change, to expand, to improve, to modify or to strengthen
his specification for future works.

2. Clearness: The design of a specification should be such that it brings the limit of misunderstandings and
misinterpretations to a minimum. Such a design will naturally minimize the chances of disputes.

3. Co-operation: Specifications motive of co-operation between the engineer and the contractor. The
Engineer, with the help of a well-designed specification, can assist, encourage and guide the contractor to
achieve the desired end product. The Contractor, with the help of a well- designed specification, can
combine labor and materials to get the desired end product. Thus, a well-designed specification would prove
useful to both - the owner and the contractor.

4. Cost: The initial cost of a well-designed specification may prove to be more. But it forms a small fraction
of the cost incurred in extra claims, delays, disputes and bad workmanship due to poorly designed
specifications.

5. Designer: The specifications should be designed by competent persons, possessing wide experience and high
ability. If not, it results into copying of paragraphs from the existing specification.

6. Flexibility: The specifications should not be rigid. But they should be dynamic in nature and should be
adaptable to new inventions, to new ideas and to new methods of construction.

7. Product control: A well-designed specification aims at product control by the available equipment of the
contractor. The advantages of product control are: Fewer samples for testing, reduced costs, early completion
and uniform work.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Main sources of information can be gathered or obtained as follows:

1. Contract Drawings: Drawing prepared in the initial stages contain useful details.

2. Previous specification: Specification of the executed or under execution jobs.

3. Requirement of owner: Owner's requirement

4. Site investigation: Specification include the fullest information for the existing site conditions - extent of site
clearance work, soil conditions, etc.

5. Standard specifications: Reference can be made to the relevant standard specifications.

6. Trade Catalogue: Reference can be made to the catalogues.

CLASSIFICATION OF SPECIFICATION

I. Open specifications

II. Restricted specifications

III. Closed specifications.

I. OPEN SPECIFICATIONS

It gives the physical and chemical properties of the materials, the tests it must comply.

It is used for public works and lays down minimum standards which can easily be fulfilled by several
manufacturers.

Advantages:

a) Suitable for basic materials- cement, steel, sand, etc.

b) Provide an atmosphere for a true competitive market- Result into a lower cost.

Disadvantages:

a) Checking and Testing may prove to be time consuming.

b) It may result into losing a firm control over the quality of the products.

c) It effects on the design of the architect.

d) Those specifications are lengthy in nature and hence architect to spend his valuable time in framing
the same.

II. RESTRICTED SPECIFICATIONS

The material is described the choice of the contractor is limited to two or more manufacturers or
distributors.

It promotes competition among the manufacturers to get their product included in the approved list and
maintain quality at reasonable price.

III. CLOSED SPECIFICATIONS

The material or product is designated by a trade name mentioning catalogue number, manufacturer and
sometimes a particular distributor. It results in avoiding the competition and increasing the cost. The material
chosen has stood the best of time and has proved the adoptability in respect of quality and price both.

Advantages:
 a) Architect can complete the drawing before the tenders are invited.

1. Owner has a choice of the material he prefers and enjoys the special features of a particular
product.

BRIEF SPECIFICATION FOR 1st CLASS, 2nd CLASS, 3rd CLASS BUILDING

BRIEF/GENERAL SPECIFICATION OF A FIRST CLASS BUILDING:

Foundation and plinth: Brickwork in foundation and plinth shall be of first class brick in cement or lime
mortar over cement or lime concrete.

Filling: Foundation trenches and plinth shall be filled up with local sand.

Damp proof course: D.P.C shall be 2.5cm thick cement concrete or 2 cm thick cement mortar with 5%
pudlo by weight of cement or other standard water-proofing material.

Superstructure: Superstructure shall be of first class brickwork in cement mortar.

Roofing: The roof shall be 10 cm average thick lime terracing over it.

Flooring: Mosaic flooring shall be provided in all floors including staircase.

Finishing: Inside and outside shall be 12mm thick cement plastered. The inside of drawing, dining and
bedooms shall be distempered and remaining portions whie-washed three coats. The outside shall be two
coats decorative waterproof cement coating. Wall surface of lavatory shall be covered with glazed tiles
upto the top level of door.

Doors and Windows: Doors and windows frames shall be of seasoned teak wood and shutters of 3cm thick
teak wood panelling. Brass fittings shall be provided. Doors and windows shall be varnished with French
polish.

Miscellaneous: Rain water pipes shall be of Asbestos cement or cast-iron, finished with paint. All sanitary,
water supply and electrical fittings shall be of first class materials.

BRIEF/GENERAL SPECIFICATION OF A SECOND CLASS BUILDING:

Foundation and plinth: Brickwork in foundation and plinth shall be of first class brick with lime mortar over
lime concrete.
Filling: Foundation trenches and plinth shall be filled up with earth.

Damp proof course: D.P.C shall be 2 cm thick cement concrete with 5% pudlo by weight of cement or
other standard water-proofing material.

Superstructure: Superstructure shall be of second class brickwork in mud mortar.

Roofing: The roof shall be flat terraced roof or R.B roof.

Flooring: The flooring shall be 2.5 cm cement concrete over 7.5cm lime concrete.

