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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
EXCAVATION AND EARTHWORK
Scope
This Specification describes the general requirements of excavation and earthwork in
different materials, site grading, filling, including filling back around foundations and
plinths, disposal of surplus soil or stacking as directed by The Project Manager and all
operations covered within the intent and purpose of this Specification.
Applicable Codes
The latest revision of the following Indian Standards and Codes, unless otherwise
specified, shall be applicable to all Excavation and Earthwork

IS - 3764 Safety Code for Excavation Work.

Part - II Determination of Moisture Content
Part - Determination of Moisture Content - Dry Density Relation
VII using Light Compaction.
Part - Determination of Moisture Content - Dry Density Relation
IS - 2720 VIII using Heavy Compaction.
Part - Determination of Dry Density of Soils, in-place, by the
XXVIII Sand Replacement Method.
Part - Determination of Dry Density of Soils, in-place, by the Core
XXIX Cutter Method.
Drawings
The Project Manager will furnish drawings wherever, in his opinion, such drawings are
required to show areas to be excavated and/or filled and the sequence of priorities of such
work.
General
The Contractor shall furnish all tools, plant, instruments, qualified supervisory personnel,
labour, materials, temporary works and consumables and any and all things necessary,
whether or not specifically stated in the Tender Documents, for completion of the work in
accordance with Specification.
The Contractor shall carry out a Site survey before commencing any excavation or
earthwork and shall accurately set all lines and establish all levels for the various types of
work, including work in basements, foundations, plinth filling, roads, drains, cable
trenches, pipelines, etc. Such survey shall be carried out by taking accurate cross sections
of the area perpendicular to established reference and/or grid lines at intervals of 8 (eight)
meters or as otherwise instructed by the Project Manager based on the ground profile.
The setting out will be checked by the Project Manager and jointly recorded but such
checking shall not relieve the Contractor of any of his obligations under the Contract.
Excavation shall be done to the correct lines and levels and shall include, where required,
adequate shoring to maintain the sides of excavations. The Contractor shall also erect and
maintain substantial barricades around excavated areas including warning lamps at night
for the purpose of safety.
Rates quoted shall include for dumping the excavated materials in regular heaps and
bunds and riprap with regular slopes as directed by The Project Manager within the lead
specified and leveling the same so as to provide natural drainage. Excavated materials
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shall be stacked properly as directed by The Project Manager. Soft material shall be laid
along the centre of spoil heaps with harder and more weather resistant materials forming
the casing on the sides and top. Rock from excavations shall be stacked separately.
No excavated materials, whether from the Site excavations or brought from outside, or
any superimposed load of heavy materials or equipment will be permitted within 5 (five)
metres, or such other distance as directed by the Project Manager, from the edge of any
excavation.
Clearing
Areas to be excavated and/or filled shall be first cleared of fences, trees, plants, logs,
stumps, bush, vegetation, rubbish, slush and the like. Tree roots or stumps met during
excavation shall also be removed. The material so removed shall be burnt or disposed off
as directed by The Project Manager. Where filling is intended areas shall be stripped of
all top soil, loose and/or soft patches and matter containing objectionable materials.
Precious Objects, Relics and Antiquities
All precious metals, precious stones, coins, treasure trove, relics, antiquities minerals,
archaeological and other finds of historical importance, felled trees, other usable
materials of any description and the like found in or upon the Site shall be the property of
the Employer. The Contractor shall duly preserve the same to the satisfaction of the
Employer and deliver the same to such person or persons as the Employer may from time
to time authorise or appoint to receive the same.
Classification
All materials to be excavated shall be classified by the Project Manager into one of the
following classes and shall be paid for at the rates quoted for such particular class of
material. No distinction shall be made between materials that are dry, moist or wet. The
decision of the Project Manager regarding the classification of the material shall be final
and binding on Contractor and may not be opened up or reviewed or amended in any
arbitration:
Ordinary and Hard Soils
These shall include all kinds of soils containing kankar, sand, silt, Moorum and/or
shingle, gravel, clay, loam, peat, ash, shale and the like which can generally be excavated
by spade, pick axe and shovel and which is not classified under "soft and decomposed
rock" and/or "hard rock" as defined below. This classification, however, shall include
embedded rock boulders not longer than 1 (one) meter in any direction and not more than
200mm in either one of the other two directions.
Soft and Decomposed Rock
These shall include rock, boulders, slag, chalk, slate, hard mica schist, laterite and the like
and which in the opinion of the Project Manager comprise rock, but which do not need
blasting and can be removed with picks, hammers, crow bars, wedges and pneumatic
breaking equipment. The fact that the Contractor resorts to blasting for his own purposes
shall not qualify the excavated material for classification under "hard rock" as defined
below. This classification shall also include excavation in macadam and tarred roads and
pavements, rock boulders not longer than 1 (one) meter in any direction and not more
than 500mm in any one of the other two directions and random rubble of any type,
thickness, size, shape or any masonry to be dismantled.
Hard Rock
This shall include all rock occurring in large continuous masses that cannot be removed
except by blasting. No blasting shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the
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Project Manager. Harder varieties of rock with or without veins and secondary minerals,
which in the opinion of the Project Manager require blasting, shall be considered as hard
rock. Boulders of rock occurring in such sizes and not classified under either (a) or (b)
above shall also be classified as hard rock. This classification shall also include both
reinforced and unreinforced concrete to be broken out unless separate provision is made
in the Bill of Quantities.
The Project Manager may direct in certain, extreme cases that rock be excavated by
heating and sudden quenching for splitting. Removal of rock using this process shall be
paid for at the same rates as for blasting.
Excavation
General
All excavation shall be carried out by mechanical equipment unless, depending upon the
Site conditions, limitations of working space or existing structures to be retained, the
work involved and time schedule, in the opinion of the Project Manager, permit the work
to be done manually.
Excavation for the permanent Works shall be done to the widths, lengths, depths and
profiles indicated on the drawings or to such other lines and grades as directed by the
Project Manager.
Rough excavation shall be carried out to a depth 150mm above the final level, excavation
to the final depth being done with special care. All soft pockets shall be removed, even
below final levels, and extra excavation filled up as directed by the Project Manager.
Excavation to final levels, if so instructed by the Project Manager, shall be carried out
just prior to the laying of mud-mats.
If approved by the Project Manager, the Contractor may at his own cost, in order to
facilitate his work or for other reasons, excavate and later backfill outside the lines
indicated on drawings or directed by the Project Manager. Should any excavation be done
below specified levels the Contractor shall backfill to the required level with concrete of
the same class as the foundation resting thereon. The Contractor shall not be entitled to
any extra payment on this account.
All excavation shall be done to the minimum dimensions required to meet all the
requirements for safe working. The prior approval of the Project Manager shall be
obtained by the Contractor in each case for the methods he proposes to adopt for
excavation, including the dimensions, side slopes, strutting and shoring, dewatering,
disposal, etc. The approval of the Project Manager, however, shall not in any way relieve
the Contractor of any of his responsibilities under the Contract and for any consequent
loss or damage.
Excavation shall be carried out in the most expeditious and efficient manner. Side slopes
shall only be as steep as will stand safely for the actual soil conditions encountered.
Every precaution shall be taken to prevent slips. Should slips occur, however, the slipped
material shall be removed and the slope dressed to a modified stable slope. The
Contractor shall not be entitled to extra payment for the removal of slipped earth where
the same is shown to be due to the negligence of the Contractor.
Stripping Loose Rock
All loose boulders and/or semi-detached rock, together with any soil removed therewith,
not directly in the excavation but close enough to the excavation, in the opinion of The
Project Manager, to be liable to fall or otherwise endanger workmen, equipment or the
work shall be removed and carted away from the excavations. The method used by the
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Contractor for such removal shall be such as not to shatter or to render unstable or unsafe
any portion of the excavation originally considered to be sound and safe.
Any material not requiring to be removed for the purpose of the work, but which, in the
opinion of the Project Manager, is likely to become loose or unstable at a later stage, shall
also be removed to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. The extra cost of such
stripping will be paid for at the unit rates relevant to the class of materials.
Excavation in Rock
Unless otherwise specified all excavation in rock by blasting shall be carried out in
conformity with IS 4081 Safety Code for Blasting and Related Drilling Operations. After
removal of the overburden excavation in rock shall be carried out to such widths, lengths,
depths and profiles indicated on the drawings or to such other lines and grades directed
by the Project Manager. As far as possible all blasting shall be completed prior to
commencement of any construction as directed by the Project Manager. At all stages of
excavation precautions shall be taken to preserve the rock below and beyond the lines
specified for excavation in the soundest possible condition. The quantity and strength of
explosive used shall be such as will neither damage nor crack the rock outside the limits
of excavation indicated. All precautions shall be taken during the blasting operations to
the satisfaction of the Project Manager and care shall be taken that no damage is caused
to adjoining buildings or structures as a result of blasting operations. In case of damage
to permanent or temporary structures the Contractor shall repair the same at his own cost
to the satisfaction of The Project Manager. As excavation approaches the final lines and
levels the depths of charge holes and the amount of explosives used shall be
progressively and suitably reduced.
Prior written permission of the Project Manager shall be obtained before carrying out
rock blasting. The Contractor shall obtain and submit to the Project Manager a valid
Blasting License from the relevant authorities. Where for any reason the Project Manager
refuses permission for blasting the rock shall be removed by wedging, picks, barring,
heating and quenching or other approved means. All loose or loosened rock shall be
removed by barring, wedging and the like. The unit rates for excavation in hard rock shall
include for the cost of any or all of these operations including carting away, staking,
multiple handling, etc.
The Contractor shall obtain the necessary license for the storage of explosives, fuses and
detonators from the relevant authorities. The fees, if any, required for obtaining such
license shall be borne by the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide all necessary
storage facilities for explosives, fuses and detonators in accordance with the rules and
regulations of any local, State and Central Government authorities and other statutory
bodies. Explosives, fuses and detonators shall be kept dry and shall not be exposed to
direct sunlight or be stored in the vicinity of fire, stoves, steam pipes or heated metal, etc.
No explosive, fuse or detonator shall be brought to the work in excess of the quantity
required for a particular firing and any surplus left after filling the holes shall be removed
to the magazine. The magazine shall be built as far as possible from the areas of blasting
and the prior written approval of the Project Manager shall be taken for its proposed
location.
In no case shall blasting be allowed closer than 30 meters to any structure or to locations
where concrete less than 7 (seven) days old has been placed.
The following rules shall apply to all blasting operations on Site: -
The Contractor shall employ a competent and experienced supervisor and licensed blaster
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in-charge, who shall be held personally responsible to ensure that all safety regulations
are
complied with.

Before any blasting is carried out the Contractor shall obtain the written approval of the.
Project Manager and provide the Project Manager with details of the hours of firing
charges,
the nature of the explosives to be used and the precautions taken to ensure complete
safety.

The Contractor shall ensure that all workmen and personnel at Site are excluded from an
area within 200 meters radius from the firing point at least 15 (fifteen) minutes before
firing
time by sounding a warning signal.

Blasting in the vicinity of existing buildings, equipment or any other property shall be
done
under cover and the Contractor shall provide all necessary muffling arrangements.
Covering
shall comprise mild steel plates with adequate dead weight over them. Blasting shall only
be
done with small charges and a trench cut by chiseling prior to the blasting operation
separating the area under blasting from such existing structures.

Firing shall be strictly supervised by the licensed blaster and not more than 6 (six) holes
at a
time shall be set off successively. If blasts do not tally with the number fired the misfired
holes shall be carefully located after half an hour and when located shall be exploded by
drilling a fresh holes alongside the misfired hole, but not nearer than 600 mm from it,
and
by exploding a new charge.

Wooden tamping rods with flat ends shall be used to push cartridges home and metal rods
or hammers shall not be permitted. Charges shall be placed firmly into place and not
rammed or pounded. After a hole is filled to the required depth the balance of the hole
shall
be filled with stemming consisting of sand or stone dust or similar inert material.

The Contractor shall detonate explosives electrically.

