How to specify concrete for civil
engineering structures using BS 8500
T A Harrison BSc, PhD, CEng, MICE, FICT O Brooker BEng, CEng, MICE, MIStructE
Introduction
BS 8500: Concrete – Complementary British
Standard to BS EN 2061 is the method of
specifying concrete in the UK. It was first
published in 2003 to align the specification,
production and conformity of fresh concrete
with BS EN 2062 .This guide has been revised
to align with the latest amendment of BS 8500,
published in 2019. The most recent amendments
are predominately concerned with increasing
the range of cementitious materials covered,
in particular the use of pozzolana and ternary
cements.
Guidelines are given in BS 8500 to achieve
durability of concrete structures and it
recommends strength, cover, minimum cement
content and maximum water/cement ratios for
various exposure conditions.
This guide is intended to enable the designers
of all types of civil engineering structures to
specify concrete effectively, efficiently and with
confidence. This guide sets out the requirements
of BS 8500; some Highway Authorities have more
onerous requirements that should be followed.
Concrete design information
Exposure classification
Initially the relevant exposure condition(s) should be identified. In BS 8500
exposure classification is related to the deterioration processes of carbonation
(XC), ingress of chlorides (XD or XS), chemical attack from aggressive ground
(ACEC) and freeze-thaw (XF) and chemical attack from sea water (XAS) (see
Table 1). All these deterioration processes are sub-divided. The sub-divisions
represent different exposure conditions, but it does not necessarily follow that,
for example, XD2 is more onerous than XD1. The recommendations for
concretes resistant to the XD and XS exposure classes are sufficient for
resistance to the exposure class XC. The ACEC and XF exposure conditions can
occur in combination with XD, XS and XC exposure classes.
Selecting concrete strength and cover
Having identified the relevant exposure condition(s), a recommended strength
class and cover should be selected. Table 2 (see pages 4 and 5) indicates the
nominal cover and strengths required to meet common exposure conditions
for intended working lives of at least 50 or 100 years; further explanation
is given below. The recommendations in Table 2 are for strength, maximum
water/cement ratio and minimum cement content to meet both the primary
and secondary exposure conditions assumed. The table does not cover all
concrete exposure situations and reference should be made to BS 8500 for
those cases not included.
Intended working life
BS 8500 gives recommendations for an ‘intended working life’ of at least
either 50 years or 100 years. However, the UK National Annex to the
Eurocode4 recommends an ‘indicative design working life’ of 120 years for
category 5 structures (monumental building structures, highway and railway
bridges, and other civil engineering structures). It can generally be assumed
that the guidance given in BS 8500 for at least a 100-year working life will be
appropriate for category 5 structures.
BS 8500 notes that the recommendations for a 100-year intended working
life in chloride conditions are subject to a degree of uncertainty and
consideration may be given to using barriers, coatings and corrosion inhibitors,
and stainless steel or non-ferrous reinforcement, as additional measures.
Further guidance can be found in Concrete Society Technical Report 615.
Compressive strength
BS 8500 uses the term ‘compressive strength class’ to define concrete
strengths; the notation used gives the cylinder strength as well as the cube
strength (see Table 3). It is important to quote the compressive strength class
in full to avoid confusion.
Table 1
Exposure Classes

Class Class description Informative example applicable to the United Kingdom

No risk of corrosion or attack (X0 class)

X0 For concrete without reinforcement Unreinforced concrete surfaces inside structures. Unreinforced concrete completely buried in soil classed as AC-1
or embedded metal all exposures and with hydraulic gradiant not greater than 5. Unreinforced concrete permanently submerged in non-aggressive
except where there is freeze/thaw, water. Unreinforced concrete in cyclic wet and dry conditions not subject to abrasion, freezing or chemical attack.
abrasion or chemical attack. Note: For reinforced concrete, use at least XC1.

Corrosion induced by carbonation (XC classes)a

(Where concrete containing reinforcement or other embedded metal is exposed to air and moisture.)

XC1 Dry or permanently wet. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces inside enclosed structures except areas of structures with high
humidity. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces permanently submerged in non-aggressive water.

XC2 Wet, rarely dry. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces permanently in contact with soil not containing chlorides (i.e. not
greater than 275mg/l). For other situations see 'Concrete in the ground' section on page 3.

