SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 (ICS 91,100.30) SPECIFICATION FOR Concrete | Part 1: Guide to specifying concrete ORIGINAL Ali rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this Singapore Standard may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilming, without permission in writing from the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board at the address below: Director Centre for Standardisation Singapore Productivity and Standards Board 1 Sclence Park Drive Singapore 118221 ISBN 9971-67-795-4SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 This Singapore Standard was approved by the Building Materials Product Standards Committee cn behalf of the Standards Council of Singapore on 27 March 2000. - First publistied, 1986, First revision, 2000 The Building Materials Product Standards Committee appointed by the Standards Council consists of the following members: Chairman Depul efbtan Secretary Members Name Mir Goh Chong Chia DrTamChat Tim Mr Han Kin Sew Mr Boo Geok Kwang Assoc Frof Chiew Sing Ping Mr Fang Yea Saen Er. Goh Soo Meng Mr John Kong Wai Meng Mr Lee Seng Kee ‘Mr Larry Ng Lye Hock Mr Ong Geok Soo Ms Pauline Sim Mr P Sripathy ‘Ms Tan Chiew Wan Assoc Prof Tan Kiang Hwee Mr Tan Tian Chong Mr Teo Tit Ngee Organisation Standards Council Individual Capacity Singapore Productivity and Standards Board Singapore Civil Defence Force Nanyang Technological University PWD Corporation Institution of Engineers Singapore ( Singepore Confederation of industries Singepore Mass Rapid Transit Housing & Development Boarcl vurong Town Corporation Singepore Institute of Architects Land Transport Authority Singapore Productivity and Standards Board National University of Singapore” Building and Construction Authority Singapore Contractors Association Limited ‘The Technical Committee on Concrete and Cement appointed by the the Building Materials Product Standards Commitiee end responsible for the preparation of this standard consists of representatives from the following organisations\ AN mA es Am om Chairman Deputy Chateman Secretary Members ht Name © Dr Tam Chat Tim Ms Honey Lim Mr Han Kin Sew Mr Allen Ang Aik Leng Mir Chee Kheng Chye Or Goh Jing Shi br Ho Nyok Yong Mr Joseph Lai Kuong Kiu Mr David Leong Hu Kit Mr Lim Hoe Peng Mc Lim Keng Kuok ‘Assoc Prof Tan Kang Hai Ms Irene Tan Yio Kheng ‘Mir John Ting Kang Chung Mr Wee Kok Peng ‘Assoc Prof Wee Tiong Huan (Br Yang Jian Ling Organisation Building Materials Product Standards Committee. Singapore Concrete Institute Singapore Productivity and Standards Board Building and Construction Authority Housing & Development Board Singapore Productivity and Standards Board Singepore Contractors Association Lic Jurong Town Corporation Association of Consulting Engineers Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Singapore PWD Corporation ‘Nanyang Technological University Singapore Confederation of industries Singapore Institute of Architects: Institution of Engineers Singapore National University of Singapore Coment Manufacturers’ Association of SingaporeSS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 Page Foreword ‘SPECIFICATION Introduction Scope References I eee GEE Definitions oon ee HEE Eee ee EEE Eee EEE EERE Ee eee Constituent materials of concrete 10 Durability of concrete 13 Other properies of hardened concrete Oak enao EEE eee Properties of fresh concrete 23 Basis for specifying concrete 25 ‘Sampling for conformity testing 28 © Action to be taken in the event of non-conformity of the concrete with its specification _ 28. Boon TABLES Cements 8 Aggregates forgeneraluse ag Admixtures 2 Limits of chloride content of concrete __ 14 Classification of exposure conditions 16 Guidance on mix design limits for durability of concrete made with norma ‘weight aggregates of 20 mm nominal maximum size oaaren 16 7a Sulfate end acid resistance - Recommendations for concrete exposed to sulfate attack 19 20 7b Sulfate and acid resistance - Cement groups for use in Table 7a 7e Sulfate and acid resistance - Modifications to Table 7a for other types of exposure and types of construction 74 Sulfate and acid resistance - Muuifications to Table 7a and Table /c tor concrete ‘exposed to attack from acids in natural ground 24 24 8 Adjustments to minimum cement contents for aggregates other than 20 mm nominal maximum size _ oe 22 9 Compressive strength grades 22 ' 10 Flexural strength grades —___ 11 Workabities suitable for different uses of in-situ conorete 24 12 Summary of different types of mix _ 26 13 Equivalent grades for cement content and free water/cement ratio ar 14 Recommended minimum rates of sampling 28 3SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 Foreword This Singapore Stancard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Concrete and Cement under the direction of the Building Materials Product Standards Gommittee. This part, which is a new edition is a revision of SS 289 : 1986, together with three other parts, forms a comprehensive standard for the specification of concrete to which codes of practice and contractual documents ean refer. This pact takes account of the recent consensus reached by experts on provisions to resist dameging ASR in the UK. These recommendations are published in the BRE Digest 220: 1999. It refers to BRE Digest 363 which has superseded BRE Digest 250, for guidance on sulfate and acid resistance of concrete in natural ground. Consideration is given in this standard to the type of construction in addition to the concentration of sulfate. Account is also taken of the factors affecting sulfate attack such as pH level and soil permeability ‘As this standard involves selection by specifier from a number of options and, in certain circumstances, agreement on requirements between the purchaser and producer, any requirement for conformity to SS 289 or any claim of compliance with it has to be qualified by reference tc the selection and to any such agreements. This standard covers the methods for specifying end producing concrete as a construction material up to the point of delivery into the construction. The standard is in four parts: Part 1: Guide to specifying concrete Part 2: Methods for specifying concrete mixes Part 3: Specification for the procedures to be used in producing and transporting concrete Part 4: Specification for the procedures to be used in sampling, testing and assessing compliance of concrete Part 1 provides guidance to the specifier and purchaser of concrete on the selection of requirements for materials and corerete mixes. Part 2 provides a choice of methods by which the purchaser can convey the selected requirements to the producer. Part 3 specifies for the producer the proceduras to be used in producing and transporting the concrete. Part 4 specifies the procedures to be used by the purchaser in sampling, testing and assessing concrete for conformity. ‘This standard provides methods for specifying concrete mixed on site or in a precast concrete factory and for the purchase and supply of ready-mixad concrete. It takes account ot the distinct and different tesponsibilities of the purchaser and the producer. There are a number of Instances in which the purchaser has to select from the various options given in this standard in order to specify the concrete required. The purchaser is responsible for passing on to the producer the requirements of the specifying body, eg. the engineers or architect's specification, together .with any addifonal requirements. Throughout this standard the terms ‘specify’ and ‘specification’ are used in relation to both sets of requirements. There may be occasions where it is advantageous for economic or technical reasons to propose changes to the specifcation. In such cases the producer and purchaser should agree on the proposed amendments for approval and sanction by the specifying body.SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 Precautions need to be taken when working with cement and wet concrete and attention is drawn to these in SS 289 : Parts 3 and 4, This standard covers concrete produced by normal methods, but it does not apply to precast concrete Products where other specifications contain the specification of the concrete. Many of the requirements of the standard, e.g, the use of materials and the control of production, apply equally to recast concrete and to in situ concrete. However, some of its requirements concerning the Fesponsibiities of the purchaser and producer may not apply in the case of precast concrete, !is necessary for the purchaser to taka into accouint the requirements of specialized codes of praclice and any influences of the construction process. Provisions are made in this standard for the inclusion of any special requirements, A Singapore Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract Users of ‘Singapore Standard are responsible for their correct application, This Singapore Standard is an adoption of British Standard No. BS 6328-Part 1: 1907 and was implemented vith the permission of the British Standards Institution 1, Singapore Standerds are subject to periodic review fo Keep abreast of technological changes and new fechnical developments. The revisions of Singapore Standards are announced through the issue of either amendmen slips or revised edlfons. 