Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fresh Water
TENDER TITLE:
ELECTRICITY & WATER
KUWAIT Towers and Annexed Works at Jaber Al-Ahmed City
SEC. 4B: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE PRESTRESSED
WATER PROJECTS SECTOR
TOWERS FOR STORAGE OF WATER
GOVERNMENT OF KUWAIT
Section – (4B)
CONTENTS
4B.3 INSPECTION 17
4B.3.1 Shop Inspection 17
4B.3.2 Inspection of Adjacent Structures 17
4B.3.3 Inspection of Site works 18
4B.3.4 Facilities for Engineers Inspection 18
4B.3.5 Inspection during Maintenance Period 18
4B.6.3 CEMENT 37
4B.6.3.1 Manufacturer and Supply 37
4B.6.3.2 Delivery & Storage 37
4B.6.4 CONCRETE AGGREGATES 38
4B.6.4.1 Availability of Aggregates in Kuwait 38
4B.6.4.2 Fine & Coarse Aggregates 39
4B.6.4.3 Grading of Aggregates 39
4B.6.4.4 Storage of aggregate 40
4B.6.4.5 Light Weight or Expanded aggregates 41
4B.6.5 Water for Concrete mixes & curing 41
4B.6.6 CONCRETE MIXES 41
4B.6.6.1 Classes 41
4B.6.6.2 Slumps 42
4B.6.6.3 Water Cement Ratio 42
4B.6.6.4 Retarder & Admixtures 43
4B.6.6.5 Light Weight Concrete 43
4B.6.7 MIXING & PLACING CONCRETE 43
4B.6.7.1 Mechanical Mixing, Batching 43
4B.6.7.2 Placing & compacting 44
4B.6.7.3 Weather Precautions 46
4B.6.7.4 Continuity of Concrete Work 46
4B.6.7.5. JOINTS IN CONCRETE WORK 47
4B.6.7.5.1 Joint fillers 48
4B.6.7.5.2 Joint Sealant - In contact With Water 48
4B.6.7.5.3 Joint Sealant - Not in contact With water 51
4B.6.7.6 Water Stops 54
4B.6.7.7 Concrete Blinding 55
4B.6.8 PRECAST CONCRETE 56
4B.6.8.1 Requirements 56
4B.6.8.2 Transport, Storage & Erection 56
4B.6.8.3 Finish 56
4B.6.9 STEEL FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE 56
4B.6.9.1 Steel Quality & supply 56
4B.6.9.2 Bending & Anchorage 57
4B.6.9.3 Fixing & Reinforcement 57
4B.6.9.4 Cover, Bar Sizes & Spacing 58
4B.6.9.5 Lightning Protection 58
4B.6.10 STEEL FOR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE 58
4B.6.10.1 Prestressing System 58
4B.6.10.2 Steel Quality & Supply 59
4B.6.10.3 Design Specification 59
4B.6.10.4 Placing 60
4B.6.10.5 Application of Prestress 60
4B.6.10.6 Pressure Grouting 60
4B.6.10.7 Grouting of Anchorages 61
4B.6.11 FORM WORK 61
4B.6.11.1 Design 61
4B.6.11.2 Types 62
4B.6.11.3 Construction 63
4B.6.11.4 Embedded Articles, Pipes etc 64
4B.6.11.5 Removal of Formwork 64
4B.6.12 CONCRETE FINISHING WORKS 65
4B.6.12.1 Surface Finish 65
4B.6.12.2 Water Tightness of Finished Structures 66
4B.6.12.3 Fixing of Ironwork 66
4B.6.12.4 Screeding & Rendering 67
4B.6.12.5 Curing 67
4B.6.13 TESTING 68
4B.6.13.1 General 68
4B.6.13.2 Cement 69
4B.6.13.3 Aggregates 69
4B.6.13.4 Concrete 69
4B.6.13.5 Reinforcement Steel 72
4B.6.13.6 Pre stressing Steel 72
4B.6.13.7 Costs of Testing 72
4B.6.14 Design Specification 72
4B.8 PAINTING 75
4B.8.1 Painting 75
4B.8.2 Quality of Materials 76
4B.8.3 Workmanship 76
4B.8.4 Concrete surfaces 77
4B.8.4.1 Exterior surfaces 77
4B.8.5 Metal Surfaces 78
4B.8.6 Cleaning Up & Cleaning 78
4B.8.7 Guarantee of Exterior Paint Work 79
4B.9 MATERIALS 80
4B.9.1 Galvanized Steel Pipes & Fittings 80
4B.9.2 Cable Tiles 80
4B.9.3 Concrete Pipes & Fittings 80
4B.9.4 Manholes 80
4B.9.5 Drainage Gullies 81
4B.10 TRENCHES 81
4B.10.1 Excavation 81
4B.10.2 Backfilling 82
4B.10.3 Reinstatement of Surfaces 82
4B.12 DISINFECTION 86
4B.12.1 General 86
4B.12.2 Pipes 86
4B.12.3 Reservoirs 86
4B.12.4 Application 87
4B.12.5 Handling 87
4B.12.6 Repetition 87
4B.13 PLUMBING 87
4B.13.1 Standards 87
4B.13.2 Drinking Water Coolers 88
4B.13.3 Pipe work 88
4B.13.4 Taps & Valves 89
4B.13.5 Wash Basins 89
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Contractor will be required during the currency of the contract to carry out all
operations necessary for the whole construction installation, Completion and maintenance of
the said works described in Clause 5.1 including but not limited to the operations listed
hereunder to :-
1. Supply all constructional materials, pipes, fittings equipment, accessories plant tools
and labour necessary to carry out the works included in this Contract.
2. Carry out soil investigations, prepare the sites, excavate in bulk or in trench backfill,
consolidate and / or level the areas required and dispose of surplus materials.
3. Sheet brace and support the adjacent ground and structured as necessary, handle all
drainage and ground water, protect and/ or divert existing services, provide and
maintain barricades, guards, warning signs, air craft warning light and watchmen.
4. Deliver to the site or take delivery of construction materials, pipes fittings equipment
and accessories and haul, unload, distribute and install same as required.
5. Construct or perform all the concreting works whether using water tight concrete or
not including formwork placing, compacting, curing and finishing involved in the
construction of water retaining and other structures in reinforced concrete, whether
pre stressed or not, including ground level and elevated reservoirs, manholes,
chambers, culverts, ducts and channels.
6. Paint external and /or internal concretes surface as required.
7. Carry out all pipe fitting laying and fixing works in the water towers reservoirs and
the ducts and chambers and elsewhere on the sites.
8. Build in concrete, brickwork masonry, timber or any other materials. Temporary or
permanent buildings, structures walls, retaining walls and the like, construct roads
paved areas and footpaths, install drainage and cable ducts, erect fencing and carry
out all other such landscaping and finishing works as may be required including top
soiling planting and grassing.
9. Provide fix paint and maintain all exteriors and interiors iron work fittings and
furnishings, carry out the requisite finishing operations to all surfaces required.
10. Prepare design and submit to the Engineer for approval all detailed construction
drawings needed to complete the works.
11. Provide attendance upon sub - contractors and all other persons engaged on
machinery or equipment erection or any other properly and rightly authorized work on
site.
12. Carry out all testing on reservoirs pipe work, structures, connections, fitting
equipment and materials.
13. Construct, maintain and remove on completion all such temporary buildings, offices,
latrines, formwork staging and structure required for proper execution of the work.
14. Put into full operation all reservoirs pipe work, machinery, channels ducts and the like
if so required and maintain the whole of the completed works through the periods of
maintenance and hand over the same to the Employer in full operational order in
complete accordance with the conditions of contract.
15. All works whether detailed above or not and whether described in this specification
and shown on the drawings or detailed elsewhere in the contract documents or not
which may in the opinion of the Engineer works as a whole or for the proper
execution of the said works shall be deemed to be included in the works comprising
the contract and shall be carried out by the contractor when called upon to do so by
the Engineer.
4B.1.2.1 Design
The water towers are to be circular in shape and will consist of an elevated conical
shell supported by a single central column. The support column will stand on a circular
foundation slab below ground level and the concrete roof to the reservoir will not be visible
to observes on the ground. The whole structure will be of high quality reinforced concrete
and the reservoirs shell will be pre stressed. The capacity, conical sections of the water
towers and the diameters of the supporting shafts in each reservoir will be the same. The
overall heights above ground level of the towers will vary as shown in the drawings.
The conical shell of each tower will project from the central column at an angle of
about 40o and will reach an overall diameter at the top of 33m.which will give the shell an
overall depth of about 12m and a maximum depth of water inside of 10m. The diameter of
the supporting column will be 7m and though the dimension of the footing may vary
according to the individual sub-soil conditions, the diameter of the footing slab is expected to
be approximately 19m at a depth below ground level of 5m.
The wall of the cylindrical support shaft will be 500mm. thick up to the stiffener ring
and above, where it provides a casing for the access stairway through the reservoir, the shaft
will be 300mm thick.
The reservoir shell will vary in thickness from about 450mm near the shaft to 270mm
at the perimeter and will be pre stressed by post-tensioning of concrete tendons passed
through conduits cast into the shell during pouring of the concrete. The roof slab will be
250mm thick.
4B.1.2.2 Formwork
The design of the form basket for the conical shells will be the responsibility of the
contractor and he will be expected to produce full detailed and dimensioned drawings of his
proposed design to the engineer for approval. This design should allow for the construction of
a strong and rigid structure, well able to withstand without distortion all forces and loads that
may be encountered including not only the weight of the concrete, its self weight and any
incidental loading, wind forces and any stresses that it may be subject to during erection and
transportation. It should also be light enough for rising into position and for transportation to
the next side.
The surface to receive the concrete must be such as to allow the production of a first
class, smooth and accurate face to the concrete, which will not require any touching-up or
patching operation and will be fully presentable if left unpainted, or ready to receive the
white or blue paint whichever is required. Similar comments apply to the formwork of the
supporting shaft.
Painted areas on the shaft and cone are to be marked by a triangular 1inch x 2inch
pattern on the formwork. Because of the necessity of avoiding construction joints in the water
retaining shell, continuous casting as discussed below will be required and the interior
formwork to the reservoir will have to be designed so that continuous shuttering can be
affected as the concreting proceeds. The contractor will also be required to take great care in
his formwork design and method of concreting of the supporting shaft and here it is
anticipated that a concentrically mounted sliding form assembly will be utilized.
4B.1.2.3 Concreting
In order to maintain continuity of pouring during construction of the shaft and shell
and to avoid the risk of cold joints the contractor will have to provide sufficient capacity at
his mixing plant and in his transport and placing facilities for the concrete. The volume of
concrete required per hour is dependent upon the setting time of the high quality concrete to
be used with due regard being taken of temperature conditions prevalent in Kuwait.
It has been estimated that the setting time, i.e. the time from adding the water at the
mixing plant to loss of workability, will be in the order of half an hour, and the required rate
of placing and compaction will therefore be approximately 15m3/hour, if no retarder is used.
However, the required quantity may vary according to the actual site and weather conditions
and the contractor will of course be required to provide adequate stand by plant and
equipment.
It is anticipated that one rotary crane of optimum size centrally mounted on the
supporting shaft should prove sufficient for raising the concrete, though the contractor may
prefer external cranes. Heavy lifting apparatus may not be mounted eccentrically.
Inevitably there will be risks of damage during the concreting work from sandstorm,
excessively high temperature, etc. and will be the contractor's responsibility to reduce the
chances of damage from such causes as much as possible. For this reason, no concreting of
the water tower shells will be permitted during the four hottest months and the contractor will
be expected to adjust his programme of work to suit this requirement. He will further be
expected to obtain the local weather forecasts and suspend concreting operation during high
temperature periods and other times of adverse weather conditions.
4B.1.2.4 Foundations
As the sub soil conditions in Kuwait vary considerably from place to place and even
across the larger sites, the contractor shall under the supervision of the Engineer carry out
detailed investigations of the sub-soil strata conditions in the precise localities of the
proposed tower immediately upon entry on to the sites as called for in Clause 4B.5.1.2 of the
specification. The contractor shall be responsible for furnishing the engineer with all
equipment and labour necessary for the investigation work and during the execution of the
investigations the contractor shall assist the Engineer in every practicable way and in
whatever respects the Engineer may direct. The contractor may not commence excavation or
any other work on the tower foundation until the Engineer has examined the investigation
data and given the contractor his written instructions to proceed with the work.
It is known that the safe bearing pressure on the soil below the loose sand layer in
Kuwait can vary from 500kN/m2 in some places to as low as 300kN/m2 in others and in the
coastal region it can be even lower. The weight of the towers including water is in the order
of 7500 tones varying according to height and other factors, and it should be realized that it
may be necessary in some cases to adjust the proposed foundation structure.
As the bearing pressure and anticipated settlement are also related to the moisture
content of the soil, it is important that every precaution be taken to avoid changes in the
moisture content of the subsoil in the vicinity of the proposed foundations. For this reason,
the contractor will be expected to carry out the excavation works for the foundations as
rapidly as possible, particularly the excavation near formation level and the trimming
operations, and he shall lay the oversight blinding concrete immediately the excavation is
completed. The contractor will also be required to complete the concreting of the foundation
slab within 6 weeks of the excavation. Excavation shall be kept free of ground water.
4B.1.2.5 Construction
After the subsoil investigation has been completed and the foundations finalized, it is
anticipated that the constructions tower will be carried out in the sequence set out hereunder.
1. Excavation, laying of blinding concrete, concreting of the foundation slab and cone up
to ground level.
2. Assembly of the sliding formwork for the bearing shaft and continuous concreting of
the shaft from ground level to the stiffener ring joint.
3. Construction of the formwork for the stiffener ring (this may be assembled on the
ground with the sliding formwork and brought up with it); reinforcing and concreting
the ring.
4. Assembly of sliding or wrought formwork, and concreting of the reservoir inner shaft.
5. Construction of the conical shell formwork on the ground and lifting it into position
(probably with jacks resting on steel beams cantilevered through holes in the bearing
cylinder immediately below the stiffener ring). Fixing of the shell formwork in
position, supported by the steel beams and braced by means of struts attached to the
inner shaft at convenient levels.
6. Reinforcement of the conical shell and preparation of the forms for its inner surface;
and continuous concreting in one operation of the whole of the shell commencing at
the stiffener ring and working outwards while successively fixing the inner forms as
4B.1.2.6 Painting
The exteriors of all the water towers are to be painted with the concrete paint
specified for this purpose in clause 4B.8.4 and in general a two colours system will be used.
The horizontal roof of the towers will be painted white, but no painting of the concrete
surfaces within the tower shafts or the ducts will be carried out.
Note should be taken of the necessity of preparing adequately the surfaces to receive
paint and that the requirements stated in the documents with regard to the number of coats of
paint and varnish to be applied are the minimum requirements. In this respect, the contractor's
attention is drawn to the guarantee which applies to all the external paint work to the outside
of the water towers and the four years guarantee period as called for on clause 4B.8.7 of this
specification.
The exterior painting of all the towers on each site shall be carried out at the same
time, so that no painting of the exterior of any tower may be commenced until all the towers
on that site to be constructed under this contract have been completed and each satisfactorily
passed its water tightness testing.
The painting of the tower exteriors and the site fencing shall then be executed as
quickly as possible and the four years guarantee period mentioned above shall begin from the
written approval of the engineer of the completed painting of the exteriors of all the towers
and the fencing on the site.
The contractor should note the local air-traffic regulations regarding obstruction
warning lights; and it shall be the contractor's sole responsibility to ensure that an approved
warning light is displayed from the uppermost part of each water tower under construction
and/ or attendant scaffolding cranes, etc. in accordance with such regulations.
The contractor shall ensure that the warning light is illuminated during all hours of
darkness and any other times specified and he shall be responsible for the provision of
adequate stand-by lighting facilities.
The contractor may utilize for this purpose and for such times as it may be available
the pipe support he is required to install in the center of each tower roof for the installation of
the permanent warning lights specified elsewhere. The contractor shall retain full
responsibility for the temporary warning light and its operation throughout the construction
and maintenance periods, and at the time of handing over the completed works to the
employer he shall also hand over the temporary warning lights in full operational order.
4B.1.2.8 Chambers
The valve chambers, outlet chambers & any other chambers shall be reinforced
concrete as per drawings and Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q).
All main pipe work within the water towers and chambers shall be of ductile iron as
specified. The pressure pipes are designed to withstand a working pressure of 12Kg/cm2 and
will be tested at a pressure of 18Kg/cm2 for inlet and 5kg/cm2 and 7.5kg/cm2 for outlet line.
These pipes will vary in size from Ø150mm to Ø1000mm. All vertical pipes shall be
connected by flanges or couplings as directed and all fittings, coupling valve and accessories
shall be of steel of ductile cast iron as specified. Smaller diameter pipe work for service
pipelines shall be of anticorrosion pipe such as polybutylene or similar approved.
All the above pipe works within the water towers and ducts and chambers up to the
connections to the external pipelines including all support brackets stools fixing devices and
the like shall, for the purposes of this contract, be referred to in the documents as the internal
pipe work.
At the main valve chamber near the boundary of each site the primary main for fresh
water and the primary main for brackish water where applicable of the public mains network
being laid under another contract will be connected to the main inlet and outlet pipeline
serving the brackish water towers.
The main inlet and outlet pipeline for fresh water will consist of the collector pipeline
running from the main valve chamber, and on a typical site will be Ø600mm or Ø800mm, for
the majority of its length reducing to Ø400mm, as the branch pipes to each tower are taken
off, all as per drawings.
Flow of water in and out of the reservoirs will be affected by use of the automatic
motor operated valves which are to be installed under this contract. The principal valve
governing each site as a whole will be installed in the main valve chamber and on a typical
site would be Ø1000mm. Individual flow in and out of each tower will be controlled by
operation of the motor operated valve situated on the main inlet pipeline and the Ø400mm
manual operated valve situated on the pipeline near the reservoir.
There will also be an Ø400mm overflow pipeline in each tower commencing with a
spillway at top water level and running down the tower to ground level. Here it will discharge
into a 1000mm cylindrical steel water trap standing vertically on the top of the tower
foundation slab.
A nearly horizontal pipe of Ø300mm will lead from this water trap through the wall
of the tower to the sand trap chamber. From the sand trap water will be disposed off by
gravity via the external site drainage sewer system. There will be a short Ø250mm pipeline
leading from the base of the reservoir into the Ø400mm overflow pipeline in each tower. This
pipeline will have a hand operated isolating valve and will be used as washout for draining
the reservoir completely.
Rain water from the roof of each reservoir will be collected in Ø150mm drainage
gullies leading to Ø250mm down pipe. This down pipe will run from the top to the bottom of
tower and will discharge into the Ø300mm horizontal pipe leading from the over-flow water
trap to the sand trap. Service taps with suitable short length of Ø40mm pipe will be provided
direct from the main inlet/outlet pipeline in each tower at ground floor level to provide water
for the wash basins and washing down purposes
This contract shall include all necessary fixing brackets, pipe supports stools, straps
and such devices for the complete adequate and safe installation of all the above-mentioned
pipeline.
The term external pipe work for the purposes of this contract includes all pipelines to
be laid on or near the various sites which will not be housed in the water towers or chambers.
All the external pipe work will be laid in trenches and the main items will be the overflow
and surface water drains and the site watering service pipelines.
The overflow and surface drains will vary in size from Ø300mm to Ø500mm and will
be of flexibly-jointed concrete pipes with rubber ring or similar approved joints.
Leading from the sand-trap chamber at the base of each tower will be a Ø300mm pipe
and this will be connected to the main sewer run in a manhole. The manhole will be constructed
of pre-cast concrete rings or cast-in-situ concrete and will be provided where the connections to
each size. Surface drainage gullies set in the concrete paving around the base of the towers and in
the footpaths will be connected to this drainage system and the main surface water will discharge
into the public sewer system or to the main duct drain as appropriate.
