1. What is specification? What are the purposes of specification?

Specification describes the construction on to be done, the quality of materials and workmanship
to be used, the masonry, equipment, tools, plans to be used, methods of construction to be adopted,
method of test up etc.specification can be defined as the written introduction limiting and describing in
detail construction works to be undertaken. Specification is a statement giving clear and concise
description of materials, labor to be employed in the execution of any project and methods of precaution
etc are required therefore. Specification can be defined as the properties of materials with respect to the
building construction which will make the building of I, II and III class category. Hence, a specification is
a specific description of the particular subject.

The purposes of specification are as follows:

 For the contract document between the owner and the contractor limiting and describing their
responsibilities.
 Guide to the bidders at the time of bidding to quote reasonable rates.
 Guide to the site engineers.
 Guide to the manufacturing agencies for their products.

2. Discuss the various factors which should be considered while writing detailed specification.

While writing specification following factors should be considered

a) Description of materials:
The quality and size of the material required to do an item of work shall be fully
described for checking up at the site according to the bindings provided in specification. The
proportion of mixing or treatment of materials if required before use shall be clearly described.
All the materials supplied shall confirm with the latest British standards or Indian Standard and
codes of practice unless included otherwise in the specification or Bill of Quantities or otherwise
ordered by engineers.
a) 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. specially
applicable to the items of work shall be clearly stated in different clauses. All work executed
shall confirm with the latest British standards or Indian Standard and codes of practice unless
included otherwise in the specification or Bill of Quantities or otherwise ordered by engineers.
b) Tools and plants (T & P):
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.
c) 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.
d) Expression:
 While writing a specification, endeavor shall be made to express the requirement of the
specification clearly and in concise from avoiding repetition and unusual words. The style of
tense shall remain same throughout. The sentences shall be short, simple and concise. As the
specification are the legal documents, terms such as suitable, proper used and words having more
than one meaning shall be avoided.
e) Clauses of specification:
As far as possible, the clauses shall be arranged in the order in which work shall be carried out.
This does not mean to follow the works according to the order of arrangements, but it facilitates
references. While framing clauses for quality of materials, workmanship, tools and plans etc.
practical possibilities shall be realized. Correct and complete but not repeated information shall
be given so that the owner and the contractor can carry out the work following the specification.
Abbreviations which are familiar can be used.

3. Discuss the importance of specification in any construction project.

As engineering specificstion contains all the detailed description of workmanship and

materials which are requiredto complete an engineering project in accordance with its drawing
and details. So the importance of specification is as follows:

 As the rate of work is based on specification, a contractor can calculate the rates of various items
of works in thw tender with his procurement rates of materials and labour.thus, tender without
specification is baseless , incomplete and invalid.
 Specification is an essential contract document and is required for court case/ arbitration.
 The cost of an unit quantity of work is governed by its specification.
 To specify the equipment, tools and plants to be engaged for a work and thus enables to procure
them before hand.
 To verify and check the quality of materials for a work involved in the project.
 A work is carried out accoding to its specification and the contractor is paid for the same.Any
changes in the specification changes the tender rates.
 Serves as a guide to the supervisors.
 To procure materials required for the project as well as the owner can check the quality of
materials confirming the specification avoiding dispute with the contractor.
 In the event of conflict between the spaces and the drawings, the specification shall govern.

4. Mention various details for the specification for materials and workmanship.
Details for the specification of materials and workmanship are:
I. Materials:
The quality and size of the material required to do an item of work shall be fully described for
checking up at the site according to the bindings provided in specification. The proportion of
mixing or treatment of materials if required before use shall be clearly described. All the
materials supplied shall confirm with the latest British standards or Indian Standard and codes of
 practice unless included otherwise in the specification or Bill of Quantities or otherwise ordered
by engineers.
II. 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. specially
applicable to the items of work shall be clearly stated in different clauses. All work executed
shall confirm with the latest British standards or Indian Standard and codes of practice unless
included otherwise in the specification or Bill of Quantities or otherwise ordered by engineers.

A. SPECIFICATION OF PANELLED DOOR SHUTTERS

The work shall be carried out as per detailed drawing. The wooden
members shall be planed smooth and accurate. They shall be cut be the exact
shape and size without patching or plugging of any kind. Mouldings, rebates,
roundings, etc. shall be done as shown in the drawing, before the pieces are
assembled into the shutter.

A. Joinery Work :
 The thickness of the stiles and rails shall be specified for the shutters.
 The minimum thickness of the panels shall normally be 15 mm where the clear width of panel is
not more than 300 mm and 20 mm where the clear width of the panel is more than 300 mm.
 Solid wood panel for door and window shutters shall be made out of one or more strips of timber
planks of not less than 125 mm width.
 Strips of not more than 200 mm width will be used to reduce chances of warping, splitting or
other defects.
 The timber strips shall be joined together with continuous tongue and grooved joints, glued
together and reinforced with metal dowels.
 The groovings of the solid panel shall normally run along the longer dimensions of the panel
unless otherwise directed.
 The corners and edges of panels shall be finished as shown in the drawing and these shall be
further tongued into stiles and rails.
 Sash bars shall have mitred joints with the stiles.
 Stiles and rails of shutters shall be made out of single piece.
 Lock and intermediate rails exceeding 200 mm in width may be made out of one or more pieces
of timber, but the width of each piece shall not be less than 75 mm.
 Where more than one piece of timber is used, they shall be jointed with a continuous tongue and
grooved joint glued together and reinforced with metal dowels (rust proof) at regular intervals of
20 cm or pinned with not less than three 40 mm rust proof pins of the lost head type.
 The tenons shall pass clear through stiles at least 3/4th of the width of stile.
 The stiles and rails shall have a 12mm groove to receive the panel.
 In case of the double shutters, the rebate at the closing junction of the two shutters shall be of
depth not less than 2 cm.
B. Tolerance :
The finished work, with a tolerance of ± 1mm n thickness and +3 mm
and –2 mm in width of stiles and rails shall be acceptable. The rates for shutters are
based on the dimensions of various components or parts, as furnished below, unless
otherwise mentioned.