2 Compliance wih a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligationsSS 289 : Part 4: 2000 Specification for concrete — Part 1: Guide to specifying concrete 0 Introduction This part of SS 289 gives advice on the selection of the quality of concrete suitable for many general purposes not covered by Singapore Standard Specifications or Codes of Practice, This part of SS 289 is frimarily a guide for the specifier in choosing the appropriate materials and mlx. It gives the range of constituent materials that can be used. It describes the properties of fresh end hardened concrete, with considerable emphasis on durabilty. Distinction is made between structural and non-structural concrete and between unreinforced, reinforced and prestressed concrete. Also included is guidance on sampling for strength conformity testing and action to be taken in the event of non-conformity ‘Account is taken of standard specifications relating to ground granulated blastfurnace slag or pulverized-fuel ash used in composite cements ar in equivalent combinations, Purchasers ordering in accordance with this standard are advised to specify quality assurance requirements for materials or for concrete in their purchasing contracts to assure themselves that products specified in accordance with SS 289 consistently achieve the required level of quaity Purchasers of ready-mixed concrete are advised to specify certification meeting the requirements of the Singapore Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies. They are similarly advised to specify that, where they are available, constituent materials should be obtained from the suppliers operating quality systems in accordance with relevant SS ISO 9000 series of standards. 1 Scope ‘This part of SS 289 gives guidance on the selection of materials for concrete and on the mixes to be specified to produce concrete having the required properties in the fresh and hardened state. It also gives guidance on sampling for strength conformity testing and action to be taken in the event of non~ conformity, 2 References 24 Normative references “This part of SS 289 incorporates, by dated or undated references, provisions from other publications “These normative references are made at the appropriate places in the text and the cited publicatons are listed at the end of the standard, For dated references, only the edition clted applivs, any ‘subsequent amendments to or revisions of the cited publication apply to this part of SS 289 only when incorporated in the reference by amendment or revision. For undated references, the latest edition of the cited publication applies together with any amendments. 2.2 Informative references This part of SS 289 refers to other publications that provide information or guidance. Eaitfons of these publications current atthe time of issue of this standard should be made to the latest editions.SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 3 Definitions For the purposes of this part of SS 289 the definitions given in 8S 6100 apply, together with the following, 3.4 Batch Quantity of concrete mixed in one cycle of operations of a batch mixer or the quantity of conc conveyed ready-mixed in a vehicle or the quantity discharged during 1 min from a continiious mixer, 3.2 Cement Hydraulic binder that sets and hardens by chemicat interaction with water and is capable of doing so under water. NOTE — The cements covered by this standard are listed in Table 1. 3.3. Cement content Mass of cement contained in a cubie metre of fresh, fully compacted concrete expressed in kg/mm’, 3.4 Cement type Classification of cement based on its main constituents, 3.5 Alkali content 3.5.1 Certified average alkali content The average of 26 consecutive determinations of equivalent alkali content carried out on samples ‘each of which is representative of a day's production 3.5.2 Declared mean alkali content ‘The mean alkali content, expressed as the sodium oxide equivalent, which will not be exceeded without prior notice from the manufacturer. This is the certified alkali content plus @ margin that reflects the manufacturer's variability of production. 3.5.3 Guaranteed alkali limit ‘The alkali limit, expressed as the sodium oxide equivalent, which the constituent material supplior guarantees will not be exceeded by any test result, on any spot sample. 3.8 Characteristic strength That value of strength below which 5% of the population of all possible strength measurements of the specified concrete are expected to fall 3.7 Density of fresh concrete Mass of a quantity of compacted fresh conerete divided by its volume, expressed in kgim’, determined in accordance with S$ 78 : Part A7. NOTE — For the method of determining the density of fresh concrete, see SS 78: Pert A7, Compaction by the method described in SS 78 : Part A7 is not appropriate for semi-dry concrete mixes, The method for determining the density of partially compacted semi-dry concrete is described in SS 78 : Part A289.SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 Table 1 - Cements Type Standard | Portiand cements Ordinary Portland (OPC) SS 26 Low heat (LHPC) BS 1370 Sulfete-resisting (SRPC) BS 4027 Low alkali sulfate-resisting (LASRPC) _| BS 4027 Cements containing Ground granulated blastfurnace slag (ggbs), Pulverized-fuel ash (pfa) or Limestone. Portland blastfurrace (PBFC) ss477 High siag blastfumace SS 476 Portland pulverized-fuel ash (PPFAC) Bs 6588 Pozzolanic pulverized-fuel ash BS 6610 Combinations manufactured in the conerete | Combination of which the proportions and mixer from Portland cement and ggbs or pfa__—_| properties comply with Clause 6 to Clause 9 of OPC complying with SS 26 with ggbs complying with BS 6699 SS 477: 2000 (except 6.3) SS 476: 2000” (except 6.2) OPC complying with SS 26 with pla complying with BS 3892 : Part 1 BS 6588 : 1996 (except 6.3) BS 6610 : 1996 (except 6.2) Other cements High alumina cement (HAC)®® BS 918 Supersulfated cement (SSC) BS 4248 Modified Portland cements, e.g. coloured, } Complying with the physical properties for ultra-high early strength, water-repellent, | ordinary Portland cement in SS 26. hydrophobic "The combination should be subject to @ conformity procedure to demonstrate confarrty * For the purposes of demonstrating equivalence, conformity to stngth classes 37.6 of 47.6 of BS 6699 is deemed to be conformity to strength clatses 52.5 07 42.5 of SS A7Trespectvely As an alternate to comforming to the strength requirements in Clause 7 of these standards, the combinations may conform to the standard svength classes in Table 7 of BS 6698. High alumina cement compiying with BS 915 oF supersulfated cement conforming to BS 4248 should not be mixed with | any other type of cement athe production of concrete, | 5'High alumina cement should be used with caution (see 4.2.4), The hydrated cement undergoes chemical changes. Inchiding « proosze known ae conversion, which lead to loss of concrate sirengtn and reduced resisianoe to aggressive chemicals. ‘Tha precise way In which conversion Occurs and the effects on concrete prooeities depend on the initial fre= Wwaterfoement ratio, the temperature andlor humidity of the concrete dusing curing and throughcut it subsequent life Guidance on the correct use of high alumina cement should be sought from the manufactured and cutrent specialzed publications, NOTE 1 — Not all cements may be readily available. For example supersulfated cement has riot been produced in Singapore, and specifiers should check for availability. NOTE 2 — Rapid Hardening Portland Cement Is no longer specified in SS 26. The term OPC is retained. The | corresponding cements for OPC and RHPC are PC 42.8 and PC 52.5 respectivelySS 289 : Part 1: 2000 3.8 Lightweight concrete Hardened concrete having an oven-dried density not greater than 2000 kai NOTE ~ For the method of determining oven-dried density, see SS 78 : Part A14 3.9 Normal-weight concrete Hardened conerete heving an oven-dried density greater than 2000 kim? but not exceeding 2600 kgim?, NOTE ~ For the method of determining oven-driad density, see SS 78 : Pert A14 3.10 Heavyweight concrete Hardened concrete having an oven-dried density greater then 2600 kgim’, NOTE ~ For the method of determining oven-dried density, see SS 78 : Part A14 3.141 Designed mix Mix for which the purchaser Is responsible for spacifying the required performance and the producer is responsible for selecting the mix proportions to produce the required performance 3.42 Prescribed mix Mix for which the purchaser specifies the proportions of the constituents and is responsible for ensuring that these proportions will pfoduce a concrete with the performance required, 3.13 Free water/cement ratio Ratio of the mass of free water (that is, excluding the water absorbed by the aggregate in a saturated surface dry condition) to the mass of cement in a concrete mix 3.44 Grade (of concrete) Numerical value of 28 day characteristic strength, compressive in MPa (=Nimm), preceded by the letter C (compressive) or F (flexural) to denote the type. 3.48 Equivalent grade Grade of concrete selected to provide reasonable essurance of complying with parameters such as minimum cement content or maximum free watericement ratio. NOTE = See8.5 3.16 Laitance Thin layer of water, cement and fine particles of aggregate that may form on the surface of concrete 3.47 Producer Person or authority entering a contract to ‘supply concrete. NOTE — For example, a producer of ready-mixed or precast concrete supplying a contractor or a contractor supplying a client, 1SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 3.48 Purchaser Person or authority entering @ contract to buy concrete. NOTE ~ For example, a client purchasing from a contractor or 2 contractor purchasing from a subcontractor of ‘material supplier. 