Explosives shall be exploded by means of primers which shall be fired by detonating
Fuse Instantaneous Detonators (FIDs) or other approved cables. Detonators with
FIDs shall be connected by special nippers.
In dry weather and normal dry excavation ordinary low explosive gunpowder may be
used. In damp rock high explosives such as gelatin with detonators and fuse wires
may be used. Under water or for blasting in rock with substantial accumulated
seepage only electric detonation shall be done.
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Holes for charging explosives shall be drilled with pneumatic drills, the drilling pattern
being so planned that rock pieces after blasting will be suitable for handling without
secondary blasting.
When excavation has almost reached the desired level hand trimming shall be done to
dress the surface to the desired level. Any rock excavation beyond an over break
limit of 75mm shall be filled as instructed by the Project Manager with concrete of a
strength not less than M100. The cost of filling such excess depth shall be borne by
the Contractor and the excavation carried out beyond the specified limit will not be
paid to the Contractor. Stopping in rock excavation shall be done by hand trimming.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the death of and/or injury to any person and any
loss of and/or damage to any property whatsoever, whether or not on the Site, due to
his blasting operations. The Contractor shall also be responsible for the strict
observance of rules and regulations laid down by the Inspector of Explosives or any
other relevant authority.
Measurement : The volumes of rock excavated shall be calculated on the basis of length,
breadth and depth of the excavation indicated on the drawings. No payment will be
made for excavation or overbreak beyond payment line specified. Where such
measurement is not possible, as in the case of strata intermixed with soil, excavated
rock shall be properly stacked as directed by The Project Manager and the volume
calculated on the basis of stack measurements after making due allowance for voids.
Such allowance shall be fixed by the Project Manager and this decision shall not be
opened up, reviewed or amended by any arbitration.
Fill, Backfilling and Site Grading
General
All fill material shall be subject to approval of the Project Manager. If any material is
rejected by the Project Manager the Contractor shall remove the same immediately from
the Site at his own cost. Any surplus fill material shall be deposited on Site and/or
disposed of as directed by the Project Manager after completion of all filling. No filling
shall be commenced until all surface water discharges and streams have been properly
intercepted or otherwise dealt with as directed by the Project Manager.
Filling Material
To the extent available only selected surplus spoil from excavations shall be used for
backfilling. Material shall be free from clods, salts, sulphates, organic or other foreign
matter. All clods of earth shall be broken or removed. Where excavated material is
mostly rock boulders shall be broken into pieces no larger than 150mm in size and mixed
with properly graded fine material consisting of Moorum or earth to fill up the voids and
the mixture used for filling.
Fill material required from borrow pits shall be brought by the Contractor from such
borrow pits outside the Site. The material and source shall be subject to the prior approval
of the Project Manager. The approved borrow pit area shall be cleared of all bushes, tree
roots, plants, rubbish and top soil containing salts and/or sulphates or other deleterious
matter. Materials so removed shall be burnt or disposed of as directed by the Project
Manager. The Contractor shall make and maintain at his own cost all necessary access
roads to borrow areas.
Sand Filling
If directed by the Project Manager backfilling shall be carried out with local sand. The
sand used shall be clean, medium grained and free from impurities. The filled-in-sand
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shall be kept flooded with water for 24 (twenty four) hours to ensure maximum
consolidation. The cost of any temporary work required to contain the sand under flooded
conditions shall be borne by the Contractor. The surface of the consolidated sand shall be
dressed to the required levels or slopes. The construction of floors or other structures on
sand fill shall not be commenced until the fill has been inspected and approved in writing
by the Project Manager.
Moorum Filling
Areas to be filled shall be cleared of all vegetation, grass and other similar materials prior
to filling. Rates quoted for filling shall be inclusive of the cost of these preparatory
works.
The Moorum to be used shall be classified in accordance with IS 1948 latest issue.
All material will be subject to the approval of the Project Manager and shall be brought
from approved quarries. Additional lead and other costs involved shall be deemed to be
included in the rates quoted by the Contractor. Material rejected by the Project Manager
shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor at his own cost.
Material shall be free from clods, salts, sulphates, organic or other deleterious matter.
Material shall also be free of all roots, grass and land rubbish and all lumps and clods
exceeding 8cm in any direction shall be broken down.
Filling shall be carried out in regular layers, each layer not exceeding 20cm in depth.
Each layer shall be consolidated by breaking clods and ramming. The top surface of the
finally finished area shall be neatly dressed and leveled.
Each layer shall be adequately watered to aid compaction. It shall then be rolled with a
minimum eight tonne power roller not less then five times until it is evenly and densely
consolidated. Where rollers cannot be utilised filling shall be consolidated with wooden
or steel rammers, seven to ten kilograms weight, having a 20 sq. cm. or 20 cm diameter
base. Every third layer and the topmost layer shall be well consolidated with a minimum
eight tonne power roller not less than five times until the soil behaves as an elastic
material and is fully compressed under the load of the roller. Before placing the next
layer the surface of the under layer shall be moistened and scarified with pickaxes and
spades so as to provide a satisfactory bond with the next layer. The top surface of the
finally finished area shall be neatly dressed and leveled.
The compaction of fill shall comply with the specified Proctor or Modified Proctor
density at moisture contents differing not more than 4% from the optimum moisture
content. The Contractor shall adequately demonstrate at his own cost by yield and
laboratory tests that the specified density has been obtained. Field compaction obtained
shall be at least 95% of that obtained in the laboratory.
Rolling shall be done in strips and shall commence from the outer edge and continue until
full compaction is achieved to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Watering as
required shall be arranged by the Contractor and the charges thereof shall be deemed to
be included in the quoted rates for filling.
The finished formation levels in the case of filling shall be kept higher than the required
levels by an allowance for future settlement of 10% of the depth of filling in the case of
ordinary consolidated fills and 5% in the case where consolidation is done by heavy
mechanical means.
Finished levels of filled areas shall be trimmed to the required gradient as directed by the
Project Manager. During the execution of filling work the natural drainage of the area
shall be maintained by the Contractor at his own cost.
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Payment will be made for the quantities obtained from initial and final finished levels
taken jointly by the Project Manager and the Contractor.
Rubble Packing
Rubble used for packing under floors, foundations, etc. shall be hard, durable rock free
from veins, flaws and other defects. The quality and size of the rubble shall be subject to
the approval of the Project Manager.
Rubble shall be hand packed as directed by the Project Manager and shall be laid closely
in position on the sub-grade. All interstices between the stones shall be wedged with
smaller stones of suitable size well driven in to ensure tight packing and complete filling
of interstices. Such filling shall be carried out simultaneously with the placing in position
of rubble.
Small interstices shall be filled with hard clean sand, well watered and rammed to
compaction
Filling in Pits and Trenches around Foundations of Structures, Walls and the like
Once the work in foundations has been accepted and measured the spaces to be backfilled
around foundations, structures, pits, trenches and the like shall be cleared of all debris
and filled with earth in layers not exceeding 15cm. Each layer shall be watered, rammed
and properly consolidated before the succeeding one is laid all to the satisfaction of the
Project Manager.
Earth shall be rammed with approved mechanical compactors, not manually, unless the
Project Manager is satisfied that in certain cases manual compaction by tampers cannot
be avoided. The final backfilled surface shall be trimmed and levelled to proper profiles
as indicated on the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager.
Plinth Filling
Plinth filling shall be carried out with approved material as described in layers not
exceeding 15cm, watered and compacted with mechanical compactors, not manually,
unless the Project Manager is satisfied that in certain cases manual compaction by
tampers cannot be avoided or is not possible. When filling reaches the finished level,
surfaces shall be flooded with water, unless otherwise directed, for at least 24 (twenty
four) hours, allowed to dry and then again compacted as specified above to avoid
settlement at a later stage. The finished level of the filling shall be trimmed and levelled
to proper profiles as indicated on the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager.
Filling In Trenches
Filling in trenches around pipes and drains shall be commenced immediately following
successful testing and acceptance by the Project Manager. Backfilling material shall be
properly consolidated by watering and ramming, taking due care that no damage is done
to the pipes and/or drains.
Where trenches are excavated in soil, filling from the bottom of the trench to the
centreline of the pipe shall be done by hand compaction with selected approved earth in
layers not exceeding 8m; backfilling above the center line being done with selected earth
compacted either by hand or mechanical means in layers not exceeding 15cm.
Where trenches are excavated in rock, filling to a level 30cm. above the crown of the pipe
shall be done with approved, fine material, such as soil, Moorum or the like. Filling up to
the center line of the pipe shall first be done by hand compaction in layers not exceeding
8cm, backfilling above the center line being done with selected earth compacted either by
hand or mechanical means in layers not exceeding 15 cm. Filling from the level 30 cm
above the top of the pipe to the top of the trench shall finally be done by hand or other
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approved mechanical methods with broken rock filling of size not exceeding 15cm mixed
with fine material as available to fill up the voids.
Filling of trenches shall be carried simultaneously on both sides of pipes to avoid unequal
pressure.
General Site Grading
Site grading shall be carried out as indicated on the drawings and as directed by the
Project Manager. Excavation and filling and compaction shall be carried out as described
in the Specification unless otherwise indicated in the Bill of Quantities.
If no compaction is required fill may be deposited to the full height in one operation and
leveled. If fill is to be compacted it shall be placed in layers not exceeding 225mm and
leveled uniformly and compacted as described in the Specification before the next layer
is deposited.
To ensure that the fill has been compacted as specified field and laboratory tests shall be
carried out or caused to be carried out by Contractor at his own cost.
Field compaction tests shall be carried out at different stages of filling and also once the
fill has been completed to the required levels. This provision shall also apply to work in
embankments.
The Contractor shall protect any earth fill from being washed away by rain or damaged in
any other way. Should any slip occur, the Contractor shall remove the affected material
and make good the slip at his own cost.
Fill shall be made to such lines and levels indicated on drawings after compaction. Fill
shall only be considered as complete once the desired compaction has not been obtained
to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
If approved by the Project Manager in writing compaction may be done by allowing
trucks loaded with fill or other material to ply over the fill area. Where such method is
permitted it will be the responsibility of the Contractor to demonstrate that the required
compaction has been attained. In order that the fill be reasonably uniform throughout
material shall be dumped in place in approximately uniform layers. Traffic over the fill
shall then be routed to ensure uniform compaction over the whole area of the fill.
Where rock obtained from excavation is to be used for filling and leveling to the grades
indicated without further breaking then, in such event, filling shall be done in layers not
exceeding 50cm. After filling to the approximate finished level has been carried out voids
in the rock fill shall be filled with finer materials such as earth, broken stone and the like
and the area flooded to ensure that the finer materials completely fill up the voids. All
care shall be taken to ensure that the finer fill material is not washed out during this
operation. Over the rock layer a 100mm thick layer of a mixture of broken material and
earth shall be laid and consolidation by a 12 tonne roller. Not less than twelve passes of
the roller shall be made before subsequent similar operations are carried out.
Measurement and Payment on Excavation and Filling
All excavation shall be measured net. Dimensions for the purpose of payments shall be
reckoned on the horizontal area of the excavation at the base for foundations of walls,
columns, footings, tanks, rafts or other foundations and structures, multiplied by the
mean depth from the surface of the ground in accordance with the drawings.
The Contractor shall not be paid for excavation in side slopes. The Contractor shall make
such allowance in his rates to provide for excavation in side slopes bearing in mind the
nature of the soil and safety of excavation. Reasonable working space, beyond concrete
dimensions and shuttering where considered necessary in the opinion of the Project
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Manager, will be allowed in excavation and considered for payment. However, if
concreting is proposed against the excavated sides, no such over-excavation will be
permitted. In such cases the over-excavation shall be made good by the Contractor at his
own cost with concrete of the same class as the foundation to be placed thereon.
Backfilling with excavated material to the sides of foundations of columns, footings,
structures, walls, tanks, rafts, trenches, etc. will not be paid separately. The Contractor
shall include in the quoted rates for excavation for backfilling, including the stacking of
excavated material as directed, the excavation and packing of selected stacked material,
conveying it to the place of final backfill and compaction, etc. as specified.
Material for backfilling shall generally be stacked temporarily within the basic lead of
100 metres unless otherwise directed by the Project Manager. If the Project Manager
directs a lead in excess of 100 metres for such material, the conveyance of the material
for the extra distance over the basic lead of 100 metres will be paid to the Contractor as
extra.
Payment for backfilling to trenches, plinths or similar filling with selected excavated
material will be made for only compaction as specified/directed. The cost of all other
operations shall be deemed to have been included in the quoted rates for excavation.
Payment will be made based on the measurement of the trench and plinth dimensions
backfilled. Plinth ground levels shall be surveyed beforehand for this purpose. If no
compaction is specified such filling will not be paid separately. In such an event the fill
shall be leveled to the profile as directed by the Project Manager at no extra cost.
Backfilling, plinth filling, etc. with borrowed earth will be paid for at rates quoted in the
Bill of Quantities. The quoted rates shall include all operations such as clearing,
excavation, lead and transport, fill, compaction, etc. Actual quantities of consolidated
filling or actual quantities or excavation in borrow pits (less such top soil which has been
excavated and not used for filling) whichever is less shall be measured and paid for in
cubic metres.
Actual quantities of consolidated sand filling shall be measured and paid in cubic metres.
Timber Shoring
Close timbering to excavations shall be done by completely covering the sides of
trenches and pits with short, upright members or 'polling boards'. These shall be in
sections of minimum size 25cm x 4cm or as directed by the Project Manager. The boards
shall be placed vertically on each side of the excavation side by side without gaps and
shall be secured by horizontal waling of strong wood at maximum 1.2 metre spacings,
strutted with ballies or as directed by the Project Manager. The length of the ballie struts
shall depend upon the width of the trench or pit.
If soil is very soft or loose the boards shall be placed horizontally against each side of the
excavation and supported by vertical walings, which in turn shall be suitably strutted.
The lowest boards supporting the sides shall penetrate into the ground and no portion of
the vertical side of the trench or pit shall remain exposed.
Timber shoring shall be either “close” or “open” type, depending upon the nature of the
soil and the depth of pit or trench. The type of timbering shall be approved by the Project
Manager. It shall be the responsibility of Contractor to take all necessary steps to prevent
the sides of excavations, trenches, pits, etc. from collapsing.
Timber shoring may be required to keep the sides of excavations vertical to ensure safety
of adjoining structures or to limit the slope of excavations or due to space restrictions or
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for other reasons. Such shoring shall be carried out, except in an emergency, only under
instructions from the Project Manager.
The withdrawal of timber shoring shall be done very carefully to prevent the collapse of
pits or trenches. Removal shall start at one end and proceed systematically to the other
end. Concrete or masonry shall not be damaged during the removal of the timber shoring.
No claim shall be entertained for any timber that cannot be withdrawn and is lost and/or
buried.
In the case of open shoring the entire surfaces of the sides of trenches or pits is not to be
covered. Vertical boards in sections of minimum size 25cm x 4cm shall be spaced
sufficiently apart to leave unsupported strips of maximum 50cm average width. The
detailed arrangement, sizes of timber and the shorings shall be subject to the approval of
the Project Manager. In all other respects, the Specification for close timbering shall
apply equally to open timbering.
In case of large pits and open excavations, where shoring is required for securing the
safety of adjoining structures or for any other reason, and where planking across the sides
of excavations and/or pits cannot be strutted horizontally, suitable inclined or raking
struts supported on the excavated bed shall be provided. Loads from such struts shall be
evenly distributed on the excavated bed to ensure no yielding of the strut. If, however, the
Project Manager directs any timbering to be left-in, keeping in mind the type of
construction or any other factor, the Contractor shall be paid at the quoted rate for such
left-in timbering.
Measurement: Actual effective areas of shored faces as approved by The Project Manager
shall be measured in sq.m. The area of planking embedded in the beds and/or sides of
excavations will not be considered, nor the area supporting inclined struts in case of large
pits and or/open excavation. All planks, boards, walings, verticals, struts, props and all
other materials required for shoring and the subsequent safe dismantling and removal of
the same shall be deemed to be included in the quoted rates.
De-watering
All excavations shall be kept free of water at all times. Grading in the vicinity of
excavations shall be controlled to prevent surface water running into excavated areas.
The Contractor shall remove by pumping or other means approved by the Project
Manager any water, including rainwater and subsoil water accumulated in the excavation,
and maintain all excavations dewatered until the foundation work is completed and
backfilled. Sumps made for dewatering shall be kept clear of all excavations required for
further work. The method of pumping shall be approved by the Project Manager but, in
any case, the pumping arrangements shall be such that there shall be no movement of
subsoil or blowing in due to differential heads of water during pumping. Pumping
arrangements shall be adequate to ensure that there are no delays in construction.
When there is a continuous inflow of water and the quantum of water to be handled is, in
the opinion of The Project Manager, too large for pumping a single or multi-stage well
point system shall be adopted. The Contractor shall submit to the Project Manager for
approval his scheme for the well point system including the stages, the spacing, number
and diameter of well points, headers etc., and the number, capacity and location of
pumps. In addition, the Contractor shall submit to the Project Manager his scheme of
auxiliary pits when water is met in foundation trenches or in tank excavations and the
like. Auxiliary pits shall be of adequate size dug slightly outside the line of the building
excavations. The depth of auxiliary pits shall be greater than the working foundation
 Preambles
trench levels. Auxiliary pits shall be refilled with approved excavated materials after
dewatering is finished. Unless separately provided for in the Bill of Quantities the cost of
dewatering excavations, backfilling of auxiliary pits and well point systems and the like
shall be deemed to be included in the quoted rates for excavation.
Rainwater Drainage
Grading in the vicinity of excavations shall be such as to exclude rain and surface water
draining into excavated areas. Excavations shall be kept clear of all and any kinds of
water at all times.
The Contractor’s scheme for the pumping and discharge of such water shall be approved
by the Project Manager and the cost of such system shall be deemed to be included in the
quoted rates for excavation.
Specification for Pre-Construction Anti Termite Treatment
Indian Standard Codes
The Indian Standard Codes to be followed are:
Code of practice for Anti-termite treatment in buildings
IS-6313 (Part I) constructional measures.
Code of practice for Anti-termite treatment measure in building
IS-6313 (Part II)
(pre-constructional chemical treatment).
Materials
One of the following chemicals in water emulsion shall be used:
N
Chemical Concentration by weight, percent
o.