Panelled Shutters :
1. Bottom and middle or lock rail : 160 to 250 mm wide
2. Other stiles and rails : 100 to 120 mm wide
3. Mullions : 100 mm wide
4. Panels, flat on both sides : 12 mm thick
5. Panels raised on one side : 20 mm thick
6. Panels raised on both sides : 25 mm thick

C. Beading :
 Timber, plywood, hardboard and particle board panels shall be fixed only with grooves.
 In the case of glass, asbestos, mesh panels, beading shall always be provided without groves, the
beading being on one side, the other side being supported by rebate from stiles.
 For external doors, beading shall be fixed from the inside.

D. Fittings :
 The cost of providing and fixing shutters shall include the cost of hinges, screws as specified in
item/ standard drawing
 . All other fittings shall be measured and paid as specified or described elsewhere.
E. Measurements :
 Woodowork and joinery work shall be measured in square metres.
 Length and width of unfinished opening shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 m.
 Areas shall be worked out to the nearest 0.01 m2.
 All work shall be measured net as fixed, that is, no extra allowance in measurement shall be made
for shape, joints, etc.
 However, where the dimension as fixed exceeds the specified dimensions only, the specified
dimension(s) shall be measured if within tolerance limits permitted; and where one or more
dimension(s) of the piece, as fixed, is less than the specified dimensions and is accepted by the
EIC, then the actual dimensions will be measured.
 Items shall include:
(1) Supply of specified species of timer, sawn to requisite sizes without any defects, wrought,
framed and fixed in position with the required standard of workmanship including supply and
fixing of fixtures, straps, bolts, holdfasts, spikes, nails, screws, etc. applying glue or other jointing
materials, coal-tarring or any other methods; embedded parts, glazing and supplying and fixing of
all specified fittings.

2) All materials, labour, scaffolding, use of equipment, etc. for framing

and fixing and completing the items as specified.
F. Rate :
 Rate shall include the cost of materials and labour involved in all the operations described above
for complete work.

B. SPECIFICATION OF FLUSH DOOR SHUTTERS

A. Types :
 Decorative type
 Non-decorative paintable type.

B. Nature of Construction :

Core Type
i) Blockboard
a) Decorative
b) Non-decorative

ii) Particle board

a) Decorative (with blockboard)
b) Non-decorative (without blockboard)

 The Specification in general shall conform to IS:2202 (Part-I) – 1983.

 Nominal thickness of shutters shall be 25, 30, 35 mm or 40 mm as specified.

C. Tolerances :
 Tolerances on nominal width and height shall be ± 3 mm and tolerance on nominal thickness
shall be ± 1.2 mm.
 The thickness of the door shutters shall be uniform throughout with a permissible variation of not
more than 0.8 mm when measured at any two points.
 For stiles, rails and lipping, only non-coniferous timber (hardwood) specified in IS : 2202 (Part I)
– 1983 shall be used.
 The moisture content in timbers used in the manufacture of flush door shutters shall not be more
than 12%, tested according to IS : 1708 – 1986.

D. Adhesives :
 Adhesive used for bonding cross- band and plywood to core and face veneers to cross band, shall
be phenol formaldehyde synthetic resin conforming to B.W.P. type specified in IS : 848 – 1974.
 Specification for synthetic resin adhesives for plywood (Phenolic & Aminoplastic).

E. Construction :
 Blockboard core shall conform to the requirements of IS : 1659-1979.
 A wooden frame constructed of stiles and rails of well seasoned and treated wood shall be
provided for holding the core.
 The width of the members shall not be less than 50 mm and not more than 100 mm.
 Alternatively, the core shall be of solid board with slots extending for about two third depth and
at approximately 20 mm spacings.
 The slots shall be made alternatively on two faces of board.
 Particle board core with or without Blockboard : The core shall be either particle board or a
combination of blockboard and particle board.
 In a combined construction, the width of blockboard construction shall extend at least 150 mm
from inner edge of the stile, on the rest shall be particle board.
 The particle board shall be either of flat pattern pressed type or extrusion type.
 Particle board core : the particle board core shall be either of flat pattern pressed type or extrusion
type.
 The frame for holding the core shall be as specified above.
 Lipping : Lipping shall be provided internally as specified.
 Lipping when provided, may be internal and designated as edge-band or external as specified.
 Joints shall not be permitted in the lipping.
 Edge-band i.e. internal lipping shall have a total depth of not less than 25 mm.
 Edge band may be provided separately, when its species is different from that of backing or as
one piece with the stile, designated as frame-cum-lipping, when edge-band and backing are of the
same species.
  External lipping, where provided, shall be solid and shall measure at least 6 mm on the face of the
door.

F. Rebating :
 In case of double leaved shutters, the meeting of the stiles shall be rebated by one third the
thickness of shutters.
 The rebating shall be either splayed or square type.
 Where lipping is provided, the depth of lipping at the meeting of stiles shall not be less than 35
mm.