3.49 Ready-mixed concrete Concrete mixed itt a stationary mixer or in a trucl-mixer and supplied in the fresh contitian to the purchaser, 3.20 Standard strength class (of cement) Classification of cement based on its compressive strength at 28 days measured on mortar prisms in accordance with Section One of SS 397 : Part 1: 1997. NOTE 1 ~ There are five standard classes, 22.6, 32.5, 42.5, 52.5 and 62.5. Singapore Standard specifications for coments incorporate ore or more of these classes. Thore are in addition two intermediate standard strength classes, 375 and 47.5, for mixer combinations of Portland cement (PC) conforming to SS 26 with ground ‘granulated blastfurnace slag (ggbs) conforming to BS 6698. NOTE 2 — The standard strength classes for some cements are subdivided according to their early strencth development The letters L (low), N (normal) and R (rapid) are added to the standard strength class to indicete the early strength. Specifications for cement indicate which, if any, of these subclasses are available. 3.21 Time of loading Time of first contact between cement and aggregates or, when the latter are surface dry, between cement and added water. 4 Constituent materials of concrete 4.1 Choice and approval of materials 4414 Materials used should satisfy the requirements for the safety, structural performance, durability and appearance of the finished structure, taking full account of the environment to which it will be subjected In ssfecting the materials to be used, account should be taken of the cumulatve teffect of impurities, the construction process, the likely standards of supervision and workmanship end the possible technical and cost implications of using non-standard materials. 44.2 Where non-standard materials are used, there should be satisfactory data on their suitability ‘and assurance of qualily control. Records of the details and performance of such materials should be maintained 44.3 Account should be taken of possible interactions between the materials used. 42 Cements 421 Generally, cements should comply with the Singapore/British Standards listed in Table 1 Other cements of other combinations of Portland cement with ground granulated blastfurnace slag {agbs) and pulverized-fuel ash (pfa) may be used provided that there are satisfactory data on their suitably, such as perfarmance tests on concrete containing them. Other Singapore Standards may restrict the type of cement to be used in particular cases. 10SS 289 : Part 000 42.2 Singapore Standard specifications for cement contain standard strength classes and some aso contain subclasses of early stiength (see 3.20). For most designed mixes, it should net be necessary to specify the standard strength classes or subclasses of the coment 128 as are Used for special purposes, the cement may need to have addtional requirerrents Specified. For example, for certain classes of sulfate resistance it is necessary to stipulate the Proportions of ggbs or pfa in composite cements and combinations 424 | Not all standard cements are suitable for all uses in concrete, For example, high alumina ‘cement conforming to BS $15 should not normally be permitted for structural concrete 4.3 Aggregates 43.4 Generally, aggregates should comply with the Singapore/British Standards listed in Table 2 inmaking reference to aggregates complying with these standards, there may be @ need fo speciy or Sperove certain characteristics including size, grading, impurities, durabilly and other properies Other aggregates may be used provided there are salisfactory data on the properties of congrete made with them, 4.3.2 | For most work, 20 mm eggregale is suitable. Where there are no restrictions to the flow of Concrete into sections, 40 mm or larger sized aggregate should be permitted. In concrete elements With thin sections, closely spaced reinforcement 0: small cover, consideration should be given to the Use of 10 mm nominal maximum size. 4:33 Separate coarse and fine aggregates should be used in concrete of grades C20 and abeve Either separate coarse and fine aggregates or alkin aggregate may be used in concrete of grades C16 and below. = Ad Most aggregates have low moisture movement (2.9, flint, quartzite, limestone). Aggregates having a high moisture moverfient, such as some dolerites and basalts, and gravels containing these Reks, produce conerete having an above average intial drying shrinkage. When the drying shrinkege exceeds certain values this can result in deterioration of exposed concrete and excessive Ueflections of reinforced concrete, Classification of these agaregates is glven in SS 73 - Part 20 and guidance on design recommendatiors for their satisfactory use In structures is given in BRE Digest 387, 43.5 The elastic. modulus of concrete depends on the types of aggregate used and the compressive strength of the concrete. 43.8 Where appearence is Important, the aggregate should not contain surface-marring materials such as pyrites (see Appendix B of SS 31:1998), oa conihere high strength concrete is required, the source as well as the type of aggregate may need careful selection based on results of previous use or of trial mixes. Table 2 ~ Aggregates for general use Type Designation Standard | Lightweight | Foamed or expanded blastiumace slag lightweight aggregate for concrete Lightweight aggregates for concrete BS 3797 Clinker and furnace bottom ash aggregates for use in concrete (Not to be used in concrete containing embedded metal) Normal-weight | Aggregates from natural sources for concrete 8831 Air-cooled blastfumace slag aggregate for use in construction BS 1047 "1SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 43.8 Aggregate type can atfect the fire resistance provided by concrete, Selection of aggregates with lower thermal expansion such as lightweight aggregates or limestone may be advantagecus. ‘Aggregates with low ccetficients of thermal expansion are also beneficial in reducing the risk or extent of early-age thermal cracking, 438 Aheavy duty grade of aggregate for surfaces expected to withstand moderately abrasive traffic, for example industrial floors, is included in SS 31 4.4 Admixtures 4.44 Generally, admixtures should conform to the Singapore Standard listed in Table 3. Other aumixtures may be used provided there are satisfactory data on the properties of the type of concrete made with them Table 3 — Admixtures Type : Standard ‘Accelerating admixtures: 88 320 Retarding admixtures = ditto - \Water-reducing admixtures = ditto - ‘Superpiasticizing admixtures = ditto - 44.2. Admixtures should not impair the durability of the concrete nor combine with the constituents to form harmful compounds nor increase the #sk of corrosion of the reinforcement. Calcium chloride and, chloride based admixtures should never be added to concrete which is to be reinforced, prestressed or Is to contain embedded metal or cement conforming to BS 915 or to BS 4246, 44.3 If two or more edmixtures are to be used simultaneously in the same concrete mix, data ‘should be obtained to assess their interaction and to ensure their compatibility 4.4.4 Admixtures are permitted in designed and prescribed mixes 4 Pigments Generally, pigments should comply with BS 1014. Other piginents may be used provided there are satisfactory data on the properties of concrete made with them. 4.6 Additional materials ta complying with BS 3882 and ggbs complying with BS 6699 may be used as additional materals NOTE — For the specific use of pta complying with BS 2082 . Part 1 and of ggbo ae part of the cement cantant see Table 1 4.7 Water Mixing water should be clean and free from materials deleterious to concrete in the plastis and hardened state (see appendix A of BS $148 : 1980). In general, water fit for drinking is fit for making conerete, 12SS 289 ; Part 1: 2000 5 Durability of concrete 5.1 General A durable concrete Is one that performs satisfactorily in the working environment during its anticipated Service life. The materials and mix proportions specified and used should be such as to maintal its integrity and, if applicasle, to protect embedded metal from corrosion. To achieve this it is necessary to consider many interrelated factors at various stages in the design and construction process. Thus the structural form and cover to steel are considered at the structural design stege involving consideration of the environmental conditions. If these are particularly aggressive, it may be necessary to consider the type of cement at the structural design stage Characteristics influencing the durability of concrete include its permeability and resistance to the ingress of potentially deleterious substances. These are governed by the constituents, their Proportions and the procedures used in making the concrete. A suitably low permeability is achieved by having an adequate cement content, a sufficiently low free water/cement ratio, by ensuring complete compaction of the concrete and by sufficient hyciration of the cement through proper curing ‘methods, The factors influencing durability include (@) the shape and bulk of the concrete; (b) the cover to embedded steel; (©) the environment (see 5.3); (d) the type of cement (see 4.2. and 5.3.3); (e) the type of aggregates (see 4.3 and 6.2) () the type and dosage of admixture (see 4.4); (9) __ the cement content and free water/cement ratio of the concrete (see 6.4): and (h) Workmanship, to obiain full compaction, comect finishing and effective curing The degree of exposure anticipated for the concrete during its service life together with other relevant factors relating to mix composition, workmanship and design should be considered, The concrete to provide adequate durability under these conditions should be specified taking account of the accuracy of current testing regimes for control and conformity as described in this standard Where there exist, use should be made of suitable quality assurance schemes, 5.2 Mix constituents 6: 1 General For concrete to be durable, careful selection of the mix and materials is necessary. 