A service pipeline net work will be installed at each site to provide watering taps to all
parts of the landscaped areas. The pipes will be led directly from the fresh water mains and
they will be of Ø80mm ductile iron. They shall be coated and wrapped and laid in trenches to
the taps housed in ground level surface boxes. The service pipe lines shall work under a
pressure of 6Kg/cm2 and be tested at 9Kg/cm2.
Landscaping works will be carried out at the sites under this contract. Apart from site
clearance work, considerable areas of the sites will be re-graded, though this re-grading will
be shallow. On certain sites, a depression will be excavated to take any overflow from the
reservoirs.
On all water tower sites, precast concrete paving flags will be laid in concentric rings
around the base of each water towers and the footpaths from one tower to the other and to the
entrance drive shall also be of precast flags.
Site entrance drives with space for parking and turning will be provided. The drive
will be constructed of a stabilized gatch base topped with a base course and wearing course of
asphaltic concrete. Lawns & plantation shall be as per drawings and Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q).
This contract includes all the preparatory work necessary for the planting of these
lawns and hedges as well as the areas of shrubs between the lawns and the large remaining
areas which are to be grassed and provided with occasional trees.
All valve chambers will be completely isolated from reservoir bases and pipe work
will have flexible collar between reservoir base and valve chamber walls.
All pipe work in the valve chambers will be flanged ductile iron shall be cast into the
walls with thrust or paddle flanges as indicated in the drawings. Valve chambers roof shall be
concrete set at finished ground level and shall be constructed so that they may be lifted away
to give access to all valves and fittings. Ductile iron manhole access covers and stainless steel
ladders or stainless steel 316L steps shall be provided to give permanent access.
4B.1.3.1 Accessories
The Accessories within the reservoirs and valve chambers are installed as specified in
Clause 4B.7.4.
Accessories fabricated from stainless steel 316L for each reservoir to be provided and
fixed complete under this contract as per drawings and Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q).
The ventilator covering at the center of the roof fabricated from stainless steel 316L.
4B.1.3.2 Construction
Before any construction work is commenced on the reservoirs, the contractor will be
required to carry out the detailed site soil investigations as stipulated in clause 4B.5.1.2 and
shall then await the engineer's written instructions that he may proceed with the work.
Immediately upon excavation to formation level, the contractor shall place the blinding
concrete or otherwise protect the formation from changes in water content as called for in
clause 4B.5.2.3.
Application of the pre stresses shall be in the order detailed in clause 4B.6.10.5
4B.1.3.3 Painting
All painting works to be carried out to the requirements of drawings and Bill of
Quantity (B.O.Q).
Certain items of equipment shall be supplied and erected by sub contractors; such
equipment may include motor operated valves, lamp standards and fixtures, lighting and
power installation etc.
The supply and erection of instrumentation, indication and control equipment shall be
carried out by a specialist sub-contractor who shall be fully conversant with installation of
this type of equipment.
The precise preparation works to be carried out by the contractor under this contract
in respect of the future installation by others of the above mentioned equipments are set out in
the relevant sections of these documents.
All materials and work of whatsoever description required for any structure of work
of permanent or temporary nature in connection with this contract shall be provided by the
contractor.
4B.2.3 Obstructions
The contractor shall not obstruct unduly the traffic whether vehicular or pedestrian in
any public or private road footway or place and shall at once remove any obstruction,
whether plant, vehicle or material, which the engineer may not consider to be necessary for
the execution of the works.
The contractor shall have open at one time only such excavation or lengths of trench
as the Engineer shall deem necessary for the good and continued progress of the work and
shall not cause obstruction by having an undue quantity of equipment pipes fittings excavated
building or other materials stacked in public places but shall at his own cost arrange suitable
storage and stockpiles for such equipment or materials not immediately required for use.
The contractor shall erect and maintain on the works and at prescribed points on the
approaches to the works, all traffic signs necessary for the direction and control of traffic and
the size of all such signs and the lettering and wording thereon shall be in accordance with
the Kuwait traffic code and approved by the engineer before erection. The sign shall be
reflectorized or adequately illuminated by night by approved means.
In the event of single way traffic becoming necessary on any particular section of the
works to which the public have vehicular access or on the approaches to the works , the
contractor shall in maintaining through traffic routes, provide a width of at least 3 m for
single way traffic.
He shall also provide approved electrically operated signals for traffic control on each
of the affected sections and any additional traffic signs as may be required. The electric signal
lights are to be hand operated by a competent operator provided by the contractor if and when
required by the Engineer. Manually operated Stop-Go signs will only be permitted if
approved by the Engineer and shall be of the colour, size and type required by the traffic
code.
Wherever the site intersects existing public or private roads, footpaths, tracks or any
other temporary or permanent accesses such that access is no longer possible temporary
diversion ways shall be constructed. Such diversion ways shall be of such a standard of
construction that they are suitable in all respects for the class or classes or traffic requiring to
use them and shall be adequately maintained throughout their period of use and cleared on
completion.
roadways sleeper tracks and staging etc. over roads, footpaths, streams or unstable ground to
provide access for any persons or vehicles entitled to such access. Such temporary works
shall be kept safe at all times and shall be suitable in every respect for their purpose and
maintained to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to ascertain which materials and articles are
required to be tested and to present such materials and articles or samples or specimens
thereof for testing. Should there be doubt as to whether any materials or article is required for
testing the contractor will be entitled to no claim whatsoever for delay or any other cause
arising from the rejection of materials or articles which the contractor omitted to submit for
testing.
The contractor may not sell or otherwise dispose of any materials arising from the
excavations, demolitions and the like carried out on site unless expressly permitted by the
contract documents or the Engineer. In every case possible and whenever instructed the
contractor shall use such materials in the works as directed by the Engineer.
4B.3 INSPECTION
All materials furnished by the contractor or his sub contractors shall be subject, at the
discretion of the Engineer, to inspection and approval at the plant of the manufacturer. Cost
of inspection and testing payable to the inspectors would be paid by the contractor.
Contractor will appoint inspectors only with the approval of MEW.
Before the commencement of work on each site and if necessary the contractor shall
arrange a meeting with the Engineer so that any buildings, plant, roads or other structures in
such close proximity to any proposed trenches or excavations that they may suffer damage by
the work may be inspected by the contractor and Engineer together .
The contractor shall then at his own expense draw up a report which shall describe
accurately the conditions of the building, plants, roads or other structures which may be
affected. Particular attention being paid to the size and situation of any existing cracks, and
shall be accompanied by an adequate number of photographs and any other information of a
helpful nature. This report is to be agreed and signed by the Engineer before any excavation
or vibration is commenced in the neighborhood of such structures.
Before the commencement of work on each site, the contractor shall arrange a
meeting with the Engineer to examine all those parts of the site that are to be restored to their
original state when work is completed. Such part shall be inspected by the contractor and
Engineer together and the contractor shall be responsible for drawing up an inspection report
including all necessary details, photographs, measurements and other helpful data. This
inspection report shall be agreed and signed by the Engineer before any work is commenced
and at the completion of works the contractor will be responsible for leaving the various parts
of the site in comparable state to that indicated in the inspection report. All expenses in
drawing up such report and the subsequent finishing and clearing up works to the various
parts of the site shall be borne by the contractor.
The contractor shall provide all necessary equipment, tackle access, labour and
instruments to enable the Engineer or his representative to carry out conveniently such
inspections as he may deem necessary at all times during the currency of the contract.
The Engineer shall give the contractor due notice of his intention to carry out any
inspections during the period of maintenance and the contractor shall there upon arrange for
all necessary equipment, labour etc. and for a responsible representative to be present at the
times and dates named by the Engineer.
This representative shall render all necessary assistance and take note of all matters
and things to which his attention is drawn by the Engineer.
It shall be the contractor's responsibility to obtain from the sub contractor all relevant
drawings indicating accurately the positioning and dimensions of brackets, spacer pieces, bolt
holes, block-outs, plinths, recesses etc. required for the subsequent installation of equipment
at the various sites by the sub contractor for approval by the employer. Such equipment may
include but not be limited to the motor operated valves, level indicators, instrumentations and
control equipment, lamp standards and fixtures, permanent warning lights and lighting and
power cables, switches etc.
It shall further be the contractor's responsibility to ensure that all such brackets spacer
pieces, bolt-holes, blackouts, plinths, recesses etc. as indicated on the said drawings are in
fact incorporated in the works and are positioned correctly and are of the sizes indicated and
the contractor shall rectify any mistakes or omissions in this respect immediately upon
notification thereof by the Engineer. The contractor shall not be entitled to payment for the
rectification of any such mistakes which may have occurred as a result of his carelessness of
his failure to obtain the relevant drawings
The contractor shall be responsible for the safe storage, handling and transportation to
the places of use of all materials furnished by or to him under the contract. The interiors of all
pipes fittings and other accessories shall be kept free from dirt and foreign matter at all times
and if necessary must be covered and protected. Protective coatings to pipe and similar
materials or equipment must not be damaged in loading or handling operations and such
precautions as required by the Engineer shall be taken to ensure their safety. The contractor is
not allowed, without the permission of the Engineer, to transport any material or equipment
from the site for use outside this contract.
The contractor shall either provide sufficient and adequate lock-up storage at each of
the sites for the use of the specialist sub contractors for the installation of specialized
equipment for the safe storage of their tools equipment and materials or arrange for each such
specialist to provide his own storage facilities. In either case the contractor shall be
responsible for the safety of all equipment etc. supplied by the specialist contractor during
storage. It shall be deemed that the contractor has allowed in his prices for the necessary
storage requirements of each such contractor.
Any material or item of equipment forming a part of the works which is found during
the progress of the work to have cracks, flaws or any other defect shall be rejected forthwith
by the Engineer. The contractor shall be responsible for the removal of such defective
material or equipment from the site without delay and the prompt replacement thereof with
acceptable material or equipment. The employer will accept no claims of any description
whatsoever arising from the rejection of such defective material or equipment of the
replacement thereof.
The various water sources shall be carefully protected against pollution of any kind.
The location and lay-out of stores and depots for oil, petrol and similar fuels and the siting of
maintenance garages and workshop shall be to the approval of the Engineer and shall not be
permitted near the water sources.
In the vicinity of water sources, filling of fuel for motors and similar operations shall
be carried out carefully and all necessary precautions taken to ensure that no spillage or waste
can infiltrate the ground and pollute the water sources. Accidents if any shall immediately be
Before the commencement of any excavation, the contractor shall obtain detailed
information from the appropriate authorities or owners or the location of pipe lines, cables or
any other underground services of foundation to buildings retaining walls etc., in the vicinity
of the work irrespective of whether such services or foundations are indicated on the contract
drawings or not. When any such underground services or overhead cables or wires or any
other existing services apparatus of any description or building foundation or footing may be
affected by the work, the contractor shall notify the owners of such service or foundation and
the Engineer before work is commenced and the contractor shall take all necessary
precautions and carry out all such protection works as may be necessary or as the Engineer
may direct. No work may be commenced until such precautionary measures have been
carried out to the complete satisfaction of the Engineer and it is stressed that the protection of
all existing services and foundations shall be the full responsibility of the contractor, and the
contractor alone shall be responsible for any damage of whatsoever nature that may occur to
any existing services or foundation and for all claims arising there from. It is further stressed
that the drawings supplied by owners of services are often diagrammatic or approximate only
and it shall be the contractors responsibility to determine by means of trial holes or other
suitable methods, the precise locations of all services and foundations or footings and no
claims will be accepted by the Ministry or the owners arising from inaccurate information
shown on such drawings or omission there from.
Excavation by machine shall in no case be carried out within two meters of cables,
pipelines or any other services or service apparatus or foundations to buildings or structures
and generally in the vicinity of any services or services apparatus or building excavation by
machine may only be carried out with the permission of the Engineer, and at all times the
contractor shall proceed with extreme caution when working close to existing services of
foundations.
contractor shall be held responsible at any time for damage that appears in the structure as a
result of the contractor's operations.
When the documents call for the diversion of existing services, the contractor shall
give adequate notice to the authorities owning such services before beginning diversion work
and the contractor shall plan and carry out all diversion work in consultation with each
authority concerned. The authority may wish to carry out the work themselves in which case
the works shall be done at the expense of the contractor. All such diversion shall be
completed to the satisfaction of the Engineer and the diverted services put into operation
before the existing services put into operation before the existing services are disconnected.
Wherever obstructions not shown on the plans are encountered during the progress of
the work and interfere to such an extent that an alteration in the plan is required, the Engineer
shall have the right to change the plans and order a deviation from the original design or
relocation of the obstruction; and in such a case the contractors shall not receive any
compensation on or shall any claim be accepted for delay or any other cause whatsoever
arising from or occasioned by such obstruction or any relocation thereof or any consequent
deviation from the original design.
Should the Engineer order a deviation from the original design, the contractor shall
immediately comply with the altered design, and should the Engineer order a relocation or
diversion of the obstruction, it shall be the contractor's responsibility to contact the owner of
such obstruction and make all necessary arrangements for the relocation or diversion thereof
in accordance with clause 4B.4.7 above.
All deviation, relocation work shall be carried out by the contractor to the complete
satisfaction of the Engineer. If the change in plans results in a change in the amount of work
by the contractor, such altered work shall be done on the basis of payment to the contractor
for extra work or credit to the employer for less work.
Pipes that have been moved, replaced or repaired in conjunction with the work may
not be covered up until they have been inspected, and if necessary tested by the Engineer.
Walls and fences broken down or damaged during the work must, if so required by
the Engineer, be repaired immediately by the contractor, or if not so required after the work
on that section is finished. Culvert and ditches temporarily altered to divert water during the
progress of the work must be relocated in their original positions unless the Engineer instructs
otherwise.
Marking points, triangulation points, bench marks and other surveyor's boundary
marks of various kinds may not be removed from their positions nor shall work be carried on
so near to them that risk of disturbance may arise, without permission from the Engineer.
Instructions given by the land surveyor must be obeyed unconditionally and the replacing of
disturbed or temporary remove marks etc. must be supervised by the surveyor.
If the Engineer considers that any such marking points provided at the expenses of the
Employer have been disturbed or lost due to neglect or carelessness of the contractor, then the
contractor shall be responsible for the costs of replacing such markers.
The contractor shall ensure that public utility equipment in or near the site is kept
accessible and free from obstruction at all times, Existing hydrants water connections, valve
pit covers, valve boxes, fire and police call boxes etc. shall not be obstructed by materials or
equipment and adequate free access to such equipment maintained. Street gutters and gullies
shall be kept free of obstruction and dirt, or else other steps for street drainage taken during
the works and the gutters or gullies cleaned out on completion.
The contractor is not permitted to make any connections, temporary of otherwise, nor
to use any supplies from the public water, electricity, gas, telephone or other utility
equipment.
The contractor shall also be responsible for ensuring that the equipment of such utility
authorities, including valves, switches, taps, blow-offs and other controls, in or near the site is
not operated by his staff or personnel.
As soon as the contractor is placed in possession of any part of the site, he shall in
places where permanent fencing cannot be erected immediately or where none is required,
erect when and where required re-erect and maintain temporary fencing wherever indicated
by the Engineer.
In general, such temporary fencing will be required completely around all works
carried out in public places or highways or anywhere else where persons or animals have
access and will be required for the whole period of construction work at the place. At the
main delineated sites, temporary or permanent fencing will generally be required right around
the whole site and shall be sufficiently robust and well-erected to prevent any persons or
animals from entering except at the specific access points, which shall be provided with
lockable gates. Temporary fencing may also be required to subdivide sections of the site
within the boundary fence.
The cost of supply, erection and maintenance of such temporary fencing and all
patrolling that may be necessary for the safety of the works and the materials stored on site
will be deemed to be covered by the prices in the Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q)
When an access is provided for owners, tenants or occupiers of adjoining lands, which
shall be maintained in a reasonable condition so that use of the accesses at no time impaired
by the operations of the contractors
In addition to the requirements of clause 4B.4.13 above, the contractor shall at his
own expense comply with the Safety Regulations for Properties and Public Utilities issued
by the ministry and shall take all precautions as mentioned therein for the safety and
convenience of the public and others.
Traffic signs, barricades and warning lights shall be erected, illuminated and
maintained in accordance with the above regulations, and the contractor shall also comply
with any further safety precautions considered necessary by the Engineer. It shall be deemed
that the contractor has allowed in his prices for all costs and expenses incurred in the
provision and maintenance all warning signs and other safety precautions.
The Engineer will set out and establish by means of suitable pegs or other accepted
markers adequate reference points with regard to line and level at each site to enable the
contractor to set out the works. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to obtain from the
Engineer, written details and values of such reference points and the contractors shall also
take steps to safeguard such reference markers, as allowed for in clause 4B.4.10 hereof.
All other setting out shall be done by the contractor in accordance with the conditions
of contract. All setting out shall be sufficiently accurate to ensure that the finished surface
structure pipeline or whatever is positioned with regard to line level or grade within the
tolerances allowed for in the relevant specification or called for on the drawings.
Before work is put in hand, the contractor and the Engineer shall together survey and
take levels in the areas where the work is to be carried out and agree to the surface levels of
the materials to be executed or built upon and such agreement shall be recorded in writing
signed by the Engineer and the contractor.
The finished levels of all foundations and trench inverts shall also be taken, agreed
and recorded in writing and signed as above described
4B.5.1 General
4B.5.1.1 Standards
The following standards and codes in their latest editions or their replacements, shall
apply to the works covered by this chapter:-
B.S No.
410 Tests sieves
892 Glossary of highway engineering terms
1377 Methods of test for soil classification and compaction
1621 Bitumen macadam
1722 Fencing
C.P.No.
2001 Site investigation
2002 Earthworks.
2006 Traffic bearing structures
ASTM No.
D1557 Methods of tests for moisture-density relation of soils
As soon after the signing of the contract as possible, the contractor shall carry out the soil
investigations stipulated hereunder for the purpose of checking that the sub-soil conditions at the
precise locations of the proposed structures are in accordance with the subsoil conditions assumed
for the design of the structures. Until such investigations have been completed and the results
considered by the Engineer for the design of the foundation to the structures must be considered
as preliminary and subject to alteration and no work on the foundation shall be commenced until
the written instruction of the Engineer to this effect have been received by the contractor . The
preliminary design of the foundations has been carried out on the basis of the soil investigation
detailed in Appendix hereto; and it is anticipated that redesign of the foundation structures may
be necessary depending on the soil investigation results.
Also until the issue of the Engineer’s instructions to commence foundation work, no
excavation deeper than 0.5m above the proposed foundation level shall be permitted; and so that
the moist content of the sub-grades shall not be disturbed. This top layer shall be continuously
kept moisture by water spraying or any other methods the Engineer may consider necessary. No
sub-grade may at any time be exposed to the atmosphere before proper arrangements have been
made for immediate pouring of the blinding concrete.
In accordance with the foregoing, the following subsoil check investigations shall be carried
out by the contractor at his own expense, and care shall be taken to ensure that the number of
investigations stated shall be made accurately over the precise locations of the proposed
structures at the site specified.
1. 6 Nos. of Test pits to a depth of at least 1m below the proposed foundation level or to
solid rock in accordance with the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
2. 6 Nos. of Standard penetration tests to a depth of 8m below the proposed foundation
level or as directed by the Engineer.
3. Drilled 1½ - 2 inch cores to a depth of 10m below the proposed foundation level. One
core to be taken at each of the site.
4. Chemical analysis for the presence of sulphates and chlorides. The contractor shall
inform the Engineer of the times when he wishes to carry out the above investigations
so that the Engineer may be present and may examine the test pits and testing
procedures. Full detailed records and results of the test pits, the penetration tests and
the cores shall be handed to the Engineer immediately on completion of the
investigations.
Each structure or building and/or portion thereof shall be properly set out by the
contractor according to the drawings and the reference points indicated by the Engineer. Such
setting out shall be, approved by the Engineer prior to the commencement of the soil
investigations or any excavation work.