For mound treatment

A
Chloropyrifos As per manufacturers' instructions
Indosulfon As per manufacturers' instructions

B For soil treatment

Chloropyrifos As per manufacturers' instructions
Indosulfon As per manufacturers' instructions
Conditions of Formation
Barriers shall be complete and continuous under the whole of the structure to be
protected. All foundations shall be fully surrounded by and in close contact with the
barrier of treated soil. Each part of the area treated shall receive the prescribed dosage of
chemical.
Time of Application
Soil treatment should start when foundation trenches and pits are ready to take mass
concrete in foundations. Laying of mass concrete should start when the chemical
emulsion has been absorbed by the soil and the surface is quite dry. Treatment should not
be carried out when it is raining or when the soil is wet with rain or sub-soil water. The
foregoing applies also in the case of treatment to the filled earth surface within the plinth
area before laying the sub-grade for the floor.
Disturbance
Once formed, treated soil barriers shall not be disturbed. If, by chance, treated soil
barriers are disturbed, immediate steps shall be taken to restore the continuity and
completeness of the barriers-system.
 Preambles
Termite Mound Treatment
If termite mounds are found within the plinth area, these shall be destroyed by breaking
open the earthern structure, making holes with crowbars and pouring into the mound, at
several places approximately 4 litres of emulsion per cubic metre of mound.
Treatment of column pits, foundations, trenches and basement excavations
The bottom surface and the sides (up to a height of 300mm above concrete foundation
level) of the excavations for column pits, wall trenches and basements shall be treated
with the chemical at the rate of 5 litres per square metre of surface area. After
constructing the column foundation and retaining walls of the basement, the back fill in
immediate contact with the foundation structure shall be treated at the rate of 15 litres per
square metre of the vertical surface of the sub-structure for each side. If water is used for
ramming the earth fill, the chemical treatment shall be carried out after ramming
operation is completed by rodding the earth at 150mm c/c close to wall surface and
spraying the chemical in the above dose. As earth is filled in layers the treatment shall be
carried out in similar stages. The chemical emulsion shall be directed towards the
concrete or masonry surfaces of the columns and walls so that the earth in contact with
these surfaces is well treated with the chemicals. In the case of RCC framed structure
with columns, plinth beams and RCC basements, the treatment shall start at the depth of
500mm below ground level. From this depth the back fill around the columns, beams and
RCC basement wall shall be treated at the rate of 15 litres per square metre of vertical
surface.
Termite Proof Course or DPC in Plinth
If plinth level damp proof course is provided, the termite proof course should be located
just below the level of the filled earth. The plinth surface should be treated at 5 litres per
square metre immediately after the course is laid and the concrete is green.
If there is no provision of a damp proof course, the top surface of the masonry course just
below the level of plinth filling mentioned above should be soaked with the chemical
emulsion at the rate of 5 litres per square metre of the surface area. This application
should be carried out slowly to enable the masonry surface to absorb the emulsion
properly. Both steps (a) & (b) above help in creating a barrier which is impervious to
termite entry.
Termite Treatment at Junction of Walls and Floor
Rodding shall be carried out along the junction of wallls and earth filling at 15 cm
interval down to or slightly lower than the DPC or the chemical barrier described above.
Emulsion shall be sprayed along the wall junction at 1 litre per linear metre so that it
mixes intimately with the broken up soil and seeps to the DPC level or chemical barrier
thus establishing continuity on the anti termite layer. The disturbed earth is then tamped
back in place.
Treatment to Top Surface of Plinth Filling
After the plinth area earth filling is completed and before the rubble packing or subgrade
is laid, the entire surface of the filled earth shall be treated with the chemical emulsion at
the rate of 5 litres per square metre. Light rodding may be carried out in the soil surface
to facilitate saturation of the soil with chemical emulsion.
Where construction has advanced already for facility of construction, the treatment could
also be done effectively, over the base concrete (lean mix) under the floor taking care that
the emulsion, at the rate of 5 litres per square metre soak fully into the concrete.
The above application effectively prevents entry of termites through the floor structure.
 Preambles
Treatment of Soil along External Perimeter
Earth around the external perimeter of the building upto a depth of 30 cm, shall be treated
at the rate of 5.0 litres per running metre of the external wall. To facilitate this treatment
solid MS rods should be driven into soil as close as possible to the plinth wall at intervals
of 15 cm, and upto a depth of 30 cm, and the rods moved backwards and forwards in a
direction parallel to the wall to break up the earth so that the emulsion mixes intimately
with the soil.
Treatment of Soil Surrounding Pipes, Wastes and Conduits
When pipes, wastes and conduits enter the soil inside the area of the foundation, the soil
surrounding the points of entry shall be loosened around each pipe, waste or conduit for a
distance of 15 cm, and upto a depth of 7.5 cm before the treatment is commenced. When
pipes, wastes and conduits enter the soil external to the foundations, they shall be
similarly treated unless they stand clear of the walls of the building by approximately 7.5
cm for a distance over 30 cm.
Treatment for Expansion Joints
Expansion joints at ground floor level are very susceptible to termite infection. The soil
beneath joints should receive special attention when the treatment under junction of walls
and floor is carried out. This treatment should be supplemented by treating through the
expansion joint after the sub-grade has been laid at the rate of 2 litres per linear metre.
Spraying Equipment
A pressure pump shall be used to carry out spraying operations to facilitate uniform
spraying and penetration of chemical into the earth. The chemical concentration and
dosage for horizontal and vertical surfaces are based on IS-6313 (Part II) Code of practice
for anti-termite measures in building.
Measurement
Measurement for payment of pre-construction treatment as detailed above shall be for
actual area covered by building at ground level on plan in square metre.
Free Service Indemnity Bond
The contractor shall note that termite proofing work, is subject to a free service
Indemnity Bond in a format approved by THDCL.
Tenderers must ensure that the work will be carried out through professional pest control
operators who should be members of National Pest Control of USA, or Indian Pest
Control Association or any other recognised professional body. They should furnish a list
of termite control jobs carried out by them successfully for Government Department,
Statutory bodies or large private organisations to prove that they are capable of handling
anti-termite work.
 Preambles

CONCRETE WORKS
Scope
This specification describes the general requirements for concrete to be used on projects
using in-situ production facilities including the requirements in regard to the quality,
handling, storage of ingredients, proportioning, batching, mixing and testing of concrete,
the requirements in regard to the quality, storage, bending and fixing of reinforcement
and the transportation of concrete from the mixer to the place of final deposit, placing,
curing, protecting, repairing and finishing.
Applicable Codes and Specifications
The following Standards and Codes are made part of this Specification. All the Standards
and Codes of Practice referred to herein are references to the latest editions including any
and all official amendments and revisions.
Materials

IS 269 Specification for Ordinary, rapid-hardening and low heat Portland cement.
IS 455 Specification for Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement.
IS
Specification for Portland-Pozzolana Cement.
1489
IS
Method of physical tests for hydraulic cement.
4031
IS 650 Specification for Standard Sand for Testing of Cement.
IS 383 Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for concrete.
IS
Methods of tests for aggregates for concrete (Parts I to VIII)
2386
IS 516 Method of tests for strength of concrete.
IS
Method of sampling and analysis of concrete.
1199
IS
Methods of sampling and test (physical and chemical) water used in industry.
3025
(Parts I & II) Specification for mild steel and medium tensile steel bars and
IS 432
hard drawn steel wire for concrete reinforcement.
IS Specification for hot rolled mild steel and medium tensile steel deformed bars
1139 for the concrete reinforcement.
IS Specification for plain hard drawn steel wire (Part I) fabric for concrete
1566 reinforcement.
IS
Specification for plane hard drawn steel wire for pre-stressed concrete.
1785
IS
Specification for cold twisted steel bars for concrete reinforcement.
1786
IS
Specification for high tensile steel bars used in pre-stressed concrete.
2090
IS
Specification for plywood for concrete shuttering work.
4990
 Preambles
IS
Specification for integral cement water-proofing compounds.
2645
BS
Cold worked steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete.
4461
IS
Recommended
10262
Equipment

IS Specification for batch type concrete mixers.

1791
IS
Specification for roller pan mixer.
2438
IS
Specification for concrete vibrators, immersion type.
2505
IS
Specification for screed board concrete vibrators.
2506
IS
Specification for concrete vibrating tables.
2514
IS
Specification for pan vibrators.
3366
IS
Specification for form vibrators for concrete.
4656
IS Specification for portable swing weighbatchers for concrete (single and double
2722 bucket type.)
IS
Specification for steel scaffoldings.
2750
Codes Of Practice

IS 456 Code of Practice for plain and reinforced concrete.