6.2.2 Chlorides in concrete ‘Whenever there are chloride ions in concrete containing embedded metal there is an increased risk of corrosion. The higher the chioride content and the higher the curing temperature, or subsequent exposure to warm moist conditions, the greater the risk of corrosion. All constituents may contain Chlorides and may be contaminated by alr-borne salt spray either from vehicles or the sea.SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 ‘The-chloride limit in SS 26 is 0.10% and therefore for prestressed concrets, it will be necessary fo use the measured chloride content of the cement together with tiiose from other mix constituents of concrete when assessing the conformity of the concrete. Marine aggregates and some inland aggregates contain chlorides and may require careful selection and efficient washing to achieve the 0.10% chloride ion limit for prestressed and heat-cured consrete given in Table 4, Limted information relating to these and other impurities is given SS 31. Calcium chioride and chloride-based admixtures should never be added to conerete which is to be reinforced, prestressed or is to contain embedded metal or cement complying with BS 915 or BS 4248. ‘The total chloride content of the concrete mix arising from the mix constituents should not exceed the limits given in Table 4 Wherever possible, the total chloride content should be calculated from the mix proportions and the measured chloride contents of each of the constituents. Table 4 — Limits of chloride content of concrete ‘Type or use of concrete Maximum total percentage of chloride ion by mass of cement Prestressed concrets 010 Heat-cured concrete containing embedded metal Concrete containing embedded metal made with the | 0.20 cement complying with BS 4027 Concrete made with cement complying with BS 4248 with or without embedded metal Concrete containing embedded metal and made | 0.40 with cement complying with SS 26, SS 477, BS 1870, SS 476,.BS 6588, BS 6610, BS 7583 or combinations confoming to Table 1 Other concrete 5.2.3 Sulfates in concrete - Sulfates are present in most cements and in some aggregates. After hardening of the concrete, excessive amounts of mobile sulfate from these or other mix constituents can cause expansion and disruption. To prevent this, the specifications for cements, ggbs, pfa, lightweight aggregates and blastfurnace slag aaaregates have limits on the sulfate level. At present there are no sulfate limits for natural aggregates complying with SS 31, However, world-wide there are natural aggregates with sulfate levels of sufficient magnitude to cause disruption of concrete, When the source of aggregate is new or is suspected of containing sulfate, tests on the aggregates for sulfete content prior to acceptance are advis: NOTE — As no tasts exist to determine mobile sulfate content, itis usual to measure the acid soluble suliate content of the constituents. The relationship between such measurements and the mobile sulfate content in the hardened concrete is variable and therefore no universal sulfate limit can sensibly be applied to concrete. For example a 4% or 5% limit would exclude supersulfated cement complying with BS 4248 and many lightweight and blastfurnace slag aggregates with long histories of satisfactory use. 14SS 289 : Part 4: 2000 6.2.4 Alkali-silica reaction fi Some aggregates containing particular forms of silica may be susceptible to attack by alkalis originating from the cement or other sources, producing an expansive reaction which can cause cracking and disruption of concrete. Damage to concrete from this reaction will normally occur enly when all the following are present together: (2) a high moisture level within the concrete; {b) a concrete with high reactive alkali content, or another source of reactive alkali: and (2) eggregate containing an alkali reactive constituent NOTE 1 — BS 612-123 describes a method for testing aggregates. NOTE 2 — SS 289 : Pert 2 : 2000 contains requirements for the preducer to minimise the risk of damaging aikalisilica reaction (ASR), This applies to all types of concrete (designed and prescribed, and in al but special circumstances, no further requirements need to be specified 5.2.6 Other considerations Aggregates liable to be adversely affected by the action of freezing and thawing should not be used in conerete that may be exposed to such conditions. Records of satisfactory use are the best guide for selection of suitable materials. 5.3 Durability and external environment 5.3.1 General environment 7 The general environment to which the concrete will be exposed during its working life is classified into Six levels of severity, i, mild, moderate, severe, very severe, most severe and abrasive as given in Table 6, 8.3.2 Minimum concrete quality The quality of concrete required to give satisfactory performance depends on the severity of exposure and other factors, particularly the cover to steel, The relationships between the cover to steel and concrete quality for reinforced concrete and for prestressed concrete subjected to these exposure Conditions are given in relevant codes of practice. Table 6 gives recommended values for the maximum free water/cement ratio, the minimum cement. content and the lowest grade of concrete to ensure long service life under the appropriate conditions of exposure. The minirrum grades will generally ensure that the limits on free water/cement ratio and cement content will be met without further checking, |SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 Table § - Classification of exposure conditions Environment Exposure conditions Mild Concrete surfaces protected against weather or aggressive conditions Moderate Exposed concrete surfaces but sheltered from severe rain Concrete surfaces continuously under non-aggressive water Conerete in contact with non-aggressive soll (see class 1 of Table 7a) Concrete subject to condensation Sauer Concrete surfaces exposed to covers Fain, allemale wating and iyi Or severe condensation Very severe Concrete surfaces occasionally exposed to sea water spray Concrete surfaces exposed to corrosive fumes Mostsevere | Conorete surfaces frequently exposed to sea water spray ez Conerete in sea water tidal zone down to 1 m below lowest low water “Abrasive” Concrete surfaces exposed to abrasive action, eg. machinery, metal tyred | vehioles or water carrying solids T RarTooring 566 BS 8204 NOTE 1 ~ For aggressive soil and water conditions see 6.3.4 NOTE 2 — SS CF 65 and BS 6349 give conflicting recommendations on mix design for similar exposure conditions. ‘The classification ‘very severe’ uses the definition from SS CP 65 with the addition of the word ‘occasionally’ the classification 'most severe’ includes the tidal zone definition from BS 6349 together with its feference to sea-waler spray. ‘To distinguish the exposure to sea-water spray from that in very severe the word ‘frequently’ has been added Table 6 ~ Guidance on mix design limits for durability of concrete made with normal weight aggregates of 20 mm nominal maximal size” Condition of ‘Type of concrete Maximum free | Minimurn Minimum exposure wieratio | cement content, | grade kai? Mila Unreinforced non-structural | - - = Unreinforced structural 0.80 220 20 Reinforced 0.65 275 30 Prestressed 0.60 300 635 Moderate | Unreinforced non-structural | - : - | Unreinforced structurat® 0.65 m5 30 Reinforced and prestressed _| 0.60 300 35 Severe Unreinforced ~~ | 060 300 C35 Reinforced and prestressed _| 0.55 325 c40 Very severe | All [08s 325) cao Most severe | Unrelnforced 0.60 350 | C45 Reinforced and prestr 0.45 400 050 ‘Abrasive all 0.50 350 ~ [eas Adjustments fo minirum cement content should be made for aggregates Of nominal maxinum size olher twan Zomm ih accordance with Tabie8, 2 For concrete made with normal-weight aggregate and used in foundations and slabs to low rise structures fn non= ‘aggressive scl conditions (s0e class 1 of Table 7a), a minimum grade of C10 may be used provided the minimum cement Content isnot less than 219 kgir?. NOTE ~ For concrete containing embedded metal the values represent the minimum qually recommended and ¢epend ‘upon the provision of adequate cover. The relationships between quality of concrete and cover are given in relevant codes of practic. 