XC3 & Moderate humidity or cyclic wet External reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces sheltered from, or exposed to, direct rain. Reinforced and
XC4 and dry. prestressed concrete surfaces inside structures with high humidity (e.g. poorly ventilated, bathrooms, kitchens).
Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces exposed to alternate wetting and drying. Interior concrete surfaces
of pedestrian subways not subject to de-icing salts, voided superstructures or cellular abutments. Reinforced or
prestressed concrete protected by waterproofing.

Corrosion induced by chlorides other than from sea water (XD classes)a
(Where concrete containing reinforcement or other embedded metal is subject to contact with water containing chlorides, including de-icing salts, from sources other
than from sea water.)

XD1 Moderate humidity Concrete surfaces exposed to airborne chlorides. Reinforced and prestressed concrete wall and structure supports
more than 10 m horizontally from a carriageway. Bridge deck soffits more than 5 m vertically above the
carriageway. Parts of structures exposed to occasional or slight chloride conditions.

XD2 Wet, rarely dry. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces totally immersed in water containing chloridesb. Buried highway
structures more than 1 m below adjacent carriageway.

XD3 Cyclic wet and dry. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces directly affected by de-icing salts or spray containing de-icing salts
(e.g. walls; abutments and columns within 10 m of the carriageway; parapet edge beams and buried structures less
than 1 m below carriageway level, pavements and car park slabs).

Corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water (XS classes)a

(Where concrete containing reinforcement or other embedded metal is subject to contact with chlorides from sea water or air carrying salt originating from sea water.)

XS1 Exposed to airborne salt but not in External reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces in coastal areas.
direct contact with sea water.

XS2 Permanently submerged. Reinforced and prestressed concrete completely submerged and remaining saturated, e.g. concrete below
mid-tide levelb.

XS3 Tidal, splash and spray zones. Reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces in the upper tidal zones and the splash and spray zonesc.

Freeze/thaw attack (XF classes)

(Where concrete is exposed to significant attack from freeze/thaw cycles whilst wet.)

XF1 Moderate water saturation without Vertical concrete surfaces such as facades and columns exposed to rain and freezing. Non-vertical concrete
de-icing agent. surfaces not highly saturated, but exposed to freezing and to rain or water.

XF2 Moderate water saturation with Concrete surfaces such as parts of bridges, which would otherwise be classified as XF1 but which are exposed to
de-icing agent. de-icing salts either directly or as spray or run-off.

XF3 High water saturation without de- Horizontal concrete surfaces, such as parts of buildings, where water accumulates and which are exposed to
icing agent. freezing. Concrete surfaces subjected to frequent splashing with water and exposed to freezing.

XF4 High water saturation with de-icing Horizontal concrete surfaces, such as roads and pavements, exposed to freezing and to de-icing salts either
agent or sea waterd. directly or as spray or run-off. Concrete surfaces subjected to frequent splashing with water containing de-icing
agents and exposed to freezing.

Chemical attack (ACEC classes)

(Where concrete is exposed to chemical attack from sea water.) Note: BS 8500-1 refers to ACEC classes rather than XA classes used in BS EN 206-1

XAS Exposed to sea water. Concrete surface in contact with sea water.
Key
a The moisture condition relates to that in the concrete cover to reinforcement or other embedded to develop a specification that is appropriate to the actual conditions likely to be encountered.
metal but, in many cases, conditions in the concrete cover can be taken as being that of the c Exposure XS3 covers a range of conditions. The most extreme conditions are in the spray zone.
surrounding environment. This might not be the case if there is a barrier between the concrete The least extreme is in the tidal zone where conditions can be similar to those in XS2. The
and its environment. recommendations given take into account the most extreme UK conditions within this class.
b Reinforced and prestressed concrete elements, where one surface is immersed in water containing d It is not normally necessary to classify in the XF4 exposure class those parts of structures located in
chlorides and another is exposed to air, are potentially a more severe condition, especially where the United Kingdom which are in frequent contact with the sea.
the dry side is at a high ambient temperature. Specialist advice should be sought where necessary,