Finishing: The inside walls shall be plastered with lime or cement mortar, ouside walls shall be pointed or
plastered with lime or cement mortar. Inside shall be white washed three coats and outside colour -
washed two coats over one coat of white-wash.
Doors and Windows: Doors and windows frames shall be of seasoned teak wood and shutters of 4.5cm
shisham or deodar wood panelled. They shall be fiited with iron fittings. Doors and windows shall be
painted withtwo coats.
Miscellaneous: Rain water pipes shall be of cast-iron. Electrification, sanitary and water supply fittings shall
be of class B-type.

BRIEF/GENERAL SPECIFICATION OF A THIRD CLASS BUILDING:

Foundation and plinth: Foundation and plinth shall be 2nd class brickwork in lime mortar over lime
concrete.
Damp proof course: Damp proof course shall be 2cm thick cement mortar 1:2 mixed with standard water
proofing compound.
Superstructure: Superstructure shall be of second class brickwork in mud mortar. Doors and windows
opening shall be provided with arches of 2nd class brickwork in lime mortar or with wooden planks.

Roofing: Roofing shall be of mud over tile or bricks or planks over wooden beam or of tile or G.I. sheet or
A.C. sheet sloping roof.

Flooring: Flooring shall be of brick-on-edge floor over well rammed earth.

Finishing: Inside and outside walls shall be plastered with lime mortar and white wash three coats.

Doors and windows: Chaukhat shall be of salwood and shutters of chir mango or other country wood.
Doors and windows shall be painted two coat with ordinary paint over one coat of priming.
TYPICAL DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EARTHWORK EXCAVATION:

Starting of work – Workmanship – Excavated Material – Protection to existing services –

Measurement – what the rate includes.

Starting of work: The excavation for the foundation trenches shall be carried out in all sorts
of soils as per plan and lining approved at site.

Workmanship: The sides of the foundation trenches shall be truly vertical and bottom shall
be uniformly leveled.

Excavated Material: The excavated material shall be stacked away from the sides of the
trenches of the excavation by at least 2 metres. The excavated material shall be filled in
the plinth in layers of 30 cm and well-watered. The surplus excavated materials shall be
spread out uniformly upto a lead of 100 metres.

Protection to existing services: All the existing services such as water pipes, sewers, electric
cables, etc which are met with in foundation trenches shall be carefully supported and
protected by the contractor as per instructions of the Engineer.

Measurement: The excavation shall be measured as per exact length and width of the
lowest step of footings according to drawing or the engineer’s instructions. The depth of
the trenches shall be measured vertically from the average ground level taken at site
before starting the work.

Rate: The rates of excavation include all timbering and other supports which are
necessary for securing the sides of the trenches and the contractor shall be responsible
for their safety. No extra amount shall be paid to the contractor for the excavation of the
working space. The materials or valuables found during excavation shall be the property
of the owner.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE (P.C.C):

Materials Specifications

Aggregate shall be of invert materials and should be clean, dense, hard, sound, durable,
non-absorbent and capable of developing good bond with mortar.

Coarse aggregate shall be of hard broken stone of granite or similar stone, free from dust,
dirt and other foreign matters. The stone ballast shall be of 20mm size and smaller. All the
coarse material should be retained in a 5mm square mesh and should be well graded
such that the voids do not exceed 42%.

Fine aggregate shall be of coarse sand consisting of hard, sharp and angular grains and
shall pass through a screen of 5mm square mesh. Sand shall be of standard
specifications, clean and free from dust, dirt and organic matter. Sea sand shall not be
used.

Cement shall be fresh Portland cement of standard ISI specifications and shall have the
required tensile and compressive stresses and fineness.

Water shall be clean and free from alkaline and acid matters and suitable for drinking
purposes.

Proportion Specifications

1:2:4 (cement : sand : stone ballast) by volume when specified. Minimum compressive
strength of concrete of 1:2:4 proportion shall be 140 kg/cm2 in 7 days.

Hand mixing: Mixing shall be done on masonry platform or sheet iron tray.

Machine mixing : Stone ballast, sand and cement shall be put into cement concrete
mixer to have the required proportions.

Slump: Regular slump test should be carried out to control the addition of water and to
maintain the required consistency. A slump of 7.5cm to 10cm may be allowed for
building work.

Formwork: Formwork centering and shuttering shall be provided as required as per the
standard specification before laying concrete to confine to support or to keep the
concrete in position. The inner surface of shuttering shall be oiled to prevent concrete
sticking to it.

Laying Technique: Concrete shall be laid gently (not thrown) in layers not exceeding
15cm and compacted by pinning with rods and tamping with wooden tampers or with
mechanical vibrating machine until a dense concrete is obtained.

Curing Method: After about two hours of laying of concrete, when the concrete has
begun to harden, it shall be kept damp by covering with wet gunny bags or wet sand for
24 hours.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR REINFORCED CEMENT CONCRETE (R.C.C):

Proportion – cement - fine aggregate – coarse aggregate – water – reinforcement –

centering – mixing – laying and curing – finishing of exposed surfaces.

Proportion: The proportion of cement concrete shall be (1:2:4) one part of cement, two
parts of sand and four parts of aggregates by volume.
Cement: The cement to be used in this work shall comply with the standard requirements.