G. Face Panel :
 The face panel shall be formed by glueing, by the hot press process, on both faces of the core,
either plywood or cross bands or face veneers.
 The thickness of the cross bands or of the plywood shall be between 1 mm and 3 mm.
 The thickness of the face veneer or of the plywood shall be between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm for
commercial veneers and between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm for decorative veneers.
 The combined thickness of cross bands and face veneer shall not be less than 2.5 mm.
 The plywood conforming to these requirements shall be glued under pressure on both of the core.
 When the panel consists of cross bands and face veneers glued separately, the cross bands shall
be laid with their grains at right angles to those of the core and glued to both its faces.
 Face veneer shall then be laid with their grains at right angles to those of the cross bands.
 Application of a decorative face veneer on a finished face panel, having veneer in the same
direction as the proposed veneer shall be avoided.

SCOPE
This specification covers the general requirements of, filling sand in the floor and PCC in
foundation as shown on the drawings and as directed by engineer and all operations covered within the
intent and purpose of this specification.

DRAWINGS
Engineer will issue further drawings wherever, in his opinion such drawings are required to show
areas to be excavated/filled, sequence of priorities etc. Contractor shall follow strictly such drawings.

GENERAL
1. Contractor shall furnish all tools, plants, instruments, qualified supervisory personnel, labour,
materials, any temporary works, consumable, any and everything necessary, whether or not such
items are specifically stated herein for completion of the job in accordance with specification
requirements.

C. SPECIFICATION OF SAND FILLING IN PLINTH AND UNDER FLOORS:

After the available suitable excavated materials are exhausted as backfilling, the contractor shall
notify the Engineer-in-Charge, of the fact and levels taken jointly with Engineer-in-Charge. The earth,
murrum, sand, gravel etc. or such materials suitable for filling proposed to be filled under floors and so
mentioned in the item of schedule of quantities shall then be brought to site from approved locations and
sources.
i) Earth Filling: The earth, soft murrum etc. so brought shall be filled up in layers of 15 cm depth, each
layer being well watered and consolidated by approved hand or mechanical tampers or other suitable
means to achieve the required density.

ii) Gravel or Sand Filling: Gravel if required to be filled under floors, shall be single washed gravel of
approved quality and of size varying from 12 mm. to 20 mm. it shall be uniformly blinded with approved
type of soil and/or sand to obtain full compaction. Gravel shall be filled in specified thickness and shall be
well watered and rammed entirely to the satisfaction of the Engineer-in-Charge.
If sand is required to be filled under floors, it shall be clean, medium grained and free from
impurities. The filled in sand shall be kept flooded with water for 24 hrs. to ensure maximum
consolidation. Any temporary work required to maintain sand under flooded condition shall be done by
the contractor at his own cost. The surface shall then be well dressed and got approved from Engineer-in-
Charge before any other work is taken over the fill.

PAYMENT
 Measurement for payment of 'Sand Filling' shall be made on the basis of actual area filling in
Square meter.
 Payment shall be made for the number of Square meter measured as per unit rate quoted in the
Bill of Quantities.
 The unit rate shall include full cost of labor, tools/equipment, materials and all other costs
necessary for the performance and completion of the Works in the workmanlike manner.

D. SPECIFICATION OF PCC IN FOUNDATION

1) PCC (1:1½: 3) for Foundation

A. Specification for Materials:

i) Cement:
Cement shall confirm to IS 269-1976. Ordinary Portland cement shall be used when no type
is specified. The weight of OPC shall be taken as 1440kg per cu. m. and rapid hardening
cement as 1210kg per cu. m. Each bag of cement should be undisturbed and scaled 50kg.

Tests:
Tests for cement are carried out as indicated IS 269-1958. Ordinary cement stored for more
than 2 months from the date of receipt from the factory shall be subjected to test and used
only found satisfactorily.

Storage:
Cement must be fresh and stored on planks raised 15 to 20cm away from the walls. Not more
than 15 bags shall be stacked vertically in one pile and maximum width of the pile should not
be more than 3m.
i) Sand:
Sand shall confirm to IS 383-1965. It shall be river sand or pit sand. It shall be free from
mica. Clay, silt content must not be greater than 5%. If so, sand shall be washed before use.
Sand shall be well graded.
 ii) Coarse Aggregate:
It shall confirm to IS 383-1965.

iii) Water:
Portable water shall be used for mixing concrete and curing the work.

B. Combination of materials:
i) Proportion:
The proportion of cement, sand and aggregate shall be 1 part cement, 3/2 part sand and 3
part coarse aggregate.

ii) Batching/measurement:
The measurement of cement sand and aggregate shall be by weight. If less than 1 cubic
meter ‘by volume’, shall be permitted.

iii) Mixing:
Cement, sand and aggregate shall be mixed in mechanical mixture and unloading of
concrete shall be two three minutes. 16-20 revolutions might take place in the duration.

C.
i) Preparation of concrete:
(a) Foundation:
Works of compaction, leveling in line marking of thickness, etc are carried out.

(b) RCC works:

Works of formwork (shape, size), steel reinforcement are carried out.

ii) Laying of concrete:

It shall concern with the method of concreting. At first, compaction is done in 20cm
layer. Concrete shall be laid and property set within 45 minutes. To avoid segregation,
concrete must not be filled from 1m.

iii) Compaction of concrete:

It shall be optimum.

iv) Stops in concrete:

Shear force and Bending Moment are maximum on supports. Hence, stops in concrete are
maintained in 1/3rd or 2/3rd of spans.

D. Tests:
The tests to be carried out for the purpose of:
 i) Slump Test
ii) Cube Test

E. Clearing on completion:
i) Protection:
It shall be protected from rain, heat and cold. Hence, precautions must be taken.

ii) Curing:
It shall be done for at least 14 days.