16 + ASS 289; Part 4 : 2000 5.3.3 Exposure to aggressive chemicals Deterioration of concrete by chemical attack can occur by contact with gases or solutions of many chemicals, but it is generally the result of exposure to acidic solutions or to solutions of sulfate salts Solutions of naturally occurring sulfates of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium, as mey be Present in some soils and ground waters, can cause expansion and disruption of concrete. Table 7a gives recommendations for the type of cement, maximum free water/cement ratio and minimum cement content which are required at different sulfate concentrations in permeable soils with mobile groundwater cf pHi §.5 and above. These recommendations apply to cast in-situ concrete 140 mm to 450 mm thick exposed on all vertical faces. Modifications to Table 7a for other types of exposure and other types of construction are given in Table 7c. For concretes to be exposed to zcidic conditions in natural ground see Table 7d, Any adjustment recommended in Table 7d should be applied after first having classified the site on the basis of Table 7a and Table 7c. When adjustments have been made in accordance with Table 7c or Table 7d the details of the adjustments should be Notified to the designed of the concrete. For class § conditions some form of protection such as sheet polyethylene or polychloroprene, or Surface coating basec on asphalt, chlorinated rubber, epoxy or polyurethane materials should be used to prevent access by the sulfate solution (see CP 102 and BS 8102). Concrete made with Portland cement is not recommended in acidic conditions (pH 6.5 or less) without careful consideration of the ground conditions and intended construction. Concrete made with supersutfated cement or cements containing slag or puiverized-fuel ash can have some acid resistant properties. However, the rate of erosion of concrete surfaces in acidic conditions is affected much less by the type of cement than by the quality of the concrete. 7 For advice on concretes exposed to attack by milk see Dairy Floors : Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food UK, 1967 and Concrete in milking parlours; C & CA Farm Note 8, 1980. For silage attack ‘and other agricultural concems contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food UK for current recommendations, For industrial acids and made-up ground consult an expert, a specialist producer of acid resistant finishes or BS 8204. Where externa! chloride from, for example, air-borne salt spray from vehicles of the sea are likely to cause severe corrosion of reinforcement, additional protection to the concrete may be necessary. Specialist literature or suitably qualified people should be consulted before using conerete in such circumstances. 5.4 Limitation on mix parameters 5.4.4 General The free water/cement ratio is an important factor in governing the durability of concrete and should always be the lowest value compatible with producing fully compacted concrete while minimizing segregation or bleeding. An appropriate minimum cement content is required to ensure a long service life under particular exposure conditions. Appropriate values for the maximum free watericement ratio, minimum cement content and minimum grade are given in Table 6 and Table 7a ‘The cement content required for @ particular free water/cement ratio can vary significantly for different mix constituents. Where adequate workability is difficult to obtain at the maximum free water/cement ratio allowed, an increased cement content, the use of gabs, pfa, plasticizing admixtures or water- reducing admixtures should be considered. Cement contents in excess of 850 kg/m? should not be used unless special consideration has baen given in design to the increased risk of cracking due to drying shrinkage in thin sections or to thermal 7SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 stresses in thicker sections, and to the increased risk of damage due to alkali-siica reaction (see 6.2.4 ‘and specialist publications). The purchaser is respensible for ensuring that the producer has been provided with all the necessary details to enable the correct mix to be supplied (see SS 289 : Part 2 : 2000) 6.4.2 Mix adjustments in Table 6 and Table 7a. The cement contents civen in Table 6 and Table 7a apply to 20 mm nominal maximum size aggregate. For other sizes of aggregate they should be changed as given in Table 8. Different aggregates require different water contents to produce concrete of the same workability and therefore at a given cement content, different free water/cement ratios are obtained. In order to achieve a satisfactory workatility at the specified maximum free water/cement ratio, it may be necessary to modify the mix as described in BAA. 5.4.3 Use of ground granulated blastfurnace slag or pulverized-fuel ash. “The concrete mix recommendations given in Table 6 applies also when Poriland-blastfurnace cement or Portland Pulverizedfuel ash cement is used, or when combinations of ordinary Portland cement conforming to SS 26 with ggbs or pfa are used (see 4.2 and 5.4.1). The durability of the concrete made with these materials can be considered as being equal to that of concrete made with cement conforming to 8S 26, provided that the ggbs or pfa conerete conforms to the same grade as would be achieved by the ordinery Portland cement conerete. In order to achieve concrete of equal strength at 28 days, depending cn the combination used, it may be necessary ‘to increase the total mass of ordinary Portland cement plus ggbs or pfa compared with the mass of ordinary Portland cement in the concrete without ggbs or pfa. For pfa the incréase in the combined mass of ordinary Portland cement plus pfa may be about 10 % by mass. When using pfa, the quantity of water required tosproduce the same workability as concrete made with ordinary Portland cement conforming to SS 26 is likely to be less. 6 Other properties of hardened concrete 6.1 Strength grades The strength grade of concrete should be selected from Table 9 and Table 10 as appropriate Minimum grades for particular types of work such as reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and for durability under particular environmental conditions are given in the appropriate Code of Practice Where there is no appropriate Code of Practice, the grades in Table 6 should be used. NOTE ~ Guidance on the selection of an equivalent grade is given in 8.6. 6.2 Concrete te meet special requirements Most concrete Is specified to meet the requirements of strength, workability and durability uncer normal conditions of exposure. In some cases concrete is required to have special properties or to resist more severe cenditions of exposure. This may call for the specification of particular constient materials andior limits on mix proportions; examples of such requirements ere. (a) minimum density or maximum density of the hardened concrete and the method of test, NOTE - Three densities are described in $8 78 : Part At4, The density and the method used 10 ‘measure it should be stated. (b) very high strength; (c) improved fire resistance; 8(4) wear resistance; {e) resistance to thermal cracking; () surface finishes; and (@} lightweight aggregate concrete ‘Specialist literature or suitably qualified people should be consulted before specifying concrete in such circumstances, SS 289: Part Tablo 7a — Sulfate and acid resistance ~ Recommendations for concrete exposed to sulfate attack 4 000 Sulfate Exposure conditions Requirements class Concentration of sulfate and magnesium” In groundwater In soll or fill Cement | Dense fully group | compacted {from | concrate made with Table | 20mm nominal 7) | maximum size aggregates” conforming to SS | 31 or BS 1047, Byacid | By 2:1 Cement | Free extraction | water/ content | water! soil not less | coment extract than “| ratio not more than so. gt | Mg or | $0,% | so,gt | Mg on kolm? 1 <0. - 10 | entrect 3g | >12 3 360 | 045 60 67 sa | >60 | 10 >67 | 1.2. | As for class 4A plus surface protection® ss | >60 | >10 >67 | >12 | Astorclass 48 plus surface protection® Classification on the basis of groundwater samples is preferred. Higher values are given for waterisoll extrac in ecagnition of the difficulty of obtaining representative samples and of achieving a comperable extraction cate to hat Indicated by analysis of groundwater samples. Sultable methods for the analysis of groundwatars for sulfate ee given in BS 1377 : Part 3 and in Bulging Research Report 279 which aiso gives methods for cetarminatian af magnesium, WhenSS 289 : Part 4 : 2000 Table 7a ~ Sulfate and acid resistance ~ Recommendations for concrete exposed to sulfate attack (Cont'd) resus are expressed as SO, they may be converted to SO, by muttplying by 2 factor of §.2 ® adjustments to minimum cement contents should be made for aggregates of nominal size other than 20 mm in accowlance with Table 8. The limit on water-soluble magnesium does not apply to brackish groundwater (chloride content between 12 gf end 18 gt) See CP 102 and BS 8102 NOTE 1 ~ Within the limits specified in this table the sulfate resistance of combinations of ggbs or pfa with SRPC will be at leas! equivalent to combinations with cement conforming to S$ 26 but such combinations are Unlikely to exceed the eulfate resisting performance of SRPC. NOTE 2 ~ Cements containing gabs or pfa are more sensitive to strong magnesium sulfate and a limit on water-soluble magnesium content is given for classes 4 and 5 when using these cements, NOTES ~ The liketinood of atiack by sulfate depends on the presence and mobilly of groundwater (see Table 7c and BRE Digest 363). Table 7b ~ Sulfate and acid resistance ~ Cement groups for use in Table 7a Group Description 4 |e) Ordinary Porttand cement conforming to SS 2 b) Portland blastfurnace cemants conforming to SS 477 ©) _ High slag blastfurnace cement conforming to SS 476 4) Portland pulverized-fuel ash cement conforming to BS 6588. e) _Pozzolanic pulverized-fuel ash cement conforming to BS 6610 1) Combinations of ordinary Portland cement conforming to SS 26 with .ggbs conforming to BS 6699 3) Combinations of ordinary Portland cement conforming to SS 26 with pulverized-fuel ash conforming to BS 3892: Part 1 2 | a) Portland pulverized-tuel ash cements conforming to BS 6588 containing net loss than 28% of pfa by mass of the nucleus or combinations of ordinary Pertland cement conforming to SS 26 with pfa conforming to BS 3892 : Part 1 where there is rot more than 40% pfa and not less than 25% pfa by mass of the combination = b) High slag blastfurnace cement conforming to SS 476 containing not less than 74% slag by mass of nucleus or combinations of Portland cement conforming to SS 26 with ggbs conforming to BS 6699 where there is not less than 70% ggbs and not more than 05% ggbs by mass of the combination. NOTE 1 ~ For group 2(b) cements, granulated blastfurnance stag with alumina content greater than. 44% shouid be used only with Portland cement having a tricalcium aluminate (CgA) content not exceeding 10%. and NOTE 2 ~ The nucleus is the total mass of the cement constituents excluding calcium sual any additives such as grinding aids, 3 | Sulfate-resisting Portland cement conforming to BS 4027. 