Fine Aggregate: The sand to be used shall be clean and coarse shall be free from any
organic or vegetable matter. The sand shall be washed if there is any trace of earth in it.

Coarse Aggregate: The coarse aggregate shall consist of 67% of black trap metal (known
as kapachi) varying in size from 20mm to 40mm and 33% of black trap metal (known as
grit) varying in size from 20mm to 6mm. The coarse aggregate shall be clean free from
impurities such as earth, coal dust and organic materials.

Water: The water to be used in concrete work shall be clean and fresh.

Reinforcement: Reinforcement bars shall comply with the standard requirements

specified by the engineer and care should be taken while packing concrete around
them.

Centering: The centering for the concrete work shall be sufficiently strong and rigid and in
good condition so as to get a smooth finish. The material for formwork shall be timber or
steel plates or plywood planks or any other material as approved by the Engineer.The
props shall be of timber bullies and the spacing of it shall be not less than 120cm centre to
centre. The bullies shall be supproted at the base by 40mm thick wooden plate of area
not less than 0.10 sq.m. Necessary wedges to be provided before and during the casting
of concrete. The arrangement of formwork shall be in such that it can be removed in
parts without damaging the adjoining forms. The surface of the formwork shall be oiled
before placing of concrete.

Mixing: The mixing of concrete shall be done in a mechanical mixer or by hand

operations depending on the quantity of the concrete. The mixing drum shall be turned
for 1.5 minutes after all the ingredients are added and the drum shall be completely
emptied every time. The concrete from the drum shall be placed in a water-tight
platform.

Laying and Curing: Before starting laying of concrete in position, the centering shall be
well-watered. The concrete shall be laid in forms and tapped in such a way that no
honeycomb surface appears on removal of the forms. All edges and corners of the
concrte surface shall remain unbroken, sharp and straight in line. The cement concrete
shall be kept well-watered for atleast 20 days.

Finishing of Exposed surfaces: All exposed surfaces of the concrete shall be finished with
12mm thick cement plaster of sagol finish and three coats of white or colour wash shall
be applied on these exposed surfaces of concrete.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR BRICKWORK FIRST (I) CLASS IN c:m (1:6):

Properties of bricks - soaking in water - mortar - workmanship - measurement - scaffolding-

Use.
Properties: The brick shall be table-moulded, well-burnt in approved kiln, copper-
coloured, free from cracks and with sharp and square edges. The bricks shall be uniform
in shape and shall be of standard size and shall give clear ringing sound when struck with
each other. The bricks shall not absorb water more than 1/5th of their weight after one
hour of soaking in water. Bricks shall have crushing strength of
10.5 N/mm2.

Soking in water: The bricks shall be well-soked in water for atleast 12 hours before their
use, preferably in a water tank provided at site of work.

Mortar: The proportion of mortar shall be one portion of cement and six parts of sand by
volume. The cement shall be of standard quality. The sand shall be clean and coarse. The
cement mortar shall be prepared in required quantity shall be consumed within half an
hour after mixing. The mortar mixing shall be done on a water-tight platform.

Workmanship: The broken bricks shall not be used except as closers. All corners shall be
truly in plumb and sides shall be in line and level. The mortar joints in bonding shall not
exceed 10mm in thickness.
Selected best shaped bricks shall be used for face work. Bricks shall be laid with frogs
uppermost except in the topcourse where frogs shall be placed downward . The
brickwork shall not be carried out more than 1m height at a time. All joints shall be raked
and faces of wall shall be cleaned at the end of each day's work. The work shall be well-
watred for atleast 15 days. All brickwork shall be carried out in such a way that no portion
is raised unduly above another.

Measurement: The length and height shall be measured as on at site. The thickness of
walls shall be paid for as 1 brick or 1 1/2, 2 bricks or so on.

Scaffolding: To facilitate the construction necessary and suitable scaffolding shall be

provided. The rate for brickwork includes the necessary scaffolding also.

Use: They are used for the exterior wall brick works, short columns and arches.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR BRICKWORK SECOND (II) CLASS IN c:m (1:6):

Properties of bricks which are to be ground-moulded and burnt in kiln- soaking in water -
mortar - workmanship, mortar joints not to exceed 12mm in thickness - measurement -
scaffolding- Use.

***(Similar to I class brickwork, specifications vary a little)

Specifications:

Slightly uneven faces and edges with tolerance in dimensions +-8%

Uniform colored but may be slightly over burnt.

High crushing strength, not less than 7 N/mm2

Hand moulded

Efflorescence- Little

Water absorption less than 20%.

USE: They are used for internal walls and compound walls.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR BRICKWORK THIRD (III) CLASS IN c:m (1:6):

Properties of bricks which are to be ground-moulded and burnt in clamps - soaking in

water - mortar - workmanship, mortar joints not to exceed 12mm in thickness -
measurement - scaffolding- Use.

Specifications:

May be distorted with blunt edges.

Over burnt or under burnt and non uniform color.

High crushing strength, not less than 3.5N/mm2

Hand moulded

Efflorescence- Large

Water absorption less than 25%.

USES: They are used for flooring, paving, small brick foundations and brick bat lime
concrete(B.B.L.C.).