IS
Code of Practice for prestressed concrete.
1343
IS
(Parts I to IV) Code of Practice for concrete structures for storage of liquids.
3370
IS
Code of Practice for composite construction.
3935
IS
Criteria for design and construction of precast concrete trusses.
3201
IS
Code of Practice for construction of reinforced concrete shell roof.
2204
IS
Criteria for the design of R.C.shell structures and folded plates.
2210
IS Code of Practice for welding of mild steel bars used for reinforced concrete
2751 construction.
IS
Code of Practice for bending and fixing of bars for concrete reinforcement.
2502
IS
Code of Practice for use of immersion vibrators for consolidating concrete.
3558
 Preambles
IS
Code of Practice for design and installation of joints in buildings.
3414
IS
Code of Practice for steel tubular, scaffolding (Parts I & II)
4014
IS
Code of Practice for laying in situ cement concrete flooring.
2571
IS Code of Practice for ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures
13920 subjected to seismic forces.
Construction Safety
IS 3696 (Parts I & II) Safety Code for scaffolds and ladders.
In the event that any state, city or other governmental bodies enforce requirements more
stringent than those set forth in this Specification, then such requirements shall be
considered part of this specification by reference thereto and shall supersede this
Specification where applicable and any additional cost of complying therewith shall be
deemed to be included in the quoted rates for concrete work.
General
The quality of materials and methods and control of manufacture and transportation of all
concrete work irrespective of mix, whether reinforced or otherwise, shall conform to the
relevant portions of this Specification.
The Project Manager shall have the right to inspect the source of materials, the layout and
operation of procurement and storage of materials, the concrete batching and mixing
equipment and the quality control systems. Such inspection shall be arranged and the
approval of the Project Manager obtained prior to the commencement of concrete work.
Materials for Standard Concrete
Ingredients used in the manufacture of standard concrete shall consist solely of a standard
type Portland cement, clean sand, natural coarse aggregate, clean water and admixtures, if
specified.
Cement
Unless otherwise specified or instructed by The Project Manager cement shall be
ordinary Portland cement in 50 Kg bags. The use of bulk cement will be permitted
only with the approval of the Project Manager. Changing of brands or type of cement
within the same structure will not be permitted. The Contractor will not be reimbursed
for underweight bags.
A certified report attesting the conformity of the cement to IS from the cement
manufacturer’s chemist shall be furnished to The Project Manager. Cement will be
tested before use by the Contractor at his own cost in a concrete testing laboratory.
However, it will be totally the Contractor's responsibility to ensure, before use, that
cement issued to him conforms to the relevant IS. On no ground will claims for failure
of concrete test cubes or any other defects in concrete, plaster or masonry be attributed
to the quality of cement.
The Contractor shall make his own arrangements for the storage of adequate quantities
of cement. If supplies are arranged by the Employer it will be issued in sufficient
quantities to cover work requirements of one month or more, as deemed fit by The
Project Manager, and it will be the responsibility of Contractor to ensure adequate and
proper storage. Cement in bulk may be stored in bins or silos which will provide
complete protection from dampness, contamination and minimize caking and false set.
 Preambles
Cement bags shall be stored in a dry enclosed shed (storage under tarpaulins will not
be permitted), well away from the outer walls and insulated from the floor to avoid
contact with moisture from the ground and so arranged as to provide ready access.
Damaged or reclaimed or partly set cement will not be permitted to be used and shall
be removed from the Site. Storage bins and storage arrangements shall be such that
there is no dead storage. Not more than 12 bags shall be stacked in any tier. Storage
arrangements shall be approved by the Project Manager. Consignments of cement shall
be stored as received and shall be consumed in the order of their delivery.
Cement held in storage for a period of 90 (ninety) days or longer shall be tested.
Should at any time the Project Manager have reasons to consider that any cement is
defective, then, irrespective of its original date of manufacture and/or the
manufacturer’s test certificate, such cement shall be tested immediately at the
Contractor’s own cost at a National Test or other approved Laboratory and until the
results of such tests are found satisfactory, it shall not be used in any work. The
Contractor shall not be entitled to any claim of any nature on this account.
Aggregates
Aggregate in general designates both fine and coarse, inert materials used in the
manufacture of concrete.
Fine Aggregate is aggregate most of which passes through a 4.75mm IS sieve.
Coarse Aggregate is aggregate most of which is retained on a 4.75mm IS sieve.
All fine and coarse aggregates proposed for use in the Works shall be subject to the
approval of the Project Manager and after specific materials have been accepted the
source of supply of such materials shall not be changed without the prior written
approval of the Project Manager.
Aggregates shall, except as stated above, consist of natural sands, crushed stone and
gravel from sources known to produce satisfactory aggregates for concrete and shall be
chemically inert, strong, hard, durable against weathering, of limited porosity and free
from deleterious material that may cause corrosion to the reinforcement or may impair
the strength and/or durability of concrete. The grading of aggregates shall be such as to
produce a dense concrete of specified strength and consistency that will work readily
into position without segregation and shall be based on the “mix design” and
preliminary tests on concrete hereinafter specified.
Sampling and Testing
Samples of aggregates for mix design and determination of suitability shall be taken
under the supervision of the Project Manager and delivered to the laboratory, well in
advance of the scheduled placing of concrete. Records of tests that have been made on
proposed aggregates and on concrete made from this source of aggregates shall be
furnished to the Project Manager in advance of the work for use in determining
aggregate suitability. The costs of all such tests, sampling etc., shall be borne by the
Contractor.
Storage of Aggregates
All coarse and fine aggregates shall be stacked separately in stock piles in the material
yard near or on the Site in bins properly constructed to avoid the inter-mixing of the
different aggregates. Contamination with foreign materials, earth and other deleterious
matter during storage and while heaping materials shall be avoided. Aggregates must
be of specified quality not only at the time of receipt at Site but also at the time of
loading into the mixer. Rakers shall be used for lifting coarse aggregates from bins or
 Preambles
stock piles. Coarse aggregates shall be piled in layers not exceeding 1.20 metres in
height to prevent coning or segregation. Each layer shall cover the entire area of the
stock pile before succeeding layers are started. Aggregates that have become
segregated will be rejected. Rejected material after remixing may be accepted if
subsequent tests demonstrate conformity with the required gradation.
Specific Gravity
Aggregates having a specific gravity of less than 2.6 (saturated surface dry basis) shall
not be used without special permission from the Project Manager.
Fine Aggregates
Fine aggregates, except as stated above and for other than light weight concrete, shall
consist of natural or crushed sand to IS 383. The sand shall be clean, sharp, hard,
strong and durable and shall be free from dust, vegetable substances, adherent coating,
clay, alkali, organic matter, mica, salt or other deleterious substances, which can be
injurious to the setting qualities, strength and durability of concrete. Silt content in
sand will be measured by volume for every truck-load before unloading at Site. Only
good sand passing the test will be allowed to be unloaded.
Machine Made Sand
Machine made sand will be acceptable, provided the constituent rock/gravel
composition is sound, hard, dense, non-organic, uncoated and durable against
weathering.
Screening and Washing
Sand shall be prepared for use by such screening or washing, or both, as necessary, to
remove all objectionable foreign and deleterious matter while separating the sand
grains to the required size fractions.
Foreign Material Limitations
The percentages of deleterious matter in sand delivered to the mixer shall not exceed
the following: -
Percent by
weight
Description Uncrushe Crush
d ed
Material finer than 75 micron IS sieve 3 15
Shale 1
Coal and lignite 1 1
Clay lumps 1 1
Total of all above substances including items (i) to
(iv) for uncrushed sand and items (iii) and (iv) for 5 2
crushed sand
Gradation
Unless otherwise directed or approved, the grading of sand shall be within the limits
indicated here below :