F. MODE OF MEAASUREMENT
 It is measured in m3.

E. SPECIFICATION ON GLAZED WINDOW SHUTTER

Glazed windows can be generally categorized as:

1. Single glazed
2. Double glazed
3. Triple glazed

 Single glazing

The window system should be provided with suitable water drainage facility. Shutters of same materials
and color should be fitted with approved quality friction stay and handle with locking arrangements,
hinges etc. The system should be factory assembled and fixes at site using anchor fasteners, silicon
sealant to be applied at the joint between window system and wall opening for lead proofing, easy
glazing, de glazing at site, etc.

 Dual glazing

In a dual glazing system two single glass panes are set individually into an aluminum or wood window
sash. The glazing system is integral to the window design, and the air space between the panes is typically
vented to the exterior. Consequently, the space between the panes cannot be filled with an inert gas since
it would escape through these vents.

Instead of sealants dual glazing relies in a gasket and vent system design to keep moisture out of the air
space and from forming on the internal glass surfaces. This system is often used o projects where the
building owner wants blinds places between the panes.

The dual glazing concept has also been used in several recent projects incorporating a double-skin façade
which comprises a pair of glass separated by a fairly large air space. Ultimately the space acts as a buffer
against sound, temperature extremes, and wind. It typically contains shading devices and is vented to the
exterior.
Selection criteria

Various criteria ranging from thermal performance to sound transmission requirements can be used to
determine which glazing system is most appropriate for a specific project. In some cases the size of the
glass needed or the project fenestration design actually dictates which system is suitable.

In terms of aesthetics, cost, and thermal performance both single and double glazing offer similar
advantages. However single glazing accommodates a wider range of fenestration types and larger glass
sizes, while dual glazing offers a warmer edge, longer life, easier re glazing, between glass options, less
sound transmission, and better thermal performance when between glass blinds are included.

1. Glass size and fenestration type

Single glazing glass is typically available in sizes up to approximately 1200mm*1200mm with

1200mm*500mm fixed ventilator at top. Total size is 1200*1700. The size of glass in a dual glazing
system in the other hand is typically available in sizes smaller than 1200*1200, as it is limited by the
interior glass access panel’s structural design.

The dual glazed fixed windows are in more commonly used in operable or fixed windows. However they
can still be used to create the appearance of a store front or curtain wall, when joined together in
groupings. The glass should be free from specks, bubbles, blisters, veins air holes, etc.

 Putty: It is used for fixing the glass in wood frames (IS-419-1953) and for glazing (IS-420-1953)
 Mastic: It is used instead of putty, Glass bricks shall be laid in mastic in 1:3 cement mortar if so
specified in special provisions.
 Rails and Mullions: They are jointed to styles, styles continuous from top to bottom. Thickness of
the frame vary from 32mm to 50mm or as per required. Grooves or putty shall be made in all
insides faces of the frame to receive glasses.

2. Fixing: Fixing pre-fabricated openable casement windows of homogeneous materials multi

chambered with outer wall of minimum size 60mm*56mm, thickness not less than 25mm,
reinforced with hot dip 120 galvanized steel of minimum thickness 2mm.The pre fabrication must
be fusion welded and be capable of mounting single gazing with 5mm clear glass and double
gazing with 5mm clear glass + 8 to 12mm air gap + 5mm clear glass. The glass shall be
embedded in putty externally, wash leather, velvet, felt, rubber or other approved by the engineer
internally.

3. Curing: The frames shall be primed and plained with different sand papers and painted so that the
wood may not draw oil out of the putty and putty may adhere properly. Putty may be given a coat
of oil paint to match side surfaces, sealing the edges of putty and its setting time 7 days.

4. Rate: The rate for finished item shall include cost and conveyance of all materials to site, labour
charge, scaffolding and equipment to carry out the item, fixing the glass including cutting extra
waste, cleaning the glazed work and repairing of damaged work during glazing.

5. Thermal performance and warm edges

A window’s thermal performance can also be an important factor in specifying a glazing system for a
project. The key thermal criteria to review when selecting a system are:
  U value: measure of the rate of mom solar heat loss/gain through a material/assembly (a lower
number means the material is a better insulator)
 Visible light transmission: percentage of visible light(380 nm to780 nm) transmitted through the
glass(a higher number is better)
 UV light gain coefficient: percentage of UV light(300 nm to 380nm) transmitted through the
glass(a lower number is better).
 Solar heat gain coefficient: measure of incident solar radiation entering a building through the
window as heat gain.

Clear dual glazing offers a better total window U value than single one while all other values
are same. With the blinds closed dual glazing offers an 18% improvement in total window U value and a
43% improvement in solar heat gain coefficient. With the advent of low emission glass wintertime center
glass temperatures have become so warm that cooler edge conditions have a mare dramatic impact in the
total window U value.

6. Sound transmission

There are three primary factors affecting sound transmission through windows:

 Glass thickness
 The size of the air space between the panes of glass.
 Damping of the glass (typically associated with laminated materials).

When comparing single to dual glazing, the only differing acoustic factor id the sir space between the
paned of glass. The larger air space associated with dual glazing results in less sound transmission
through the window and a sound transmission through the window and a sound transmission class (STC)
rating at least 15% better, with additional improvements in STC as the air space increases.

7. Longevity and re-glazing

When specifiers or building owners look for a glazing system to last as long as the building/window, they
may want to consider dual glazing as a more sustainable option- replacing failed gaskets is less expensive.

Less than 1% of the glass in most buildings experience breakage, but in buildings where this is an issue,
the specifier and building owner may want to consider dual glazing to reduce life cycle costs.

There are many factors to consider when specifying a structure’s glazing system. In most cases, the
project requirements determine which glazing system is most appropriate. Fenestration type, glass size,
and aesthetics are important factors whereas oftenly life cycle costs, long term durability, and the reduced
maintenance are important.