SPECIFICATIONS FOR DAMP PROOF COURSE (D.P.C):

Proportion - Coarse aggregate - Fine Aggregate - Cement - water-proofing compound -

mixing - preparation of base - laying - curing.
Proportion: The proportion of damp proof course of cement concrete shall be (1:2:4) i.e.,
one part of cement, two parts of sand and four parts of coarse aggregates or (1:11/2:3).
The thickness of d.p.c shall be 25mm to 40mm.

Coarse aggregate: The coarse aggregate shall be clean, hard, dense and free from
impurities such as earth, coal, dust and other organic materials. The size shall vary from
12mm to 6mm.
Fine aggregate: The fine aggregate i.e., sand to be used shall be clean and coarse of
average 5mm size and shall be free from any organic or vegetable matter.
Cement: The cement to be used shall be fresh and shall comply with the standard
requirements.

Water-proofing compound: The water-proofing compound to be used shall be of

standard specifications. The water to be used shall be clean and fresh.
Mixing: The mixing of all the materials in their required volume shall be carried out on a
clean and solid platform. Dry coarse aggregates shall be stacked evenly on the platform.
Sand and cement in their required proprtion shall be mixed dry till of uniform colour and
then this mixture shall be spread over the stacke coarse aggregate. The materials shall be
turned over once without adding water and shall be turned over for atleast three times
after adding required quantity of water gradually and slowly to give a

uniform concrete. Water-proofing compound in proportion as specified shall then be

added and mixed with concrete to make it water-poof.
Preparation of base: The base where d.p.c is to be laid shall be constructed with bricks on
edge or with frogs of the bricks down. The top of the plinth bed over which d.p.c is to be
placed shall be thoroughly cleaned with a steel brush, washed and wetted before laying
d.p.c.

Laying: D.p.c shall be laid to the full width of the plinth or superstructure as mentioned in
the drawing or tender. It shall be laid to the specific thickness over the plinth wall flush
with the floor surface and shall not be carried across the doorways or such other
openings. It shall be properly consolidated by tamping and levelled horizontally as well as
vertically. Laying of d.p.c shall be completed on the same day. The joints shall be given
at the openings. The concrete surface shall be roughened and chequered when air dry
to impart proper bondage with bickwork above.

Curing: The work shall be kept well-watered for atleast 7 days after laying, if there is no
commencement of further brickwork. In no case, brickwork shall be commenced unless
the fresh work has been flooded with water for atleast 48 hours.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR TILING (VITRIFIED/CERAMIC):

Tiles: The tile material for Glazed/Non-glazed Vitrified Porcelain(Granite Viglacera-

Vietnam, Portebello- Brazil or equivalent make) /Glazed/Non-glazed Ceramic tiles
(Somany, Kajaria or equivalentmake), shall confirm to IS:777 (respective IS standards) or
Equivalent approved by the Engineer. The tiles shall be of approved colour, size and
shape or as shown in the drawings and shall be laid to the pattern approved by the
Engineer. The tiles shall be of uniform colour, true to size and shape and free from cracks,
twists, uneven edges, crazing and other defects.The size and thickness of the tiles shall be
as specified. The contractor shall submit samples of tile for selection and approval by the
Engineer In-charge and all tiles delivered to the site shall conform to the approved
samples with regard to size, quality, texture and colour.

Mixing: Mixing shall be done as per specification for mortar mixing of brick masonry work

Preparation of Surface and installation: Wall surfaces shall be brushed cleaned and
wetted. Prior to installing any tile, the Contractor shall inspect surface and conditions in
areas to receive tile work and shall notify the Engineer of any serious defects or conditions
that will interfere with or prevent a satisfactory tile installation and shall coordinate with
other traders of work.

Approximately 12 mm thick level and plumb, scratch coat of cement mortar 1:4 or as
specified by site engineer shall be applied. The scratch coat shall be moist cured for at
least 24 hours before application of floating coat.
Before applying floating coat the scratch coat shall be thoroughly wetted. The floating
coat, plastic mix of neat cement of approximately 3 mm thickness shall be applied even
with screeds to true plane.

Floating coat shall be applied over areas no larger than can be covered with tile while
the mortar is still plastic (half set).
Glazed tile shall be soaked, completely immersed in clean water at least 30 minutes and
drained. Individual tile that exhibits drying along edges shall be allowed to remain on the
backs of tile at the time of setting.

Tiles shall be installed by applying a skin coat of a plastic mix of neat cement to backs of
tile and firmly pressing tile into the floating coat to true plane and position. White cement
shall be used for the skin coat where white joints are required.

During the process of setting tiles, continuous horizontal and vertical cuts every 40cm to
60 cm shall be made through the floating coat while plastic, using the point of a trowel
turned edge wise, Care shall be taken to prevent cutting into the scratch coat.
Where full size tile cannot be laid, it shall be cut (sawn) to required size and edges rubbed
smooth to ensure a true and straight joint.
All tile work finishing shall be adequately protected from damage during the progress of
construction and any damage shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer at the
Contractor's expense.

Joints in Tile Work: Joints in tile work shall be accurately aligned with horizontal joints level
and vertical joints plumb. Joints shall be maintained uniformly wide by aligning spacer
lugs on tile edges if tiles are so manufactured or by use of wetted strings.