20| . | | | j SS 289 ; Part 1: 2000 Table 7c — Sulfate and acid resistance ~ Modifications to Table 7a for other types of exposure and types of construction’ | Basemeni, embankment or retaining wall Static groundwater For classes 2, 5 and 4 the requirements for cements, cement content and free water/cement ratio givan in Table 7a may be lowered by one eee eles a — Ifa hydrostatic head greater than five times the thickness of the concrete is created by the groundwater the classification in Table 7a should be raised by one class. This requirement can be waived if @ barrier to prevent moisture transfer through the wall is provided Ca: \-situ concrete over 450 mm thick. For classes 2, 3 and 4 the requirements for Precast ground beams, wall units or piles with | Cement group. cement content and fee ‘smooth surfaces which after normal curing have | water/cement ratio given in Table 7a may be been exposed to air but protected from rain for _| lowered by one class. several weeks. For cast-in-situ reinforced concrete special consideration should be given to the need to maintain adequate cover to the reinforcement Castin-situ concrete (other than ground fioor | The classification in Table 7a should be reised by slabs”) less than 140 mm thick or having many | one class. edges and corners. ‘Any reductions in sulfate class allowed by this table only apply if ether durablity and structural considerations permit 2 Nominally dry sites or soils with permeatilty less than 10 mis as given in figure 6 of BS 8004 : 1996 (e.9. unfissured clay) Where its decided that the groundwateris essentially static (soo BRE Digost 363} 3 For ground floor slabs see BRE Digest 363 Table 7d — Sulfate and acid resistance ~ Modifications to Table 7a and Table 7¢ for concrote exposed to attack from acids in natural ground pH Mobility of Change in classification with respect to minimum cement water’! content’! and maximum free watericement ratio for the cemert group recommended on the basis of sulfate in Table 7a and Tasle 7c. 5.51036 Static No change Mobile Raise by one class 3.8026 Static Raise by one class [Rabe by oe ease " Determined by the meted given in Clause 9 of BS 1377 : Part 3: 1990 % See Table 7c, note 2. if coment from greup + has been selected during the classification for ulfate, when raising by one class in accordance with this table, the cement iype may stl be used taking as minimum cement content the requirement for group 2 cements NOTE ~ For castin-sity or precast culverts see BRE Digest 363 2SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 Table 8 - Adjustments to minimum cement contents for aggregates other than 20 mm nominal maximum size Nominal maximam aggregate size | Adjustments to minimum cement contents in Table 6 and Table 7a to Table 7d mm kglm? 40 +40 14 #20 20 0 40 =30 NOTE — The cement content should not be less than 240 kg/m for reinforced concrete or 300 kg/m? for prestressed concrate, except as indicated by footnote 2 to Table 6. Table 9 - Compressive strength grades Grade Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days MPa = (N/mm?) O78 75 cto 10.0 co 16.0 a 20 20.0 C25 25.0 30 30.0 35, 35.0 cao 40.0 cas, 45.0 C80 50.0 C85 55.0 ceo 60.0 | Table 10 ~ Flexural strength grades Grade Characteristic fexural strength at 28 days MPa = (N/mm?) | F3 3.0 Fa 40 FS. 5.0 22SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 7 Properties of fresh concrete 74 General The requirements of concrete in the fresh or plastic state, particularly its workability, should take account of the conditions and procedures to be used at the site. The properties of the fresh concrete may be modified by the use of admixtures. In specifying the properties of fresh concrete to the producer, the purchaser of the fresh concvete should take account of the possiblity of changes in the propertice during transport under the purchaser's control up to the point of delivery into the construction. 7.2 Workal ity The workability of fresh concrete should be suitable for the conditions of handiing and placing so that after compaction concrete surrounds all reinforcement, tendons and ducts and completely fils the formwork. Table 11 prevides guidance on the workabilties appropriate to different uses. The selection of workability should normally be made by the purchaser of the fresh concrete who will need to specify the ctosen test method and value to the producer, taking account the permited tolerance (see SS 289: Parts 2 and 4). Cohesive mixes may give adequate placability at lower values of slump than those given in Table 11 7.3 Temperature 7.3.1 Work in tropical climate In tropical climate consideration should be given to the following (a) avoiding reductions in the working life of the fresh concrete due to loss of mix water by evaporation and accelerated hydration; and _ {®) preventing high temperature rise in the concrete element leading to unacceptable levels of early-age thermal cracking and reductions in the ultimate quality of the concrete. As part of the overall approach to working in tro ‘modifying the concrete in the following ways: al climate consideration should be given to (2) _ using admixtures to retard the hydration andior increase the initial workability. A retarder will ‘ot compensate for stiffening by moisture loss; {b) using a cement or combination that has a low heat evolution; and (©) specifying a maximum temperature of fresh concrete Jess than that given in 6.9.1 of SS 289 Part 3: 199x when this is considered desirable for epecific purpose such as for thick sections, NOTE ~ For concrete placed over the ground e.9. raft foundation, when the concrete temperature at placing is. less than that of the soil, the surface temperature at the base may remain similar to this initial concrete temperature when the temperature at the centre of the section rises due to heat of hydration. 23SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 ‘Table 11 — Workabilities suitable for different uses of in-situ concrete Use of concrete Form of Workabilty Nomnat compaction slump" ram Pavements placed by power operated Heavy vibration Very low See note 1 machines | Kerb bedding and backing Tamping Floors and pavements not placed by Pokor or boa Low 80 power-operated machinery vibration Strip footings Poker or beam Medium B Mass concrete foundations vibration and/or Blinding tamping Normal reinforced concrete in slabs beams, walls and columns Sliding formwork construction Pumped concrete ‘Vacuum processed concrete Dornestic general purpose concrete Trench fill Solf-weight, High 125 In situ piling compaction ‘Concrete sections containing congested | Poker reinforcement : Diaphragm walling Sait-levelling Very high | See note 2 Selt-leveliing superplastictzed concrete | TGohesive mines ray give adequate placebiity at lower values of slump than those given here NOTE 4 = In the ‘very low category of workability where strict control is necesseny, €g. pavement quatily MMirete placed by trains, measurement of workabilty by determination of compacting factor or Vebe time Gee SS 78) ; Parts A and A4) will be more appropriate than slump. NOTE 2 « In the ‘very hight category of workabilly, measurement and contol of workabifty by determination of fiw wil be aparopriate (see SS 78 : Part AS). 7.4 Density of fresh concrete itis not normally necessary to specify the density of fresh concrete. Where necessary, the minirnlh ts nefmmum densiy of fresh concrete may be specified as an altemative to the density of harden concrete, 7.8 Other properties of fresh concrete ‘Thera are some circumstances in which ether properties ofthe fresh concrete, nat covered in 7 fo Free inmportant. In such cases the purchaser should make the requirements known to the producer (G08 $8 288: Pari2). Examples of such qualitative performance requirements include: (a) enhance cohesion for onerous placing conditions; (b) suitability for pumping: and (©) required finish appearance by Intended method of finish. 24 { | |SS 289 : Part 4 : 2000 8 Basis for specifying concrete 81 General i To specify concrete to meet strength, durability or any other special requirements It is necessary to select its cheracteriste strength together with eny limits required on the mix proportions, the requirements of fresh concrete and the type of materials that may or may not be used’ In order to specify concrete having some particular properties it may be necessary to specify certain types of ‘materials and/or specific limits on mixed proportions. Where applicable, use should be made of appropriate quality assurance schemes. 