F. SPECIFICATION OF MARBLE STONE FLOORING

Scope

This specification covers marble flooring in situ having uniform in color free from stains, cracks, decay
and weathering and providing the necessary skirting edging of the same material.
Methods

Marble stone flooring consists of 20 mm to 25 mm thick marble slabs laid over 20 mm thick base of
cement coarse sand mortar of 1:3 and jointed with white cement slurry mixed with pigment to match the
shade of stone. The marble stones/slabs used in flooring or dado are cut according to the size and shapes
given in drawing or to suit site dimension of the room and desired pattern. All angles and edges of marble
slabs are true and square and are free from chipping. The surface is true and plain.

Raw Material for Marble Flooring

 Marble Stone
 Coarse Sand
 Ordinary Cement
 White Cement
 Pigment
 Polishing Material

Marble stone flooring is not a latest trend in flooring. We are using it from long time. Marble is
very durable and its shining remains for long. Cleaning your marble floor is as easy as a b c.

Raw marble slab before flooring

Raw Material in Base Coat and Upper Layer

 Sand
 Brick Blast
 Cement

Quantity of Cement and Other Material Sufficient for one Sq. meter for flooring
Base Coat:-
S. No. Materials Quantity

1. Fine Sand 0.15 CUM

2. Brick Blast 0.10 CUM

3. Cement 0.18 Bags

Top Layer:-
S.No. Material Quantity

1. Marble Stone 1.15 SQM

2. Cement 0.25 Bags

3. Cement White 0.02 Bag

4. Coarse Sand 0.015 CUM

Installation of Marble Stone Flooring

 Preparation of sub base: Base coat consisting of cement concrete 1:8:16, 1:5:10 or 1:4:8 should be
laid on compacted earth under marble stone flooring.
 Laying out of marble stone slabs
 The base concrete or RCC slab on which marble stone slabs are laid should be thoroughly
cleaned.
 The average thickness of bedding mortar under marble stone slab should be 20 mm thick and the
ratio of cement mortar should be 1:3
 The sand used in mortar should be coarse sand.
 The thickness of bedding should not be less than 12 mm in any place
 The top surface of mortar (bedding) should be leveled correctly by adding fresh mortar at hollows
if any.
 The mortar is allowed to harden and cement slurry shall be spread at the rate of 4.4 kg per sq.
meter.
 Marble stone slab to be paved should then be lowered gently back in position and tapped with
wooded mallet till it is properly bedded and leveled with adjoining slab.
 Care should be taken to match the grains of slabs.
 All stone slabs should be laid in same manner.
 After lying of each slab surplus cement on the surface of slabs should be cleaned.
 The surface of flooring as laid should be true to slopes.
 The edges of slabs already paved are filled with white cement with or without admixture to
match the shade of the stone slabs
Curing Of Marble Stone Flooring

The Marble stone floor should be cured for a minimum period of seven days.

Polishing and Finishing

 The grinding may be done either by hand or by machine.

 Manual grinding should be done after two days of laying of marble flooring
 Machine grinding should commence 3-4 days after laying marble stone flooring

First Grinding

 The grinding should be done by machine with grit No. 60.

 The water should be used profusely during grinding.
 After grinding the surface should thoroughly be washed to remove all grinding mud.
 A grout of cement and pigment in the same mix and proportion apply to the surface.
 It should be allowed to dry and then cured for four days.

Second Grinding

The second grinding is done with machine fitted with fine grit blocks No120. The surface is again washed
cleanly and is repaired if required.

G. SPECIFICATION OF MOSAIC FLOORING:

Scope:

This specification covers different types of tiles available in various decorative colors & sizes.
Construction of floor by laying these tiles is time saving. The main raw materials used for the
manufacture are cement concrete & colored stone chips. These tiles are made generally in the sizes of 200
× 200 × 20 mm, & 300 × 300 × 25 mm. These tiles can also be made in various other sizes, shapes
according to market demand. These are used for flooring of both residential & commercial buildings. The
top surface of the tile is decorated with marble stone chips of various colors with suitable addition of
central colour. These tiles are impermeable, easy to replace & long lasting. It is also economical to repair
the floor or do patch work by replacing the damaged tiles in course of use. Since the tiles are gaining
popularity & the demand is increasing day by day. There is about 25% demand for this specification out
of the total requirement of flooring tiles. This percentage seems to be increasing. Hence, there is a good
scope for setting up of new units for the manufacture of mosaic tiles.
(a) Materials:

(i) For plastering-sand shall be clean river sand, coarse, clean, free from dust, dirt & well graded.
Cement shall be of Portland cement of standard specification.

(ii) For mosaic work — coarse aggregate shall be of dry, sharp & hard marble chips 6 mm down to
5.5 mm & shall be free from any foreign matters. Five aggregate shall be of marble powder &
cement may be grey, white or colored as specified.

(b) Proportioning & Mixing:

The Mosaic mixture shall consist of one part of cement of any desired color, ½ part of marble
powder & 2 parts of marble chips. The quantity of water used shan’t be more than 20 liters per bag batch.
Cement & marble chips shall at first be mixed dry & this dry mixture shall be further mixed with coarse
aggregate dry. Required amount of water shall slowly & gradually be added & then thoroughly mixed
with the concrete wet.

(c) Preparation of under bed:

The surface of the base slab shall be cleaned of all loose particles & dust with a steel brush &
shall be thoroughly wetted overnight. Just before laying the current plaster under-bed, a cement sand-
grout of 1 : 1 mix shall be boomed into surface. The under-bed of 12 mm thick cement plaster (1:3) of
stiff consistency shall then be spread, thoroughly compacted & screened uniformly with a steel brush or
broom stick & left rough for the necessary key of the terrazzo finish. While the under-bed is still plastic,
the floor shall be divided according to directions into rectangles by strips of brass or aluminums of about
4 cm wide. No rectangles shall exceed 1.5 sq. m in area. The top of the strips shall be 12 mm above the
surface of the under-bed.