Tile Layout: Tiles shall be laid out in such a way that no tile less than half size occurs. Where
tile must be cut at edges or penetrated the cut edges shall be carefully filed and neatly
ground. Chipped, cracked or broken tile shall not be used and all defective work shall be
replaced and repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer at the Contractor's expense.

Grouting the Tile Joints: After tiles have been set firm and strings removed, the tiles shall be
dampened and joints grouted full with a plastic mix of neat cement by trowel, brush or
finger application. Unless otherwise directed, grout shall be white cement. During
grouting all excess grout shall be cleaned off the tile surface with damp cloth sponges.

The finished floor surface shall be true to required levels. All tile work finishing shall be
adequately protected from damage during the progress of construction till completion
and any damage shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer at the Contractor's
expense.
Upon completion prior to final inspection and acceptance, the Contractor shall clean all
tile work. Acids or agents liable to damage the work shall be avoided. If tile surface show
mass scratches, crack or other imperfections, which cannot be removed by cleaning; the
Contractor shall remove the defective material and replace with new material at no
additional expense. Sample of workmanship and tile grout proposed (silicone) shall be
approved prior to execution of work.

Measurement : The measurement shall be in square meters of the work done including
the setting mortar. The rate shall be for the material and labour, all complete.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MARBLE FLOORING AND DADOO:

Marble stone: Marble shall be of good quality having smooth, hard surface, regular in
shape, size and of uniform thickness, of good appearance, and of sharp and square
edges. It shall be free from cracks and other defects. Marble stone of uniform size with
more than 45cm and the minimum length of 1200mm to fit in the counter and floor, may
be from Godavari Marble factory (polished of minimum size 600mmx600mm) or
Rajasthani (Indian) Marble equivalent conforming to IS 1130 – latest Revision or BS
specification or as approved by the engineer.

No small marble will be allowed except in the thin wall or skirting or the edges or unless
specified by engineer. The marble must be backed with the nylon grip net. The marble
shall be of minimum thickness of 20mm. The colour shall be as per the instruction of
engineer or drawings. Sample of marble stone to be used shall be submitted to the
Project manager and his approval should be taken before the bulk purchase. All the
marble stone supplied shall conform to the approved sample in all respect.

Proportion: Base Course: 1 part cement; 2 parts sand and mixing shall be done as per
specification for mortar mixing of brick masonry work.
Dressing: Each marble stone slab shall be machine cut to required size and shape as
specified in the drawing and as instructed by engineer. All angles and edges of the
marble slabs shall be true and square and free from chippings and the surface shall be
true and plane. The thickness of the stone shall be as specified in the drawing. No
tolerance shall be allowed for thickness.

For flooring, the marble slabs shall be machine cut with good finish at edges and corners.
The contractor shall ensure that no chisel marks are visible on the surface of the stone
before fixing. Marbles with chisel marks or broken edges shall be rejected.

Laying: The base shall be made rough and watered and given a cement wash and then
the mortar shall be laid in 20 mm thick layers as per instruction of Engineer. After laying
mortar, it should be levelled with wooden floats. Proper slope for draining wash water
shall be provided as per instruction of the Engineer. And over this, marble stone should be
laid; the joints should not be more than 3 mm. The joints should be painted with white
cement slurry.
Curing: After about two hours of laying, the surface shall be covered with wet bags and
kept wet and left undisturbed for two days.

Finish: Finally, when the surface is absolutely dry, oxalic acid powder shall be rubbed well
on the surface with grinding machine with water, and this operation shall be repeated
until the surface becomes perfectly smooth and glossy. The surface shall be rubbed with
wax to give a glazing surface. White cement or colour cement shall be used in joint to
have the required colour as per specified or as per
instruction of Engineer. Care shall be taken that the floor is not left slippery and that
ordinary wax is not used under any circumstances.
If required by the Engineer, the grinding and polishing shall be done by grinding machine
in 3 operations, first grinding with machine fitted with coarse Carborundum stone, second
grinding with medium grade Carborundum stone and final grinding with fine grade
Carborundum stone.

Measurement: Measurement shall be in square meter of exact length and breadth

(length and height in dado) of the floor. Rate shall include materials, mixing, laying,
curing, finishing, grinding, polishing and labour etc., all complete.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR WOOD WORK – DOORS, WINDOWS, FRAMES AND SHUTTERS:

All wood work shall be planed neatly and truly finished to the exact dimensions. All joints
shall be neat and tight, truly and accurately fitted. Wall plates, purlins and rafter shall be
painted 2 coats.
All beams shall be bedded on (1:2:4) RCC beds of 10cm x 7.5cm x 4.5cm dimension with
a minimum of 15cm bearing or as specified in the drawing. All portion of timber in
contact with masonry shall have 6mm gap sides. All beams shall rest on bearing.
Measurement of wood work shall be in volumes for the finished work, including fixing,
sawing, planning, joining, nails, screws etc. Wooden blocks/joints wherever specified may
be measured in number.