8.2 Types of concrete mix 8.2.4 General Details of the concrete mix needed to meet the end-use requirements are specified in the form of ane of the following types of mix (@) designed; or () prescribed. These two types of mix are fully described in 8.2.2 and 8.2.3 and are summarized in Table 12 8.22 Designed mix ‘The mix is specified by its required performance in terms of a strength grade, subject to any special requirements for materials, minimum or maximum cement content, maximum free water/cement ratio and any other properties required. Strength testing forms an essential part of the assessment! of conformity 8.2.3 Prescribed mix ‘The mix is specified by its constituent materials and the properties or qualities of those constituents to Produce a concrete with the required performance. The essessment of the mix proportions forms an essential part of the conformity requirements. Strength testing is not used to assess conformity. A prescribed mix should be specified only when there is reliable previous evidence or data establisted from trial mixes, that with the materials and workmanship available the concrete produced will have the required strength durability and other characteristics. This type of mix may be required to produce concrete having particular properties, e.g, to obtain a special finish 8.3. Selection of constituent materials Subject to satisfying all the requirements for the concrete and the type of mix being specified, unnecessary restrictions should not be made to the specification of the materials to be used In order to specify concrete having some particular properties it may be necessary to specify types of materials and/or specified limits on mix proportions. Guidance is given in Clause 4 and in speciaist literature. 25SS 289 : Part 1 000 Table 12 — Summary of ferent types of mix Aspect ‘Types of mix | Designed Prescribed Range of characteristic All All compressive strength Mix specified in torms of | Strength grade and limiting | Mix proportions mix proportions Responsibility for selection of | Producer Purchaser imix proportions, Permitted materials Complying with a wide range | Purchaser to specify of Singapore or British Standards or other specifications (see 4.1) Main paremeter used for Strength Mix proportions judgement of conformity 8.4 Limits on specifying mix parameters 84.1 General Limitations on che mix parameters of minimum cement content, maximum cement content and maximum free walerlcement ratio are described in 5.4, Minimum cement contents and maximum free water/cement ratios to ensure durability under various types of environment for reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete are given in Table 6 and Table Ta and in other relevant codes of practice. Minimum cement contents and maximum free water/cement ratios for concrete not containing ‘embedded metal are given in Table 6 and for concrete exposed to sulfate altack in Table 7a, Warnings against the use of high cement contents are given in 5.4. When prescribed mixes (see SS 289: Part 2) are specified, the values should also comply with the above requirements, 8.4.2 Cement content for handling, placing and finishing ‘Where necessary, cement limits should take account of factors associated with the handling, placing and finishing of :ne concrete. Some of the factors to be considered are: (2) the characteristics of the mix materials; (b) the workability required; (c) other special placing requirements, e.g. pu (@) surface finish; and (e) susceptibility to bleeding, settlement and grout loss 26SS 289 : Part 1: 2000 85 Equivalent grades 8.5.1 General : tis good practice to specify a designed mix with a grade as the controlling criterion in a mix design because assessing the conformity with specified cement contents and watericement ratios is relatively difficult and expensive. The specification of an equivalent grade gives a high probability that strength will contro! the mix design and thereby reduces the need for conformity checking of cement contert or water/cement ratio. 25.2 Selection of oquivalent grade ‘The equivalent grade may be selected from Table 13 provided that the following apply: (2) The nominal maximum size of the aggregate is between 10 mm and 40 mm. (o) The specified s ump is in the range 0 mm to 160 mm. (c)__Admixtures providing water reduction are not included. {mn all cases the grade to be specified should at least equal that required for structural design and for durability (see Table 6 and appropriate Codes of Practice). ‘When conditions other than those above apply en equivalent grade may be established from the relationship between cement content, free water/cement ratio and mean strength established from records or trial mixes for the materials to be used. The equivalent grade should be calculated by deducting a margin not exceeding 10 Némm from the mean strength agreed between the producer and purchaser. = Table 13 ~ Equivalent grades for cement content and free water/cement ratio Minimum cement ‘Maximum free Equivalent grade for concretes containing | content waterleement ratio ordinary Portland cement | kim? i ~~ 200 10 210 | : ors 240 t© 260 70 cas. | 270 t© 280 rd 30 290 to 310 0.60 3s 320 to 330 ass ono 340 to 360 0.60 cas 370 to 390 0.45 80 278S 289: Part 4 : 2000 9 Sampling for conformity testing 9.1 General ‘To avoid duplication of sampling and testing in normal circumsiancs®, when the effects of time and transporting are judged to be of no practical significance, * samples taken at discharge from the concrete mixer to be used concrate delivered into the consteuction. When the effects are judged likely to bo of significance, ft may als should be acceptable for representative for assessment of confornity of 19 be possible to permit such samples to be used by agreement on nominal adjustments to the specified values or by using adjustments Based on laboratory or site trials (s8e als0 4.2 of SS 280 : Part 6,2. Rate of sampling for strength conformity testing ‘The rate of sampling adopted by the pul sree 44 the average quantity of concrete, either in cubic met Tritanever represents the lesser volume, from which a representa pm selected batch, At least one sample should be taken ‘of each grade of concrete on each day sete of sampling may be increased in appropriate circumstances that conerete is placed. The actual og for evtical elements. Higher cates of sampling ane esing vor! 6.9. Mao ensure that there are at least two results (see SS “39 : Part 4) to establish the level of quality quickly, during periods of production when quality i doubt qonversely, samoling rates may be reduced when consiste 4: 2000). chaser should be notified to the producer by quoting from "es or as the number of batches tive sample shall be taken from & id be appropriate at the start of the ‘or whan any conditions change. mnt quality has been established or when the cote is suppted from a plant whose qualiy contol system has third party accreditation for product conformity Table 14 - Recommended minimum rates of sampling ‘Average rate of sampling: one sample per Maximum quantity of concrete at risk under any ‘one decision Examples of structures to ‘wihien applicable ‘10m? or 10 batches 40. Masts, columns, cantilevers _| 20m? of 20 batches = 50m? or 80 batches 40 Action to be taken in the eve! specification ‘The action to be taken in respect 80m 200 m* of the concrete which is represe the reaulrements of the specification prepared in accordance with by the purchaser. This may range from qualified acceptance in refbtermining the action to be taken, due regard should be oht teihe technical consequences of the kind and degre ‘of non-conformity and to the economic removal in the most severe cases, consequences of altermative remedi ensuring the integrity of any work | Beams, slabs, bridge, decks: | __ Solid ttis, breakwaters | nt of non-conformity of the concrete with its nted by test results that fail to meet this standard should be determined less severe cases to rejection and ns, measures, ether replacing the substandard concrete or in which the concrete has been placed. ‘the validity ofthe test results should be confirmed by checkina ocn carried out in accordance with SS 78 or such other document as has been specified. 