The contractor shall make provision for all temporary work scaffolding, staging,
timbering, strutting, cofferdams, bridges and other works as may be necessary and required
for proper safe and efficient performance and construction of the works intended and all
works incidental thereto.
The Cost of furnishing the materials for constructing and erecting or placing and
removing on completion such temporary works shall be included in the Contractor’s prices.
Such temporary works shall also be carried out in expeditious manner and to the complete
satisfaction of the Engineer.
The contractor is not permitted to cut any trees or pull down any hedge fence, wall
building, shed or other erection without the consent of the Engineer. Trees and bushes shall
be transplanted whenever reasonable as directed by the Engineer. Those trees which are to
remain shall be adequately protected.
The contractor shall clear all areas where necessary on the sites included in this
contract. Stumps and coarse roots shall be removed from all areas where roads or buildings
are to be constructed and generally over areas to be landscaped.
4B.5.2 Excavation
All existing grass and top soil over the areas of excavation or such other areas as the
Engineer may requires, shall be carefully stripped so as to avoid mixing with sub soil or soil
or inferior quality and removed to stock piles situated at such places as the Engineer shall
direct, so that it may be re-used during the landscaping operations.
The ground shall be excavated to the lengths and widths and exact depths as indicated
n the drawings or required for the construction of the works, and in cases where the bearing
capacity of the foundation subsoil thus exposed is insufficient, to such greater depth as the
Engineer may direct. Such extra excavation ordered by the Engineer will be paid for in
accordance with the conditions of contract.
Pipe and cable trenches shall be excavated to the dimensions as indicated or agreed
before the commencement of work and to the exact depths shown on the drawings and
payment shall be made in respect of such net excavation only, except as herein before
mentioned.
If due to negligence or error on the part of the contractor or his servants any
excavations be taken to a level lower than that shown on the drawings or stated in the
specification the contractor at his own cost shall fill in the void so formed to the proper level
with concrete N 15 as directed by the Engineer.
The contractor shall examine any unsuitable or weak ground material which may be
found below the indicated levels and report the same in writing to the Engineer before
executing any concrete construction, pipe laying or other works.
The sub–grades shall be covered with a layer of blinding concrete N25 up to the
foundation level as soon as possible after the excavation has been carried out but not before
the Engineer has examined the sub-grades and given his written approval as to its satisfactory
condition, while exposed the sub-grade shall be thoroughly protected against sun and rain or
other water and any atmospherical condition that may alter its moisture content. Should the
Engineer so direct, the exposed sub-grade shall be sprayed with carefully controlled
quantities of water by means of approved sprinkler devices.
The contractor will be allowed compensation for the additional work, based on a
cubic meter measurement for the extra excavation and the material ordered for backfilling to
grade. All backfilling under foundation slabs to water towers and ground reservoir walls shall
be vibrated concrete N15. The contractor shall be paid for such extra work in accordance with
the Conditions of Contract and Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q).
The tender price shall be deemed to cover the whole costs of all excavation that is
necessary in whatever type of earth strata or ground conditions that may be encountered such
as sand, gatch, rock, running sand, concrete, old foundation, rubble dumps, roadways, paths
and paved areas etc.
Where excavation for pipe and cable trenches is made in rock or boulders, the
contractor shall without additional cost to the employer, remove the hard material to provide
a clearance of at least 150mm below and on each side of all pipe and valves fittings etc. After
excavation, the contractor shall fill to grade around the pipes with fine material as approved
by the Engineer.
For the purpose of this contract, rock shall be defined as boulders exceeding 0.25mm
in volume or any kind of stone or rock formation which in the opinion of the Engineer
requires for its removal, drilling and blasting, wedging, sledding or barring or breaking up
with a power operated hand tool.
4B.5.2.6 Blasting
Blasting for excavation shall be carried out under thorough and competent supervision
and will be permitted only after securing the permission from the Ministry of Defense and the
approval of the Engineer. Any necessary permits for blasting are to be secured by the
contractor at his own expense. If such permission is refused by the said Ministry for any
reason whatsoever, the contractor shall remove all rock using hand tools at no extra cost to
the employer. If and when permission is obtained, the contractor shall be fully responsible for
taking all precautions for the protection of persons or property, and for complying without
question with the instructions of the Ministry of defense. The hours of blasting shall be fixed
by the Engineer. Any damage caused by blasting shall be repaired by the contractor at his
expense. The contractor's methods of procedure in blasting and handling and storing the
explosive shall conform in all respects to Kuwait Law.
Where blasting is found necessary then this operation is to be carried out only after
occupants of nearby buildings stores etc. have been notified by the contractor sufficiently in
advance for them to protect their property. Blasting is only to take place in the presence of the
Engineer. The contractor is to blanket the shots in order to prevent damage to pipe that has
been laid nearby structures, telephone, telegraph or power lines and great care must be
exercised by the contractor to prevent damage to underground structures such as cables
conduits and pipelines, springs and other underground water coursed and any other existing
services.
Explosive and detonators shall only be issued as and when required for immediate use
and the issue shall be in the charge of a responsible person to be appointed by the contractor
and approved by the Engineer. The contractor is to use only experienced and trained
workmen to supervise, handle and use explosives.
If during blasting operations, loose rock is scattered over the right of way or adjacent
property, the contractor is to immediately clear up such rock to the satisfaction of the
Engineer and the owner of the land or his tenant.
When applying to the Ministry of Defense for permission to use blasting, the
contractor shall submit full details of his proposals including the type of explosive and
detonators he would use, the system of ignition and the names and qualification of the
persons who will be supervising blasting operation. The tenderer is advised that permission
for blasting is not readily given and he should make early and thorough enquiries from the
Ministry of Defense in this respect.
The contractor shall at his own expense pump out all water or sewage which occur or
be brought into excavation of any kind from existing sewers drains and water courses, and
shall where necessary thoroughly drain the works.
The contractor shall also at his own expense provide, maintain and work such engines
pumps pipe work chutes and other things necessary to keep subsoil or accumulated water at a
level below the bottom of the permanent works for such periods as the Engineer may direct.
After raising such water, the contractor shall at once convey it away in such a manner as not
to cause any nuisance or injury.
All pumps or wells which may be required for the purpose of keeping the works dry
shall be sunk clear of the works and shall be filled in afterwards. If pumping is required, it
shall when necessary for the maintenance of plant or for the protection of the works or
structures be carried on continuously and may not be stopped without the permission of the
Engineer. Pumping must be done in such a way that fine grained material is not washed out
and carried away and if necessary a filter should be lifted to the pump intake.
The water level must not be allowed to rise above newly cast concrete until the
concrete has acquired sufficient strength and due care must be taken at all times to avoid
lifting or floating of the structures.
The Engineer reserves the right to order close sheeting where necessary and such
close sheeting shall be driven so as to prevent adjacent soil from entering the excavation
either below or through such sheeting.
Such sheeting shall be adequately shored to prevent any caving or slipping of the
surrounding soil and shall be maintained in a safe conditions at all times for the protection of
persons, property, traffic and animals and persons engaged on work within the excavation.
When sheeting or piling to the sides of an excavation are necessary, the dimension of
such excavation shall be increased to accommodate such sheeting or piling so that the final
dimensions of the structures to be constructed are as required. The provision of this clause
shall be carried out at no extra expense to the employer.
The contractor will be responsible for erecting such fencing around open excavations
and warning barriers and signs as may be necessary for the safety of persons, traffic and
animals.
Excavated materials for re use must be stacked or stockpiled in places directed by the
Engineer, and must not be piled in such a manner that it will endanger or obstruct the works.
Excavated material may only be stacked alongside the excavation if it does not cause collapse
or to endanger the sides of the excavation and does not hinder the work. The contractor is
required to comply with any instructions from the Engineer with regard to the separation and
stacking in different stockpiles of selected materials for reuse on the works.
4B.5.3 FILLING
4B.5.3.1 Backfilling
Excavation shall not be backfilled until drainage insulation pipes, construction details
and water tightness have been inspected, tested and approved by the Engineer. All necessary
precautions shall be taken during backfilling to ensure that pipes insulation and construction
details are not damaged. Any spaces left by withdrawal of timbering shall be properly filled
immediately.
All backfill material in roads and yards shall be free from cinders, ashes, refuse
vegetable or organic material, boulders, rock or stones above 0.25m3 and other material
which in the opinion of the Engineer is unsuitable.
Filling shall be carried out in such a way and to such extra depth as will ensure that
the final surface after settlement and compaction confirms to the levels called for in the
specification and drawings. All filling material shall conform to the requirements for backfill
material specified in clause 4B.5.3.1 above, and if no suitable or insufficient suitable material
is available on the sites, the contractor will be required to supply such material from
elsewhere as his own expense.
Under pipes and those buildings or structures where concrete fill is not required all the
fill material shall be well compacted by mechanical means until a high degree of compaction
is obtained. The filling material shall be approved by the engineer and placed in even layers
of a depth not greater than 200mm. Each layer shall be thoroughly compacted using a suitable
power-driven roller of at least 10 tons weight and making at least 10 passes for each layer.
The Engineer's instructions with regard to the addition of water to aid in compaction
of fill must be adhered to and every effort made to compact fill material at its optimum
moisture content for compaction. In any case, the dry density of the compacted soil shall not
be less than 95 per cent of the value obtained in standard laboratory tests using heavy
compaction. The use of the water for compaction shall not be permitted close to the
foundation slabs of the water towers or ground reservoirs.
Filling and compacting around any pipes cables or conduits shall be done by hand
using selected materials for a depth of at least 500mm above such pipe cable or conduit.
The contractor shall be responsible for all surplus soil or other excavated material not
required or not suitable for re-use, and shall follow the engineer’s instructions with regard to
such surplus. The engineer may require the contractor to transport and deposit such surplus at
any specified tip or tips and may instruct the various types of material to be stacked
separately, or he may instruct the contractor himself and all the engineer’s instructions in this
respect shall be carried out by the contractor at no extra expenses to the employer.
Except where specified otherwise on the drawings or directed by engineer all roads
turning circles, yards and similar areas which are required to be asphalt surfaced shall be
constructed according to the standard cross-section shown on the drawings. The road base
shall be 200mm thick cement stabilized gatch and if the engineer so directs, a sub-base of
stabilized gatch, shall also be provided. This sub base shall be of thickness directed by the
engineer but shall not greater than 200mm. The asphaltic concrete base shall be 80mm thick.
The wearing course shall be 50mm thick but shall not be applied until just before the handing
over date and after all the site construction works have been completed on either side of the
roads concrete kerbstones shall be laid with regular drainage outlets.
The existing ground shall be cut or filled and compacted to the required level to cross
falls and gradients and any exposed sides or edges of excavation or filling shall be properly
and evenly graded to the required slopes. Where directed by the engineer, all pot holes or soft
spots below formation level shall be excavated out and filled with gatch or other approved
material well watered and compacted in 150mm thick layers. In areas of fill, approved
material shall be deposited and spread 150mm thick layers.
The moisture content shall be controlled close to optimum and each layer shall be
compacted by means of a 10 to 12 ton smooth wheeled or other approved roller to 90% of the
maximum density of the material as determined by ASTM D1557 (modified AASHO) and
95% for the last two layers below the sub-grade level. In cuttings, the formation shall be
shaped, graded and compacted as above to an even and uniform well-filled surface true to the
required falls, cross falls and gradients.
Gatch for road and yard bases must be approved by the engineer and obtained from
carefully selected deposits. Gatch, readily available throughout Kuwait, is a sand/clay
mixture and the material should be selected with a fines contents of about 25% and with the
sand fraction well –graded. It should give a modified AASHO compaction of 125lb/ft3 and a
corresponding California bearing ratio in excess of 100%. The gatch is to be stabilized with
the addition of 4% of ordinary Portland cement and shall be well-graded and free from
organic matter and any other foreign material. The base shall be laid so as to extend beneath
the concrete kerbs and shoulders of the road or yard.
The overall depth of the gatch/cement mixture shall be laid to the required falls and
gradients in layers of equal thickness each 300mm rolled and consolidated at optimum
moisture content with 10 to 12 ton rubber-tyred roller.
In heavy compaction, optimum moisture content is about 7 %( 10% for lighter rollers)
and as the natural moisture content is usually between 3% and 5%, a small amount only of
water need be added.
Watering must be carefully controlled because the low plasticity index of the gatch
leads to rapid fall in the strength of the formation as optimum moisture content is exceeded.
Each layer shall be tested for moisture content and addition of water if required shall be
carried out by spraying with approved mechanical equipment.
Rolling shall continue until a density of at least 95% modified AASHO is reached and
a dense mechanically stable road base is produced with a well shaped and close textured
surface. Tests for compaction shall be carried out at frequent intervals during the preparation
of the formation and whenever required by the Engineer. The contractor shall be responsible
for the supply of all necessary testing equipment labour etc., for carrying out of the tests and
he shall render all practical assistance and attendance upon the engineer and the employers,
technicians during the testing operations and it shall be deemed that his prices include for the
supply of such equipment labours etc.
Gatch base must be kept dry and after rain no surfacing is to be applied until the
formation is to be applied until the formation has dried out. In certain low lying areas and
areas where the water the water table is especially near the surface the engineer may direct an
alternative form of road construction.
The asphaltic concrete base course shall be laid in two layesr 6cm thick, and shall
consist of the following materials in the percentage by weight of the total mix indicted:-
5% bitumen
5% cement filler
25% sand
30% Fine gravel (⅛ to ½ inch)
35% coarse gravel (¾ to 1½inch)
The wearing course shall be laid one layer 6cm thick and shall consist of:
6% Bitumen
6% Cement filter
28% Sand
6% fine gravel (⅛" to ½").
Gravel must be obtained from an approved source and be well graded with the limits
specified. Tests shall be carried out on the proposed mixes and the engineer shall have the
right to change the percentage specified above for the composition of base course and
wearing course surfacing and sand grading should he consider it advisable. The wearing
course shall be laid after all construction and other work on the site has been completed and
immediately prior to the handing over of the site to the employer. The finished asphaltic
concrete shall comply with the Marshall Test.
The materials for the asphaltic surfacing shall be mixed in an approved mechanical
mixing plant. The aggregate shall be heated until dry at a temperature of 120 to 165oC and the
bitumen shall be heated to 120oC to 150oC. Thorough mixing shall be carried out to ensure
that all particles of the aggregate are completely coated.
The different aggregates shall be stored separately and the mixing and weighing
plants shall be maintained at all times in a clean and proper condition. The asphalt mix shall
be transported from the mixing plant to the laying area as quickly as possible, and in clean
vehicles.
The hot asphalt must be protected by tarpaulins or the like against adverse weather
condition and if for any reason, including unavoidable delay, the temperature of the asphalt
should not become lower than 100oC or too low for satisfactory spreading then the whole
load shall be rejected.
Except where otherwise permitted by the engineer, the asphalt shall be laid by an
approved mechanical spreader handled by skilled and experienced operators, and the asphalt
shall have a temperature between 100oC and 150oC at the time of laying.
During the process of spreading, the rate of travel of the spreader shall not be in
excess of 4m/minute. Compaction of the asphalt shall be carried out, first with 3 to 5 ton steel
roller, then with an 8 to 10 ton smooth wheel roller.
Rolling shall commence when the temperature of the asphalt is still above 80oC and
shall be carried out in a longitudinal direction commencing at one edge of the area or road
and working up the cross fall, and shall be carried out in successive passes with each rear
wheel overlapping the preceding rear wheel track by one half. The rolls of wheels shall be
kept moistened and the roller shall be capable of reversing without backlash and the points at
which it reverses shall be staggered.
The finished surface of each course shall be tested with a 5m straight edge, and shall
not show any depression in excess of 8mm for the base course 5mm for the wearing course
except at drainage ditches and across the camber. Unless otherwise indicated the cross fall of
the finished road or yard shall be about 1 in 40 towards the drainage channel or ditch.
Around manhole and inspection covers and gully boxes or frames the surfacing
material shall be neatly tamped so that after final compaction, the finished surface is left
slightly proud of, but not exceeding 10mm above, such fittings and the surfacing shall be
slightly sloped so that surface water will be directed to the gullies or channels. The asphalt
shall be neatly dressed up to precast concrete kerbs and the like and the contractor shall
include in his prices for any interruption to works occasioned by such finishing operations.
If the period between laying the two courses of asphalt for any part of the works
exceeds three days, then the surface of the base course for that part shall be sprayed with a
tack coat of hot bitumen at a temperature to be determined by the engineer, after suitable tests
have been carried out on the site under the engineer's direction to determine the optimum
temperature. The surface of the base course shall be cleaned of all loose and windblown sand
or any other material of matter prior to the application of the tack coat, which shall be
sprayed on immediately before to the laying of the wearing course.
Tack coats are also be applied by brush to joints between concrete and wearing course
and between steel fittings and the wearing course, and also at the commencement of the
laying of a new section of wearing course. The end of the previous section is to be cut back to
give a neat vertical face which shall be coated with tack coat before the new material is laid
against it.
The engineer will decide when and if the base course may be opened to traffic. The
asphalt wearing course may be open to light vehicular traffic 24 hours after completion of
laying and to general traffic 3 days after completion of laying.
Certain areas and sections of road may not be constructed in the standard method as
detailed above. Sub areas and sections are indicated on the drawings.
Areas to receive gravel surfacing are to be rolled and compacted as detailed above and
provided with a wearing course of coarse gravel of 50mm thick. The voids are to be filled
with fine sand and the layer duly compacted as before.
Roads subject to light traffic only may be required to be treated with cut back bitumen
sprayed over the road base which is constructed as described above. The bitumen layer is
then blinded with coarse sand and lightly rolled.
Pedestrian access and other areas detailed on the drawings or indicated by the
engineer shall be paved with 60mm thick interlocking concrete tiles laid as specified or with
reinforced concrete slabs with a tamped finish. The concrete flags shall be made in
conformity with the details shown on the drawings and in accordance with the requirements
concerning precast concrete in Clause 4B.6.8 of this specification. Workmanship and laying
of the flags and preparation of the bedding there to shall be carried out in accordance with
requirements of the latest relevant clauses of this specification or the latest British Standards.
4B.5.4.11Kerbing
Where required by the particular specification or shown on the drawings, kerbs shall
be laid or built in the indicated positions and places. Kerbs generally may be either of cast in
situ concrete or of precast units as directed and shall be laid with regular drainage gaps as
indicated. In situ kerbs shall be constructed of concrete N-35 to the sizes specified, and shall
be finished smooth and true to line. The top of the kerbs shall be level with the finished level
of the berms or pavements, unless otherwise directed.
Precast kerbs may be constructed in the contractor’s own precast yard or may be
obtained from the National Industries Company in Kuwait or similar approved source and
shall be made of concrete N-35 of size 130 mm thick x 250 mm deep with one face half
splayed. These kerbs shall be laid on a prepared foundation of concrete N-25 400 mm wide x
300 mm deep and backed with a triangular haunch section of the same mix. Where these
kerbs are to be placed on excessive fill material the concrete foundation shall be increased in
depth as directed by the Engineer. Kerbs shall be laid true to line and level in all respects and
shall be pointed in cement and sand mortar 1:3 mix. Quadrants radius kerbs, drop kerbs and
the like shall be purpose made in accordance with the drawings.
All concrete work in connection with either in situ or precast concrete kerbing
whether with regard to materials or workmanship shall be executed in complete accordance
with the requirements of chapter 4B.6 of this specification.
Service ducts to carry power cable and other services under roads and paved areas
and to serve the path and site lighting and the flood lighting of the water towers shall be laid
in trenches 700 mm dep. The ducts shall be of flexibly jointed concrete or PVC pipes as
specified on the relevant drawings and those passing under roads shall be bedded on and
surrounded with 150 mm of concrete N-25 where cables or wires are to be drawn into the
ducts later. As in the case of the site illumination and flood lighting ducts, where the cables
and light fixtures are to be provided and fixed under another contract, stainless steel or copper
wires of suitable dimensions are to be positioned in the ducts during laying for subsequent
pulling-in of the power cables.