DOOR AND WINDOWS

Wooden frames: The contractor is to clear out and destroy or remove all cut and shavings
and other wood waste from all parts of the building and the site generally, as the work
progress and at the conclusion of the work.
Carpentry: All carpentry shall be executed with workmanship of the best quality.Scantling
and boarding shall be accurately sawn and shall be of uniform width and thickness
throughout. All carpenter’s work shall be left with sawn surface except where particularly
specified to be wrought.
All carpenter’s work shall be accurately set out in strict accordance with the drawings
and shall be framed together and securely fixed in best possible manner with properly
made joints. All necessary brads, sheet metal screws, etc. shall be provided as directed
and approved.
Joinery: All joints shall be accurately set out on boards to full size for the information and
guidance of the artisans before commencing the respective works, with all joints, iron
work and other works connected therewith fully delineated. Such setting out must be
submitted to the Engineer In-charge and approved before such respective works are
commenced.

All jointer’s work shall be cut out and framed together as soon after the commencement
of the building as is practicable, but is not to be wedged up or glued until the building is
ready for fixing same. Any portions that warp, wind or develop shakes or other defects
within six months after completion of the works shall be removed and new fixed in their
place on contractor’s own expense.

All work shall be properly mortises, tenons, house, shouldered, dovetailed, notched,
wedged, pinned, braided, etc., as directed and to the satisfaction of the consultants and
all properly glued up with the best quality approved glue.

Joints in joinery must be as specified or detailed, and so designed and secured as to resist
or compensate for any stresses to which they may be subjected. All nails, springs, etc. are
to be punched and puttied. Loose joints are to be made where provision must be made
for shrinkage, glued joints where shrinkage need not be considered and where sealed
joints are required. Glue for load-bearing joints or where conditions may be damp must
be damp must be of the resin type. For non-load-bearing joints or conditions may be
guaranteed casein or organic glues may be used. All exposed surfaces of joinery work
shall be wrought and all arise “eased-off” by plaining and sand papering to an approved
finish suitable to the specified treatment.

Dimensions: Joinery shall hold up to the specified sizes and as measure.

Fixing Joinery: All beads, fillets and small members shall be fixed with round or oval brads
on nails well punched in and stopped. All large members shall be fixed with brass screws,
the heads let in and palette to match the grain.
Unless otherwise specified, plugs of external work shall be of hardwood; plugs for internal
work may be of softwood. Holes for plugging must be made with a proper drilling tool
and the holes completely filled with the plugging material.

Unless otherwise specified all skirting, window, grounds and backings for same, fillets etc.,
shall be plugged at intervals not exceeding 600mm.
Bedding Joinery: All door and window frames, sills, wooden bars etc., which are fixed to
brickwork, concrete by means of grounds, lugs, etc., shall be bedded solid in mortar as
previously described and pointed with a recessed joint 6mm deep to the approval of the
Engineer In-charge.

Plywood, Block boards, Chipboards and MDF board, shall be bonded with synthetic resin
of “interior” type and sheet metal screws unless otherwise stated for the doors. Where
stated to be “exterior” type, they shall be weatherproof.
All exposed edges of block board and chipboard shall be lipped with hardwood as
described below.Samples of all such materials and their source of manufacture must be
approved by the Engineer In-charge before used in the works.

Inspection and Testing : The Engineer In-charge shall be given facilities for inspection of all
works in progress whether in workshop or on site. All timber as it arrives on the site and not
approved by them must be removed forthwith, failing which the Employer, with the
advise of the Engineer In-charge, may arrange for the removal of the rejects and impose
of them as they may consider advisable at the
contractor’s expenses.

The contractor is to allow for testing or prototypes of special construction units and the
Engineer In- charge shall be at liberty to select any samples they may require for the
purpose of testing i.e. for moisture content, or identification of species, strength, etc.

Where timbers need to be extended into a wall, they shall be thoroughly “Brush Treated”
with a wood preservative approved by the Engineer In-charge, and as much clear air
space maintained around the timber where it adjoins the wall as possible.
Measurement: Measurement of works will be made in m³ of works as specified.

Payment: Payment for work will be made on the basis of contract unit price indicated in
the BOQ. The payment will be full and final compensation for all material, labour, and
equipment to complete the works as specified.

Panelled shutters: The window shutters may be fully panelled, fully glazed, partly glazed
and partly panelled, battened or Venetian as specified. Styles and panels shall be neatly
planed and truly finished to exact dimensions. Styles and rails shall be framed properly
and accurately with mortise and tenon joints and fixed with bamboo pins as per drawing.
Glue shall be applied at al joints before clamping and fixing with bamboo pins. Panels
shall be of one piece without any joints and shall be housed with 12.5mm insertion into
rails and styles.

Panels shall be of thickness as specified in the drawing. All rails above 100mm in width
shall have double tenon. No tenon shall exceed 6mm the thickness of the member. In
case of swing door, swing door hung in lace shall not be rebated together. It shall be
fitted with vision panels.
Measurement: Measurement of works will be made in m2 of works as specified.

Payment: Payment for work will be made on the basis of contract unit price indicated in
the BOQ. The payment will be full and final compensation for all material, labour, and
equipment to complete the works as specified.

Glazed, Ply,Teak, GI sheet and Wiremesh shutters

Shutter or frame shall be as described in Panelled doors.

Putty: Putty for glazing in wood frames shall be composed of pure linseed oil and whiting
powder free from grittiness.