PERCENTAGE PASSING FOR

Grading
IS Sieve Designation Zone Zone Zone
Zone II
I III IV
10 mm 100 100 100 100
 Preambles
90- 90-
4.75 mm 90-100 95-100
100 100
85-
2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 95-100
100
75-
1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 90-100
100
600 micron 5-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300 micron 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150 micron 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15
Where the grading falls outside the limits of any particular grading zone of sieves,
other than 600 micron IS sieve, by a total amount not exceeding 5 (five) percent, it
shall be regarded as falling within that grading zone. This tolerance shall not be
applied to percentages passing the 600 micron IS Sieve or to percentages passing any
other sieve size on the coarser limit of Grading Zone I or the finer limit of Grading
Zone IV. Fine aggregates conforming to Grading Zone IV shall not be used unless mix
designs and preliminary tests have shown its suitability for producing concrete of
specified strength and workability.
Fineness Modulus
The sand shall have a fineness modulus of not less than 2.2 or more than 3.2. The
fineness modulus is determined by adding the cumulative percentages retained on the
following IS Sieve sizes, viz. 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron, 300 micron
and 150 micron and dividing the sum by 100.
Coarse Aggregate
Coarse aggregates for concrete, except as stated above and for other than light weight
concrete, shall conform to IS 383. These shall consist of natural or crushed stone or
gravel and shall be clean and free from elongated, flaky or laminated pieces, adhering
coatings, clay lumps, coal residue, clinkers, slag, alkali, mica, organic matter or other
deleterious matter.
Screening and Washing
Natural gravel and crushed rock shall be screened and/or washed for the removal of
dirt or dust coating if so required by the Project Manager.
Grading
Coarse aggregate shall be either in single size or graded in both cases, the grading
being within the following limits:
IS sieve
Percentage passing for a single size Percentage passing for graded
designati
aggregate of normal size aggregate of nominal size
on
40m 20m 16m 12.5 10m 40m 20 16 12.5m
m m m mm m m mm mm m
63mm 100 100
40mm 85- 100 95- 100
100 100
20mm 0-20 85- 100 30-70 95- 100
100 100
16mm 85- 90-
100 100
 Preambles
12.5mm 85- 90-
100 100
10mm 0-5 0-20 0-30 0- 85- 10-35 25- 30- 40-
45 100 55 70 85
4.75mm 0-5 0-5 0- 0-20 0-5 0- 0- 0-10
10 10 10
2.36mm
Pieces shall be angular in shape and shall have granular or crystalline surfaces. Friable,
flaky and laminated pieces, mica and shale, if present, shall be only in such quantities
that will not, in the opinion of the Project Manager, affect adversely the strength
and/or durability of concrete. The maximum size of coarse aggregate shall be 40mm
for class A concrete and 20mm for class B concrete. The maximum size of coarse
aggregate shall be the maximum size specified above, but in no case greater than ¼ of
the minimum thickness of the member, provided that the concrete can be placed
without difficulty so as to surround all reinforcement thoroughly and fill the corners of
the form. Plums above 160mm and up to any reasonable size may be used in plain
mass concrete work of large dimensions up to a maximum limit of 20% by volume of
concrete when specifically approved by the Project Manager. For heavily reinforced
concrete members, the nominal maximum size of the aggregate shall be 5mm less than
the minimum clear distance between the reinforcing main bars or 5mm less than the
minimum cover to the reinforcement whichever is smaller. The amount of fine
particles occurring in the free-state or as loose adherent shall not exceed 1% when
determined by laboratory sedimentation tests in accordance with IS 2386. After 24
hours immersion in water, a previously dried sample shall not have gained more than
10% of its oven dry weight in air as determined by IS 2386.
Foreign Material Limitations
The percentages of deleterious substances in the aggregate delivered to the mixer shall
not exceed the following :
Percent by weight
Description Crush
Uncrushed
ed
Material finer than 75 micron IS
3 3
sieve
Coal and lignite 1 1
Clay lumps 1 1
Soft fragments 3
Total of all the above substances 8 5
Water
Water used for both mixing and curing shall be free from injurious amounts of
deleterious matter. Potable water is generally satisfactory for mixing and curing
concrete.
In case of doubt, the suitability of water for making concrete shall be ascertained by
the compressive strength and initial setting time test specified in IS 456. The sample of
water taken for testing shall be typical of the water proposed for concrete, due account
being paid to seasonal variations. Samples shall not receive any treatment before test-
ing other than that envisaged in the regular supply of water proposed for use in
 Preambles
concrete. Samples shall be stored in clean containers previously rinsed out with similar
water.
An average of 28 (twenty eight) days compressive strength of at least three 15cm
concrete cubes prepared with water proposed to be used shall not be less than 90% of
the average strength of three similar concrete cubes prepared with distilled water.
Initial setting times of test blocks made with the appropriate test cement and proposed
water shall not be less than 30 (thirty) minutes and shall not differ by more than ± 3
minutes from the initial setting time of control test blocks prepared with the
appropriate test cement and distilled water. Test blocks shall be prepared and tested in
accordance with the requirements of IS 4031.
Where water can be shown to contain an excess of acid, alkali, sugar or salt the Project
Manager may refuse permission for its use. As a guide, the following concentrations
represent the maximum permissible values:
to neutralise 200ml sample of water, using Phenolpthalein as indicator, it should not
require more than 2ml of 0.1 normal NaOH. Details of tests shall be given in
accordance with IS 3025.
to neutralise 200ml sample of water, using methyl orange as an indicator, it should not
require more than 10ml of 0.1 normal HCl. Details of tests shall be given in
accordance with IS 3025.
percentage of solids when tested in accordance with the following method shall not
exceed the following :
Perce
Description Method of Test (Clause Ref. IS 3025-1964)
nt
10 and 11 (Organic solids total solids minus ignited
Organic 0.02
residue)
Inorganic 0.3 11 (Ignited residue)
Sulphates (as
0.05 20
SO4)
Alkali Chlorides 0.2 24(as Cl)
Reinforcement
Supply
Steel reinforcement shall be hot rolled mild steel and medium tensile steel deformed bars
in accordance with IS 1139 or cold twisted steel bars in accordance with IS 1786 or as
indicated and specified on the drawings.
Wire mesh or fabric shall be in accordance with IS 1566. Substitution of reinforcement
will not be permitted except upon the prior written approval of the Project Manager.
Plain round mild steel bars Grade II as per IS 432 (Part I) may be used with prior
approval of The Project Manager in writing and with 10% increase in the reinforcement
area but its use shall not be permitted in structures located in earthquake zones subjected
to severe damage (as per I.S: 1895) and for structures subject to dynamic loading (other
than wind loading), such as railway and high way bridges, crane girders, frames
supporting rotary or reciprocating machinery etc.
Storage
Steel reinforcement shall not be kept in direct contact with the ground but stacked on top
of an arrangement of timber sleepers or the like.
 Preambles
If the reinforcing bars are to be stored for long duration they shall be coated with cement
wash before stacking and/or be kept under cover or stored as directed by the Project
Manager.
Fabricated reinforcement shall be carefully stored to prevent damage, distortion,
corrosion and deterioration.
Quality
All steel shall be of Grade I quality unless specifically permitted by the Project Manager.
No re-rolled material will be accepted. If requested by the Project Manager the
Contractor shall submit the manufacturer’s test certificates for steel. Random tests on
steel may be performed by the Employer in accordance with relevant Indian Standards.
These tests shall be at the Contractor’s own cost. Steel not conforming to specification
shall be rejected.
All reinforcement shall be clean, free from grease, oil, paint, dirt, loose mill scale, loose
rust, dust, bituminous material or any other substances that will destroy or reduce the
bond. All bars shall be thoroughly cleaned before being fabricated. Pitted and defective
bars shall not be used. All bars shall be rigidly held in position before concreting. No
welding of bars to obtain continuity shall be allowed unless approved by the Project
Manager. If welding is approved, the work shall be carried out in accordance with IS
2751 and to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. In all cases of important connections,
tests shall be made to prove that the joints are of full strength of bars welded. Special
precautions, as specified by the Project Manager, shall be taken in the welding of cold
worked reinforcing bars and bars other than mild steel.
Laps
Laps and splices for reinforcement shall be as shown on the drawings and the bar bending
schedules. Splices in adjacent bars shall be staggered and the location of all splices,
except those specified, shall be approved by the Project Manager. Bars shall not be
lapped unless the length required exceeds the maximum available lengths of bars at Site.
Bending
Reinforcing bars supplied bent or in coils shall be straightened before being cut to size.
Straightening of bars shall be done in cold and without damaging the bars and is deemed
to be a part of reinforcement bending fabrication work.
All bars shall be accurately bent according to the sizes and shapes shown on the detailed
working drawings and/or bar bending schedules. They shall be bent gradually by machine
or other approved means. Reinforcing bars shall not be straightened and re-bent in a
manner that will injure the material; bars containing cracks or splits shall be rejected.
They shall be bent cold, except bars of over 25mm diameter which may be bent hot if
specifically approved by the Project Manager. Bars that depend for their strength on cold
working shall not be bent hot. Bars bent hot shall not be heated beyond cherry red colour
(nor exceeding 845°C) and after bending shall be allowed to cool slowly without
quenching. Bars incorrectly bent shall be used only if the means used for straightening
and re-bending be such as shall not, in the opinion of the Project Manager, injure the
material. No reinforcement shall be bent when in position in the work without the
approval of the Project Manager, whether or not it is partially embedded in hardened
concrete. Bars having kinks or bends other than those required by the design shall not be
used.
Fixing
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Reinforcement shall be accurately fixed by any approved means and maintained in the
correct position shown in the drawings and/or the bar bending schedules by the use of
blocks, spacers and chairs in accordance with IS 2502 to prevent displacement during
placing and compaction of concrete. Bars intended to be in contact at crossing points
shall be securely bound together at all such points with number 16 gauge annealed soft
iron wire. The vertical distance required between successive layers of bars in beams or
similar members shall be maintained by the provision of mild steel spacer bars at such
intervals that the main bars do not sag between adjacent spacer bars. Dowels must be left
straight and not bent by 90 degrees to avoid making holes in the formwork.
Covers
Unless otherwise indicated on the drawings and/or the bar bending schedules, clear
concrete cover for reinforcement (exclusive of plaster or other decorative finishes) shall
be as follows :
at each end of reinforcing bars not less than 25mm nor less than twice the diameter of the
bar.
for longitudinal reinforcing bars in columns not less than 40mm nor less than the
diameter of the bar. In the case of columns of minimum dimension 20cm or under
with reinforcing bars of 12 mm diameter and less a cover of 25mm may be used.
for longitudinal reinforcing bars in beams not less than 25mm nor less than the diameter
of the bar.
for tensile, compressive, shear or other reinforcement in slabs or walls not less than
13mm nor less than the diameter of such reinforcement.
for any other reinforcement not less than 13 mm nor less than the diameter of such
reinforcement.
for footings and other principal structural members in which the concrete is deposited
directly against the ground the cover to the bottom reinforcement shall be 75mm. If
concrete is poured on a layer of lean concrete the bottom cover may be reduced to
50mm.
for concrete surfaces exposed to the weather or the ground after removal of forms, such
as retaining walls, grade beams, for doing sides and top, etc., not less than 50mm
for bars larger than 16mm diameter and not less than 40mm for bars 16mm
diameter or smaller.
increased cover thickness shall be provided, as indicated on the drawings and/or bar
bending schedules, for surfaces exposed to the action of harmful chemicals (or
exposed to earth contaminated by such chemical), acid, alkali, saline atmosphere,
sulphurous smoke, etc.
for reinforced concrete members, totally or periodically immersed in sea water or subject
to sea water spray, the cover of concrete shall be 50mm more than those specified in
(a) to (e) above.
for liquid retaining structures, the minimum cover to all steel shall be 40mm or the
diameter of the main bar, whichever is greater. In the presence of sea water and
soils and waters of a corrosive character the cover shall be increased by 10mm.
protection to reinforcement in case of concrete exposed to harmful surroundings may also
be given by providing a dense impermeable concrete with approved protective
coatings, as specified on the drawings. In such cases the extra cover mentioned in
(h) and (i) above, may be reduced by The Project Manager to those shown on the
drawings and/or the bar bending schedules.
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the correct cover shall be maintained by cement mortar cubes or other approved means.
Reinforcement for footings, grade beams and slabs on subgrades shall be supported
on precast concrete blocks as approved by the Project Manager. The use of pebbles
or stones shall not be permitted.
the 28 (twenty eight) day crushing strength of cement mortar cubes and/or precast
concrete cover blocks shall be at least equal to the specified strength of concrete in
which these cubes and/or blocks are embedded.
the minimum clear distance between reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with IS 456
or as shown in the drawings and/or the bar bending schedules.
Inspection
Erected and secured reinforcement shall be inspected and approved by the Structural
consultants prior to the pouring of concrete.
Payment
For the payment of work done under this item the actual quantities of steel embedded in
concrete as calculated and approved by the Project Manager, irrespective of the level or
the height at which the work is done, shall be taken. Quoted rates for reinforcement shall
include all wastage, binding wire, etc. for which no separate payment shall be made. Laps
as shown on drawings and/or the bar bending schedules and the minimum number of
chairs and spacer bars to maintain reinforcement in place, all approved by the Project
Manager, shall be measured and paid. An unaccountable wastage of 3% (three percent)
shall be allowed for reconciliation only. The cost of this quantity of steel shall be
recovered at the issue rate from the Contractor.
Steel Shapes Encased in Concrete
Structural steel columns, beams, girders and bracings to be encased in concrete shall be
unpainted, if so indicated on the drawings. The encasing shall be done in concrete with
10mm maximum size aggregate and a cube strength of not less than 150 Kg/cm² at 28
days unless otherwise specified in drawings. Steel members shall be wrapped with
galvanized wire mesh of the size indicated on the drawings.
Galvanized wire mesh shall be kept 20mm from the edge or surface of steel members and
shall be held securely in position. Steel members shall have a minimum cover of 50mm
unless otherwise indicated on the drawings. Where the clear cover to steel is more than
75mm, mild steel bar and concrete with 20mm coarse aggregate may be used.
Controlled Concrete
General
All concrete used in the Works shall be “Controlled Concrete” as defined in IS 456,
unless nominal mix concrete such as 1:3:6, 1:4:8 or 1:5:10. Whether reinforced or
otherwise, all controlled concrete work shall be carried out in accordance with this
Specification and shall be divided into the following classifications :
MINIMUM COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF 15 CM CUBES AT 7 AND 28 DAYS
AFTER MIXING, CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IS 516
Grade of Assumed Standard Avg. field strength Recommended
Concrete Deviation as per table required as per Clause Laboratory
No. 6 of IS456 15 of IS456 Design strength
(Km/ (Km/cm ) 2
(Km/cm ) 2
(Km/cm2)
cm2)
150 36 197 230
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200 46 262 300
250 53 322 370
300 60 381 430
350 53 435 500
400 56 489 560
The maximum total quantity of aggregate by weight per 50Kg. of cement shall not
exceed 450Kg., except when otherwise specifically permitted by the Project Manager. If
28 (twenty eight) day test cube strength for certain structures is below the IS 456
requirements then the payment to the Contractor will be made for the lower grade
achieved. Even if the lower strength results are acceptable the Contractor shall test at his
own cost to ensure that the quality of concrete is satisfactory. If the Contractor fails to
satisfy the Project Manager within 7 (seven) days of written notice that the quality of
concrete is acceptable then he shall remove the defective work at his own risk and cost.
Mix Design
The Contractor shall ascertain the grading aggregates, water/cement ratio, workability
and the quantity of cement required to give preliminary and works test cubes of the
minimum strength specified. The proportions of the mix shall be determined by weight.
Adjustments of aggregate proportions due to moisture present in the aggregates shall be
made. Mix proportioning shall be carried out according to the ACI Standard designation
ACI 613 or “Design of Concrete Mixes” - Road Research Note No. 4, Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research, U.K.
Whenever there is a change either in the required strength of concrete or water ratio or
workability or the source of aggregates and/or cement, preliminary tests shall be repeated
to determine the revised proportions of the mix to suit the altered conditions. While
designing mix proportions over-wet mixes shall always be avoided.
While fixing values for water/cement ratios for preliminary mixes assistance may be
derived from the graph (Appendix A.IS 456) showing the relationship between the 28 day
compressive strengths of concrete mixes with different water/cement ratios and the 7 day
compressive strength of cement tested in accordance with IS 269.
Preliminary Tests
Test specimens shall be prepared with at least two different water/cement ratios for each
class of concrete consistent with the workability required for the nature of the work.
Materials and proportions used in making preliminary tests shall be similar in all respects
to those to be actually employed in the work, the object of these tests being to determine
the proportions of cement, aggregates and water necessary to produce concrete of the
required consistency and to give the specified strength. It will be the sole responsibility of
the Contractor to carry out these tests and he shall provide the Project Manager with
statements of the proportions proposed to be used for the various concrete mixes. For
preliminary tests the following procedure shall be followed :
materials shall be brought to room temperature and be in a dry condition. Quantities of
water, cement and aggregates for each batch shall be determined by weight to an
accuracy of 1 part in 1000 parts.
Mixing Test Concrete
Mixing shall be done by hand or in a small batch mixer in accordance with IS 516 in such
a manner as to avoid loss of water. Cement and fine aggregate shall first be mixed dry
until the mixture is uniform in colour. Coarse aggregate shall then be added, mixed and
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water added and the whole batch mixed thoroughly for a period for not less than two
minutes until the resulting concrete is uniform in appearance. Each batch of concrete
shall be of such a size as to leave about 10% excess concrete after moulding the desired
number of test specimens.
Consistency
The consistency of each batch of concrete shall be measured immediately after mixing by
the slump test in accordance with IS1199. If in the slump test care is taken to ensure that
no water or other material is lost, the material used for the slump test may be re-mixed
with the remaining concrete for making specimen test cubes. The period of re-mixing
shall be as short as possible yet sufficient to produce a homogeneous mass. The specified
workability is the Workability required at the placing point. The contractor will,
therefore, design the concrete mixes taking into account the drop in workability due to
delays in placing and transporting. The water/cement ratio shall not exceed the specified
limits and shall be taken into account when designing concrete strengths that are likely to
be higher than required but will not entitle the Contractor to extra payment.
No compensation shall be paid to the Contractor if the Project Manager is of the opinion
that in certain cases, due to technical reasons, additional workability is required without
changes in the strength and water/cement ratio of the concrete mix.
Unless specifically instructed by the Project Manager all controlled concrete, other than
pumped concrete, shall have a minimum workability of 50mm slump.
Compression tests on concrete cubes shall be made in accordance with IS 516 on 15cm
cubes. Each mould shall be provided with a metal base plate having a plane surface so as
to support the mould during filling without leakage. Base plates shall be preferably
attached to the mould by springs or screws. Parts of the mould when assembled shall be
positively and rigidly held together. Before placing concrete moulds and base plates shall
be cleaned and oiled. The dimensions and internal faces of moulds shall be accurate
within the following limits :
height and distance between opposite faces of moulds shall be as specified ± 0.2 mm.
Angles between adjacent internal faces and between internal faces and top and bottom
planes shall be 90° ± 0.5°. Interior faces shall be plane surfaces with a permissible
variation of 0.03 mm.
Compacting
Concrete test cubes shall be moulded by placing fresh concrete in the mould and
compacted as specified in IS 516.
Curing
Curing shall be as specified in IS 516. Cubes shall be kept in moist air of at least 90%
relative humidity at a temperature of 27°C ± 2°C for 24 (twenty four) hours ± ½ hour
from the time of adding water to the dry ingredients. Thereafter, they shall be removed
from the moulds and kept immersed in clean, fresh water and kept at 27° ± 2°C
temperature until required for testing. Curing water shall be renewed every seven days. A
record of maximum and minimum temperatures at the place of storage of cubes shall be
maintained during the period they remain in storage.
Testing of Specimens
Strength shall be determined based on not less than five cube test specimens for each age
and water cement ratio. All laboratory test results shall be tabulated and furnished to the
Structural consultants. Test results shall be accepted by the Project Manager where the
average compressive strengths of the specimens tested are not less than the compressive
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strengths specified for the age at which the specimens are tested, subject to the condition
that only one out of the five consecutive tests may give a value less than the specified
strengths for that age. The Project Manager may direct the Contractor to repeat the tests if
the results are not satisfactory and also to make such changes as he considers necessary to
meet the specified requirements. All preliminary tests shall be conducted by the
Contractor in an approved laboratory at his own cost.
Proportioning, Consistency, Batching and Mixing of Concrete
Aggregates
Proportions, decided by conducting preliminary tests, shall be by weight. The proportions
of cement, fine and coarse aggregates shall be maintained during subsequent concrete
batching by means of weigh batchers conforming to IS 2722 capable of controlling the
weights within 1% (one percent) of the desired value. Except where it can be shown to
the satisfaction of the Project Manager that the supply of properly graded aggregates of
uniform quality can be maintained over the period of work, the grading of aggregates
shall be controlled by obtaining the coarse aggregates in different sizes and blending
them in the right proportions. Different sizes shall be stocked in separate stock piles. The
grading of coarse and fine aggregates shall be checked as frequently as possible, as
determined by the Project Manager, to ensure the maintaining of grading in accordance
with the samples used in the preliminary mix design. The material shall be stock piled
well in advance of use.
Cement
Cement shall be measured by weight.
Water
Only such quantity of water shall be added to the cement and aggregates in the concrete
mix as to ensure dense concrete, specified surface finish, satisfactory workability,
consistent with the strength stipulated for each class of concrete. The water added to the
mix shall be such as not to cause segregation of materials or the collection of excessive
free water on the surface of the concrete.
Definition of Water/Cement Ratio
The water/cement ratio is defined as the weight of water in the mix (including the surface
moisture of the aggregates) divided by the weight of cement in the mix.
Water/Cement Ratio
The actual water/cement ratio to be adopted shall be determined in each instance by the
Project Manager and the Contractor shall not alter the water/cement ratio without the
prior written approval of the Project Manager.
Proportioning by Water/Cement Ratio
The water/cement ratio specified by the Project Manager shall be maintained. The
Contractor shall determine the water content of the aggregates as frequently as directed
by the Project Manager as the work progresses and as specified in IS 2386 (Part III) and
the amount of mixing water added at the mixer shall be adjusted as directed by the
Project Manager so as to maintain the specified ratio. To allow for variations in the
weight of aggregates due to variations in their moisture content suitable adjustments in
the weights of aggregates shall also be made.
Consistency and Slump
Concrete shall be of a consistency and workability suitable for the conditions of the work.
After the amount of water required has been determined, the consistency of the mix shall
be maintained throughout the progress of the corresponding parts of the work and
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approved tests, e.g. slump tests and compacting factor tests in accordance with IS 1199,
shall be conducted from time to time to ensure the maintenance of such consistency.
The following table gives a range of slumps generally to be used for various types of
construction, unless otherwise instructed by the Project Manager.