(d) Placing & Laying:

As soon as the mortar of the under-bed has hardened sufficiently, a thin coat of cement, slurry
enough & having the same color as the finish shall be brushed on the under-bed in each rectangles formed
by the metal strips. Immediately the mosaic mixture of the required color shall be laid tamped & toweled
to an even surface. The whole operation shall be carried out within the initial setting time of the cement
i.e. 30 minutes. As soon as the floor has hardened to withstand damages to it, it shall be kept wet for at
least 10 days.

(e) Grinding:

After three days, the surface shall be ground down by an approved grinding machine or by hand
with three approved grades of carbrandum coarse, medium, fine & finally with pumice stone to a smooth
even surface. The floor shall be kept wet during grinding. Any air holes, pits & other defects appearing on
the surface shall be filled with cement paste composed of ½ part marble powder & 1 part cement having
the same color as has been used in the terrazzo, allowed to harden & ground again.
(f) Cleaning & Polishing:

After the final grinding the floor shall be thoroughly cleaned with warm water & soft soap. The
cleaning cycle to be set up should be regulated by the amount of traffic. It is important to keep the floor
wet during the entire cleaning process. When it is absolutely dry, it shall be polished by rubbing oxalic
acid powder with a piece of felt.

Cleaning materials:

The liquid cleaner selected must be neutral with a 𝑝 factor between 7 & 10. The cleaner must
also be free from any harmful alkali, acid etc. that might damage the floor. Soaps containing water, water
soluble inorganic salts or crystallizing salts should never be used in the maintenance of mosaic flooring.

Protection of Mosaic Flooring:

The use of a pure surface coating like most floor waxes is unnecessary & ordinarily not
recommended. The binder, especially the Portland cement, needs to be protected as it is porous. Mosaic
doesn’t need protection from wear. It needs to be protected from absorption. It is achieved using
penetrating sealer.

Internal Protection:

Proper protection for it is accomplished internally rather than on the surface. Being internal, the
process of waxing & re-waxing is eliminated. Only periodic resealing are necessary under a sealer that
has a non-strip rating of 0.5 or higher.

Rate:

The rate shall comply with the materials and labor charges as specified in the Nepal Standard Code as per
unit area in m2.

H. EXCAVATION -

 Trenches shall be dug to exact width of foundation and to the maximum should be vertical
(vertically especially to maximum height as the thickness of lean concrete is 8 to 10 inches.

 In case of loose soil, extra payment for shoring may be required to retain the soil.
 Material shall be placed minimum 1m away from trench.
 Normal lift and lead are 1.5m and 30m respectively.
 If a contractor digs the trench more than required then the extra depth has to be refilled with earth
or concrete. Rammers of 6kg and area 200 sq. cm. are used.
 Both directions of the trench have to be leveled.
 In case if there are any organic materials, these materials should be taken out and replaced with
good quality soil in layers of 200mm and the compacted.
  During excavation if any of historic materials like coins, fossils, etc. are found, they must be
handed over to the government.
 In case if ground water table is very high, extra payment is made to the contractor for dewatering.
 During rains, if trenches are filled with water as he has not put any covering, he will have to
pump out the water.
 While refilling, good quality soil should be used.

Dimensions - width of lean concrete and depth of foundation is set according to the design.

Rates - cost of tools and equipments, labor required, lift and lead and proper margins are considered.

FAIRED FACE BRICK WORK IN (1:4) CEMENT MORTAR IN SUPERSTRUCTURE WITH

MACHINE MADE BRICKS:

Brick :

All bricks shall be of first class of standard specification made of good bricks earth thoroughly burnt and
shall be of deep cherry red copper color. Brick shall be sharp and square and emit clear ringing sound on
being struck and shall not absorb water more than one sixth of their weight after one hour of soaking by
immerging in water.

Mortar:

Mortar shall be specified and material of mortar shall be of standard specification.

In cement mortar (1:4) cement shall be fresh, Portland cement and sand shall be sharp, clean and free
from organic matter. Fresh mortar shall be used, old and slate mortar shall not be used.

a) Mix: Cement and sand ratio shall be mixed dry thoroughly on clean approved platform or in a
mechanical mixer and water shall then be added to obtain a mortar of the consistency of a stiff
paste. Care being taken to add just sufficient water for the purpose.
b) Use of mortar: Mortar shall be used as soon as possible, after mixing and within ½ hours after
cement is mixed wet. Mortar unused for more than ½ hours shall be rejected and removed (mixes
of lime putty and sand can be kept for a period of 72 hours, provided it is kept damp and not
allowed to dry).
c) Transportation of mortar: The well mixed mortar shall be transported from the mixing platform to
the site of work in such a manner as to prevent formation of laitance and segregation.

Bond:

“English bond” shall be used in the construction of full bricks and thicker wall unless other wised
specified in drawing. For half brick thick wall “stretcher bond” shall be used throughout the length of
wall.

Quoin bricks shall be laid header and stretcher in alternative courses, bond being obtained by placing a
closer next to quoin header. The arrangement of quoin in a course shall generally be symmetrical. Holes
for required size shall be left in the brick work during laying only, for mixing pipes, services line, passage
of water .etc. after they are fixed the extra hallow left in the holes shall be filled with 1:4 mortar and faces
neatly made up with brick in cement mortar. When iron fixtures .etc. are to be laid in the brick work shall
be entirely covered with not less than 10mm of cement mortar.