2
 How to specify concrete for civil engineering structures using BS 8500

Explanation of the compressive strength class notation Concrete in the ground

Where plain or reinforced concrete is in contact with the ground
C 40/50
a Includes heavyweight concrete
b Minimum characteristic cylinder (150 mm further checks are required to achieve durability. An aggressive
diameter by 300 mm) strength, N/mm2
‘C’ for normal Cylinder Cube chemical environment for concrete class (ACEC class) should be
c Minimum characteristic cube (150 mm by
weight strengthb strengthc 150 mm) strength, N/mm2 assessed for the site. BRE Special Digest 18 gives guidance on the
concretea
‘LC’ for
assessment of the ACEC class and this is normally carried out as
lightweight part of the interpretive reporting for a ground investigation. Knowing
concrete
the ACEC class, a design chemical class (DC class) can be obtained
from Table 5. In general, fully buried concrete in the UK need not be
Cover to reinforcement designed to be freeze-thaw resisting.
The durability guidance given in BS 8500 is based on the assumption
that the minimum cover for durability is achieved. An allowance Figure 1
(Dcdev) should be made in the design for deviations during Permitted deviations
construction from the minimum cover. This should be added to the
minimum cover to obtain the nominal cover (see Figure 1). BS 8500
indicates that Dcdev will typically be in the range of 5 to 15 mm;
however, Eurocode 23 is more specific and recommends that Dcdev
is taken as 10 mm, unless the fabrication is subjected to a quality
assurance system, in which case it is permitted to reduce Dcdev to
5 mm.

The nominal cover, cnom, should be used to determine the position of D(plus)
the reinforcement for structural design. It is also the cover that should
Dcdev
be specified on the drawings for the position of the reinforcement. The
cnom
specification for the project should advise the permissible construction cmin
tolerances. The permitted deviation of the reinforcing bar towards
the surface of the concrete should not exceed Dcdev and permitted Notes
deviation away from the surface concrete (D(plus)) should also be cmin = Minimum cover
Dcdev = Allowance made in design for deviation (towards face of concrete)
specified. There is no guidance given in either Eurocode 2 or BS 8500, cnom = cmin + Dcdev = nominal cover
but Figure 1 provides the recommendations based on BS EN 13670: D(plus) = Permitted deviation (away from face of concrete) – see below
h = Height of cross-section
Execution of concrete structures6.

Cross-section dimension D(plus) (mm)

Cement types and minimum cement content
Table 4 may be used to understand the cement/combination h ≤ 150 10

designations. It should be noted from Table 2 that the strength, 150 < h < 2500 15

maximum water/cement ratio and minimum cement content may h ≥ 2500 20

vary depending on the cement type used. Cements /combinations can

include Portland cement, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (ggbs),
fly ash (fa), pozzolana, limestone or a combination of up to three Table 3
cements. Specifiers should avoid restricting cements/combinations Compressive strength class for normal and heavyweight concrete
as most concrete plants will use a restricted range. When using Example compressive strength classes Designated concrete
a designated concrete (see section below), it is not necessary to C20/25 RC20/25
specify the types of cement/combinations unless there are specific C25/30 RC25/30
requirements. C28/35 RC28/35
C30/37 RC30/37
Freeze-thaw attack
C32/40 RC32/40
Where air entrainment is required for exposure classes XF3 and
C35/45 RC35/45
XF4 the minimum air content by volume of 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.5% or
6.5% should be specified for 40 mm, 20 mm, 14 mm and 10 mm C40/50 RC40/50

maximum aggregate size respectively. It should be noted that there C45/55 –

are difficulties producing a concrete with a compressive strength class C50/60 –
greater than C35/45 with entrained air. For exposure conditions XF3 Note
Refer to BS EN 206:2013+A1:2016 Table 12 and BS8500-2:2015+A2:2019 Table 12
and XF4, freeze/thaw resisting aggregates should be specified. for full list of compressive strength classes.

3
Table 2
Selecteda recommendations for normal-weight reinforced concrete quality for combined exposure classes and cover to reinforcement for either