Wooden beads: All wooden beads shall be from hard wood fitted against the glass.
Wooden beads shall be bedded against the rebate and secured by 12.5mm glass nails
fixed at 75mm apart. The rebate depth shall be 12.5mm Wooden beads shall not project
beyond the rebate. All glass panes shall have edge- clearance, when fitted of 1.5mm all
round. Beads shall be painted with approved paint before fixing glass pane.
Hinges/ handles/bolts/screwes: The window shutters shall have minimum of two-piece
100mm steel hinges with steel screws, one aluminium handle and two pieces of 150mm
tower bolts of super brand or equivalent with steel screws.

The timber louvers shall be 12 mm. thick of the size and fixing as shown in the Drawing.
Vertical slats if required shall be provided as per instruction of the Engineer.
Construction Procedure: The window shutters may be fully panelled, fully glazed, partly
glazed and partly panelled, battened or Venetian as specified. Styles and panels shall be
neatly planed and truly finished to exact dimensions.

Styles and rails shall be framed properly and accurately with mortise and tenon joints and
fixed with bamboo pins as per drawing. Glue shall be applied at all joints before
clamping and fixing with bamboo pins. Panels shall be of one piece without any joints
and shall be housed with 12.5mm insertion into rails and styles.

Panels shall be of thickness as specified in the drawing. All rails above 100mm in width
shall have double tenon. No tenon shall exceed 6mm the thickness of the member. In
case of swing door, swing door hung in lace shall not be rebated together. It shall be
fitted with vision panels.
Rebates of metal frames receiving glass shall be prepared and treated with primer for
putty prior to glazing and putty shall be primed ten days after glazing (See Painting).

Glass louvers shall have ground edges and be fixed in accordance with the instruction of
the louver frame manufacturer.
Mirrors shall be 4mm silvered plate glass or Swan brand with polished edges, and shall be
drilled for and fixed with four chromium plated screws with detachable dome heads.
On completion remove all broken, scratched or cracked panes and replace with new to
the satisfaction of the Engineer In-charge. Clean inside and out with approved cleaner.
On no account shall scraping with glass clean windows.
Solid core shutters

Wooden solid core of lightwood with 4mm Teak plywood in both sides glued and lipped
with mould salwood of sample approved by project engineer. The tolerances for the
overall size are +-3mm +-1mm in thickness. Where described as “External Quality” flushes
doors are to be finished with weatherproof

plywood as before described and the Engineer Incharge must approve sample doors
before the doors are completed.
The door shutters are polished with clear chapra polish and painted with two coats of
touch wood polish.The doors shall be sticked with moulding of approved design in the
shape as shown in the drawing.

The Door shutters shall have minimum of three pieces of 150mm brass hinges with brass
screws, one IPSA Mortise lock of heavy duty or equivalent, two pieces of 150mm brass
tower bolts of good quality with brass screws, 75 mm doorstopper.

Construction Procedure: The window shutters may be fully panelled, fully glazed, partly
glazedand partly panelled, battened or Venetian as specified. Styles and panels shall be
neatly planed and truly finished to exact dimensions.
Styles and rails shall be framed properly and accurately with mortise and tenon joints and
fixed with bamboo pins as per drawing. Glue shall be applied at all joints before
clamping and fixing with bamboo pins. Panels shall be of one piece without any joints
and shall be housed with 12.5mm insertion into rails and styles.

Panels shall be of thickness as specified in the drawing. All rails above 100mm in width
shall have double tenon. No tenon shall exceed 6mm the thickness of the member. In
case of swing door, swing door hung in lace shall not be rebated together. It shall be
fitted with vision panels.

Measurement: Measurement of works will be made in m2 of works as specified.

Payment: Payment for work will be made on the basis of contract unit price indicated in
the BOQ. The payment will be full and final compensation for all material, labour, and
equipment to complete the works as specified.
NB:These specifications may be adopted for other type of shutters viz plywood, teak, GI
sheet flush doors etc as well. For such items replace glass with relevant material as
specified.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR CEMENT PLASTERING:

Preliminary - procedure for first coat - procedure for second coat - measurement

The work of sand faced cement plater shall be carried out after masonry joints are raked
out to a depth of 20mm and the walls are well-watrered.
The first coat for sand faced cement plaster shall be of cement mortar of proportion 1:4
i.e., one part of cement to four parts of clean, coarse and angular river sand by volume.
The mortar of one cement bag shall be prepared at a time and it shall be prepared on a
water-tight platform or in a steel trough. The mortar shall be consumed in 30 minutes after
adding water. The first coat of plaster shall be uniformly applied in the best workmanship
manner after watering the surface of walls in advance and putting dots

and preparing screeds for maintaining uniform thickness of plastered surface. The
thickness of first coat shall be nowhere less than 12mm. The fist coat shall be well-watered
atleast for 7 days. The first coat shall be provided with zigzag lines such that the first coat
adheres well with the second coat.

The second coat of sand faced cement plater shall be carried out in c:m of proportion
1:1 and shall be of thickness 8mm. The second coat shall be applied on the first coat
atkeast after 7 days of completion of first coat. The second coat shall give uniform grey
colour to the whole structure. The sand to be used in the mortar for the second coat shall
be perfectly screened so that sand of uniform size shall appear on the surface. The
sponge shall be used in the second coat and it shall be applied when the second coat is
wet and it shall be so worked that the density of sand grains appearing on the surface
shall be equal and uniform. After completion of the second coat, the surface shall be
kept well-watered atleast for 15 days.
The payment shall be made for superficial area covered. The measurements and
deductions are made accordingly.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR WHITE WASHING IN THREE COATS:

Walls tobe cleaned - lime and gum - workmanship - cleaning - measurement.