4B.6.1 Standards
The following standards and code in their latest edition or their replacements shall
apply to works covered by this chapter:
B.S. No.
410 Test sieves
812 Methods for sampling and testing of mineral aggregates, sand and fillers.
882 Specification for aggregates from natural sources and for concrete
4483 Steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete.
DIN No
Regulations for testing concrete used during erection of concrete and
1048
reinforced concrete structures (Water tightness Test)
ASTM No
C 150 Specification for Portland cement
C 332 Specification for light weight aggregates for insulating concrete
C 494 Chemical admixtures for concrete
C 167 Corrosion resisting chromium nickel steel plate, sheet and strip
A 615 Specification for deformed billet steel bars for concrete reinforcement
D 1668 Woven glass fabrics treated with bituminous substances
D 1752 Preformed expansion joint fillers
D 2125 Cellular polystyrene
All materials used in the works shall be the best of their kind and shall conform in
quality and treatment to the conditions herein specified. The Contractor shall submit to the
Engineer when required and at his own expense, samples of all materials to be used in the
works, the quality of the samples so provided being representative of the bulk of such
materials.
The construction of all concrete and reinforced concrete work shall commence at
points approved by the Engineer and shall be continued and completed in accordance with
programs of works to be submitted to him for approval before work is commenced.
The contractor’s attention is drawn to clause 4B.6.7.3 and 4 hereunder. Any work
which is considered by the Engineer to be of inferior workmanship and therefore liable to be
a point of weakness in any part of the works shall be demolished and rebuilt at the expense of
the contractor. All construction shall be executed by competent workman in accordance with
the best modern practice and to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Only competent foreman and first class concreters shall be employed and should the
Engineer so request in writing, the contractor shall immediately replace any foreman or
concreter who is considered to be incompetent.
4B.6.3 Cement
The cement used shall be Portland cement conforming in all respects to ASTM C 150
except that bags shall contain 50 kg ± 1% and barrels or containers shall contain multiples
thereof.
For all concrete construction below ground level and water retaining structures and
other sections of the works above ground level that require water tight concrete cement type
V according to ASTM C150 shall be used. Elsewhere, unless otherwise stated in the
drawings, the requirements of Portland cement ASTM C150, TYPE I shall govern.
Except in the case of grout for pressure grouting of pre stressing cables, rapid
hardening or high alumina cement may not be used without the written approval of the
Engineer and if such approval is given, no extra payment shall normally be made above the
rate for ordinary Portland cement.
The sources of supply of cement shall be subject to the Engineer’s approval and the
contractor shall at all times furnish the manufacturer’s test certificates and proof that the
required standard specification has been complied with, together with a note of the date of
manufacture certified by an independent agency in the country of origin. The Engineer shall
have the power to reject a part or the whole of any consignment of cement if he considers at
to be unsuitable for use in the works.
Cement shall be delivered to the site in sealed bags or in watertight barrels bearing the
manufacturer’s name and the date of manufacture.
The cement shall be stored in piles not more than eight bags high in perfectly dry
water proof sheds or other such temporary buildings approved by the Engineer, each having
a floor area of not less than 50 m² or greater if the Engineer considers it necessary.
These buildings shall be used exclusively for the storage of cement and shall be
erected with the floors raised well above the ground, at places on or near the site of the
works; and after completion of the works, the buildings shall remain the property of the
contractor and shall be dismantled and removed, the foundations broken up and the site
restored to its original condition by him.
A free passage of at least one (1) meter shall be left between the cement and the side
walls of the sheds. Access ways shall also be left between the stored bags of cement such that
every bag is visible. Each consignment of cement shall be stored apart from earlier
consignments and consignments shall be used in the order in which they are delivered. Any
consignment which has become caked or otherwise adversely affected shall be removed from
the site immediately.
The contractor shall provide weighing machines which shall be kept permanently in
each shed for checking the weight of the bags or barrels of cement. The Engineer shall have
access at all times to the cement storage sheds. During transport and storage, the cement shall
be fully protected from the sun and rain.
The sources, quantities available and properties of sand and coarse aggregates in
Kuwait are fairly well known due to the extensive developments of recent times. In general,
although sands are extremely plentiful throughout Kuwait, most are too fine, too badly
graded and/or chemically impure for constructional use.
Better graded sands are becoming more difficult to obtain, though there are sources
available, for instance, pockets of course sand may be found between Magwa and Jahra, but
careful selection at the pits to ensure satisfactory grading is required. Washing of sand is
always required.
Gravel deposits in the area north of Mutla appear virtually inaccessible. Very large
quantities of surface material have already been swept away for use, but there are still
extensive beds within the zone bounded by the Abdally road and Khor Al-Subiya. The
natural gravel is round in shape and the grading inconsistent so crushing is necessary. Normal
screening is necessary but washing of the stone is not generally required.
Other locally occurring materials can on location satisfy the requirements of the
specification for concrete aggregates. It is suggested that the contractor refer to a publication
by the Government research station, Kuwait entitled Factors affecting the design and
construction of buildings and roads in Kuwait. This report together with such more detailed
information as may be available will be supplied on request by the Research Station, and sets
out among other useful aspects considerable information concerning the availability of
construction aggregates and material.
In all cases, whether the contractor wishes to make use of sources mentioned in the
report or other sources, he shall at his own expenses have the aggregates tested and submit
the relevant reports together with representative samples to the Engineer.
The Engineer shall carry out such further testing of the aggregates as he considers
necessary before giving his approval and no aggregates may be used at the works until such
approval has been given. All aggregates shall comply with the requirements of B.S. 882 in all
respects and shall be subject to the tests laid down in B.S. 812.
For both the fine and coarse aggregates which he proposes using, the contractor shall furnish
the Engineer with the following information;
Source of supply, i.e., country, town and name or precise locality of quarry.
Group classification, as determined according to B.S. 812, Clause 9a.
External characteristics i.e., shape and surface texture, as determined according to
B.S. 812, Clause 10.
Physical properties as determined according to the clauses of B.S. 812 indicated as
follows;
Absorption value and specific gravity – clause 16 or 17 as appropriate.
Bulk density – clause 19
Aggregate crushing value – clause 23 or 25 as appropriate.
Grading i.e., a typical sieve analysis as determined according to B.S. 812 Clause 11.
The above information must be certified as correct by the contractor and by his proposed
supplier in each case. The representative samples shall then, at the contractor’s expense, be
subjected to exhaustive tests to prove their quality and suitability and to determine the
proportions of fine to coarse aggregates appropriate to each class of concrete. The contractor
shall make his own arrangements for crushing, screening, washing, supply delivery and
storage of all fine and coarse aggregates as may be required for concrete on the works.
Throughout the concreting operations, the Engineer will carry out frequent tests in
accordance with B.S. 812 to check the suitability of the aggregate. Should the tests reveal the
aggregates to have unsuitable characteristics at any time, the Engineer may order such
aggregates to be rejected or their use to be discontinued.
The grading of fine and coarse aggregates shall be such that when they are mixed in
the proportions decided for each class of concrete, the grading of the combined aggregates
shall be suitable for making a dense concrete of appropriate workability with the proportions
of cement and water with which the aggregate is to be used.
1. Fine Aggregate
Fine aggregate for concrete N25, N30 and N35 shall be well graded and as the sand in
Kuwait is limited in size to a narrow range it is advisable to mix two sizes. When tested by
means of laboratory sieves the fine aggregates shall conform to the following requirements:-
Unless otherwise approved, all fine aggregates for each separate or part thereof shall
com from one pit. All fine aggregates shall be washed and shall contain not more than 2% of
silt determined in accordance with the test given in BS812, Method C, correlated as directed
by the Engineer with method B. Also the maximum amount of sulphates as S03 shall not
exceed 1,000 p.p.m. and the maximum amount of chlorides shall not exceed 100 p.p.m for
prestressed concrete and 300 p.p.m. elsewhere.
2. Coarse Aggregate
Coarse aggregate for concrete work shall be crushed using the hammering method and
shear breaking will not be permitted. The quantity of flaky aggregate shall be limited as much
as possible. After crushing, the coarse aggregate shall be screened and graded and when
tested by means of laboratory sieves shall conform to the requirements of B.S.882, Table 1,
for graded aggregate. Maximum aggregate size shall be 1 ½ in, for all parts of the structures
except the roofs of the ground reservoirs, where it shall be 1 in.
3. All in Aggregate
The proportions of fine to coarse aggregate and the maximum size of coarse aggregate to
be used in each class of concrete shall be approved by the Engineer.
The contractor shall be responsible for mixing the aggregates in the proportions approved
by the Engineer for each class of concrete and each section of the work. He shall submit
samples of the re graded material to the Engineer well in advance of commencing any
concrete work, and also have test cubes for crushing and specimens for water tightness tests
made from the re graded aggregate and the cement which he intends to use. Concrete works
must not commence until such samples and tests are to the Engineer’s satisfaction.
The various fractions of fine and coarse aggregates shall be stored separately and in
such a manner as to avoid the inclusion of dirt and other foreign material in the concrete.
Aggregates shall be handled in such a way that segregation is avoided.
Detailed information on the water supplies for the works is given elsewhere.
However, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Engineer, only water from the
potable supply system of Kuwait may be used for mixing concrete and other products
containing cement. Similarly, only potable water may be used for curing concrete and cement
products. The water shall enter the mixers at as low temperature as possible. Every effort
should be made to protect water pipes and tanks from the sun, e.g. burying, shading,
insulation or painting white. Mixing of watertight concrete shall be cooled by mechanical
refrigeration or by mixing it with crushed ice. The quantity of ice shall be to the approval of
the Engineer, but as a guide, with 50% of ice in the mixing water, the temperature of the
concrete would decrease by 12°C. Conditions must be such that the ice is completely melted
by the time mixing is completed.
4B.6.6.1 Classes
The various classes of concrete to be used in the works shall confirm to the following
tables:-
N35 and N30 concrete shall be watertight and shall utilize cement of type as shown in
table below. N25 concrete shall use type V cement, unless specified otherwise. All concrete
testing shall be carried out in accordance with B.S. 1881 and clause 4B.6.13.4 hereunder. The
various sections of the works shall be constructed with the class of concrete indicated in the
following schedule, but reference should always be made to the drawings and BOQ for
further details:-
The water cement ratio and the maximum aggregate size shall be specified in the
design of the concrete and the actual mix to be used in each case shall be approved by the
Engineer. The mix proportions will be stated by weight and the contractor will be required to
proportion the materials by weight at all times and must provide adequate plant for this
purpose. The Engineer may from time to time, as he considers necessary, amend the concrete
mix proportions to be used.
4B.6.6.2 Slumps
Recommended limitations for slump are given in Table 2 hereunder. The method of
making the slump test shall conform to B.S. 1881. Mixes of the stiffest consistency that can
be placed efficiently should be used. Over-wet mixes shall be rejected.
Pavements 20-60
The quantity of water used in mixing shall be approved by the Engineer on the basis
of preliminary tests and trial mixes and shall be the least amount that will produce a workable
homogeneous plastic mixture which will be worked into the forms and around the
reinforcement. In no circumstances shall the consistency of the concrete be such as to permit
a separation of the aggregate from the mix during handling. Excess water shall not be
permitted and any batch containing such excess will be rejected.
In measuring water for each batch of concrete, allowance shall be made for the water
contained in the aggregates. The total water in the batch shall be deemed to consist of the
water carried by the aggregates plus the water added.Frequent tests including the slump test
shall be carried out to ensure that consistent water content is maintained.
As mentioned, the setting time of concrete is very short during the normally prevalent
hot seasons in Kuwait and cold joints are often hard to avoid when large concreting works
have to be carried out in one continuous operation. To avoid cold joints therefore, the
contractor shall either provide sufficiently large capacity in his concrete producing plant and
concrete transporting arrangements or use an appropriate retarder. Should the contractor elect
to use a retarder then such retarder shall be of a type approved by the Engineer and shall
conform to the requirements of Type D as specified in ASTM C494. The contractor shall be
entirely responsible for the use of any approved retarder in strict accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Retarders shall not be used together with other admixtures in the
same mix unless approved by the manufacturer.
Preliminary tests of cube strength and water tightness shall be carried out for all
concrete with admixtures. When changing the brand or type of cement, further tests shall be
carried out.
The amount and the place for the use of any admixture and the timing thereof shall be
as directed by or agreed with the Engineer.
This shall be mixed in the ratio of one bag (50kgs) of cement to 8ft3 (0.225m3) of
vermiculite aggregate or equal conforming to ASTM C 332.
The required strength of the insulating concrete shall be 10 kg/cm2 at 28 days and the
oven dry density shall be 25-30 lbs/ft3 (400 - 480 kg/m3).Trial mixes must be prepared for
testing at least two months before the commencement of the actual casting.
The insulating concrete slabs shall be cast in squares not larger than 3m × 3m in
alternate bays, with a period lapse between adjacent bays of not less than 3 days. They shall
be constantly and continuously cured similar to the curing of reinforced concrete. Great care
shall be taken not to work over or place heavy objects on top of the slabs.
The lightweight concrete screed shall be covered while still green with a 1:4 cement /
sand topping 20mm thick finished level and smooth to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
All concrete shall be machine mixed. The location of the batching and mixing plant
shall be agreed with the Engineer and the contractor must submit to the Engineer for approval
before erection of any mixing plant, his proposed arrangements for the storing of aggregates
and the batching and mixing of the concrete. He must also submit details of the type or types
of mixers and machines to be used, and his proposals for conveying the mixed concrete from
the mixer to the points of deposition.
All concrete shall be batched by weight and the weigh batching machines used shall
be of a type approved by the Engineer and shall be kept accurate and in good condition while
in use on the works. Checks are to be made as required by the Engineer to determine that the
weighing devices are registering correctly. Each mixer shall be fitted with a water measuring
device having accuracy within one per cent (1%) of the quantity of water required for the
batch and the measuring device shall be such that its accuracy is not affected by variations in
the water supply pressure. If aggregate batching by volume is allowed, the cement shall be
batched by weight and the water by weight or volume. Each size of aggregate shall be
measured in a metallic container the depth of which is at least equal to its greatest width. The
containers shall be of such shape that their volume can be easily checked by measurement.
The approved type of mixer should have a drum rotating about a horizontal or
inclined axis and must be kept in good condition at all times. The drum shall rotate at the
speed recommended by the manufacturer. Continuous mixers shall not be permitted.
Arrangements for the cooling of the mixing water and adding of admixtures shall be
to the approval of the Engineer.
About 10% of the water required for the batch shall enter the drum in advance of the
cement and aggregates, and the remainder of the water shall be added gradually while the
drum is in action so that all the water is in the drum by the end of the first quarter of the
mixing time. The concrete shall be mixed until a mixture of uniform colour and consistency
is obtained, and mixing should continue for at least 1.5 minutes after all the water has been
added. Where double-drum high performance mixers of a type approved by the Engineer are
used, a minimum mixing time of 70 seconds, may be allowed.
The amount of concrete mixed in any one batch should not exceed the rated capacity
of the mixer. The whole of the batch is to be removed before materials for a fresh batch enter
the drum. On construction of work, including all stoppages exceeding 20 minutes, the mixers
and all handling plant shall be washed with clean water. Any deposits of old concrete in the
drum should be cleaned out by rotating clean aggregate and water in the drum before any
fresh concrete is mixed.
Immediately after mixing, the concrete shall be transported to the place of final deposit by
methods which will prevent the separation, loss or contamination of any of the ingredients. Any
method involving the use of pipes or chutes for transporting concrete will not be permitted,
except with the written approval of the Engineer. Transport of concrete from the mixers must be
as rapid as possible and the contractor shall always be responsible for the concrete being placed
and compacted within such a time from the addition of the water to the mixer that the previous
lift of concrete has not commenced setting.
Before any concrete is poured, the formwork must be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt
shavings loose stones, etc, and the woodwork which will be in contact with the concrete shall be
well soaked with water and/or treated with approved mould oil.
The concrete shall be placed gently in position and shall normally not have a free fall
or more than one meter. To convey the concrete as near as possible to its final position, drop
chutes of rubber or metal shall be used for small sections and bottom dump buckets or other
suitable vessels for large sections. The concrete shall be placed so as to prevent water from
collecting at the ends, corners or along the faces of the forms, and it shall not be placed in
large quantities at a given point and allowed to run or be worked over a long distance in the
form. All concrete shall be placed and compacted in even layers with each batch adjoining
the previous one.
The thickness of the layers shall be between 150mm and 300mm for reinforced
concrete and up to 450mm unreinforced concrete, the thickness depending on the width of
forms, amount of reinforcement and the necessity of placing each layer before the previous
one commences to set.
The concrete shall be carefully and continuously compacted and worked around the
reinforcement and into the corners of the form work so that it will be in close contact with the
reinforcement and free from honeycombing. Over vibration causing segregation shall be
carefully avoided and the redistribution of concrete in the formwork by means of vibrators
will not be permitted.
They shall be immersed at regular intervals close enough to vibrate all of the concrete
but care shall be taken not to displace the reinforcement nor to disturb or affect any
previously vibrated or partially set concrete. Each immersion shall continue until shortly after
air bubbles cease to appear on the surface of the concrete, but shall not last more than 30
seconds. The vibrators shall be withdrawn gradually and vertically to ensure that no air
pocket are formed. When external vibrators are used they shall be clamped to the forms
wherever possible to avoid undue impacts during handling and the forms shall be constructed
to withstand the additional vibrations.
distortion and great care shall be taken to ensure that reinforcement projecting from concrete
recently placed is not shaken or disturbed as to destroy or damage the initial set of the
concrete in contact with it.
Concreting in any one part or section of the work shall be carried out in one
continuous operation and no interruption of concreting work will be allowed without the
approval of the Engineer.
Thus in the construction of the water towers each foot ring shaft and conical shell
shall be concreted in a continuous operation. The capacity of the mixing plant will therefore
have to be sufficient to supply concrete continuously during these operations, and the
contractor's attentions are drawn to the requirements of clause 4B.1.2.3 in this regard. Where
beams and slabs together form an integral part of the structure, they shall be poured in one
operation, unless provision is made to form a construction joint.
During hot weather, steps shall be taken to reduce the concrete temperature and rate
of water evaporation by proper attention to the cooling of the mixing water before use,
production methods and the handling and curing. The concrete mixing plant shall be screened
and covered as a protection from wind, rain and sun and adequate similar precautions taken
throughout the transit, placing and curing of the concrete whenever conditions require them.
When the shade air temperature is 35°C and rising, special precautions must be taken
during all concreting operations so that the temperature of the concrete when placed does not
exceed 29°C. Shading of aggregates and plant is beneficial and the cooling of mixing water
and other steps shall be to the approval of the Engineer. Fresh concrete placed at these
temperatures shall be shaded from the direct rays of the sun to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
Concrete is not to be mixed and placed when the shade air temperature is 40°C and
above. Since the concreting of the conical prestressed shells of the water towers will involve
risks with regard to climatic conditions, the following restrictions and special precautions
shall be observed:-
1. The programme of work shall be so arranged as to avoid all concreting of the conical
shells during the period between June 1 to October 1.
2. Immediately before commencement of the concreting, the weather forecast shall be
studied with special regard to rising temperature and strong winds or sandstorms. If
the weather forecast normally available is not sufficient or frequent enough, the
contractor shall at his own expense arrange for special detailed forecasts from the
meteorological authorities.
The Contractor shall, at least three weeks before he desire to begin the concreting of
any main part of section of the concrete works, submit to the Engineer for approval a
programme of works including procedure, any special arrangements and the methods by
which he proposes to construct that part or section. The submission to and approval by the
Engineer of the said programme shall not relieve the contractor of any of his duties and
liabilities under the contract.