Soaking of brick:

Bricks shall be soaked in water such that water just penetrates the whole depth of the bricks. The soaked
bricks shall be removed from water early enough to be skin-dry when lying. Alternatively bricks may be
adequately soaked in stacks by profusely spraying with clean water at regular intervals for a period not
less than six hours. Soaked bricks shall be stacked on a clean place where they are not spoiled by dirt,
earth and the like. The period of soaking shall be found at site by a field test. The bricks shall be soaked
in water for different periods and then broken to find the extent of water penetration. The least
period that corresponds to complete soaking will be the one that shall be allowed for in construction work.

Laying of bricks:

Bricks shall be laid on an full bed of mortar. When laying, each brick shall be properly bedded and set in
position by gently pressing with the handle of a trowel. Its inside face shall be buttered with mortar before
the next brick is laid and pressed against it. Joints shall be filled and packed with mortar such that no
hollow space is left. Walls shall be taken up truly in plumb or true to the required batter where specified.
All courses shall be laid truly horizontal and all vertical joints shall be truly vertical. Vertical joints in
alternate courses shall come directly one over the other. Quoin, jambs and other angles shall be properly
plumbed as the work proceeds. A set of tools comprising of wooden straight edge, Masonic spirit levels,
square, one meter rule line and plumb shall be kept at the site of work for checking during the progress of
work. All quoins shall be accurately constructed and the height of brick courses shall be kept uniform.
This will be checked using a graduated wooden straight edge or a story rod indicating height of each
course including thickness of joints. The position of damp proof course, window sills, bottom of lintels,
top of the wall etc. along the height of the wall shall be marked on the graduated straight edge or story
rod. Acute and obtuse quoins shall be bonded, where practicable in the same way as square quoins. The
brick work shall be built in uniform layers. No part of the wall during its construction shall rise more than
one meter above the general construction level. Parts of wall left at different levels shall be raked back at
an angle of 45 degrees or less with the horizontal. Toothing shall not be permitted as an alternative to
raking back. For half brick partition to be keyed into main walls, indents shall be left in the main walls.
Block work shall not be carried out in more than a height of 1200 mm in any one day unless otherwise
permitted by relevant standards. All pipe fittings and specials, spouts, hold fasts and other fixtures which
are required to be built into the walls shall be embedded, as specified in their correct position as the
work proceeds unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. Top courses of all plinths, parapets, steps and
top of walls below floor and roof slabs shall be laid with brick on edge, unless specified otherwise. Brick
on edge laid in the top courses at corner of walls shall be properly radiated and keyed into position to
form cut corners. Bricks shall be laid with the frog up. However, when the top course is exposed, bricks
shall be laid with the frog down. For the bricks to be laid with frog down, the frog shall be filled with
mortar before placing the brick in position. In case of walls, one brick thick and under, one face shall be
kept even and in proper plane, while the other face may be slightly rough. In case of walls more than one
brick thick, both the faces shall be kept even and in proper plane Pipe sleeves shall be provided for taking
service lines without excessive cutting of completed work. Such sleeves in external walls shall be sloped
down outward so as to avoid passage of water inside Top of the brick work in coping and sills in external
walls shall be slightly tilted. Where brick coping and sills are projecting beyond the face of the wall, drip
course / throating shall be provided where indicated. Care shall be taken during construction that edges of
jambs, sills and projections are not damaged in case of rain. New built work shall be covered with jute
bags or tarpaulins so as to prevent the mortar from being washed away. Damage, if any, shall be made
good to the satisfaction of the Engineer. In retaining walls and the like, where water is likely to
accumulate, weep holes, 50 to 75 mm square shall be provided at 2 m vertically and horizontally unless
otherwise specified. The lowest weep hole shall be at about 30 cm above the ground level. All weep holes
shall be surrounded by loose stones and shall have sufficient fall to drain out the water quickly.

Thickness of joints:

The thickness of the joints in the brickwork shall be 8mm unless otherwise specified and uniform
throughout the work.

Raking out joints:

Joints of brickwork shall be ranked out to a depth of 6mm at the time of laying. The face of brick work
shall be kept clear of all mortar, the very day the brickwork is laid

Finishing of Joints:

The face of brick work may be finished flush or by pointing. In flush finishing either the face joints of the
mortar shall be worked out while still green to give a finished surface flush with the face of the brick
work Finishing of Joints .The face of brick work may be finished flush or by pointing. In flush finishing
either the face joints of the mortar shall be worked out while still green to give a finished surface flush
with the face of the brick work.

Curing:

The brick work shall be constantly kept moist on all faces for a minimum period of ten days. Brick work
done during the day shall be suitably marked with the date on which the work is done to monitor the
curing period.

Scaffolding:

Scaffolding shall be strong enough to withstand all dead, live and impact loads which are likely to come
on them. Scaffolding shall be provided to allow easy approach to every part of the work. Only double
scaffolding shall be used. Single scaffolding shall be used only when specifically permitted in writing by
Engineer in Charge.

Acceptance criteria:

The acceptable deviations for brick work shall be as: Deviation from position shown on plan of any brick
work shall not exceed 12.5 mm.

I. Tolerance on Line :Length up to and including 5 m 610 mm

Length over 5 m, up to and including 10 m 615 mm Length over 10 m 620 mm
II. Tolerance on Height and Level: Height up to and including 3 m 65 mm Height
over 3 m, up to and including 6 m 615 mm Height over 6 m 620 mm
III. Tolerance in Plumb: Height up to 4 m 10 mm
IV. Tolerance in Straightness: Deviation from line shall not be more than 5 mm Deviation from
the specified thickness of all joints shall not exceed one-fifth of specified thickness.