Exposure conditions Cement/ Minimum strength class c , maximum w/c ratio, minimum cement or combination
combination
Typical example Primary Secondary designationsb At least 50-year working life
Nominal cover to reinforcement d
15 +Dcdev 20 +Dcdev 25 +Dcdev 30 +Dcdev 35 +Dcdev 40 +Dcdev 45 +Dcdev
Internal elements C20/25,
or permanently XC1 ___ All 0.70, 240 <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<<
wet elements or RC20/25
Buried concrete C25/30,
in AC–1 ground XC2 AC–1 All ___ ___ 0.65, 260 or <<< <<< <<< <<<
conditionse RC25/30
Vertical surface All except C40/50, C32/40, C28/35, C25/30,
protected from ___ IVB-V, IVB-P, ___ 0.45, 340 0.55, 300 0.60, 280 0.65, 260 <<< <<<
direct rainfall IVB-Q or RC40/50 or RC32/40 or RC28/35 or RC25/30
Vertical surface All except C40/50, C32/40, C28/35,
exposed to rain XF1 IVB-V, IVB-P, ___ 0.45, 340 0.55, 300 0.60, 280 <<< <<< <<<
and freezing IVB-Q or RC40/50 or RC32/40 or RC28/35
XC3/4
Exposed All except C40/50,
horizontal XF3 IVB-V, IVB-P, ___ 0.45, 340g or <<< <<< <<< <<< <<<
surfaces IVB-Q RC40/50XFg
All except C32/40, C28/35, C25/30,
XF3 (air IVB-V, IVB-P, ___ ___ 0.55, 300g,h 0.60, 280g,h 0.60, 280g,h,j <<< <<<
entrained) IVB-Q or PAV2 or PAV1
Elements subject C40/50, C32/40, C28/35,
to airborne XD1f XF1 All ___ ___ 0.45, 360 0.55, 320 0.60, 300 <<< <<<
chlorides
Exposed vertical IIB-P, IIB-Q, C40/50, C32/40, C28/35, C25/30,
XF1 ___ ___ ___
surfaces near IIB-V, IIIA 0.35k, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
coast
IVB-P, IVB-Q, C32/40, C28/35,
XS1f ___ IVB-V, IIIB ___ ___ ___ 0.40, 380 0.50, 340 <<< <<<

Exposed horizontal IIB-P, IIB-Q, C40/50, C40/50,

XF3 ___ ___ ___ <<< <<<
surfaces near coast IIB-V, IIIA 0.35k, 380g 0.45, 360g
Buried highways CEM I, IIA, C40/50, C32/40, C28/35,
more than 1m ___ ___ ___ ___ <<<
IIB-M, IIB-S 0.40, 380 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
below adjacent XD2f
carriageway IVB-P, IVB-Q C32/40, C25/30, C20/25,
___ ___ ___ ___ <<<
IVB-V, IIIB 0.40, 380 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
Elements IIB-P, IIB-Q, C35/45, C32/40,
permanently ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IIB-V, IIIA 0.40, 380 0.45, 360
submerged, e.g. XS2f
below mid-tide
level IVB-P, IVB-Q, C35/45, C28/35, C25/30,
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IVB-V, IIIB 0.35k, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340
Elements subject CEM I, IIIA, C45/55, C40/50,
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
to moderate IIB-M, 11B-S 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380
water saturation
with de-icing IIB-P, IIB-Q C35/45, C32/40
XF2 IIB-V, IIIA ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 0.40, 380 0.45, 360
agent and
freezing
IIIB, IVB-P C32/40, C32/40
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IVB-Q, IVB-V 0.40, 380 0.45, 360
XD3f
Elements CEM I, IIIA, C45/55, C40/50,
subject to water XF4l IIB-M, IIB-S ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 0.35k, 380g 0.45, 380g
saturation with
de-icing agent IIB-P, IIB-Q C35/45, C32/40,
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
and freezing XF4 (air IIB-V, IIIA 0.40, 380 0.45, 360g
entrained) IIB-P, IVB-P C32/40, C28/35
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IVB-Q, IVB-V 0.40,380g,h 0.45, 360g,h
Elements in tidal, IIB, IIB-Q C40/50,
splash and spray ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IIB-V, IIIA 0.35, 380
zones XS3
IIIB, IVB-P C35/45,
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IVB-Q, IVB-V 0.35, 380
Key b See Table 4. (CEM I is Portland cement, IIA to IVB are cement/combinations.)
a This table comprises a selection of common exposure class combinations. c For prestressed concrete the minimum strength class should be C28/35.
Requirements for other sets of exposure classes, should be derived from BS
8500–1: 2015+A2:2019, Annex A. d Dcdev is an allowance for deviations.