Whenever instructed by the Engineer, the contractor shall carry out the work in such a
manner that the placing of the concrete in any particular section of the structure shall be
executed without any interruption whatsoever from the beginning to the end of the operation
(see also clauses 4B.1.2.3 and 4B.6.7.2 in this respect). When interruptions are permitted by
the Engineer no fresh concrete shall be deposited on or against the concrete placed before the
interruption until the latter is sufficiently set to resist injury.
Particular care shall be taken to ensure that partially set concrete shall not be damaged
by shock or any other cause whatsoever.
For definitions of the various types of joints, see BS8007. Joints shall, as a rule, be
limited to the positions shown on the drawings and shall be of the type specified. No joints of any
description shall be permitted other than those indicated on the drawings without the prior
consent of the Engineer. The consent shall only be given where there is a good reason for such
joints to be included.
Construction, expansion and sliding joints are detailed on the drawings and shall be
constructed in principle-in accordance with the recommendations of BS8007. Movement joints in
water retaining structures shall be so constructed as to maintain water tightness whilst
accommodating relative movement between the sides of the joint, and suitable approved materials
for this purpose shall conform to BS8007. Movement joints shall also incorporate in their
construction adequate protection against the entry of debris or other material that may interfere
with the closing of the joints.
Pads for the sliding joints between wall and roof slab in the ground reservoirs shall be
of Neoprene Grade 50 and the contractor may use the approved product of any manufacturer
provided it has the following physical properties tested in accordance with
ASTM D15, Part B.
Grade (Durometer) 50
Original physical properties
Hardness ASTM D2240 50 + 5
Tensile strength, minimum psi, ASTM D4 12 2,500(175 kg/cm2)
Elongation at break, minimum percent 350
Accelerated tests to determine long-term aging characteristics
(Oven aged-70hrs./212°F. = 70hrs./100° C) ASTM D573)
Hardness, points change, maximum 0 to +15
Sponge Rubber
Sponge rubber joint filler shall have the following physical properties:-
Polymer Neoprene
Color Black
Density 30 p.c.f min.
Recovery 90% min.
50% Compression Deflection 50 to 1500 p.s.i.
Extrusion 0.25 in max.
Tensile Strength 20 psi. min.
Elongation 75% min.
Meets the following Specifications. ASTM D-1752 type 1
KHF-341e-11A
AASHO M153-54 type I
Shrinkage % lineal maximum 1.5%
Temperature Resistance: Low - 30°F
High Intermittent 150°F
High Continuous 2 00°F
The sealant to be used in the joints for floor slab, footing, walls and any other joints
for reservoirs shall be a high in solids, resistant to concentrated alkalis and other chemical,
cold applied two components polyurethane elastomeric sealant, comprising a base compound
and curing agent. The sealant shall be non-toxic which can be used in drinking water
reservoirs capable to withstand service temperatures range from 10°C to 80°C submerged
continuously in water. The application and placing shall be done strictly according to
manufacturer's instructions. Manufacturer's written and certified by an approved ANSI/NSF
independent laboratory confirmation regarding its suitability in above conditions would be
required. Special consideration should be given in choice of sealant concerning toxicity, taste
and odour etc. The product should be approved by independent laboratory (ASNI/NSF
Approved Laboratory) for contact with potable water in accordance with ANSI/NSF standard
61 at elevated temperature (80±0.5 °C) as this sealant will be used in reservoirs for drinking
Vertical joints sealant shall be gun grade or trowelling grade, horizontal joint sealant
shall be pouring grade both conforming to latest editions of ASTM C920 Type M, grade P or
NS Class 25, ASTM-C-962, BS 6920 & NSF 61. Joints width shall be designed according to
BS 6093. All sealant size in expansion joints shall be 4cms x 2cms (4cms wide, 2cms depth)
or as per B.O.Q.
The material used for forming joints shall be left in joints until just before the joints
are to be prepared to take the sealant. After removing the forms from the joints, all laitance &
fins shall be removed and the joints shall be absolutely cleaned as per manufacturer
recommendation. The joints shall be allowed to become thoroughly dry, after which they
shall be blown out, immediately thereafter, they shall be primed and filled with joint sealant.
The primer used shall be from the same manufacturer supplying the sealant. No sealant will
be permitted to be used without a primer. Care shall be taken to completely fill the sealant
grooves. Areas designated to receive the sealant shall be thoroughly cleaned; prior to
application of the sealant. Concrete shall be cured for a minimum period of 28 days and be
completely dry at the time of application. Humidity in air shall be not more than 50% during
application. To check humidity inside & outside the reservoir, humidity meter shall be
installed. Concrete and air temperature during application of sealant shall be between 10°C to
38°C. No sealant shall be applied at higher or lower temperatures.
Temperature of sealant shall not be below 15°C or above 30°C at the time of
application. No sealant shall be applied during rain. Proper ventilation shall be provided to
remove volatile organic solvents from inside the reservoir. Contractor shall provide minimum
(but not limited to) 6 exhaust fans and 2 blowers per compartment during sealant application
as per the requirement of site, catalogue & satisfaction of the Engineer's representative at site.
Repairs to broken edges of joints shall be done by approved epoxy mortar (non toxic
& water tight). (Ratio of epoxy to fine aggregate should be 1:4 or less).
A separating layer (bond breaker) between filler & sealant shall be used before applying
primer. Prior to ordering the sealant material, the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer's
review, sufficient data to show general compliance with the specification requirements. The
material shall meet the following requirements:
In addition, the material shall show no signs of adhesive or cohesive failure when
tested in accordance with the following procedure in laboratory and field tests:
Coated spacers (2-inch by 11/2 inch by 1/2 -inch) shall be used to ensure sealant cross-
sections of 1/2 -inch by 2-inches with a width of 1/2-inch.
Sealant shall be cast and cured according to manufacturer’s
recommendations except that curing period shall not exceed 24 hours.
Following curing period, the gap between blocks shall be widened to
1 - 11/4 inches. Spacers shall be used to maintain this gap for 24 hours
prior to inspection for failure.
2. Certified test reports from the sealant manufacturer on the actual batch of material
being supplied indicating compliance with the above requirements shall be furnished
to the Engineer before the sealant is used on the job. The primer and sealant shall be
placed strictly in accordance with the printed recommendations of the manufacturer,
taking special care to properly mix the sealant prior to application. All sealant shall
cure at least 7 days before the structure is filled with water.
3. The sealant shall be installed by a competent waterproofing sub-contractor who has a
successful record of performance in similar installations. Before work is commenced,
the crew doing the work shall be instructed as to the proper method of application by
a representative of the sealant manufacturer. The Contractor shall provide a 5-year
written guarantee of the entire sealant installation against faults and/or
incompatible materials and workmanship, together with the statement that he
agrees to repair or replace, to the satisfaction of the Owner at no additional cost to
the Owner, any such defective areas which become evident within said 5-year
guarantee period.
4. The Contractor shall prepare adhesion and cohesion test specimens as per Sub-
paragraph above (1) at intervals of five working days while sealants are being
installed.
Sealants shall be tested in accordance to the latest standards, at the cost of Contractor,
before and during manufacture at the independent laboratories, place of manufacture as
designated by the Engineer for physical, chemical & toxicity tests. The Contractor shall take
into consideration the time factor regarding completion of tests.
Contractor will appoint Inspectors approved by MEW to test and inspect the material
during manufacture at the place of manufacture. List of MEW approved Inspectors are
available in the Ministry. Cost of inspection and testing payable to the Inspector would be
paid by the Contractor. No material will be shipped by the manufacturer without the release
note of the inspectors, this should be mentioned in the Letter of Credit (L.C.).
TESTING OF SEALANTS
The sealant to be used in the joint shall be two part polysulphide sealant comprising a
base compound and curing agent. The sealant shall be capable to withstand service
temperatures range from 10°C to 80°C. The application and placing shall be done strictly
according to manufacturer's instructions. Vertical joints sealant shall be gun grade or
trowelling grade, horizontal joint sealant shall be pouring grade both conforming to latest
editions of ASTM-C920 type M, grade P or NS class 25, ASTM-C962. Joint width shall be
designed according to BS6093. All sealant size in expansion joints shall be minimum 2cm ×
2cm as per B.O.Q
The material used for forming joints shall be left in joints until just before the joints
are to be prepared to take the sealant. After removing the-forms from the joints, all laitance &
fins shall be removed and the joints shall be absolutely cleaned as per manufacturer
recommendation. The joints shall be allowed to become thoroughly dry, after which they
shall be blown out, immediately thereafter, they shall be primed and filled with joint sealant.
The primer used shall be from the same manufacturer supplying the sealant. No
sealant will be permitted to be used without a primer. Care shall be used to completely fill the
sealant grooves. Areas designated to receive the sealant shall be thoroughly cleaned, prior to
application of the sealant. Concrete shall be cured for a minimum period of 28 days and be
completely dry at the time of application. Humidity in air shall be not more than 50% during
application. To check humidity inside & outside the reservoir, humidity meter shall be
installed. Concrete and air temperature during application of sealant shall be between 10°C to
38°C. No sealant shall be applied at higher or lower temperatures. Temperature of sealant
shall not be below 15°C or above 30°C at the time of application. No sealant shall be applied
during rain.
A separating layer (bond breaker) between filler & sealant shall be used before
applying primer. Prior to ordering the sealant material, the Contractor shall submit to the
Engineer's review, sufficient data to show general compliance with the specification
requirements. The material shall meet the following requirements:
In addition, the material shall show no signs of adhesive or cohesive failure when tested
in accordance with the following procedure in laboratory and field tests:
1.
a) Sealant specimen shall be prepared between 2 concrete blocks (1-inch by 2-inch by 3-
inch). Spacing between the blocks shall be ½-inch. Coated spacers (2-inch by 11/2 inch
by 1/2-inch) shall be used to ensure sealant cross-sections of 1/2-inch by 2-inches with
a width of 1/2-inch.
b) Sealant shall be cast and cured according to manufacturer’s recommendations except
that curing period shall not exceed 24 hours.
c) Following curing period, the gap between blocks shall be widened to 11/4 inches.
Spacers shall be used to maintain this gap for 24 hours prior to inspection for failure.
2. Certified test reports from the sealant manufacturer on the actual batch of material
being supplied indicating compliance with the above requirements shall be furnished
to the Engineer before the sealant is used on the job. The primer and sealant shall be
4. The Contractor shall prepare adhesion and cohesion test specimens as per Sub-paragraph
above (1) at intervals of five working days while sealants are being installed.
Sealants shall be tested is accordance to the latest standards, at the cost of Contractor,
before and during manufacture at the independent laboratories, place of manufacture
as designated by the Engineer for physical and chemical tests. The Contractor shall
take into consideration the time factor regarding completion of tests.
Contractor will appoint Inspectors approved by MEW to test and inspect the material
during manufacture at the place of manufacture. List of MEW approved Inspectors
are available in the Ministry. Cost of inspection and testing payable to the Inspector
would be paid by the Contractor. No material will be shipped by the manufacturer
without the release note of the inspectors, this should be mentioned in the Letter of
Credit (L.C.).
TESTING OF SEALANTS
The water-stops shall be fabricated from a plastic compound, the basic resin of which
shall be polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.). The compound shall contain additional resins,
plasticizers, inhibitors or other material such that when the material is compounded, it shall
meet the requirements of this specification. No reclaimed P.V.C. shall be used.
All water-stops shall be moulded or extruded in such a manner that any cross section
will be dense, homogenous and free from porosity and other imperfections. The water-stops
shall be symmetrical in shape. The required sizes and weights shall be as shown on plans.
1. Tensile Strength
Tensile strength shall not be less than 2000psi and the test shall be in accordance with
BS2782 part 3, methods 320A to 320F.
2. Ultimate Elongation
The ultimate elongation shall be not less than 225% when tested in accordance with
BS2782 parts. (320A).
3. Tear Resistance
The tear resistance shall not be less than 250lbs per inch when tested in accordance
with ASTM D624-81 (Dia. B.O.).
The center line of the water-stop shall coincide with the center line of the joint
opening.
All junctions in water-stops shall be formed using factory made intersections, butt
jointing between similar sections shall be carried out on site using the manufacturer's special
jig and strictly in accordance with manufacturer's instruction.
Contractor shall supply complete approved water stop layout drawings to the
manufacturer.
All site butt welds shall be tested for water tightness by spark tests and approved by
engineer’s representative before use in the reservoir. Contractor's staff shall be properly
trained by manufacturer’s representative for butt welding and spark testing of water-stop at
site. Prices shall include for all splices and laps.
Water-stop, when fixed in position, shall be held firmly in their required places and to
the true required straight line. Eye holes made in factory shall be provided in water-stop
where required, especially where the water-stop is hanging in the middle of wall kickers and
other places. The water-stop shall be tied with wire or clips to reinforcement to keep it in
proper place and shape during and after casting till concrete has set. No piercing of water-
stop shall be allowed for any purpose. The two sides of the water-stops prior to casting shall
be cleaned free of dirt, loose material and dust (and if necessary washed). Great care must be
exercised when casting concrete to avoid the bending or twisting of the water-stop and to fill
in all spaces under, over or around the water-stop.
Cross section of water-stops shall be such that it does not aid formation of
honeycombs around it taking care that it is compatible with maximum size of coarse
aggregate. Width of the water-stops shall be not less than what is shown in drawings /
B.O.Q's but in no case be less than 230mm, the thickness of water-stop should be (4-6mm).
The height of anchors in water-stops shall not less than 18mm and water-stop should
have 4-6 anchors depending on its location. Position of water-stops shall be according to the
drawings and in conformation to BS8007. The distance of water-stop from the nearest
exposed concrete face shall not be less than half the width of the water-stop. Type of water-
stops shall be approved by the engineer
Prior to ordering water-stops, the contractor shall submit to the engineer's review
sufficient data to show general compliance with the specification requirements. Certified test
report from the water-stop manufacturers on the actual batch of material being supplied,
indicating compliance with the requirements shall be furnished to the engineer before use.
Where any footing or other concrete work is to be constructed below ground level, the
surface of the excavation shall be covered with a layer of 50 -100mm thick blinding concrete
N25. In no case shall the thickness of the blinding concrete be less than that indicated on the
relevant drawings.
The surface of the blinding for water towers and ducts shall unless otherwise specified
on the drawings or directed by the engineer, be covered by a dense continuous and
waterproof bituminous (or other approved) membrane not less than four millimeters in
thickness. The surface of the blinding for the ground reservoirs shall be covered by two layers
of polyethylene sheets 0.3mm thick each on top of blinding, the sheets should be welded
together as per manufacturer's instructions.
4B.6.8.1 Requirements
Precast concrete is to be as dense and to reach the same strength as concrete N30 but
the grading and proportions of the material may be varied subject to samples being submitted
to and approved by the Engineer. All clauses referring to cast in situ concrete shall apply to
precast concrete and in addition, the contractor shall satisfy the Engineer that precast concrete
units are not moved or loaded until they have attained the requisite strength.
Units shall be so stored, transported and fixed that they will not be overstressed at any
time or suffer any damage. Precast units shall be adequately braced and supported during
erection to ensure proper alignment and safety.
4B.6.8.3 Finish
On removal from the moulds, the precast concrete units shall be examined and all
surfaces that will be permanently visible shall have a smooth and dense finish of uniform
texture free from holes, fins and shutter staining.
1. Water Towers:
Steel reinforcement, except for stirrups and where otherwise specified, shall be
deformed bars (i.e., bars manufactured with transverse ribs) of grade 40 billet steel with a
yield stress of net less than 2,800Kg/cm2 (40,000pst) in accordance with ASTM A615.
Stirrups shall be mild steel bars with an ultimate tensile stress of not less than 4,500Kg/cm2
(65,000psi).
Steel reinforcement shall be high yield, high bond strength with characteristic strength
of not less than 410N/mm2 and shall comply with BS4449 for hot rolled yield steel or
BS4461 for cold worked high yield steel.
Steel reinforcement for units and other bases where specified may be hot rolled mild
steel in accordance with BS4449 with a characteristic strength of not less than 250N/mm2.
3. General
Representative samples of all steel reinforcement that the contractor proposes to use
in the works must be submitted before work is commenced to the Engineer for his written
approval together with manufacturer's certificates stating clearly for each sample, the place of
manufacture, expected date and size of deliveries to site, and all relevant details of
composition, manufacture, strengths and other qualities of the steel.
Should a steel sample under test fail to meet the specification requirements at any
time and the Engineer considers that, samples which were not truly representative were
presented to him for test, or if it becomes apparent that steel reinforcement which has not
been approved has been used on the works, then the Engineer may instruct the contractor to
break out and remove completely all such sections of the work already constructed using such
suspect reinforcement. The above clause shall apply equally to all steel fabric reinforcement
which shall comply with the requirements of BS4483.
1. Water Towers:
3. General:
All bars shall be bent cold. Bars shall not be welded except as called for in clause
4B.6.9.5 unless the Engineer gives his approval in which case the welding shall conform to
CP110 clause 11.6.6 and BS5153.
No splices shall be made in the reinforcement except where shown on the drawings or
approved by the Engineer and all splices or laps shall comply entirely with the requirements
of
CP114 clause 310 for the water towers.
CP110 clause 3.116.5 for the ground level reservoirs.
The steel reinforcement shall be assembled to the exact shapes and dimensions as
shown on the drawings. The bars shall be of the cross sectional areas indicated and shall be
fixed rigidly and accurately in the moulds in the positions shown on the drawings. The bars
shall be firmly bound together at intersections to ensure that the reinforcement framework as
a whole will retain its shape and the framework shall be so temporarily supported as to retain
its correct position in the moulds during process of depositing and consolidating the concrete.
The ends of all tying wires shall be turned into the main body of the concrete and not allowed
to project towards the surface. Spacing blocks shall be used to ensure accurate cover to the
reinforcement where necessary, and these blocks shall be of precast concrete of strength at
least equal to that of the concrete being placed. They shall be as small as practical and shall
be securely fixed in position by means of wires cast into them. They shall be soaked with
water immediately prior to concreting in. Alternatively approved preformed plastic spacers
may be used.
The placing of all reinforcement will be checked by the Engineer and in no case is
concrete to be poured around any steel that has not been passed by him. The insertion of bars
into or the removal of bars from concrete already placed will not be permitted. Reinforcement
temporarily left projecting from the concrete at the joints shall not be bent without the prior
approval of the engineer.
The cover to reinforcement, general limits on bar sizes and spacing of bars shall
comply with the requirements of CP114, CP2007, CP110 or BS8007 as applicable and shall
be at least 40mm (11/2 inch) for internal water retaining and external faces.
Due to the low frequency of storms accompanied by lightning and the probably poor
earthing conditions, protection against lightning will be on the faraday cage principle.
Therefore, all steelwork, external railings, lamp standard fixings, steel staircases and ladders
shall be connected to the reinforcement in the structure. Provision shall also be made for
connecting pipes to the reinforcement where they pass through the structures.
The prestressing system to be used shall be either BBRV, dywideg freyssinet, McCall
or VSL or other comparable system and shall be specified with full details and technical
specifications regarding materials, anchorage, grouting etc. by the tenderer in his offer. Any
proposed system must receive the approval of the employer before the tender can be
accepted.
The water towers are designed to be pre stressed by means of a single tendon system
where the wire, bar, strand or group of wires is located in a corrugated steel sheath. The
sheath is cast into the walls of the structure.
suitable spacing in the structure, and the spacing between adjacent tendons must not exceed
0.6m without the written approval of the engineer.
Since the radius of the pre stressed tower shells is relatively small at the bottom of the
reservoir, a prestressing system consisting of wires or strands will be preferred here due to the
greater rise of edge stresses in bars placed and bent on site and since factory bending will
cause difficulties in regard to transport and handling.