28 thet the sampling and testing haveSS 289; Part 1 000 in estimating the quality of the substandard concrete Indicated by the valid test results and in determining the action to be taken, the following should be established wherever possible: @ (b) (co) the mix proportions actually used in the concrete under investigation which may affect durability the section of the work represented by the test results; and the possible influence of any reduction in concrete quality on the strength and durability of the work, NOTE 1 ~ The purchaser may wish to carry out tesis on the harden concrete, These may include non-destructive methods (see SS 76 : Part B41) or the taking of cored samples (see SS 78 : Part AZO) The results of any such tests should not nullify the establishment of non-conformity with the requirements provided that this was based on valid test results. NOTE 2 — Advice on the interpretation of non-destructive test results and the strength of conerate cores taken from structures is given in BS 6089. This British Standard also gives further factors to be ‘considared when deciding the action to be taken with regards to structural conerate, and further information ie ‘given in the relevant Codes of Practice 29F SS 289 : Part 4 : 2000 Standards referred to: (see Clause 2) Normative references: BS 915; Part 2: 1972 Specification for high alumina cement BS 1014» 1975 ‘Specification for pigments for Portland cement and Portland cement products BS 1047 : 1963 ‘Specification for air-cooled blastiurence slag aggregate for use in construction BS 1370 : 1979 ‘Specification for low heat Portland cement BS 3148: 1980 Methods of test for water for making concrete (including notes on the suitability of the water) BS 3797 : 1980 Specification for lightweight aggregates for masonry units and structural ( concrete. BS 3892 Pulverized-fuel ash Part 1:1993 Specification for puiverized-fuel ash for use with Portland cement Part2: 1984 Specification for pulverized-fuol ash for use in grouts and for miscetlaneous uses in concrete BS 4027 : 1996 Specification for sulfate-resisting Portland cement BS 4248 : 1974 Specification for supersulfated cement BS 6100 Glossary of building and civil engineering terms BS 6588 : 1996 Specification Portland pulverized-fual ash cement BS 6610 : 1991 ‘Specification for pozzolanic pulverized-fuel ash cement : BS 6099 : 1992 Specification for ground granulated biastfurance slag for use with Portiand = cement BS 7583: 1996 ‘Spesification for Portland limestone cement BS 8004: 1986 Code of practice for foundations 8S 6204 Screeds, bases and in situ floorings Part2: 1987 Code of practice for concrete wearing surfaces SS 26 : 2000 ‘Specification for ordinary Portland cements 8S 31: 1998 Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for concrete 30SS 78 :- SS 289: - SS 320 : 1987 8S 397 :- 8S 477 : 2000 8S 476 : 2000 SS 289 : Part 1 : 2000 Testing concrete Part A: 1987 Method for determination of compacting factor Part Ad: 1987 Method for determination of Vebe time Part AS: 1987 Method for determination of flow Part A7 : 1987 Method for determination of density of compacted fresh concrete Part A14 : 1987 Methods for determination of density of hardened concrete Part A20* 1987 Method for daterminatin of the campressive strength of concrete cores Part A29 : 1993 Method for determination of density of partially compacted semi-dry iresh concrete Part B1: 1992 Gulde to the use of non-destructive methods of test for hardened concrete Concrete Part 2:2000 Methods for specifying concrete mixes Part3:2000 Specification for the procedures to be used in producing and transporting concrete Part 4 :2000 _ Speeification for the procedures to be used in sampling, testing and assessing compliance of concrete Conerete admixtures ie Methods of testing cements Part 1:1997 Determination of strength Specifications for Portland blastfurance cement, ‘Specification for high slag blastfurance cement Informative references: BS 612:- BS 137 :- BS 6089: 1981 Bs 6349 BS 8102 : 1990 CP 102: 1973, Testing aggregates Part 128:1999 Method for the determination of alkali-slica reactivity ~ Concrete prism method Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes Part3: 1980 Chemical and eleciro-chemical tests, Guide to assessment of concrete strength in existing structures Maritime structures Code of practice for protection of structures against water from the ground Code of practice for protection of buildings against water from the ground 34$8 289 : Part 4 : 2000 ae ee 8$73:+ Testing Aggregates Part 20: 1992 Method for testing and classifying 4 aggregates in Concrete ying shrinkage of SSCP 65:~ Structural use of concrete Part 1: 1996 Code of practice for design and construction $ ISO 9000 ‘Quality management and quality assurance standards $8180 9001: 1994 Quality systems — Specification for quality assurance. in design, development, production, installation and servicing Other publications BRE Digest 383” ‘Sulfate and acid resistance of concrete in the ground BRE Digest 357” Shrinkage of natural aggregates in concrete BRE Digest 330” Alkali aggregate reactions in concrete ultu’e, Fisheries and Food, Dairy floors, UK, 1987 Ministry of Agrict ‘crete Association (now British Cement Association) Farm Concreting in milk parlours, Cement and Cont ~ Note 8, 1980. Building Research Report 279" Bowley; M.J., ‘Sulfate and acid attack on concrete in the round; recommended procedures for soli analysis.” innanasr==eeaeeeeen 7) avaiable ftom Building Research Estabishment, Garston, Watford WO2 7JR 10 ayoliable from Buiding Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WO2 7IR : +) avaiable from Buidiag Research Estabishment, Garston, Watford WO2 7JR 1 +1 avatiable trom Budding Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WO2, 7AR 32SS 288: Part 1: 2000 THE SINGAPORE PRODUCTIVITY AND STANDARDS BOARD. ‘The Singapore Productiviy and Standards Board (PSB) is a statutory board established in April 1996, with the Integration of the functions of the National Productivity Soard (NPB) and the Singapore Institute of Standards end Industrial Research (SISI2) and the takeover of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development function from the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is governed by board of directors comprising reprosentatives from government, employers, trade unions and academia. While NPB's activities focused on training, productivity consultancy and promotion, SISIR's work centered on technology, quality, standards and industrial research, With the formation of PSB, synergy Is derived by putting the ‘soft* and "hard" aspects of productivity with the same organisation so that PSB is greater than the sum of NPB and SISIR. PSB’s mission Is to raise the productivity and enhance Singapore's competitiveness and economic growth, "he Board's vision is to be a leading player with a global perspective in matters related to productivity and standards. One of the functions of PSB is the establishment of a national standardisation programme to support industrialisation in Singapore. The Board is vested with the authority to appoint a Standards Council to advise ‘on the preparation, publication and promulgation of Singapore Standards and Technical References and the promotion of their adoption ‘Singopore Standards ara in the form of specifications for materials and products, codes of practice, methods of test, nomenclature, etc. Tae standards are drawn up by various Technical Committees appointed by the Product Standards Committees (for product standards), the Practice Committees {for codes of practice) or the Standards Committees (for both product standavils and codes of practice), the final approval body being the Standads Council. To ensure adequate representation of all viewpoints in the preparation of Singapore Standards, all Committees appointed consist of representatives from various interest groups which include governma agencies, professional bodies, tertiary institutions and consumer, trade and manufacturing organisations. Technical References are documents developed to help meet urgent industry demand for specifications or requirements on a particular product or process-In an area where there is an absence of reference standards, Unlike Singapore Standards, they ere issued without full consensus, as public comments are not cought. Technical References will be reviewed with a possibilty of processing them to Singapore Standards, PSB operates a number of national certification schemes. ‘The Board is the owner of the Certification Marks shown in Figures 1 and 2. These Marks can be used only by companies certified under the Singapore Quality Mark Certification Scheme and Product Listing Scheme operated by PSB, The presence of these Marks on a product with the inscription *Certified/Listed to Singapore Standard! is an assurance that either the product has been pvoduced to comply with requirements of the relevent Singapore Standard under a system of supervision, control and testing operated during manufacture and including regular inspection at the manufacturer's prernises, or the product has been baich-tested PSB also operates the PSB ISO 9000 Certification Scheme which is a third party quality system certification of manufacturing processes and services to the relevant part of the SS ISO 9000 series of standards on quailty systems. The scheme confers recognition to companies which have properly designed and implemented quaity systems. [t enables companies to gain greater international recognition thereby facilitating access to overseas markets. It also helps companies to reduce reject costs and improve quality and productivity, Certified companies are entitled to use the PSB 180 9000 symbol as shown in Figure 9 in their marketing programme including letterheads, advertisements and other promotional material, In addition, PSB also operates the PSB ISO 14000 (Environmental Management System) Certification Scheme which Is a third party certification of environmental management systems to Uie ISO 14001 environmental management system standard, The scheme provides an independent and impartial assessment with e view for continuous improvement in environmental performance. Certified companies are entitled to use the PSB ISO 14000 Mark as shown in Fqure 4 in their promotional materials. e £4 ||| |ieeceo Sgaegne TsBEsT No Ns gure Figure Figure, Fue For further information on PSB services and activities, please write to PSB, PSB Building, 2 Bukit Merah Cental, Singapore 159836, 33