4
 How to specify concrete for civil engineering structures using BS 8500

at least a 50-year or 100-year intended working life and 20 mm maximum aggregate size

content (kg/m3), and equivalent designated concrete where applicable

At least 100-year working life
Nominal cover to reinforcementd
50 +Dcdev 15 +Dcdev 25 +Dcdev 30 +Dcdev 35 +Dcdev 40 +Dcdev 45 +Dcdev 50 +Dcdev 55 +Dcdev 60 +Dcdev 65 +Dcdev
C20/25
<<< 0.70, 240 <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<<
RC20/25
C25/30
<<< — 0.65, 260 <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<<
RC25/30
C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35 C25/30
<<< — — 0.45, 340 0.50, 320 0.55, 300 0.60, 280 0.65, 260 <<< <<< <<<
RC40/50 RC35/45 RC32/40 RC28/35 RC25/30
C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35
<<< — — 0.45, 340 0.50, 320 0.55, 300 0.60, 280 <<< <<< <<< <<<
RC40/50 RC35/45 RC32/40 RC28/35
C40/50
<<< — — 0.45, 340g <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<<
RC40/50
C35/45 C32/40 C28/35 C25/30
<<< — — — 0.50, 320g,h 0.55, 300g,h 0.60, 280g,h 0.60, 280g,h,j <<< <<< <<<
or PAV2 or PAV1
C45/55 C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35
<<< — — 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320 0.60, 300 <<< <<< <<<

C40/50 C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35 C28/35

<<< — — — <<<
0.35k, 380 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
C35/45 C30/37 C28/35 C25/30
<<< — — — — <<< <<<
0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
— C40/50 C40/50 C40/50 C40/50 C40/50
<<< — — <<< <<<
0.35k, 380g 0.35k, 380g 0.40, 380g 0.45, 340g 0.45, 340g
C35/45 C32/40 C28/35
<<< — — — — <<< <<< <<<
0.40, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
C28/35 C25/30 C20/25
<<< — — — — <<< <<< <<<
0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320

C28/35, C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35

0.50, 340 — — — — — — 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340

C20/35, C35/45 C32/40 C28/35 C25/30

— — — — <<< <<<
0.55, 320 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340
C35/45, C45/55 C40/50
— — — — — — — <<<
0.45, 360 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380
C32/40, C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C32/40
— — — — — <<<
0.50, 340 0.35k, 380 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340
C32/40, C32/40 C32/40 C32/40 C32/40
— — — — — <<<
0.50, 340 0.40, 380 0.45, 360 0.50, 340 0.55, 320
C40/50, C44/55 C40/50 C40/50
— — — — — — —
0.45, 360 0.35k, 380g 0.40, 380g 0.45, 340g
C28/35, C40/50 C35/45 C32/40 C28/35
0.45, 340g — — — — — <<<
0.35k, 380g,h 0.40, 380g,h 0.45, 380g 0.50, 320g
C28/35, — — — — — C32/40 C28/35 C28/35 C28/35 C28/35
0.50, 340g,h 0.40, 380g,h 0.45, 380g,h 0.50, 340g,h 0.55, 320g,h 0.55, 320g,h
C32/40, C40/50
— — — — — — — — <<<
0.45, 360 0.35k, 380
C28/35, C35/45
— — — — — — — — <<<
0.45, 360 0.40, 380
___
e For sections less than 140 mm thick refer to BS 8500. h Air entrained concrete is required. Not recommended
f Also adequate for exposure class XC3/4. j This option may not be suitable for areas subject to severe abrasion. <<< Indicates that concrete quality in cell to
k In some parts of the UK it is not possible to produce a the left should not be reduced
g Aggregate size: 20mm. Freeze/thaw resisting aggregates
should be specified. practical concrete with a maximum w/c of 0.35.
l Not recommended for pavements and hardstandings –
see BS 8500–1, A.4.3.