Representative samples of all prestressing steel that the contractor proposes to use in
the works must be submitted before work is commenced to the Engineer for his written
approval together with manufacturers certificates, stating clearly for each sample, the place of
manufacture, expected date and size of deliveries to site, and all relevant details of
composition, manufacture, strengths, young's modulus, relaxation and other qualities of the
steel. The contractor shall submit certificates on testing of the ultimate strength of anchorages
and cable couplings and he shall at his own expense provide extra anchorages and couplings
for sample tests as directed by the Engineer.
The Engineer shall, at the contractor's expense, carry out exhaustive tests on each
sample before approving the supplier, and may also carry out such further testing as he may
consider necessary at any time during the course of the contract and should the result of any
such test prove unsatisfactory, the Engineer shall instruct the contractor to suspend all works
involving the said unsatisfactory prestressing steel until alternate satisfactory steel has been
provided. All testing of prestressing steel shall be carried out in accordance with BS2691 as
applicable.
Magnitude and distribution of the required effective prestressing forces are shown on
the drawings. The forces indicated on the graphs of horizontal prestressing shall apply to the
prestressing in each arbitrary vertical section through the shell or wall.
During the prestressing operations, the temporary stress in any part of a prestressing
tendon shall not exceed 75% of its minimum ultimate strength. Prestressing tendons at final
placement shall have an initial stress not more than 65% nor less than 60% of their minimum
ultimate strength. Relaxation of steel shall not exceed 5% measured after 100 hours at an
initial stress of 65% of the ultimate stress. Losses in steel tension and prestress due to friction
shall be calculated in accordance with CP2007, clause 318 (for the water towers).
4B.6.10.4 Placing
The contractor shall submit to the Engineer for his approval, detailed drawings
showing the exact position of each tendon and the method to be adopted for maintaining the
sheaths in position during the concreting. All spacing bars, stools or other supports required
shall be included in the works. Spacing of supports for horizontal tendons shall not exceed
1.5m for wires and 2.0m for bars.
Anchorage plates shall be fixed truly perpendicular to the cables. Local mild steel
reinforcement required around the anchorages shall be designed and supplied by the
contractor. No Air-outlets on the sheaths will be permitted except at the ends of cables.
Prestressing shall be done in two stages. In first stage, the cables shall be stressed to
1/3 of the final stress and this stage shall take place after the completion of concreting and
when the concrete reaches an ultimate strength of 15N/mm2. The increase of concrete
strength shall be estimated by means of works cube tests or test specimens cast and cured on
site under conditions as analogous as possible to those of the structural concrete. For this
purpose test cubes of concrete shall be prepared and tested in accordance with clause
4B.6.13.4 hereunder.
Final stressing will depend on the temperature conditions and will not be allowed to
take place before the concrete has reached cube strength of at least 32N/mm2 and shall be
determined by the engineer.
Normally the final stressing can be done within 3 to 4 weeks after casting. The order
of stressing of the individual cables will be determined by the engineer and the prestressing
work shall be completed in the following operations;
1. Water Towers:
a) Stressing, stage 1 of cables in the conical shell with the exception of some cables in
the roof supporting ring, which shall be fully stressed in operation 2.
b) Final stressing, stage 2 of all cables.
The grout must not contain any sand and the water-cement ratio shall not exceed 0.40.
Cement shall be high early strength Portland cement of type III according to ASTM C150.
Intrusion air, as manufactured by Compagnie CCC Ramier du Balzacle, Toulouse au
Garonne, France or other approved equal, to 1% of the cement weight shall be added and the
grout shall be activated by means of a colloidal mixer.
Before grouting, the cable sheaths shall be thoroughly flushed out with water and then
blown clear with compressed air. The grout shall be forced under pressure into one end of the
cable sheath until it is flowing freely out of the opposite end. Grouting shall be carried out in
strict accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer of the prestressing
equipment used and to the satisfaction of the engineer.
Before grouting, the anchorages shall be thoroughly cleaned by wire brushing and
well painted with an approved epoxy resin. Grouting in shall be done with concrete N35 with
an appropriate aggregate size and purpose made moulds must be provided to secure adequate
compaction.
4B.6.11.1 Design
All formwork shall be designed and detailed by the contractor. Calculations and
drawings of sliding forms, centering and form for the shell structures as well as the proposed
construction methods, rates, equipment and sequence shall be submitted to the engineer for
approval early enough to permit checking before erection of the forms.
An outline sketch of a mountable cantilever form basket for the conical shell of the
water towers is required.
In the design of the formwork for the conical water tower reservoirs and roof slab, due
consideration shall be taken of the risks of injuries, deflection in the fresh and just set
concrete due to deflections of the formwork. The successive deflection of the formwork
during concreting shall be calculated and stated. The total deflection must not exceed 10mm
vertically or horizontally.
If the retarding admixtures are to be employed, their effect should be duly considered
during the calculation of the lateral pressures of the fresh concrete. Besides the weight of the
formwork and freshly placed concrete, the design loads shall include the weight of workmen,
equipment, runways and impact, which should be taken as not less than 2.5KN/M2 of
horizontal projection.
Braces and shoring should be designed to resist all foreseeable lateral loads, such as
wind cable tensions, inclined supports, dumping of concrete and starting and stopping of
equipment. Special consideration should be given to the effect of the wind loads on the forms
for the conical water tower reservoirs both with regard to the distribution of the wind loads
and the lateral stability of the structure.
For materials which experience substantial reuse, reduced values may be required. For
temporary forms with limited reuse, allowable stresses should be those specified in the
appropriate design codes or specifications for temporary structure or for temporary loads on
permanent structures. Where there will be a considerable number of form reuses, it is
recommended that the formwork be designed as a permanent structure carrying permanent
loads. The design of the formwork shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor and the
strutting and bracing of the formwork shall be such that there shall be no harmful
deformation of the forms under the weight of the plastic concrete or due to methods adopted
for the placing and compacting thereof or due to any incidental loading; No appliance for
supporting the formwork or staging shall be built into the permanent structure except with the
engineer's approval.
4B.6.11.2 Types
All formwork shall be fabricated in accordance with one or other of the types
specified hereunder:
1. Wrought Formwork
The surface shall be tooled or wrought and the formwork shall be constructed of steel
or plywood or planed and dressed timber or undressed timber lined with approved fiberboard.
Plywood shall have a thickness of not less than 12mm and waterproof glue shall have been
used in its fabrication.
2. Lined Formwork
Formwork shall be made of sawn tongued and grooved timber boards, each of the
same thickness and width.*
3. Sawn Formwork
Formwork shall be timber as sawn at the mill. Boards shall be of the same width.
Formwork shall be of slip forms with a minimum height of 1 meter which shall be
constructed of board at least 25mm thick, plywood at least 16mm thick, 3.5mm (10 gauge)
minimum steel sheets or other approved material. Where the use of slip forms is specified the
concrete surfaces shall be continuously finished in accordance with clause 4B.7.12.1
hereunder as the concreting proceeds. All timber used in the formwork shall be sound well
sealed and free from loose knots, and all formwork shall be constructed so that all joints fit
tight enough to prevent the leakage of grout. Wrought formwork shall have a completely
smooth face with tight joints. In all formwork, the pattern of the shutter joints shall be to the
approval of the engineer.
* Where lined radial formwork is required for the conical shells, taper sawing of all boards will not be required. The
formwork may be made up of tongued and grooved boards in bands up to 400mm wide to which tapen forms are attached.
4B.6.11.3 Construction
Should the contractor elect to use metal forms, they should preferably be of a type
which does not require the use of wire or other ties that remain embedded in the concrete
after the forms have been removed. Where ties are necessary, bolts and rods should be used,
but they must be arranged so that when the forms are removed, no metal shall be within 3cm
of any surface. Bolts and rods through concrete structures which will be exposed to unilateral
water pressure shall have 100mm diameter washers of 2mm. steel plate welded to them in
such a way as to prevent leakage along the bolt or rod.
Where holes are boxed out in the concrete for the subsequent building in of pipes
brackets ragbolts or other ironwork etc., the boxes shall become part of the formwork and
shall be accurately set out and securely fixed. Should the contractor elect to use other
methods for building in the above mentioned ironwork...etc. such methods shall be used only
with the engineer's prior approval, but such approval shall in no way relieve the contractor of
his responsibility for the accuracy of the final finished positions of such items to be built in.
Openings for the inspection of the inside of the formwork and for the escape of water
used for washing out shall be formed so that they can be conveniently closed before placing
of the concrete. External and internal concrete corners shall in all cases be formed with 25mm
chamfers and splays unless the drawings are specific as to their omission. Pockets for holding
down bolts shall be formed with expanded metal unless directed otherwise. The contractor
shall provide specially made forms for use as sides to joints.
Shutters shall be provided for all slopes exceeding 15° to the horizontal to enable the
members can be removed without disturbing the soffit shutters and if contractor wishes to
leave some of the props in place when the soffit shutters are removed, these props shall not be
disturbed during the striking. The detailed arrangement of the props shall be submitted to the
engineer in advance for his approval.
Before any concrete is placed, the formwork shall be cleaned of all sawdust shavings
and dirt and other debris washed out and all openings closed. The interior face of all
formwork shall be carefully coated with an approved preparation to prevent the adhesion of
the concrete thereto and the preparation used shall be such that it does not stain the concrete
nor has any harmful effect on subsequent painting. This preparation must not be allowed to
come into contract with the reinforcement and no organic oil will be permitted to use to coat
the forms.
* The central axis of each ground reservoir or water tower shaft not be more than 30mm out of its theoretical position and
shall not be out of place by more than 0.2% dimensions of completed structures shall not differ by more than ±10mm than
those given on the drawings, except for wall and shell thickness which shall not by more than ±5mm.
All formwork shall be inspected and approved by the engineer before any concrete is
placed but such approval shall not relieve the contractor of his responsibility for the safety
accuracy or efficiency of the work.
Sleeves, pipes or conduits of any material not harmful to concrete and located so as
not to impair unduly the strength of the work may be embedded in the concrete with the
approval of the engineer. In solid slabs, the piping or conduits shall be placed between the top
and bottom reinforcement. The concrete covering of the pipes and fittings shall be not less
than 50mm.
All piping and fittings, except drain pipes or other piping designed for pressure of not
more than 0.1 Kg/cm2 above atmospheric pressure, shall be tested as a unit for leaks
immediately prior to concreting. The testing pressure shall be 50% in excess of the pressure
to which the piping and fittings may be subjected. The pressure test shall be held for 4 hours
with no drop in pressure except that which may be caused by air temperature.
All pipes passing through water retaining structures shall be fixed in position before
concreting. Boxing out for pipes of this kind shall not be allowed. Bolts brackets and all other
articles fixed in the concrete are to be built in as far as possible as the work proceeds. Where this
is impracticable, the pockets or mortices shall be of ample size and shape to allow the fittings to
be properly cemented in and water tight joint secured. Special care shall be taken to ensure that
the articles shall be securely fixed in the correct position and the contractor shall at his own
expense provide all necessary templates, temporary supports and other plant and labour required.
Where necessary in order to comply with this clause, pipe work steel work etc. shall be
assembled before fixing and the whole assembly temporarily supported with adequate supports.
The Engineer shall be informed in advance when the contractor intends to strike any
formwork and though the responsibility for the safe removal of the formwork rests with the
contractor, the Engineer has, however, the right to fix the time of striking if he decides this to
be beneficial to the work.
Walls 4 days
Soffits of beams and slabs (props left in) 8 days
Removal of props - beams and slabs 21 days
The times above are given as a guide only and may be increased by the engineer if he
Unless otherwise shown on the drawings, all permanently visible concrete surfaces
shall have a regular dense finish of uniform texture free from holes, fins and shutter staining.
All arises shall be clean and true and great care shall be taken to ensure that all surfaces
which will be in contact with water or any other liquid shall be particularly dense and
smooth. Floors shall be evenly dusted with dry cement which shall be worked in with a steel
trowel on the initial set of the concrete to form a hard smooth surface.
All surfaces of concrete cast against wrought shuttering shall be smooth and dense
and immediately after the removal of the formwork, all minor blemishes shall be removed.
All projecting fins or other rough sections shall be rubbed down flush with carborundum
stone, or other approved means, and the resulting grit and dust thoroughly washed off with
clean water.
Then as a separate operation a mixture of Portland cement and sand, 1 to 11/2 shall be
worked into the pores over the whole-surface with a fine carborundum float in such a manner
that no more material is left on the concrete face than is required to completely fill the pores,
so that a uniformly smooth and dense surface is finally presented.
Surfaces of concrete cast against sliding forms shall be continuously finished as the
concrete proceeds by working into the pores of the whole surface with a mixture of Portland
cement and sand as described above for surfaces cast against wrought shuttering.
The final surface shall be similarly uniformly smooth and dense.
All surfaces cast against lined shuttering shall have any fins of concrete removed but
otherwise shall remain untouched. Bolt holes...etc. shall be carefully filled to match
surrounding concrete.
Should any section of the concrete present a rough, uneven, honeycombed, discolored
or imperfect appearance when the shutters are removed, it shall be picked out to such a depth
and refilled and properly refaced with such class of concrete as the engineer may direct. Any
pinholes shall be stopped up but in the event of excessive porosity being discovered, the
defective area shall be cut out and made good as specified above all at the contractor's
expense. No plastering up of such areas will be permitted.
Horizontal concrete surfaces may be finished level with tampers unless a smooth
trowelled finish or screeding or other finish is called for. The inner surfaces of the conical
water tower reservoirs should be cast against paneled shuttering which shall have to be
continuously fixed as the concreting proceeds.
Surfaces of plinths and bases shall be wood float or steel trowel finished and all doors
shall be provided with a steel sealing strip and the threshold concrete shall be steel
trowelled.All other special surface finishes to concrete work as may be indicated on the
drawings or instructed by the engineer shall be executed in strict accordance with the relative
specification or British Standard and to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
All water excluding or containing structures shall be water tight and this shall be
achieved by the production of a well compacted dense concrete, if possible without the use of
waterproofing agents. The contractor shall be responsible for the water tightness of the
concrete and all water containing structures shall be tested for water tightness on completion
and the contractor shall provide all labour, water drain stoppers and other needful appliances
for conducting the tests. All water containing structures shall be tested before painting and
the placing of the backfill, banking etc. Any leak shall be stopped and the structure retested
without additional cost to the Employer.
Testing of water tightness shall be carried on all reservoirs and tanks, whether
accessible or not, in the manner prescribed in B.S. 8007 briefly, that the external faces of
fully filled structures shall show no signs of leakage over a 7-day period, after allowing a
period of 3 days for absorption. The depth of water should be recorded and the water allowed
to stand for a period of 7 days during which the total permissible drop after allowing for
evaporation should not exceed 1/500 of the average water depth of the full tank or 10mm,
whichever is the lesser. Notwithstanding the satisfactory completion of the test, any seepage
visible on the outside face of the structure should be stopped.
The contractor will be responsible for the water supply as called for in clause 2.34.2.
The method of transporting the water to each site and all costs and charges in connection
therewith shall be the responsibility of the contractor who shall make his own arrangements
therefore and the ministry will accept no responsibility in this respect. All plant and
equipment including pumps, hoses, valves and the like and the water required to carry out all
testing of the reservoir or the pipe work both for hydrostatic tests and for pressure testing
shall be provided by the contractor who shall also pay costs in connection therewith.
All brackets, rag-bolts and other ironwork for which holes have been boxed out or left
in the concrete of a structure shall be carefully grouted-in, to their correct positions. The
grouting-in shall be carried out with cement and sand grout in such a manner that there shall
be no apparent difference in the texture or colour throughout the face of the finished structure
and that there shall be no seepage of water either between the ironwork and the set grout or
between the set grout and the surrounding structure. Grouting of bedplates for pipe work and
valves, etc., shall be carried out in a manner approved by the Engineer. Cement mortar for
grouting and bedding shall be 1:3 Portland cement and sand mixed to a suitable fluidity.
Surfaces which are required to receive a finishing coat of cement rendering or fine
concrete screeding shall be thoroughly prepared and cleaned before work is commenced. On
recently placed concrete, the surface shall be hacked and wire-brushed and roughened and all
laitance removed to expose the aggregate. Should the concrete be already well hardened the
surface shall be chipped or sandblasted to expose the aggregate. All loose particles shall be
rinsed off with clean water and the rendering or screeding placed as soon as the surface has
been thoroughly wetted.
The cement mortar for rendering or screeding shall consist of sand and cement mixed
in an approved mechanical mixer and in the proportions 1:4 or as directed by the Engineer.
The mortar shall be used immediately after mixing and any that has stiffened or commenced
to set shall not be used. The sand shall be well graded and to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Sand for concrete floor finishes shall conform to BS1201.
All rendering shall be finished to an even or polished surface with a float trowel or
other suitable tool, special care being taken to obtain perfectly smooth and glazed faces.
Rendering to walls shall be 20mm thick. Thickness of floor screeds shall be as indicated on
the drawings.
All rendering or screeding must be protected from the elements and properly cured as
described in clause 4B.6.12.5 below. It must be kept damp especially during the setting
period. Any cracks or parts which sound hollow when tapped or other defects in the rendering
shall be cut out and re-rendered by the contractor at his own expense.
4B.6.12.5 Curing
Freshly placed concrete shall be adequately protected from rain, dust storms, chemical
attack, and other harmful effects of sun heat, wind, flowing water, vibrations and shocks. It
shall also be fenced off or otherwise protected to prevent persons from walking thereon or
articles being placed or thrown thereon. This protection shall continue until the concrete is
sufficiently set such that it can no longer be damaged by these factors. The Engineer shall
determine when the protection is no longer required but in any case this shall be not less than
24 hours after the time of placing.
Timber formwork covering the concrete shall be moistened with water at frequent
intervals to keep it from drying during the curing period. Metal formwork exposed to the sun
must be shaded from its direct rays, painted white or otherwise protected during the curing
period.
All concrete shall be cured by being kept continuously moist for a period of at least
14 days after casting, though in certain cases the Engineer may direct this period to be
increased or allow it to be reduced. The curing shall be effected by covering all concrete
surfaces with hessian or a layer of sand which is to be continuously watered to keep it damp
by means of automatic sprinklers.
As soon as concrete is exposed to dry atmosphere, hydration ceases very quickly. This
will often be the case even if efficient curing membranes are used, due to the effect of self-
desiccation, a chemical process during which the water is removed from the pores. The free
water residing in the gel structure has a profound influence on the strength of the concrete
and this water can be secured only through thorough water curing. Thus water must be
supplied not only to compensate for evaporation from the surface and through the formwork
but also to replenish the water removed due to self-desiccation. Curing compounds shall not
be permitted for water-retaining structures.
Particular attention should be paid to having all facilities ready for prompt
commencement of curing. Reliance should not be placed on the protection afforded by
formwork, to which water should be applied as stated above while the forms are still in place.
Water for curing can be obtained at the standard rate at the nearest water point and any
pumping or pipe laying that may be required shall be done by the contractor at his own
expense.
Since concrete water tanks are very liable to shrink and crack during any prolonged
period of laying empty, both walls and floors shall be kept moist by the contractor during the
whole period of construction and until the certificate of completion of works is issued by the
Engineer.
4B.6.13 Testing
4B.6.13.1 General
Preliminary and work tests of concrete and concrete materials including reinforcement
steel and prestressing steel shall be carried out at times stated in this specification or when
directed by the Engineer.
As soon as the contract is signed, such preliminary tests shall be carried out in order
to avoid delays in determining any adjustments of aggregates, cements, mixes or additives
that may be indicated by the tests.
The contractor shall before the commencement of work provide one field laboratory
at each of the construction sites and equip each with the testing apparatus listed hereunder for
the testing of concrete work and materials, and the contractor shall maintain such laboratories
and equipment in every respect throughout the duration of the contract to the satisfaction of
the Engineer. Each site laboratory shall be equipped as follows:
All testing of materials shall be carried out at the Government Research Station. It will be
the contractor's responsibility to make all arrangements for and pay all costs of any
description in connection with the transportation of the test specimens and all other samples
and test pieces required for testing to the central laboratory or the Research Station as
required. The contractor's attention is specifically drawn to clause 4B.2.8 in this connection.