Slumps for Various Types of Slump in

Construction millimeters
Reinforced foundation walls and footings 75 25
Plain footings, caissons and sub-structure
75 25
walls
Slabs, Beams and reinforced walls 100 25
Pumps & miscellaneous Equipment
75 25
Foundations
Building columns 100 25
Pavements 50 25
Heavy mass construction 50 25
The slumps given in the above table are only indicative and approximate. The exact
proportions, the water/cement ratio and the slump shall be decided by the Project
Manager on the basis of the laboratory test results on the design mix.
Batching and Mixing of Concrete
The materials and proportions of concrete materials established by the preliminary tests
for the mix design shall be strictly followed for all concrete work and shall not be
changed except when specifically permitted by the Project Manager.
Concrete shall be produced only by weigh batching the ingredients. The mixer and weigh
batcher shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. The accuracy of weigh
batchers shall be periodically checked. They shall be set up level on a firm base and the
hopper shall be located evenly. The needle shall be adjusted to zero when the hopper is
empty. Fine and coarse aggregates shall be weighed separately. Volume batching will not
be permitted. However, the Project Manager may permit volume batching by subsequent
conversion of the weights of aggregates into their equivalent volumes knowing their bulk
densities only in the case of small pours involving concrete of not more than 0.25 cubic
meters on days when other pours involving weigh batching are not likely to be made.
Concrete shall be of the strength stipulated in the respective items. All concrete shall be
mixed in mechanically operated batch mixers complying with IS 1791 and of approved
make with suitable provision for correctly controlling the water delivered to the drum.
The quantity of water actually entering the drum shall be checked with the reading of the
gauge or valve setting when starting a task. Tests shall be made while the mixer is
running. The volume of the mixed material shall not exceed the manufacturer’s rated
mixer capacity. The batch shall be charged into the mixer so that some water will enter
the drum in advance of the cement and aggregates. All water shall be in the drum by the
end of the first 15 (fifteen) seconds of the specified mixing time. Each batch shall be
mixed until the concrete is uniform in colour for a minimum period of two minutes after
all the materials and water are in the drum. The entire contents of the drum shall be
discharged in one operation before the raw materials for succeeding batches are fed into
the drum.
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Each time the stops the mixer shall be cleaned out and when next commencing mixing
the first batch shall have 10% (ten percent) additional cement to allow for sticking in the
drum.
Sampling and Testing Concrete on Site
Facilities required for sampling materials and concrete on Site, if required by the Project
Manager, shall be provided by the Contractor at his own cost. The following serviceable
equipment with operators shall be made available at The Project Manager’s request at the
Contractor’s own cost :
Concrete cube testing machine suitable for 15cm cubes of 100
1 1 No.
tonne capacity with proving calibration ring
18 Nos.
2 Cast Iron cube moulds 15cm size
(min)
3 Slump cone complete with tamping rod 2 sets