5
Table 4 For designated concretes, an appropriate foundation concrete (FND
Cement and combination typesa designation) can be selected using Table 6. An FND concrete has the
Broad Composition Cement/ strength class of C25/30. Where a higher strength is required, either
designationb combination types
for its strength or where the foundation is classified as XD2 or XD3,
CEM I Portland cement CEM I
CEM I-SR 0 Sulfate-resisting Portland cement CEM I-SR 0 a designed concrete should be specified. For designed concretes, the
CEM I-SR 3 Sulfate-resisting Portland cement CEM I-SR 3 concrete producer should be advised of the DC–class (see section on
IIA Portland cement with either 6–20% CEM II/A-L or LL,
pozzolana, fly ash, ggbs, limestone, or CIIA-L or LL, CEM II/A-S, specification). For information, Table 7 gives the limiting values of the
6–10% silica fumec or 6–20% CIIA-S, CEM II/A-P or Q, composition and properties for the concrete to be supplied where a
limestone and pozzolana, or 6–20% CIIA-P or Q, CEM II/A-V,
limestone and ggbs or 6–20% CIIA-V, CEM II/A-D DC–class is specified.
limestone and fly ash CIIA-M, CEM II/A–M
IIB-S Portland cement with 21–35% ggbs CEM II/B-S, CIIB-S
IIB-P or Q Portland cement with 21–35% CEM II/B-P or Q, The nominal cover (i.e. minimum cover plus fixing tolerance) should be
pozzolana CIIB-P or Q
a minimum of 75 mm for concrete cast directly against the earth and
IIB-V Portland cement with 25–35% fly ash CEM II/B-V, CIIB-V
IIB-M Portland composite cement, CEM II/B-M(P or Q-L or LL) 50 mm for concrete cast against blinding. Where the ground contains
comprised of not less than 65% CIIB-M(P or Q-L or LL)
Portland cement clinker with chlorides, the nominal cover should comprise the recommended
CEM II/B-M(V-L or LL)
either 21%–35% pozzolana and CIIB-M(V-L or LL), minimum cover for the associated XD or XS class plus an allowance for
limestone, 21%–35% ggbs and CEM II /B-M(S-L or LL)
limestone. Portland limestone deviation of at least 50 mm for concrete cast directly against soil and
CIIB-M(S-L or LL)
cement with up to either 29% at least 25 mm for concrete to be cast against blinding.
pozzolana, 29% ggbs with not less CEM II /B-M(L or LL-P or Q)
than 65% Portland cement clinker CIIB-M(L or LL-P or Q)
in the combination. CEM II/B-M(L or LL-V)
CIIB-M(L or LL-V) Water resisting concrete
CEM II/B-M(L or LL-S)
CIIB-M(L or LL-S) If control of shrinkage through a maximum cement content is required
IIB-P+SR Portland cement with 25–35% CEM II/B-P+SR, CIIB-Q+SR this may be specified under ‘Other requirements’ in the specification.
IIB-Q+SR pozzolana CEM II/B-Q+SR, CIIB-Q+SR
IIB-V+SR Portland cement with 25–35% fly ash CEM II/B-V+SR, CIIB-V+SR
IIIAd, e Portland cement with 36–65% ggbs CEM III/A, CIIIA Table 5
IIIA+SRe Portland cement with 36–65% CEM III/A+SRf, Selection of the DC–class and the number of additional protection
ggbs with additional requirements CIIIA+SRf, CIIIA+SR
that enhance sulfate resistance measures (APMs) where the hydrostatic head of groundwater is not
IIIBe, g Portland cement with 66–80% ggbs CEM III/B, CIIIB more than five times the section width a, b, c, d, e
IIIB+SRe Portland cement with 66–80% ggbs CEM III/B+SRf,
with additional requirements that CIIIB+SRf ACEC-class DC–class
enhance sulfate resistance (aggressive
IVB-P, IVB-Q Portland cement with 36–55% CEM IV/B-P, CIVB-P chemical
environment for Intended working life
pozzolana CEM IV/B-Q, CIVB-Q concrete class)
IVB-V Portland cement with 36–55% fly ash CEM IV/B(V), CIVB At least 50 years At least 100 years
Note: ggbs = ground granulated blast-furnace AC–1s, AC–1 DC–1 DC–1
Key
AC–2s, AC–Z DC–2 DC–2
a There are a number of cements and combinations not listed in this table that may
be specified for certain specialist applications. See BRE Special Digest 18. for the AC–2z DC–2z DC–2z
sulfate-resisting characteristics of other cements and combinations.
b The use of these broad designations is sufficient for most applications. Where a AC–3s DC–3 DC–3
more limited range of cement or combinations types is required, select from the
AC–3z DC–3z DC–3z
notations given in BS 8500–2: 2015+A2:2019, Table 1.
c When IIA or IIA–D is specified, CEM I and silica fume may be combined in the AC–3 DC–3 Refer to BS 8500
concrete mixer using the k-value concept; see BS EN 206:2013+A1:2016,
Cl. 5.2.5.2.3. AC–4s DC–4 DC–4
d Where IIIA is specified, IIIA+SR may be used. AC–4z DC–4z DC–4z
e Inclusive of low early strength option (see the “L” classes in BS 8500–2:
2015+A2:2019, Table A.1). AC–4 DC–4 Refer to BS 8500
f “+SR” indicates additional restrictions related to sulfate resistance.
See footnotes to BS 8500–2: 2015+A2:2019, Table 1. AC–4ms DC–4m DC4m
g Where IIIB is specified, IIIB+SR may be used. AC–4m DC–4m Refer to BS 8500
AC–5 DC–4f DC–4f
Table 6
Guidance on selecting designated concrete for reinforced concrete AC–5z DC–4zf DC–4z/1f
foundations AC–5m DC–4mf DC–4mf
DC-Class Appropriate designated concrete Key
DC–1 RC 25/30 a Where the hydrostatic head of groundwater is greater than five times the section
DC–2 FND2 width, refer to BS 8500.
b For guidance on precast products see Special Digest 18.
DC–2z FND2z
c For structural performance outside these values refer to BS 8500.
DC–3 FND3
d For section widths < 140 mm refer to BS 8500.
DC–3z FND3z
e Where any surface attack is not acceptable e.g. with friction piles, refer to BS 8500.
DC–4 FND4
f This should include APM3 (surface protection), where practicable, as one of the
DC–4z FND4z APMs; refer to BS 8500.
DC–4m FND4m
Note Strength class for all FND concrete is C25/30.