Testing for water tightness of finished structures shall be done in accordance with clause
4B.6.12.2 of this specification.
4B.6.13.2 Cement
Tests shall be carried out in accordance with the methods required by ASTM C150.
4B.6.13.3 Aggregates
Sampling and testing of aggregates shall be as required by BS882 and 1201, and in
accordance with BS812, Methods for Sampling and Testing of Mineral Aggregates, Sand
and Fillers. All sampling shall be done by or under the supervision of the Engineer, and tests
shall be carried out to determine both the physical and chemical properties of the aggregates
as well as sieve analysis. As washing of the sand is specified, checking of the water content
immediately before use is important.
4B.6.13.4 Concrete
All testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of BS8110, and
BS1881, Methods of Testing Concrete, and the tests detailed below shall be made before and
during the execution of the works at the times indicated. Concrete with admixtures shall be
tested separately.
No type or grade of concrete shall be used in the works before the preliminary tests on
that particular type or grade have shown that the compressive strength, workability and, when
required, water tightness are satisfactory for the purpose for which the concrete is to be used.
Work tests that shall be made on concrete samples during the progress of the works are as
follows:
1. Works cube tests should be made as specified in BS8110, for each new grade of
concrete or from each 100m3 of concrete when the same grade is being used
continuously, or as directed by the Engineer.
9 test cubes (6 inch) should be taken at each time and each should be marked with the
date, the section of the work from which it was taken and any other information
required, and dispatched to the approved laboratory for testing for compressive
strength. 3 cubes shall be tested after 7 days. A further 3 cubes shall be tested after 28
days and their average strength must not fall below the minimum strength specified
for each type of concrete, and the lowest test result shall not be more than 20% below
the average for 3 cubes. The remaining 3 cubes shall be kept as spares, and after the
28 days curing period, shall be stored in a shaded room. If they are not required for
testing, the Engineer may agree to their disposal.
When the result of the 7 day test is unsatisfactory, the contractor may elect to remove
and replace the defective concrete without waiting for the 28 day test. If the result of
28 day test is unsatisfactory, all concreting shall be stopped at the contractor's expense
and shall not proceed further without the written permission of the Engineer.
The contractor shall then, in accordance with the instructions of the Engineer, conduct
tests of the concrete in the suspect portions of the structure in such a manner as may
be appropriate to the particular conditions or parts of the work. The concrete may be
test loaded in site or cylindrical test cores may be drilled out and tested in accordance
with BS1881, part 15. Should the tests prove that the concrete is not satisfactory or
the engineer judge that any sections of the concrete work are defective, then the
condemned concrete shall be cut out, removed and replaced by the contractor at his
own expense. In the event of the works cube tests showing concrete strengths
consistently higher than those specified, the Engineer may authorize a reduction in the
number of tests.
2. Flexural Strength Tests shall be carried out only on water tight concrete samples
during the progress of the works. Test specimens should be made in the manner and to
the dimensions laid down in and tested in accordance with BS8110. At least 2 series
of 3 specimens each shall be taken from each part of the works at the times specified
by the Engineer and 3 specimens tested after 7 days and the remaining 3 after 28 days.
Should any concrete fail to meet the requirements specified with regard to flexural
strength the Engineer shall take steps for further testing, similar to those indicated
above with regard to compressive strength failure, and any concrete condemned by
the Engineer for insufficient flexural strength shall be cut out , removed and replaced
by the contractor at his own expense
3. Water Tightness Tests on the water tight concrete being used shall be carried out
simultaneously with the works cube tests. On each occasion 3 test specimens shall be
taken in accordance with DIN 1048, clause 14-16, or with the method detailed
hereunder.
The concrete is taken to be water tight if the upper surface of the test specimen is still
dry after the test. The specimen is to be cut in half after testing and the depth of
penetration of the water is to be measured.
4. Site Cured Test Cubes for determining the actual concrete strengths of the structure in
order to fix the earliest possible time for the first and final stages of the prestressing
shall be made as specified for works cubes above, but they shall be stored and cured
on site as near the sampling spot as possible and under conditions as analogous as
possible to those of the structural concrete. Site cured test cubes shall be made and
tested as follows:
Water Towers - Two sets of 6 cubes each shall be taken during the concreting of the
conical shell, 3 of each set about two hours after the commencement of concreting of
the shell, and the remaining 3 of each set from the roof-supporting ring. These two
sets of 6 cubes shall be tested as follows:
2 of each set shall be tested 48 hours after pouring. If the strength should then
not have reached 15N/mm2, a third cube shall be tested after a further 24 hours
or as directed by the Engineer.
2 further cubes shall be tested 2-4 weeks after pouring. The final stage of
prestressing shall not be allowed to start if the strength has not reached
32N/mm2 at this test. The remaining test cube shall then be tested at a time
Notwithstanding anything contained in this clause the Engineer may at any time
request samples for testing at a Government or independent laboratory.
All testing, such as tensile strength tests, proof tests, reverse bend tests and relaxation
tests are to be carried out as applicable in accordance with BS2691 and to the extent therein
prescribed. Sample tests of anchorages and cable couplings shall be carried out as directed by
the Engineer.
The contractor shall bear all costs involved in the providing, obtaining, collecting,
cutting-out or sampling of all specimen samples of sand, aggregates, cements, concrete, steel
reinforcement, prestressing steel, water or other materials required for testing in accordance
with this specification.
As detailed before, he shall also bear all costs of making test cubes specimens and
other test pieces as may be required and provide all necessary equipments for carrying out the
site tests specified including the provision of all testing equipment, stoppers, hoses, valves,
gauges, recording instruments and the like. He shall also arrange for and bear all costs
involved in the transportation of such samples to the central laboratory or the Government
Research Station or other approved laboratory in Kuwait as directed by the Engineer.
The design of the works has been carried out in respect of all reinforced and
prestressed concrete in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of BS8110,
8115.
4B.7.1 Standards
The following standards in their latest editions, or their replacements, shall apply to
works covered by this chapter:-
B.S. No
497 Cast Iron manhole covers and frames
1494 Fixing accessories for building purposes.
ASTM No.
A167 Corrosion-resisting chromium-nickel steel plate sheet and strip
A479 Stainless and heat resisting steel bars.
Doors and frames shall be made of sheet steel and their design and construction shall
ensure stability under all practical conditions. They shall be constructed according to the
relevant drawings and regularity of surfaces planeness accuracy of right angles and
dimensions shall all comply with the conditions shown on the drawings.
Steel profiles shall be bent by mechanical means and all joints shall be made carefully
and in accordance with the best modern practice. No joints shall be permitted in the metal
facing, and if the steel thickness of the metal facing is less than 5mm, steel reinforcement not
less than 5mm thick shall be provided for the door closer.
Door frames shall be provided with metal cramps for grouting into the wall. Spun
mineral wool insulation shall be provided over the whole interior area of the door and shall be
fixed with a plastic binder such that no part of the door may become uninsulated due to
shocks, blows and slamming or long and repeated use of the door.
Doors shall be provided with lock cutouts and these shall be reinforced between the
facings. Steel lugs of minimum thickness 3mm shall also be provided for the cutouts for the
attachment of the locks, and each cutout shall have a support for lock. Edges of the recesses
to the locks, bolts, etc., shall be blunt.
All doors and frames shall be marked with a type number at the factory, and during
transit they shall be kept under waterproof cover. They shall not be stacked on the ground
either during transit or at the site and they shall be handled and stacked carefully so as to
avoid damage. Doors and frames shall be painted in accordance with clause 4B.8.5 of the
specification.
All door fitments shall be strong and robust and in all respects adequate for their
respective purposes. Unless specified otherwise they shall be zinc coated or effectively
protected against corrosion to the satisfaction of the Engineer. No fitments may be used until
they have been approved by the Engineer.
Entrance doors shall be provided with three hinges, located at approximate 250mm
and 500mm from the head and 250mm from the bottom of the door respectively. After
hanging of the door, a check shall be made to ensure that the weight is being borne equally on
all the hinges. Screws for use with the hinges shall be zinc-coated as shall themselves, which
shall also be well oiled at the movable faces.
All doors shall be fitted with cylinder locks, adequately protected against corrosion.
The locks shall be suitable for locking with master keys according to the instructions of the
Engineer, and three keys shall be provided for the locks together with six sets of master keys.
Handle levers shall be robust and mounted in strong handle plates firmly screwed to the
doors, and levers plates and bolts shall be of type approved by the Engineer. Handle
operation and locks shall be thoroughly lubricated before fitting and checking of lubrication
shall be carried out on all movable parts including hinges before the works are handed over to
the employer.
All exterior metal details and those that are exposed to water in the reservoirs, such as
gullies, vent pipes, covers, ladders, support brackets and the like, shall unless specifically
mentioned otherwise, be made of stainless steel type 316L according to ASTM A167 and
A479. Where applicable the requirements of chapter 4.10 shall be complied with in regard to
manufacture, materials, workmanship, welding, inspection, etc., of all stainless steel details.
Other metal details inside the towers such as hand railings, safety chains, lifting eyes, covers
and frames and the like, that are not exposed to water, shall be made of galvanized steel.
Spiral steel staircases for the water towers shall be supported on a central column of
steel pipe with an outside diameter of at least 76mm and a thickness of at least 6mm. The
radius from the center line of the column to the outer edge of the steps shall be 950mm and
there shall be 16 steps each with riser height of 175mm to each full turn. The steps are to be
made of purpose moulded and trimmed chequer plate or cast iron with a chequered tread
surface. Landings equivalent to the width of three or four steps according to the drawings are
to be provided at every second full turn and at floor levels.
Hand railings to the staircases are to be constructed of 27mm outside diameter steel
pipe on 25mm outside diameter pipe supports, one support for each step as shown on the
drawings. The staircases are to be adequately secured at each landing and floor and shall be
supported by the shaft wall at very 5m of their height by means of special steel struts bolted
to the wall.
Hand railings at floor levels, except ground floor level, are to be of the same type as
those described above for the spiral staircases. Hand railings to the ground floor level are to
be of stainless steel in accordance with the relevant drawing.
Access covers and frames to the reservoir roofs shall be of stainless steel in
accordance with clause 4B.7.4 above. Chequered plating covers and frames to internal floors
shall be of galvanized steel.
Access and manhole covers and frames to the sand traps outside the water towers and
to the manholes on the sites shall be of cast iron and shall be of the pattern size and weight
shown on the drawings. They shall meet the strength requirements of grade B according to
BS497 unless specifically mentioned otherwise and shall be tested in accordance with this
said standard.
4B.8 PAINTING
4B.8.1 Painting
The painting of the under mentioned surface is included in this contract, and it shall
be deemed that the contractor has included in his offer and prices for the full preparation
painting and maintenance in complete accordance with the conditions specified herein of the
following surfaces:
1. All visible external concrete surfaces of the ground level reservoirs.
2. All external concrete surfaces of the water towers including the roofs.
3. All visible concrete surfaces of the site fencing including both sides and any site
chambers.
4. All surfaces of steel and iron pipe works, fittings, doors, frames, staircases ladders,
handrails, scaffolding, accessories, site furniture, manhole covers and the like and all
other metal details excepting such as are made of stainless steel or are to be finished
in backed varnish or otherwise protected.
Notwithstanding that, any other exterior or interior surfaces of any description as shown
on the drawings or indicated by the Engineer shall also be painted and any surfaces similarly
required to remain unpainted shall not be painted. The exterior concrete surfaces mentioned
in items 1, 2 and 3 above are to be painted with a pliolite based paint as specified in clause
4B.8.4.1 hereof and the painting will be subject to the four-year guarantee mentioned in
clause 4B.8.7. The interior reservoir surfaces mentioned in item 4 above, are to be painted
with an approved corrosion protective paint as specified in clause 4B.8.4.2 and the metal
surfaces mentioned in item 4 above, are to be treated and painted as specified in clause
4B.8.5.
Preparation of surfaces to receive the paint as specified herein, including all primer coats
and all extra work necessitated by holes recesses block-outs fitments and the like as well as
an adequate approved numbers of paint and varnish coats, shall be deemed to be included in
the contractor's prices and no extra payment will be made in respect of such.
Similarly the contractor will be required at his own expense to prepare and paint various
small sections of the work in different colours on the instructions of the Engineer before work
is commenced for the purpose of examining the various colours in situ for final colour
selection purposes.
All paints and paint materials of any description for use in works shall be approved by
the Engineer before use and the contractor shall also be responsible for securing the
Engineer’s approval of the colour of each paint for the various sections of the works, in
addition to any guidance on colours or colour schemes given in these documents.
All paste pigments, driers, oils, thinners and other ingredient materials shall comply in
all respects with the relevant British Standards for paints varnishes and paint ingredients and
to the British Code of practice CP231. The ingredients shall be properly mixed to give the
paint or varnish the correct composition and consistency for the purpose required. The
contractor may not use any other painting materials than those specified in this specification
even if such materials are of a similar character and quality unless permission for their use is
given in writing by the Engineer. All paint and paint materials shall be supplied to site in the
manufacturer's sealed and branded containers.
Before the commencement of any section of the painting work, the contractor shall be
required to paint under the direction of the Engineer, reference surfaces for each type and
colour of paint to be used in that section. The reference surfaces for the concrete paint shall
be at least 10m2 in size, and after painting shall remain untouched throughout subsequent
painting work and for as long as the Engineer requires them.
No painting of any sections of the works may commence until the Engineer has
passed the relevant reference surfaces as satisfactory with regard both to paint material colour
finish and workmanship and all subsequent painting of that section of the works shall be of at
least as high a quality with regard to materials finish and workmanship as the relevant
reference surface and of the same colour. At the same time as the reference surface is being
painted, the contractor shall deliver to the Engineer, a wet specimen of the paint being used
and the Engineer shall retain such specimen as a sample of the approved paint.
4B.8.3 Workmanship
The contractor shall decide, in joint deliberation with the Engineer, on suitable times
for the painting work to be carried out with due consideration being taken for any directions
of the paint manufacturer with regard to moisture percentage of the bedding climatic
conditions and any other relevant factors.
Before painting work is commenced, all metal fittings and fastenings and any other
appliances or accessories indicated by the Engineer, shall be removed by the contractor.
These shall be cleaned and painted or otherwise treated as directed and shall be replaced on
completion of the painting work in their correct positions. Also before any painting or
varnishing is commenced, all floors and ledges shall be washed down and all dirt and dust
removed, throughout the painting work. Satisfactory measures shall be taken to keep down
dust.
Surfaces which are not to be painted shall be adequately protected from spill stains
and splashing and shall be carefully washed down. An ample supply of clean dust sheets, to
protect adjacent work during painting operations, shall be at hand at all times. All surfaces to
be painted shall be properly prepared in accordance with approved practice and to the
satisfaction of the Engineer.
The actual painting shall be carried out, in all respects, in accordance with the
instructions of the paint manufacturer.
Immediately before use the prepared paint shall be strained, free from skins and
impurities and foreign matter, and no attempt shall be made to use paint that has become too
dry or otherwise deteriorated or is unsatisfactory in any respect. No paint cloths or other
materials of any description that can cause clogging blockage or damage to waste pipes shall
be dumped into drains or sewers.
The exteriors of the water towers and ground reservoirs will be painted either in white
or blue, generally according to the schemes shown on the facade drawings but subject to the
specific directions of the Engineer. The site fencing will be painted white.
The paint material for the painting of the external concrete surfaces shall be based on
Pliolite as manufactured by the Good Year Tyre and Rubber Company Chemical Division,
Akron 16, Ohio, U.S.A., and the paint shall be manufactured at an approved factory and in
accordance with the following outlines specification:
The contractor shall provide the Engineer with all relevant data concerning the paint he
intends to use together with samples of the paint material for testing and the name of the
manufacturer for the approval of the Engineer. Before any concrete paint is permitted to be
used on the site, the Engineer will carry out tests to ensure that it complies with the
requirements.
No concrete surfaces may be painted until all concrete finishing and surface preparation
work has been satisfactorily carried out and any surface repairs or touching up filling in
making good, etc., completed to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Painting may not commence
earlier than six weeks after the casting of the concrete and in no case will painting be allowed
on incompletely hardened concrete. Surfaces to be painted shall contain no more than 15%
moisture.
The painting shall be carried out so that the painted surfaces present a homogeneous
appearance throughout and dull spots due to different absorption of the bedding will not be
acceptable. Areas of the concrete that have been touched up or repaired such that the edges of
the repair work or the difference in surface texture between the repaired area and the original
is visible through the painting will also not be acceptable. Also unacceptable will be any type
of bad workmanship such as runs, unpainted spots, poor coverage, bad and irregular borders
between colours, dirty surfaces and the like. A 2 coat epoxy resin varnish, subject to the
Engineer’s approval, may be used as alternative material.
All iron, steel and other metal surfaces shall be prepared and painted as herein
specified, unless instructions to the contrary are given. Stainless steel pipes, pipe work,
fittings and accessories shall not be painted. Colours shall be as specified or instructed by the
Engineer and the colours of priming coats shall not be such as to spoil the appearance of the
colours of the final coats. Where more than one coat of anti-corrosive paint is specified, the
different finishing coats shall be distinguished from one another by slightly different colour
shades.
Before painting of iron or other metal surfaces is commenced, all rust and scale and
loose paint shall be entirely removed by wire brushing, hammering, chipping, mechanical
brushing or other approved means and all oil, concrete, splashing, dirt and other undesirable
coatings completely cleaned off. The iron or steel work shall than be properly prepared and
treated with an approved phosphating solution and painted with an approved primer
conforming to BS2523 or 2523 on 2524 as appropriate.
The preparation and priming should be followed up promptly by the application of the
specified paint finishing coats and where this is not practicable the primer shall be painted
immediately with an approved protective coating. All coats of paint must be thoroughly dry
before subsequent coats are applied and shall be rubbed down with fine waterproof sandpaper
where necessary and as directed by the Engineer.
Where aluminum details are specified to be supplied with a baked varnish finish this
shall be applied at the factory, and any such details on which the varnish finish has become
damaged before or during delivery to site, shall not be acceptable.
During the painting work, the contractor shall periodically clean off any paint
splashes and droppings that may have occurred and remove any collections of rubbish,
particularly those of an inflammable nature, that may have accumulated during his painting
operations. On completion of the painting work, the contractor shall ease all doors, hatches
and covers and shall check and oil all locks, hinges and similar fittings and supply any
missing keys, handles, etc. He shall also scrub all floors and pavements and thoroughly clean
out all rooms, spaces, channels, ducts, etc., so that the works are left clean, tidy and fit for
occupation on completion of each section of the contract. He shall also clean out and check
the operation of all gutters, down pipes, gullies and drains.
The contractor shall be required to guarantee his paint work to the exterior concrete
surface of the water towers for a period of four (4) years from the date of handing over the
same to the Employer. The said guarantee will provide that during the said four (4) year
period and until the joint examination at the end of that period between the contractor and the
Employer or his authorized representative, the paint coat will have throughout its entire area:
For purposes of this guarantee, the contractor will be required to lodge with the
Ministry an approved and acceptable surety bank guarantee or insurance policy to the value
of 50% of the total cost of painting. This guarantee document for any section of the works
must be provided by the contractor before the Engineer issues the certificate of completion in
respect of that section, and will be returnable to the contractor by the Employer on the
approval and acceptance of the paintwork after the examination at the end of the above
mentioned four (4) year guarantee period.
Should the paintwork not be acceptable at the examination at the end of the guarantee
period, the contractor will be obliged to repair the defective sections by complete stripping
off the existing paintwork, re-preparation of the surfaces and repainting over such areas as
may be directed, due consideration being taken of the appearance of the painted structures as
a whole and the effects any repainted sections may have on the water tower or reservoir
group concerned. In the case of such remedial work, the contractor shall be obliged to enter
into a further four (4) year guarantee period in respect of the repainted areas.