4 Laboratory balance to weigh up to 5Kg, with sensitivity of 10gm 1 No

5 IS sieves for coarse and fine aggregate 1 set

6 A set of measures from 5. to 0.1litres 1 set
7 Electric oven with thermostat up to 120°C 1 No.
8 Flaking gauge 1 No.
9 Elongation index gauge 1 No.
1
Sedimentation pipette 1 No.
0
1
Pyconometer 1 No.
1
1
Calibrated glass jar 1 litre capacity 4 No.
2
1
Glass flasks & metal containers as required
3
1 Chemical reagents like sodium hydroxide, tannic acid, litmus
as required
4 papers, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, hydrocloric acid etc.
1
Laboratory balance of 2Kg capacity and sensitivity of 1gm 1 No.
5
1
Mason’s Trowel 3 nos.
6
N.B. arrangements may be made by the Contractor to have cubes tested in an approved
laboratory in lieu of a testing machine at Site at his own cost with the prior
written consent of the Project Manager.
Sampling for Strength of Concrete
At least six test cubes of each class of concrete shall be made for every 150 (one hundred
and fifty) cubic metres of concrete or part thereof. Such samples shall be drawn on each
day for each type of concrete. Of each set of six cubes three shall be tested at 7 (seven)
days and 3 (three) at 28 days. The laboratory test results shall be tabulated and furnished
to the Project Manager. The Project Manager will approve the concrete if the average
strength of the specimens tested is not less than the strength specified, subject to the
condition that only one out of three consecutive tests may have a value less than the
specified strength, but not be less than 90% of the specified strength.
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Consistency
Slump tests shall be carried out as often as directed by the Project Manager and
invariably from the same batch of concrete from which the test cubes are made. Slump
tests shall be done immediately after sampling.
Admixtures
General
Admixtures may be used in concrete only with the prior written approval of the Project
Manager based upon evidence that, with the passage of time, neither the compressive
strength nor the durability will be reduced. Calcium chloride shall not be used for
accelerating the setting of the cement for any concrete containing reinforcement or
embedded steel parts. When calcium chloride is permitted to be used, such as in mass
concrete works, it shall be dissolved in water and added to the mixing water in an amount
not to exceed 1.5% (one point five percent) of the weight of the cement in each batch of
concrete. When admixtures are used the concrete design mix shall be corrected
accordingly. Admixtures shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
and in the manner and with the control directed by the Project Manager. Series of trial
mixes on the same shall be carried out at the approved laboratory. The Contractor shall
provide at his own cost all materials required for testing additives and/or admixtures.
Air Entraining Agents
Where specified and approved by the Project Manager neutralized vinsol resin or other
equal and approved air entraining agent may be used to produce the specified amount of
air in the concrete mix and these agents shall conform to the requirements of ASTM
Standard 6-250; Air Entraining Admixtures of concrete. The recommended total air
content of the concrete is 4% ± 1%. The method of measuring air content shall be in
accordance with IS 1199.
Water Reducing Admixtures
Where specified and approved by the Project Manager water reducing lignosulfonate
mixture may be added in quantities specified by the Project Manager. The admixtures
shall be added in the form of a solution.
Retarding Admixtures
Where specified and approved by the Project Manager retarding agents may be added to
the concrete mix in quantities specified by the Project Manager. Quoted concrete rates
shall be deemed to include for the use of additives required for workability. Approval of
types and dosages of additives shall be obtained for specific locations from the Project
Manager.
Water Proofing Agents
Where specified and approved by the Project Manager water proofing agents conforming
to IS 2645 shall be added in quantities specified by the Project Manager. Concrete and
plaster shall be leak-proof. The Contractor shall decide if any waterproofing compound is
necessary. No extra payment will be made for the addition of waterproofing compounds
unless measured in the Bill of Quantities. However, only approved additives will be
permitted for use. Grouting or repairs, if necessary, will be at the risk and cost of the
Contractor.
Other Admixtures
The Project Manager may, at his discretion, instruct the Contractor to use any other
admixture in concrete.
Optional Tests
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The Project Manager, at his discretion, may order tests to be carried out on the cement,
sand, coarse aggregate and water in accordance with the relevant Indian Standards.
Tests on cement shall include (i) fineness test, (ii) test for normal consistency, (iii) test
for setting time, (iv) test for soundness, (v) test for tensile strength, (vi) test for
compressive strength, and (vii) test for heat of hydration (by experiment and by calcu-
lations) in accordance with IS 269.
Tests on sand shall include (i) sieve test, (ii) test for organic impurities, (iii) decantation
test for determining clay and silt content, (iv) specific gravity test, (v) test for unit weight
and bulkage factor, and (vi) test for sieve analysis and fineness modulus.
Tests on coarse aggregate shall include (i) sieve analysis, (ii) specific gravity and unit
weight of dry, loose and rodded aggregate, (iii) soundness and alkali aggregate reactivity,
(iv) petrographic examination, (v) deleterious materials and organic impurities, and (vi)
test for aggregate crushing value.
Any or all these tests may be ordered if The Project Manager considers that materials are
not in accordance with the Specifications or the specified concrete strengths are not
obtained and shall be performed by Contractor or at an approved test laboratory. If the
tests are successful, the Employer shall pay for all such optional tests, otherwise the costs
shall be borne by the Contractor.
If test cubes do not give the stipulated strengths the Project Manager reserves the right to
have the Contractor dismantle such portions of the work which, in his opinion, are
unacceptable and re-do the work to the specified standard at Contractor’s own cost.
Quoted rates for concrete shall be deemed to be inclusive of the making of preliminary
mix designs and test cubes, testing, slump tests, optional tests, etc.
Load Tests on Members or any Other Tests
All formwork for concrete, materials and building work shall be checked by the
Employer’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control Department in addition to the day to
day site supervision by the Project Manager. The Contractor shall initiate a system of
concrete pour cards, grout cards, repair and excavation permits before actual work
begins. Clearance from all the concerned Government and Local Government
Departments and Authorities shall be obtained before starting work.
Materials, other than those to be supplied by the Employer, shall be procured by the
Contractor well in advance of actual use in order that the Employer’s Quality Control
Test can check the quality of the same before permitting them to be used. Any delay in
testing will not entitle the Contractor to claims for extension of time and/or extra payment
or compensation.
Manufacturers’ test certificates shall not be satisfactory for the acceptance of materials.
Should the Employer desire to have materials re-tested at an independent laboratory then
these test results shall prevail over manufacturers’ test certificates.
Detailed schemes with sketches and/or drawings together with procedures for testing
shall be submitted and approval obtained from the Project Manager prior to starting load
testing.
In the event of any work being suspected of having been constructed using faulty material
or workmanship or both, the Project Manager requiring its removal and reconstruction
may order, or the Contractor may request, that it should be load tested in accordance with
the following provisions :
test loads shall be 125% (one hundred and twenty five percent) of the maximum
superimposed load for which the structure was designed. Such test load shall not be
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applied before 56 (fifty six) days after the effective hardening of concrete. During
the test struts strong enough to take the whole load shall be placed in position
leaving a gap under the members. The test load shall be maintained for 24 (twenty
four) hours before removal.
if within 24 (twenty four) hours of removal of the load the structure does not show a
recovery of at least 75% (seventy five percent) of the maximum deflection shown
during the 24 (twenty four) hours under load the test loading shall be repeated after
a lapse of at least 72 (seventy two) hours. The structure shall be considered to have
failed if the recovery after the second test is not at least 75% (seventy five percent)
of the maximum deflection shown during the second test. If the structure is certified
by the Project Manager as having failed the cost of the load test shall be borne by
the Contractor.
any other test, e.g. concrete cores, examination and tests on such cores as directed by the
Project Manager, sonic testing, etc. shall be carried out by Contractor if so directed.
should the results of any test prove unsatisfactory or the structure show signs of
weakness, undue deflection or faulty construction the Contractor shall remove and
rebuild the member or members involved or carry out such other remedial measures
as may be required by the Project Manager. The Contractor shall bear the cost of so
doing, unless the failure of the member or members to fulfill the test conditions is
proved to be solely due to faulty design. The cost of load and other tests shall be
borne by the Contractor if the tests show unsatisfactory results, otherwise such costs
will be borne by the Employer.
Concrete in Alkaline Soils and Alkaline Water
Where concrete is liable to attack from alkali salts or alkaline water, special cements
containing low amounts of tricalcium aluminate shall be used where specified. Such
concrete shall have a minimum 28 (twenty eight) day compressive strength of 250
Kg/cm² and shall contain not less than 370Kg of cement per cubic meter of concrete in
place. If specified, additional protection shall be obtained by the use of a chemically
resistant stone facing or a layer of Plaster of Paris covered with suitable fabric, such as
jute thoroughly impregnated with tar.
Preparation prior to Concrete Placement, Final Inspection and Approval
Before concrete is actually placed in position the insides of formwork shall be inspected
to see that they have been cleaned and oiled. Temporary openings shall be provided to
facilitate inspection, especially at the bottom of columns and wall forms, to permit
removal of saw dust, wood shavings, binding wire, rubbish, dirt, etc. Openings shall be
placed or holes drilled so that these materials and water can be easily removed. Such
openings and/or holes shall be later suitably plugged.
The various trades shall be permitted ample time to install drainage and plumbing lines,
floor and trench drains, conduits, hangers, anchors, inserts, sleeves, bolts, frames and
other miscellaneous embedments to be cast in the concrete as indicated on the drawings
or as is necessary for the proper execution of the work. The Contractor shall cooperate
fully with all such agencies and shall permit the use of scaffolding, formwork, etc. by
other trades at no extra cost.
All embedded parts, inserts, etc. supplied by either the Employer or the Contractor shall
be correctly positioned and securely held in the formwork to prevent displacement during
the pouring and vibrating of concrete.
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All anchor bolts shall be positioned and kept in place with the help of properly
manufactured templates unless specifically waived in writing by the Project Manager.
The use of such templates, fixtures, etc. shall be deemed to be included in the quoted
rates.
Slots, openings, holes, pockets, etc. shall be provided in concrete work in the positions
indicated on the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager.
Reinforcement and other items to be cast into concrete shall have clean surfaces that will
not impair bond.
Prior to concrete pouring all work shall be inspected and approved by the Project
Manager and, if found unsatisfactory, concrete shall not be poured until all defects have
been corrected at the Contractor’s own cost.
Approval by the Project Manager of any and all materials and work as required herein
shall not relieve Contractor from his obligation to produce finished concrete in
accordance with the drawings and Specifications nor from any of his obligations under
the Contract.
Rain or Wash Water
No concrete shall be placed in wet weather or on a water covered surface. Any concrete
that has been washed by heavy rains shall be entirely removed, if there is any sign of
cement and sand having been washed away from the concrete mixture. To guard against
damage that may be caused by rains work shall be covered with tarpaulins immediately
after concrete has been poured and compacted before leaving the work unattended. Any
water accumulating on the surface of newly placed concrete shall be removed by
approved means and no further concrete shall be placed thereon until such water is
removed. To avoid the flow of water over and/or around freshly placed concrete suitable
drains and sumps shall be provided.
Bonding Mortar
Immediately before concrete pouring begins prepared surfaces, except formwork that will
come in contact with concrete to be poured, shall be covered with a bonding mortar as
specified in this Specification.
Transportation
All buckets, containers or conveyors used for transporting concrete shall be mortar-tight.
Irrespective of the method of transportation adopted, concrete shall be delivered with the
required consistency and plasticity without segregation or loss of slump. However, chutes
shall not be used for the transport of concrete without the prior written permission of the
Project Manager and concrete shall not be re-handled before pouring.
Re-tempered or Contaminated Concrete
Concrete must be placed in its final position before it becomes too stiff to work. On no
account shall water be added after the initial mixing. Concrete that has become stiff or
has been contaminated with foreign material shall be rejected and disposed of as directed
by the Project Manager.
Cleaning of Equipment
All equipment used for mixing, transporting and placing of concrete shall be maintained
in a clean condition. All pans, buckets, hoppers, chutes, pipelines and other equipment
shall be thoroughly cleaned after each period of placement.
Procedure for Pouring Concrete and the Project Manager’s Approval of Equipment and
Methods
General
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Before any concrete is poured the entire placing programme, consisting of equipment,
layout, proposed procedures and methods, shall be submitted to the Project Manager for
approval if so demanded by the Project Manager and no concrete shall be placed until the
Project Manager’s approval has been received. Equipment for conveying concrete shall
be of such size and design as to ensure a practically continuous flow of concrete during
depositing without segregation of materials, considering the size of the job and placement
location.
Time Interval between Mixing and Pouring
Concrete shall be poured in its final position before the cement reaches its initial set and
concrete shall normally be compacted in its final position within thirty minutes of leaving
the mixer. Once compacted it shall not be disturbed.
Avoiding Segregation
Concrete shall, in all cases, be deposited as nearly as practicable directly in its final
position and shall not be re-handled or caused to flow in a manner that will cause
segregation, loss of materials, displacement of reinforcement, shuttering or embedded
inserts or impair its strength. For locations where direct placement is not possible and in
narrow forms the Contractor shall provide suitable drop and “Elephant Trunks” to
confine the movement of concrete. Special care shall be taken when concrete is dropped
from a height, especially if reinforcement is in place, particularly in columns and narrow
walls.
Pouring By Manual Means
Except as otherwise approved by the Project Manager, concrete shall be placed in the
formwork by shovels or other approved implements and shall not be dropped from height
more than 1 (one) metre or handled in a manner that will cause segregation.
Pouring By Mechanical Means
The following shall apply when pouring concrete by use of mechanical equipment is
required or is warranted considering the nature of the work involved. The control of
pouring shall begin at the mixer discharge. Concrete shall be discharged by a vertical
drop into the middle of the bucket or hopper and this principle of a vertical discharge of
concrete shall be adhered to throughout all stages of delivery until the concrete comes to
rest in its final position.
Type of Buckets : Central-bottom-dump buckets of a type that provides for positive
regulation of the amount and rate of deposition of concrete in all dumping positions shall
be employed.
Operation of Buckets : In pouring concrete in large open areas the bucket shall be spotted
directly over the position designated and then lowered for dumping. The open bucket
shall clear the concrete already in place and the height of drop shall not exceed 1 (one)
metre. The bucket shall be opened slowly to avoid high vertical bounce. Dumping of
buckets on the swing or any manner that results in separation of the ingredients or
disturbance to previously poured concrete will not be permitted.
Pouring in Restricted Forms
Concrete placed in restricted forms by barrow, buggy, car, short chute or hand shovelling
shall be subject to the requirements for vertical delivery of limited height to avoid
segregation and shall be deposited as nearly as practicable in its final position.
Chuting
Where it is necessary to use transfer chutes the prior written approval of the Project
Manager must be obtained for the type, length, slopes, baffles, vertical terminals and
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timing of operations. These shall be so arranged that an almost continuous flow of
concrete is obtained at the discharge and without segregation. To allow for the loss of
mortar against the sides of the chutes the first mixes shall have less coarse aggregate.
During the cleaning of chutes waste water shall be kept clear of the formwork. Concrete
shall not be permitted to fall from the end of the chutes by more than 1 (one) metre.
Chutes, when approved for use, shall have slopes no flatter than 1 vertical : 3 horizontal
and not steeper than 1vertical : 2 horizontal. Chutes shall be of metal or metal lined and
have rounded cross section. The slopes of all chute sections shall be approximately the
same. The discharge ends of chutes shall be maintained above the surface of the concrete
in the formwork.
Pouring By Pumping/Pneumatic Placers
Concrete may only be conveyed and poured by mechanically operated equipment, e.g.
pumps or pneumatic placers, with the prior written permission of the Project Manager.
The slump shall be held to the minimum necessary for conveying concrete by this
method.
When pumping is adopted, before pumping of concrete is started, the pipeline shall be
lubricated with one or two batches of mortar composed of one part cement and two parts
sand. The concrete mix shall be specially designed to suit pumping. Care shall be taken to
avoid stoppages in work once pumping has started.
When pneumatic placers are used the manufacturer’s advice on the layout of pipelines
shall be followed to avoid blockages and excessive wear. Restraint shall be provided at
the discharge box to cater for the reaction at this end. Manufacturer’s advice shall be
followed regarding concrete quality and all other related matters when
pumping/pneumatic placing equipment is used.
Concrete in Layers : Concreting, once started, shall be continuous until the pour is
completed. Concrete shall be poured in successive horizontal layers of uniform thickness
ranging from 15 to 90cm as directed by the Project Manager. These shall be placed as
rapidly as practicable to prevent the formation of cold joints or planes of weakness
between each succeeding layer within the pour. The thickness of each layer shall be such
that it can be deposited before the previous layer has stiffened. Bucket loads or other
units of deposit shall be spotted progressively along the face of the layer with such
overlap as will facilitate spreading the layer to uniform depth and texture with a
minimum of shovelling. Any tendency to segregation shall be corrected by shovelling
stones into mortar rather than mortar on to stones. Such a condition shall be corrected by
redesign of mix or other means as directed by the Project Manager.
Bedding of Layers : The top surface of each pour and bedding planes shall be
approximately horizontal unless otherwise instructed.
Compaction : Concrete shall be compacted during placing with approved vibrating
equipment until the concrete has been consolidated to the maximum practicable density,
is free of pockets of coarse aggregate and fits tightly against all formwork surfaces,
reinforcement and embedded fixtures. Particular care shall be taken to ensure that all
concrete placed against formwork faces and into corners or against hardened concrete at
joints is free from voids or cavities. The use of vibrators shall be consistent with the
concrete mix and caution exercised not to over vibrate the concrete to the point that
segregation results.
Type of Vibrators : Vibrators shall conform to IS specifications. The type of vibrators to
be used shall depend on the structure where concrete is to be placed. Shutter vibrators to
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be effective shall be firmly secured to the formwork which shall be sufficiently rigid to