6
 How to specify concrete for civil engineering structures using BS 8500

Fire design Abrasion

Having selected concrete cover and strength to meet the durability Eurocode 2 (Part 2, Cl. 4.4.1.2(115)) recommends the cover for
recommendations of BS 8500, the nominal cover should be checked running surfaces is increased by 10 mm to allow for abrasion.
in accordance with Eurocode 23, for the minimum axis distance
Abrasion due to the action of the sea on the concrete sea defences is
required for fire resistance..
outside the scope of this guide.
Table 7
Limiting values of composition and properties for concrete where a
DC–class is specified Specification
DC– Max. Min. cement or combination Cement and
class w/c content (kg/m3) for 20 mm combination types
ratio aggregate size Method of specifying
0.55 320 IIB–P+SR, IIB–Q+SR, There are various methods of specifying concrete to BS 8500 (see
IIB-V+SR, IIIA+SR, Table 8). The most popular are designated and designed. BS 8500 also
IIIB+SR, IVB-P, IVB-Q,
IVB-V includes ‘proprietary concrete’.
0.50 340 CEM I, CEM I-SR 0,
CEM I-SR 3, IIA–D, As an example, Figure 2 shows a schedule for the specification of
DC–2 IIA–P, IIA–Q, IIA–S,
IIA–V, IIB-P, IIB-Q, designed concrete based on Appendix 17/1 from the Manual of
IIB–S, IIB–V, IIIA, IIIB contract documents for highway works7.
0.45 360 IIA-L or LL ≥42,5, IIA-M,
IIB-M Table 8
0.40 380 IIA-L or LL ≥32,5, IIA-M, Methods of specifying concrete
IIBM
DC–2z 0.55 320 All BS 8500
0.50 340 IIIB+SR Designated concrete
0.45 360 IVB-P, IVB-Q, IVB–V
DC–3 0.40 380 IIB–P+SR, IIB–Q+SR Designed concrete
IIIA+SR, IIIA+SR, CEM Prescribed concrete
I-SR 0, CEM I-SR 3
Standardized prescribed concrete
DC–3z 0.50 340 All
0.45 360 IIIB+SR Proprietary concrete
0.40 380 IVB-P, IVB-Q, IVB-V
DC–4 0.35 380 IIB-P+SR, IVB-Q, IIB-
V+SR, IIIA+SR, CEM
I-SR0, CEM I-SR3
DC–4z 0.45 360 All
DC–4m 0.45 360 IIIB+SR

Figure 2 Example specification for designed concrete (Appendix 17/1 of MCHW7)