Should there be only minor defects requiring rectification, the Employer may, at his
discretion, release guarantee document on satisfactory rectification of such defects. If it
becomes apparent, at or before the above mentioned examination, that considerable areas of
paintwork are proving to be unsatisfactory, the Employer has the right to demand the
repainting by the contractor of the affected areas or to demand from the contractor
compensation for the estimated costs of such repainting. It shall also be the right of the
Employer to decide whether the contractor may be allowed to repaint such areas or whether
compensation from the contractor should be enforced.
Notwithstanding the above paragraphs of this clause, the contractor shall not be liable
for damage to the paintwork caused after the handing over date by the public or other persons
not in his employ or for whom he is not responsible.
4B.9 MATERIALS
Site service pipelines shall unless specified otherwise be of screwed and socketed
galvanized steel pipes manufactured in accordance with the requirements of BS1387. The
pipes shall be of heavy grade according to the above standard and the pipe threads shall be
BS21. The galvanized pipe fittings shall be in accordance with BS1740.
All galvanized pipelines including fittings and joints shall be protected externally by
taping with an approved prefabricated plastic film in the manner described in the appropriate
paragraphs. The plastic film coating material shall be of a successfully established type and
manufacture approved by the Engineer and shall have the following permanent properties of
high electrical resistivity, pliability, conformability, resistance to corrosive environments, low
moisture absorption and permeability, suitable adhesion to the pipe surface and reasonable
mechanical strength. Adhesives for use in conjunction with the plastic film coating shall be
suitable for their purpose and approved by the Engineer.
Should the Engineer consider that the approved pipe coating requires a protective over
wrap with regard to the prevailing soil conditions, then an approved over wrap shall be
provided and applied by the contractor at no extra cost to the Employer.
Concrete for cable tiles shall be of quality N30 in accordance with clause 4B.6.6.1.
All clauses referring to cast in situ concrete shall apply to precast cable tiles. Steel
reinforcement shall be mild steel with a yield stress of not less than 2,200Kg/cm2.
After striking, the tiles shall be carefully stacked in approved rows and layers and
shall be continuously kept moist for at least 7 days by means of automatic sprinklers or by
being stacked below water level in appropriate curing ponds.
The joints shall be flexible and provided with rubber joints rings to B.S.2494. Pipes
and fittings shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of the standards to the extent
the Engineer directs. Pipes to be tested shall be selected by the Engineer on the site and
immediately marked and sent by the contractor to be tested at a testing station. Batches of
pipes that do not pass the stipulated tests satisfactorily will be rejected. Pipes shall be
delivered in 2 or 3 meter lengths in accordance with the manufacturer's standard practice.
4B.9.4 Manholes
Manholes shall be cast in situ on precast concrete slab section, to BS556, to the
diameter shown on the drawings or given in the bills of quantities attached hereto, all to the
satisfaction of the Engineer. Manhole sections, tapers and cover slabs shall be made with
sulphate resisting cement. Sections shall have galvanized step irons built in at 300mm centers
vertically and horizontally and precast sections shall be supplied with male and female ends.
Lifting holes are to be provided in each section. The quality of concrete shall be the same as
that specified for concrete pipes and fittings above.
Drainage gullies shall be of cast iron and manufactured in accordance with BS497, as
indicated on the drawings. Gullies will be installed for site drainage in the circular paving at
the base of each water tower along the footpaths and elsewhere on the sites and reference
should be made on the drawings for the precise positioning. Gullies and frames should fit into
the spaces indicated in the paving and should be supplied complete with cover gratings,
connection pipes (150mm diameter to suit gully outlet) approx.1.5m long and tees for
connection to the main drainage pipes. The details should be as shown on the drawings.
4B.10 TRENCHES
4B.10.1 Excavation
In general, all excavation shall be in accordance with clauses 4B.5.2.2-9. All trenches
shall be excavated and maintained in a safe and workman like manner with sufficient and
adequate shoring and means of access. Trench excavation shall be measured per meter run
and the contractor should include in his rate, all additional excavation necessary for forming
joint holes planking and strutting extra working space, etc.
Excavation at manholes shall be measured next to the outside of the required concrete
surround and the contractor should allow for any additional space for shuttering, etc., which
he may require.
Excavation may be done by machine or by hand but in either case, the bottom 75mm
shall be removed by hand and the formation carefully trimmed to the correct line and level.
Cable trenches shall be excavated to a depth of 700mm and a width of at least 450mm and the
bottom shall be hand trimmed and all stones and coarse material removed.
The rates for excavation shall include for all preliminary works including setting out,
etc., excavating by hand or machine in any material, planking and strutting all necessary
temporary works, pumping, stockpiling the spoil at the site of work and all things necessary
to maintain the trench in a safe and workman like condition as mentioned above.
4B.10.2 Backfilling
Backfilling of trenches shall comply with the requirements of the clauses in clause
4B.5.3 hereof. Fine screeded sand to a depth of 200mm shall be carefully compacted over
cables laid in the ground and concrete cable tiles of an approved design shall be laid on top of
this sand continuously along the trench. When the Engineer has inspected the laying of the
cable tiles, the remainder of the trench may be backfilled.
Should any subsidence or movement of earth occur at or near to any place where the
contractor has excavated or filled at any time, the contractor shall promptly carry out, at his
own expenses, all necessary repairs and reinstatement which may be required as a result of
such movements.
All surfaces of trench excavations shall be reinstated to the levels indicated on the
drawings, or where not so indicated to the same levels as existed before commencing
excavation. Surfaces shall be restored to a condition equal to or better than existing surface
conditions, and to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
If any pavement trees, shrubbery, fences, poles or other property and surface
structures have been damaged, removed or disturbed by the contractor, whether deliberately
or through failure to carry out the requirements of the contract documents, state laws,
municipal ordinances or the specific direction of the Engineer or through failure to employ
usual and reasonable safeguards, such property and surface structure shall be replaced or
repaired at the expense of the contractor.
If the Employer specifies that the replacements or repairs shall be made by the
contractor, the contractor shall replace or repair and restore the structures to a condition
equal to that before the work began and to the approval of the Engineer and shall furnish all
incidental labour and materials. If the Employer specifies that the replacement or repairs will
be made by the Employer's own labour, the cost of the replacements or repairs will be
deducted from monies due to the contractor. Costs shall be determined by the Engineer from
measurements and the cost of replacement or repairs from a schedule of fixed charges
previously prepared by the Employer and furnished to the contractor.
All earth surfaces shall be trimmed in such a manner as to ensure, at the end of
maintenance period, a perfectly stable surface, free from any tendency to move or settle, and
the surfaces shall be even and smooth and conform exactly to the dimensions stated in the
specification or shown on the drawings.
Excavation shall be carried out over all areas, where seeding or planting is to take
place, to a depth below finished surface level of at least 600mm for lawns, 900mm for bushes
and 1200mm for trees. If individual excavations are made for plants and trees, the minimum
bottom dimensions of the excavation for each bush shall be 1m2 and for each tree, 2m2.
Before the excavation starts, the contractor shall supply the Engineer with samples of
the soil for testing and suitability for agricultural use.
Subsoil, of quality approved by the Engineer and containing no substances in any way
injurious to the plants or trees, shall be placed in the excavations to a depth below finished
surface level of 400mm for lawns, 600mm for bushes and 750mm for trees. The subsoil fill
shall not contain any stones larger than 100mm across, and shall be well compacted.
4B.11.3 Topsoiling
Before any topsoil is placed, the subsoil shall be covered with a moisture-retaining
layer of approved soil composition to a thickness of 250mm for lawns and 300mm for bushes
and trees. Topsoil shall be free of stones and perennial weeds and shall be suitable for the
types of plants specified for the relevant area. All topsoil shall receive the approval of the
Engineer before it is laid.
Topsoil shall be placed over all areas indicated on the drawings for landscaping or top
soiling to the finished surface levels specified and in no case shall the compressed depth of
topsoil be less than 150 ± 20mm for lawns, 300 ± 50mm for bushes and 450 ± 50mm for
trees.
Should it be found that there is insufficient topsoil stockpiled on site to cover the areas
indicated for top soiling and the Engineer instructs the contractor to obtain and place further
supplies from elsewhere, the Employer will pay for the provision of such further supplies unless
the Engineer considers that the contractor was negligent in his execution of the requirements of
clause 4B.5.2.1 above or has used the topsoil for unauthorized backfilling or has removed the
same from site without permission.
Any decrease in the thickness of the topsoil layer or less of topsoil resulting from
subsidence washing away by water movement on labour or plant over the surface or any
other cause during the progress of the contract or during the maintenance period, shall be
made good by the contractor at his own expense.
Seeding and planting shall be carried out at the appropriate season and in suitable
weather conditions and in accordance with the drawings. Grass and any other types of seeds
specified shall receive the approval of the Engineer before any sowing is carried out. Bushes,
plants and trees will be available free of charge at the government nursery.
Immediately prior to sowing, the surfaces of the areas to be sowed shall be carefully
leveled and the topsoil broken down to a fine tilth and cross raked and all stones removed.
Grass seed shall be sown and cross sown at the rate of 3Kg/100m2, evenly distributed and the
seeds lightly raked into the soil with the proper tools. Different sizes of seeds shall not be
sown together. After sowing, the topsoil surface shall be lightly rolled or compacted. An area
of 1m2 shall left without seeding around each newly planted bush or tree.
During sowing, and as necessary throughout the rest of the season, an approved
balanced fertilizer shall be mixed with or spread on the topsoil. When the grass has grown to
a height of 20 - 30mm, and as necessary throughout the rest of the season, the lawns shall be
evenly dressed with nitrate of lime. The total quantity of nitrate of lime per season shall be
4Kg/100m2 and the total quantity of all fertilizer including nitrate of lime shall be
6Kg/100m2. The first mowing shall be carried out when the grass has grown to a height of 80
to 100mm.
Bushes shall be planted at the intervals between one another and in the positions
indicated on the drawings. After the roots of the bushes have been placed in the prepared
excavations, which must be large enough to suit the spread and depths of the roots, the bushes
shall be supported whilst the topsoil is placed and compressed carefully around the roots.
Trees must be similarly planted and then permanently attached to vertical support poles with
tapes at least two places. Concerning pruning, the Employer will prepare some trees as
samples and the contractor's trees shall show a similar result.
The contractor shall be responsible for the care and mending of the grass and plants
and for ensuring that they maintain a healthy state of growth until the signing of the latest
completion certificate. Such care shall include not only the adequate preparation of the
ground at and immediately before and after the time of sowing and planting, but regular
watering, mowing, weeding, harrowing, pruning and such operations throughout the whole
period of construction.
At least one sprinkler at each site shall be in operation continuously throughout the
daytime, and shall be moved around to reach all parts of the site as necessary. Before the
sprinkling system is connected to the water supply, the contractor shall make his own
provisions for watering. Mowing shall be carried out at least seven times a year and pruning
twice a year.
Further watering or mowing and weeding, harrowing and such operations shall be
carried out as necessary or as the Engineer may direct. In areas where the grass or plants have
died or failed to attain satisfactory growth, the contractor shall re sow and replant as
necessary and take all practicable steps as the Engineer may direct to induce such satisfactory
establishment and growth.
4B.11.6 Fencing
Permanent fences shall be erected along the site boundaries and elsewhere as
indicated on the site plans. Unless specified to the contrary, fencing will be relief-cast
concrete sections, set in concrete support blocks as detailed on the drawings. All precast
sections and in-situ concrete will confirm with the requirements of chapter 4B.6. Gaps shall
be left in the fencing at entrances to the site and certain watercourses. The Engineer may
direct that additional fences or gates are to be provided other than those shown on the
drawings or that certain sections are to be omitted and any such instructions shall be treated
as authorized variations and payment made accordingly.
4B.11.7 Benches
Concrete benches shall be provided and placed around certain tower shafts in the
positions shown on the drawings. The benches are to be constructed of precast sections or in-
situ concrete and supported by and fixed to the rim of the tower foundation cones and they
will be shaped in the form of a circular arc, all as shown on the drawings. The concrete
surfaces of the benches will be smooth trowelled, and all concrete shall conform to the
requirements of chapter 4B.6, class N25.
Where any pavement, trees, shrubbery, fences, poles or other property or surface
structures have been damaged, removed or disturbed by the contractor, contrary to the
requirements of the contract, and such damage, removal or disturbance has been caused
deliberately or through failure of the contractor to carry out the requirements of the Contract
Documents, State Laws, Municipal Ordinances or the specific directions of the Engineer or
through failure to employ usual and reasonable safeguards, such property or surface
structures shall be replaced or repaired at the expanse of the contractor to a condition equal to
that before the work began.
Trenches and other excavations in roads, footpaths or other paved areas shall be
backfilled as described in clause 4B.5.3, as soon as practicable and the foundations to the
road or area shall be carefully reformed, either with the excavated materials or if the Engineer
considers necessary, with replacement materials. No permanent paving shall be restored
unless and until the Engineer considers that the condition of the backfill is such as to properly
support the pavement.
4B.11.10 Cleaning Up
On completion of the works, all surplus materials, plant, tools and temporary
structures shall be removed from the site by the contractor at his own expense. Similarly, all
dirt and rubbish shall be removed to a dump provided by the contractor and the whole of the
site shall be left in a tidy condition to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
During the maintenance period, the contractor shall at his own expense, make good,
repair or replace any sections or areas of surfacing earthworks, planting, retaining walls,
fences, structures or equipment that have in any way become damaged or been adversely
affected as a result of settlement, subsidence, sagging, washing away or collapse of any
earthwork, landscaping, fill or excavation carried out by the contractor. Similarly the
contractor shall at his own expense make good, repair or replace any items or sections of site
equipment that have suffered undue deterioration which the Engineer considers to be
attributable to the use of inferior materials or inadequate painting, galvanizing or other
applied protection or in any way due to non-compliance of the contractor with the
requirements of any condition set out in the contractor documents. Such making good, repair
or replacement shall be duly carried out and the site cleared up and cleaned before the
maintenance certificate shall be issued, so that, at the time of signing of the said maintenance
certificate, all earthworks, site works, landscaping and equipment shall be in a completely
satisfactory condition in all respects, to the complete satisfaction of the Engineer.
4B.12 DISINFECTION
4B.12.1 General
All water tower reservoirs and ground reservoirs shall be disinfected in accordance
with the AWWA specification C601 and as herein specified, before handing over to the
Ministry. Similarly, all water mains connections and attached appurtenances shall also be
disinfected, but before the final connection to the outside mains laid by others is made.
4B.12.2 Pipes
The pipes shall not be flushed after connection to the outside mains. It is of utmost
importance that every precaution is used to protect pipes, fittings and valves against the
entrance of foreign material before the pipe work is assembled. If in the opinion of the
Engineer, a pipe contains dirt, the interior of the pipe shall be cleaned and swabbed with a
bactericidal solution, made from the compounds listed in AWWA C601, or other approved
equal. However, chlorinated lime and water mixture shall not be used.
4B.12.3 Reservoirs
Water shall be fed into the reservoirs with chlorine, applied in amounts to produce at
least 10ppm after 24 hours standing. The dosage must not exceed 50ppm without the
approval of the Engineer. The disinfectant solution shall remain in the reservoirs for such
periods as the Engineer instructs, but in no case for less than 24 hours.
4B.12.4 Application
If the contractor intends to use calcium hypochlorite tablets, the Engineer shall be
supplied with full details of the method of application and the number of tablets to be used
per 100 linear meters. The approved number must not be exceeded by more than 10% and the
Engineer shall be informed immediately in the case of this number having been exceeded.
No flushing and tests of the pipes or reservoir will be permitted after the final
connection has been made.
4B.12.5 Handling
Proper care shall be taken to store liquid chlorine or hypochlorite in tightly closed
containers where they will not be accessible to unauthorized persons. Storage and handling of
chlorine shall be according to the manufacturer's instructions and the Engineer's approval.
4B.12.6 Repetition
If the tests are not satisfactory, the contractor shall provide additional disinfection as
required. If the requirement for additional disinfection is due to any omission, negligence or
non-conformance with these specification, on the part of the contractor or because of
premature wetting of the hypochlorite, if used, or repairs made to the pipelines after their
initial filling with water for disinfection, the contractor shall provide such additional
chlorination at his own expense.
The chlorinated water may be used later for testing of other lines, or if not so used,
shall be disposed of by the contractor. The Employer will not be responsible for loss or
damage resulting from such disposal
4B.13 PLUMBING
4B.13.1 Standards
The following standards in their latest editions or their replacements shall apply to
works covered by this chapter:
B.S. No
659 Light gauge copper tubes for water, gas and sanitation.
864 Capillary and compression fittings of copper and copper alloy.
1010 Draw-off taps and stop valves for water services (screw down pattern).
Each drinking water cooler shall consist of a factory made assembly, comprising a
complete mechanical refrigeration system and the cooler shall deliver cold, fresh water to a
separately installed free-standing drinking fountain.
The cooler shall be of the pressure type and shall consist of an hermetically sealed
compressor, a water cooled condenser of tube-on-tube construction, equipment for refrigerant
control and an evaporator formed by refrigerant tubing bonded to the outside of water circuit.
Materials used in the unit shall be of non-ferrous material or of stainless steel. The cooler
shall be rated on the basis of a continuous flow capacity of 40 liters per hour, an inlet
temperature of 35°C, a cooled water delivery temperature of 20°C and an ambient air
temperature of 47°C. Suitable brackets shall be supplied to fix the unit to the wall and the
cold water pipe to the dispenser shall be equipped with a valve to control the water flow.
Screwed union shall be provided for the water inlet and drain pipes.
The water fountain dispensing unit shall be of stainless steel and of approved design.
Internal electric wiring for the cooler shall be connected to terminals in a water-proof
terminal box, which shall also house a terminal for connection of the protectional earth
continuity conductor.
Fresh and brackish water pipes and water pipes shall be of copper, complying with
BS659. The fittings shall be capillary or compression fittings of cooper alloy, complying with
BS864.
All pipe runs shall be installed so as to give a neat appearance. Pipes shall be cut at
right angles to pipe axis and all burrs removed. The use of pipe cutting appliances, which
deform or diminish the bore of pipe, will not be permitted. The brackets, hangers and support
shall be of robust design and neat appearance. The spacing of such fixing shall not exceed the
following:
Size of pipe (mm) Intervals for vertical runs Intervals for horizontal
meters runs meters
15 2.40 1.80
20-25 3.00 2.40
32 3.00 2.70
40 and above 3.60 3.00
Each separate length of pipe shall have at least one support arranged near a joint so
that undue strain is not placed upon the joint. Pipe fixings for copper pipe shall be of cast
brass of standard manufacture. Where pipes pass through walls and floors, sleeves shall be
fitted to the pipes and sleeves shall be packed with a suitable moulded plastic compound.
Joints between pipes of dissimilar metal shall be made with suitable insulators to prevent
electrolytic action.
Taps shall be of non-ferrous metal with a smooth exterior surface. They shall be
finished with chromium plating and fitted with hose connections.
Valves of inside diameter 50mm or less shall be of gun metal, and all valves shall be
of approved manufacture and shall be marked with the manufacturer's name or trade mark.
All taps and valves shall be in accordance with BS1010. Wall taps shall be fixed in
suitable strong brackets and wall flanges shall be supplied where the pipes are to be
concealed. Taps or free standing pipes shall be fixed to tab couplings and supplied with
covering flanges. Approved metal labels identifying the service shall be supplied and fixed
securely to or near each valve by the contractor.
Each wash basin shall be of stainless steel, size 340 × 235mm, unless specified
otherwise and shall be provided complete with a stainless steel splash-back, 40mm diameter
waste outlet, 75mm deep scale PVC trap and a screwed joint for the waste outlet.
Galvanized brackets shall be supplied to support each basin and these brackets shall
be fixed to the wall with galvanized steel expansion bolts.
END OF SECTION