The walls to be whitewashed shall be cleaned before the work is started.

The fresh white lime shall be slaked at site of work and shall be mixed thoroughly with
sufficient quantity of water in a tub and shall then be screened through a clean cloth. The
clean gum or rice dissolved in hot water shall me mixed with lime in required quantities.
The whitewash shall be applied with jute brush and the brush shall be so worked that a
surface with uniform colour is obtained. Three coats shall be applied, each after the
previous coat has completely dried.

The stains of whitewash on the floor or other surface shall be removed.

The payments shall be made on superficial contents and openings shall be deducted
once only to compensate for tops, bottoms and sides of the openings.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PAINTING IN THREE COATS:

Cleaning - paint- coats - workmanship - measurement.

The surface to be painted shall be cleaned and made smooth by rubbung sand-papers
of different grades. In case of steel work, the dust and scales shall be thoroughly
removed. All broken edges, cracks, loose plaster and wavy surface shall be brought up
by plaster work and all the holes and undulations shall be filled up with plaster of paris
and rubbed smooth.

The paint to be used shall be of approved tint and make. The pure turpentine shall be
used as a thinning agent.

A priming coat shall first be applied and then all cracks, holes, etc shall be filled with putty
or with a mixture of glue and plaster of paris. The second coat of paint shall then be
applied and after it has dried, the final coat of paint shall be applied.

The paint shall be applied in the best workmanship manner. The brushes to be used shall
be of the best quality and they shall be worked in such a way that a surface of uniform
shade is obtained without any hair marks, drops of paint, etc. At the end of the day's
work, the brushes shall be cleaned by turpentine and shall be kept dry.

The painting shall be paid in superficial contents. The doors and windows shall be
measured flat on two sides and no extra measurement shall be taken for mouldings, etc.
The gaps of grillwork shall be measured on one side only for painting both sides of the
grillwork. The half of the glazed part shall be deducted from the measurements of flat
area. The louvers and venetians shall be treated as one and a half times of the
corresponding flat area.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR WEATHERING COURSE IN TERRACE:

When it is intended to carry out the waterproofing of a newly built reinforced concrete
roof, it is best to provide the water proofing layer directly on the structural slab. The
insulation and the finishing layer can then follow. To obtain a sound waterproofing layer:
Clean the surface of loose particles, dust, cement laitance, etc. preferably done using a
electric hand blower.

Moisten the R.C. slab and on the wetted surface, apply three coats of Polyalk-wp and
cement slurry in the ratio 1:1.25 by weight for the first coat and 1:1.5 by weight for
subsequent coats at 24 hours interval between thecoats. The slurry should be uniform in
consistency and suitable for brush application.

Cure the first two coats with damp gunny bags after 48 hours of the application of the
above slurry.
Apply the third coat of Polyalk-wp and while this coat is still wet and tacky lay the mortar
for providing brick bat coba. This has to be a wet on wet application.

Provide insulation layer (brick bat coba) and finishing layer over the coating as per
requirement.

Admix anti-shrinkage compound Sunplex(330gms) per bag of cement for the mortar
mixing.

Tiles for laying on the open terrace. Can withstand the effect of rain and sun to protect
and weather proof your home.

Highly Durable

Can withstand Rough Weather

Protects the Building

Better Thermal Insulation than Concrete

Keeps the House Cool & Saves Electricity for Cooling

Most Economical and Eco-Friendly

Additional Description

Made of dense machine-processed clay, the Weathering Course Tiles protects the
concrete roof slab from the effects of rain and sun all round the year, for years. Not water
proofing the terrace can cause rain water to damage the roof slab and the ceiling,
leading to costly repairs later on.The terrace clay tiles can be painted with exterior sealer
followed by light grey or any light colored exterior paint to further reduce heat absorption
from sunlight. Cool your roof to reduce heat indoors by reducing sunlight absorption. Clay
tiles for terrace have the best durability and are available in sizes of 9x9 and 12x12.

QUESTION BANK

PART-A (2 marks)

State the specification for 2nd class bick work.

Write the specification of ceramic tiles for flooring.

Write the specification for 1st class brick work.

What is the specification for Damp proof course.

Write the specification for earth work.

Write the specification for plastering.

What sources are considered as guidelines for writing specifications in India?

PART-B (16 marks)

Illustrate the general specification with units for the following works:

Earth work excavation

Painting the outer walls

Wood works for fully paneled doors.

Give a detailed specification for Reinforced cement concrete work.

Chart out a detailed specification for Damp proof course and dado work for marble
flooring.

Elucidate in detail the specification for earthwork and plain cement concrete.

Illustrate the specification for cement plastering for brick walls and weather proofing
course in terrace.

Write the detailed specification for

Earthwork evocations for foundation of a wall.

Manufacturing and fixing of glazed wooden windows.

Explain in detail the brief specification for I class and II class building.

Write detailed specification for first class brick work in 1:6 cement mortar.

Write detailed specification for reinforced cement concrete slab.

.