Requirement Schedule
Pads Pier Slab
Intended working life of structurea 100+ 100+ 100+
Nominal cover to reinforcementa
Applicable exposure classes (excluding DC–class)a
DC–class (where appropriate) b DC–2z
Compressive strength class of concrete b C28/35 C40/50 C28/35
Minimum cement content b 280 380 380
Maximum free water/cement ratio b 0.60 0.40 0.40
Required group or type of and class of cement or combinations (where a DC–class not specified) b IIIB, IVB–V IIB–V, IIIA
Maximum aggregate size b 20
Chloride content class b Cl0,40 Cl0,40 Cl0,40
For lightweight concrete, the density class or target density b
Consistence class c S2 S2 S3
Special type or class of cement or combination
Required source/special type of aggregate Freeze/thaw resisting
Maximum cement content (kg/m3)
Required admixture
Air entrainment required [Yes/No] No No Yes
Minimum or maximum temperature of fresh concrete ºC
Sampling and testing
Other requirements 4.5% air content
Key
a Intended working life, nominal cover to reinforcement and applicable exposure classes (other than DC–class) do not form part of the specification to the contractor or concrete
producer but may be listed here because the concrete requirements are dependent on these parameters. Intended working life of 100 years is generally acceptable for category 5
structures (e.g. highway and rail bridges and civil engineering structures).
b Denotes basic requirements for designed concrete.
c It is normally the responsibility of the contractor to make the selection of consistence and inform the specifier of the requirements. The specifier should add this requirement to the
specification.

7
The specifier
In BS 8500 the ‘specifier’ is the person or body responsible for the
final compilation of the technical requirements, called the
specification, that is passed to the concrete producer. This will
generally be the contractor. However, the designer will want to ensure
their requirements are incorporated and this will normally be through
their own specification for the works. Specifiers should include the
designers’ requirements in the specification as well as their own, for
example, consistence. The designer should require that any
notifications of non-conformities are passed to them for assessment.
Consistence
In BS 8500 the term ‘workability’ has been replaced by the term
‘consistence’ and a series of consistence classes has been introduced.
Tables 9a and 9b give the slump and flow classes and the likely target
slump/flow.
Conformity
Under BS 8500, the concrete producer is required to follow a formal
procedure called ‘conformity’ to verify that the concrete is in
accordance with the specification. It is, therefore, recommended that
the concrete supplier should have third-party certification. Where this
is not adopted, the specifier is advised to provide for adequate identity
testing to ensure the concrete is as specified.
Identity testing
The specifier is responsible for organising any identity testing, which
is in all but in name acceptance testing. Identity testing can include
strength, consistence and air content. There are a number of situations
where it is recommended:
■ Where the producer does not hold third party certification.
■ In cases of doubt.
■ For critical elements, e.g. high strength columns.
■ For spot checks on the producer.

Chloride class
Concrete that is to be prestressed, pre-tensioned or heat cured should
normally be specified as chloride class Cl 0,10. Reinforced concrete
should be specified as class Cl 0,40 except where the concrete is in XS
or XD exposure classes when class Cl0, 30 should be specified.
Table 9a
Consistence slump classes and likely target values
Slump class Target slump (mm)
Exchange of information
To enable the concrete producer to design and produce a suitable
concrete, certain information must be provided in addition to the
specification. This would be required, for example, where the concrete
needs to be pumped or a particular finish is specified.
Table 9b
Consistence flow classes and likely target values

S1 20 Flow class Target flow (mm)

S2 70 F2 380
S3 130 F3 450
S4 190 F4 520
F5 590

References
1 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS 8500 Concrete – Complementary British Standard to BS EN 206–1. BSI, 2019. (2 parts)
2 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 206:2013+A1:2016: Concrete – Specification, performance, production and conformity, BSI, 2016
3 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 1992, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures. BSI (4 parts).
4 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. NA to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005: UK National Annex for Eurocode – Basis of structural design. BSI, 2009.
5 BAMFORTH, P.B. Enhancing reinforced concrete durability. Technical Report 61, Concrete Society, 2004.
6 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 13670: Execution of concrete structures. BSI, 2009.
7 HIGHWAYS ENGLAND. Manual of contract documents for highway works, volume 2, notes for guidance on the specification for highway works HA, 2020.
8 BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT. Special Digest: Concrete in Aggressive Ground, BRE, 2005.

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