Measurement:
Brickwork shall be measured in cubic meter (cu. ft), thickness of wall should be taken as 10 cm
(1/2 brick), 20 cm (1 brick) .etc.
TWO COATS OF WATER PROOF CEMENT PAINT OVER ONE COAT PRIMER

SCOPE

This specification defines the requirements regarding material, workmanship, finishes and
application of cement paints.

REFERENCES

CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS’ SPECIFICATIONS (VOL. 2), 2009

SPECIFICATIONS

Material

The cement Paint shall be (conforming to IS 5410) of approved brand and manufacture.

The cement Paint shall be brought to the site of work by the contractor in its original
containers is sealed condition. The material shall be brought in at a time in adequate quantities to
suffice for the whole work or at least a fortnight’s work. The materials shall be kept in the joint
custody of the Contractor and the Engineer-in-Charge. The empty containers shall not be removed
from the site of work till the relevant item of the work has been completed and permission obtained
from the Engineer-in-Charge.

Preparation of Surface

For New Work, the surface shall be thoroughly cleaned of all mortar dropping, dirt dust,
algae, grease and other foreign matter by brushing and washing. Pitting in plaster shall be made good
and a coat of water proof cement Paint shall be applied over patches after wetting them thoroughly.

Preparation of Mix

Cement Paint shall be mixed in such quantities as can be used up within an hour of its mixing
as otherwise the mixture will set and thicken, affecting flow and finish. Cement Paint shall be mixed
with water in two stages. The first stage shall comprise of 2 parts of cement Paint and one part of
water stirred thoroughly and allowed to stand for 5 minutes. Care shall be taken to add the cement
Paint gradually to the water and not vice versa . The second stage shall comprise of adding further
one part of water to the mix and stirring thoroughly to obtain a liquid of workable anduniform
consistency. In all cases the manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed meticulously. The lids of
cement Paint drums shall be kept ti ghtly closed when not in use, as by exposure to atmosphere the
cement Paint rapidly becomes air set due to its hygroscopic qualities. In case of cement Paint brought
in gunny bags, once the bag is opened, the contents should be consumed in full on the day of its
opening. If the same is not likely to be consumed in full, the balance quantity should be transferred
and preserved in an airtight container to avoid its exposure to atmosphere.

Application

The solution shall be applied on the clean and wetted surface with brushes or spraying
machine. The solution shall be kept well stirred during the period of application. It shall be applied on
the surface which is on the shady side of the building so that the direct heat of the sun on the surface
is avoided. The method of application of cement Paint shall be as per manufacturer’s specification.
The completed surface shall be watered after the day’s work.

The second coat shall be applied after the first coat has been set for at least 24 hours. Before
application of the second or subsequent coats, the surface of the previous coat shall not be wetted.

For new work, the surface shall be treated with three or more coats of water proof cement
Paint as found necessary to get a uniform shade.

For old work, the treatment shall be with one or more coats as found necessary to get a
uniform shade.

Precaution

Water proof cement Paint shall not be applied on surfaces already treated with white wash,
colour wash, distemper dry or oil bound, varnishes, Paints etc. It shall not be applied on gypsums,
wood and metal surfaces. If water proofing cement is required to be applied on existing surface,
previously treated with white wash, colour wash etc., the surface shall be thoroughly cleaned by
scrapping off all the white wash, colour wash etc. completely. Thereafter, a coat of cement primer
shall be applied followed by two or more coat of water proof cement.
 The specifications in respect of scaffolding, protective measures, measurements and rate shall
be as described under 13.14. The coefficient for cement Paint on RCC Jalli shall be the same as
provided in Sl. No. 7 of Table 1 under para 13.23.6.4 for painting trellis for Jaffri work.

TWO COATS OF READY MADE ENAMEL OVER ANE COAT PRIMER

SCOPE

This specification defines the requirements regarding material, workmanship, finishes and
application of enamel paints.

REFERENCES

CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS’ SPECIFICATIONS (VOL. 2), 2009

SPECIFICATIONS

Synthetic Enamel Paint (conforming to IS 2933) of approved brand and manufacture and of
the required color shall be used for the top coat and an undercoat of ordinary Paint of shade to match
the top coat as recommended by the same manufacturer as far the top coat shall be used.

Painting on New Surface

Preparation of surface shall be as specified above.

Application

The number of coats including the undercoat shall be as stipulated in the item.

Under Coat: One coat of the specified ordinary Paint of shade suited to the shade of the top coat
shall be applied and allowed to dry overnight. It shall be rubbed next day with the finest grade of wet
abrasive paper to ensure a smooth and even surface, free from brush marks and all loose particles
dusted off.

Top Coat: Top coats of synthetic enamel Paint of desired shade shall be applied after the undercoat is
thoroughly dry. Additional finishing coats shall be applied if found necessary to ensure properly
uniform glossy surface.

Painting on Old Surface

 Preparation of surface shall be as specified as above.

Preparation of Surface

Where the existing Paint is firm and sound it shall be cleaned of grease, smoke etc. and
rubbed with sand paper to remove all loose particles dusted off. All patches and cracks shall then be
treated with stopping and filler prepared with the specified Paint. The surface shall again be rubbed
and made smooth and uniform. If the old paint is blistered and flaked it will be necessary to
completely remove the same as described in para 13.41. Such removal shall be paid for separately and
the painting shall be treated as on new surface.

FINISHING

Painting: The number of coats as stipulated in the item shall be applied with synthetic
enamel Paint. Each coat shall be allowed to dry and rubbed down smooth with very fine wet abrasive
paper, to get an even glossy surface. If however, the surface is not satisfactory additional coats as
required shall be applied to get correct finish.