transmit the vibration and strong enough not to be damaged by it. Immersion vibrators
shall have “no load” frequency, amplitude and acceleration in accordance with IS 2505
depending on the size of the vibrator. Immersion vibrators in sufficient numbers and of
adequate size shall be used to properly consolidate all concrete. Tapping or external
vibrating of formwork by hand tools or immersion vibrators will not be permitted.
Use of Vibrators : The exact manner of application and the most suitable machines for
the purpose must be carefully considered and operated by experienced men. Immersion
vibrators shall be inserted vertically at points not more than 450mm apart and withdrawn
when air bubbles cease to come to the surface. Immersion vibrators shall be withdrawn
very slowly. In no case shall immersion vibrators be used to transport concrete inside
formwork. Particular attention shall be paid to vibration at the top of a lift, e.g. in a
column or wall.
Melding Successive Batches : When pouring concrete in layers advancing horizontally as
the work progresses great care shall be exercised to ensure adequate vibration, blending
and melding of the concrete between succeeding layers.
Penetration of Vibrators : Immersion vibrators shall penetrate the layer being placed and
also penetrate the layer below while the underlayer is still plastic to ensure good bond
and homogeneity between the two layers and to prevent the formation of cold joints.
Vibrating against Reinforcement : Care shall be taken to prevent contact of immersion
vibrators against reinforcement steel. Immersion vibrators shall not be allowed to come in
contact with reinforcement steel after the start of the initial set. They shall also not be
allowed to come in contact with formwork or finished surfaces.
Use of Form Attached Vibrators : Form attached vibrators shall be used only with the
specific approval of the Project Manager.
Use of Surface Vibrators : The use of surface vibrators will not be permitted under
normal conditions. However, for thin slabs, such as highways, runways and similar
construction, surface vibration by specially designed vibrators may be permitted with the
prior written approval of the Project Manager.
Stone Pockets and Mortar Pondages : The formation of stone pockets or mortar pondages
in corners and against faces of formwork shall not be permitted. Should these occur, they
shall be dug out, reformed and refilled to sufficient depth and shape for through bonding,
as directed by the Project Manager.
Pouring Interval : Except when pouring with slip forms, each pour of concrete in multiple
lift work shall be allowed to set for at least 24 (twenty four) hours after the final set of
concrete and before the start of a subsequent pour.
Special Provisions in Pouring : When pouring concrete in walls with openings, in floors
of integral slab and beam construction and other similar conditions, pouring shall stop
when the concrete reaches the top of the opening in walls or bottom horizontal surface of
the slab, as the case may be. Pouring shall be resumed before the concrete in place takes
initial set, but not until it has had time to settle as determined by the Project Manager.
Pouring Concrete through Reinforcing Steel : When pouring concrete through reinforcing
steel, care shall be taken to prevent segregation of the coarse aggregate. Where the
congestion of steel makes pouring difficult it may be necessary to move temporarily
reinforcing steel aside to ensure proper pouring and restore reinforcing steel to design
position.
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Bleeding : Bleeding or free water on top of concrete being deposited into formwork shall
be a cause to stop the concrete pour and the conditions causing this defect corrected
before any further concreting is resumed.
Slab on Grade : Concreting of slabs on the grade at plinth level must be carried out prior
to slabs at first floor level.
Construction Joints and Keys
Concrete shall be poured without interruption until completion of the part of the work
between predetermined construction joints as specified hereinafter. Time lapses between
the pouring of adjoining units shall be as specified or as directed by the Project Manager.
If the stopping of concreting becomes unavoidable a properly formed construction joint
shall be made where the work is stopped. Joints shall be either vertical or horizontal,
unless shown otherwise on drawings. In the case of inclined or curved members joints
shall be at right angles to the axis of the member. Vertical joints in walls shall be kept to
a minimum. Vertical joints shall be formed against stop boards; horizontal joints shall be
level and, wherever possible, arranged so that joint lines coincide with the architectural
features of the finished work. Battens shall be nailed to the formwork to ensure a
horizontal line and, if directed, shall also be used to form a grooved joint. For tank walls
and similar work joints shall be formed in accordance with IS 3370. Concrete that is in
the process of setting shall not be disturbed or shaken by traffic either on the concrete
itself or upon the formwork. Horizontal and vertical construction joints and shear keys
shall be located and shall conform in detail to the requirements of the plane unless
otherwise directed by the Project Manager. Where not described joints shall be in
accordance with the following :
Column Joints : In columns joints shall be formed 75mm below the lowest soffit of the
beams including haunches, if any. In flat slab construction joints shall be 75mm below
the soffits of column capitals. At least 2 (two) hours shall elapse after depositing concrete
in columns, piers or walls before depositing in beams, girders or slabs supported thereon.
Beam and Slab Joints : Concrete in beams shall be placed throughout without joints but if
the provision of joints is unavoidable joints shall be vertical and at the centre or within
the middle third of the span unless otherwise shown on drawings. Where beams intersect
girders joints in the girders shall be offset a distance equal to twice the width of the beam
and additional reinforcement provided for shear. Joints shall be vertical throughout the
full thickness of the concrete member. Joints in slabs shall be vertical and parallel to the
principal reinforcement. Where they are unavoidably at right angles to the principal
reinforcement joints shall be vertical and at the middle of the span.
Joints in Liquid Retaining Structures : Vertical construction joints in watertight
construction will not be permitted unless indicated on the drawings. Where horizontal
construction joints are required to resist water pressure special care shall be taken in all
phases of the construction to ensure maximum water-tightness.
Dowels : Dowels for concrete work, not likely to be taken up in the near future, shall be
wrapped in tar paper and burlap.
Mass Foundations : Mass foundations shall be poured in lifts not exceeding 1.5m. in
thickness unless otherwise indicated on the drawings or approved by the Project
Manager.
Treatment of Construction Joints on Resuming Concreting : A drier mix shall be used for
the top lift of horizontal pours to avoid laitance. All laitance and loose stones shall be
thoroughly and carefully removed by wire brushing and/or hacking and surface washed.
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Just before concreting is resumed the roughened joint surface shall be thoroughly cleaned
and loose matter removed and treated with a thin layer of cement grout of proportion
specified by the Project Manager and worked well into the surface. The new concrete
shall be well worked against the prepared face before the grout mortar sets. Special care
shall be taken to obtain thorough compaction and to avoid segregation of the concrete
along the joint plane. The cement mortar shall be at least 1:2 by volume and shall be at no
additional cost.
Curing, Protecting, Repairing and Finishing
Curing
All concrete shall be cured by keeping it continuously damp for the period of time
required for complete hydration and hardening to take place. Preference shall be given to
the use of continuous sprays or ponded water, continuously saturated coverings of
sacking, canvas, hessian or other absorbent materials or approved effective curing
compounds applied with spraying equipment capable of producing a smooth, even
textured coat. Extra precautions shall be exercised in curing concrete during cold and hot
weather as outlined hereinafter. The quality of curing water shall be the same as that used
for mixing concrete.
Certain types of finish or preparation for overlaying concrete must be done at certain
stages of the curing process and special treatment may be required for specific concrete
surface finish.
Curing of concrete of high alumina cement and supersulphated cement shall only be
carried out as directed by the Project Manager.
Curing with Water : Fresh concrete shall be kept continuously wet for a minimum period
of 10 (ten) days from the date of pouring of the concrete, following a lapse of 12 to 14
hours after pouring. The curing of horizontal surfaces exposed to drying winds shall,
however, begin immediately the concrete has hardened. Water shall be applied to
unformed concrete surfaces within 1 (one) hour after concrete has set immediately upon
removal of formwork. The quantity of water applied shall be controlled so as to prevent
erosion of freshly placed concrete.
Continuous Spraying : Curing shall be assured by the use of an ample water supply under
pressure in pipes with all necessary appliances, e.g. hoses, sprinklers and spraying
devices. A continuous fine mist spraying or sprinkling shall be used, unless otherwise
specified or approved by the Project Manager.
Alternate Curing Methods : Whenever, in the opinion of the Project Manager, it may be
necessary to omit the continuous spray method, a covering of clean sand or other
approved means such as wet gunny bags, that will prevent loss of moisture from the
concrete, may be used. No type of covering will be approved which would stain or
damage the concrete during or after the curing period. Covering shall be kept
continuously wet during the curing period.
For curing of concrete in pavements, sidewalks, floors, flat roofs or other level surfaces,
the ponding method of curing is preferred. The method for containing the ponded water
shall be approved by the Project Manager. Special attention shall be given to edges and
corners of the slabs to ensure proper protection to these areas. The ponded areas shall be
kept continuously filled with water during the curing period.
Curing Compounds : Approved surface coating type curing compounds shall be used
only with the special permission of the Project Manager. Curing compounds shall be
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liquid type white pigmented. No curing compound shall be used on surfaces where future
blending with concrete, water or acid proof membrane or painting is specified.
Curing Equipment : All equipment and materials required for curing shall be on hand and
ready for use before concrete is poured.
All sunken slabs, reinforced concrete tanks and terrace slabs shall be tested for
watertightness by flooding with water for 48 (forty eight) hours before carrying out
waterproofing. Leaks and wet patches, if any, shall be grouted either with cement grout
or epoxy. Waterproofing will be permitted only after the Project Manager is satisfied that
the concrete is leakproof. If the Project Manager so desires a hydro-test shall be done
once again after the entire waterproofing is complete. No additional payment will be
made on account of these tests or rectifications.
Protecting Fresh Concrete
Fresh concrete shall be protected from the elements, defacement and damage due to
construction operations by leaving formwork in place for an ample period as specified
herein. Newly placed concrete shall be protected by approved means, such as the use of
tarpaulins for rain, sun and wind. Steps, approved by the Project Manager, shall also be
taken to protect immature concrete from damage by debris, excessive loading, vibration,
abrasion or contact with other materials, etc. that may impair the strength and/or
durability of the concrete. Workmen shall be warned against and prevented from
disturbing green concrete during the setting period. If it be necessary for workmen to
enter the area of freshly placed concrete the Project Manager may require that bridges be
placed over the area.
Repair and Replacement of Unsatisfactory Concrete
Immediately after formwork is removed surfaces of concrete shall be very carefully
inspected and all defective areas called to the attention of the Project Manager who either
may permit patching of the defective area or reject the concrete unit either partially or in
its entirety. Rejected concrete shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor at his own
cost. Holes left by formwork bolts, etc. shall be filled up and made good with mortar
composed of one part cement to one and half parts sand passing a 2.36mm IS sieve after
removing any loose stones adhering to the concrete. Mortar filling shall be struck off
flush at the face of the concrete. Concrete surfaces shall be finished as described under
the particular items of work.
Superficial honeycombed surfaces and rough patches shall be similarly made good
immediately after removal of formwork in the presence of the Project Manager and
superficial water and air holes filled in. The mortar shall be well worked into the surface
with a wooden float. Excess water shall be avoided. Unless instructed otherwise by the
Project Manager surfaces of exposed concrete placed against formwork shall be rubbed
down immediately on removal of the formwork to remove fine or other irregularities,
care being taken to avoid damaging the surface. Surface irregularities shall be removed
by grinding.
If reinforcement is exposed or honey combing occurs at vulnerable positions, e.g. ends of
beams or columns, it may be necessary to cut out the member completely or in part and
reconstruct. The decision of the Project Manager shall be final and binding in this regard.
If only patching is necessary defective concrete shall be cut out until solid concrete is
reached (or to a minimum depth of 25mm), the edges being cut perpendicular to the
affected surface or with a small under cut if possible. Anchors, tees or dovetail slots shall
be provided whenever necessary to attach the new concrete securely in place. An area
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extending several centimeters beyond the edges and the surface of the prepared voids
shall be saturated with water for 24 (twenty four) hours immediately before the patching
material is placed.
Use of epoxy : The use of epoxy for bonding fresh concrete used for repairs will be
permitted only with the prior written approval of the Project Manager. Epoxies shall be
applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Method of Repair : Small size holes having surface dimensions approximately equal to
the depth of the hole, holes left after removal of formwork bolts, grout insert holes and
slots cut for repairs of cracks shall be repaired as follows :
holes to be patched shall be roughened and thoroughly soaked with clean water until
absorption stops. A 5mm thick layer of grout of equal parts of cement and sand
shall be well brushed into the surface to be patched, followed immediately by the
patching concrete which shall be well consolidated with a wooden float and left
slightly proud of the surrounding surface. The concrete patch shall be built up in
10mm thick layers. After an hour or more, depending upon weather conditions, it
shall be worked off flush with a wooden float and a smooth finish obtained by
wiping with hessian, a steel trowel shall be used for this purpose. The mix for
patching shall be of the same materials and in the same materials and in the same
proportions as that used for the concrete being repaired, although some reduction in
the maximum size of the coarse aggregates may be necessary and the mix shall be
kept as dry as possible.
Mortar filling by air pressure (guniting) shall be used for the repair of areas too large
and/or too shallow for patching with mortar. Patched surfaces shall be given a final
treatment to match the colour and texture of the surrounding concrete. White
cement shall be substituted for ordinary cement, if so directed by the Project
Manager, to match the shade of the patch with the original concrete.
Curing of Patched Work : patched areas shall be covered immediately with an approved
non-staining, water-saturated material such as gunny bags which shall be kept
continuously wet and protected against sun and wind for a period of 24 (twenty
four) hours. Thereafter, patched areas shall be kept wet continuously by a fine spray
or sprinkling for not less than 10 (ten) days.
Approval by the Project Manager : All materials, procedures and operations used in the
repair of concrete and also the finished repair work shall be subject to the approval
of the Project Manager. All fillings shall be tightly bonded to the concrete and shall
be sound, free from shrinkage cracks after the fillings have been cured and dried.
Finishing
This Specification is intended to cover the treatment of concrete surfaces of all structures.
Areas requiring special finish not covered by this Specification shall be clearly indicated
on the drawings and additional Specifications furnished to the Contractor.
Finish for Formed Surfaces
The type of finish for formed concrete surfaces shall be as follows, unless otherwise
specified by the Project Manager :
for surfaces against which backfill or concrete is to be placed, no treatment is required
except the repair of defective areas.
for surfaces below grade that will receive waterproofing treatment the concrete shall be
free of surface irregularities which would interfere with proper application of the
waterproofing material which is specified for use.
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Unless specified, surfaces that will be exposed when the structure is in service shall
receive no special finish, except the repair of damaged or defective concrete, removal of
fins and abrupt irregularities, filling of holes left by form ties and rods and clean up of
loose or adhering debris.
For form finish concrete the following is required :
the Contractor shall submit detailed calculations and sketches showing the entire scheme
of the formwork 1 (one) week before starting the work at Site.
plywood shall be minimum 12mm thick and shall not be used more than 6 (six) times.
gradual irregularities shall be measured as deviations from a plane surface with a
template 6 (six) metres long and those irregularities should not exceed 6mm.
If the specified type of finish is not obtained the Contractor will only be paid 50% (fifty
percent) of the quoted rate for the defective area. The balance will only be paid after
completion of the rectification and certification by the Project Manager.
Surfaces that will be exposed to the weather and which would normally be level shall be
sloped for drainage. Unless the drawings specify a horizontal surface or show the
required slopes, the tops of narrow surfaces such as stair tread, walls, curbs and parapets
shall be sloped across the width approximately 1 in 30. Broader surfaces, such as
walkways, roads, parking areas and platforms, shall be sloped approximately 1 in 50.
Surfaces that will be covered by backfill or concrete, sub-floors to be covered with
concrete topping, terrazzo or quarry tile, and similar surfaces shall be smooth screeded
and levelled to produce even surfaces. Surface irregularities shall not exceed 6mm.
Surfaces that will not be covered by backfill, concrete or tile toppings, such as outside
decks, floors of galleries and sumps, parapets, gutters, sidewalks, floors and slabs, shall
be consolidated, screeded and floated. Excess water and laitance shall be removed before
final finishing. Floating may be done by hand or with power tools and started as soon as
the screeded surface has attained a stiffness to permit finishing operations and these shall
be the minimum required to produce a surface uniform in texture and free from screed
marks or other imperfections. Joints and edges shall be tooled as called for on the
drawings or as directed by the Project Manager.
Standard Finish for Exposed Concrete : Exposed concrete shall mean any concrete, other
than floors or slabs, exposed to view upon completion of the work. Unless otherwise
specified on the drawings, the standard finish for exposed concrete shall be a smooth
finish. A smooth finish shall be obtained with the use of lined or plywood forms having
smooth and even surfaces and edges. Panels and form linings shall be of uniform size and
be as large as practicable and installed with closed joints. Upon removal of formwork
joint marks shall be smoothed off and all blemishes, projections, etc. removed leaving the
surfaces reasonably smooth and unmarred.
Integral Cement Concrete Finish : When specified on the drawings an integral cement
concrete finish of specified thickness for floors and slabs shall be applied either
monolithic or bonded, as specified on the drawings in accordance with IS 2571. The
surface shall be compacted and then floated with a wood float or power floating
machine. The surface shall be tested with a straight edge and any high and low spots
eliminated. Floating or trowelling of the finish shall be permitted only after all surface
water has evaporated. Dry cement or a mixture of dry cement and sand shall not be
sprinkled directly on the surface of the cement finish to absorb moisture or to stiffen the
mix.
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Rubbed Finish : A rubbed finish shall be provided only on exposed concrete surfaces as
specified on the drawings. Upon removal of formwork, all fins and other projections on
surfaces shall be carefully removed, offsets levelled and voids and/or damaged sections
immediately saturated with water and repaired by filling with a concrete or mortar of the
same composition as used for the surface. Surfaces shall then be thoroughly wetted and
rubbed with carborundum or other abrasive. Cement mortar may be used in the rubbing,
but the finished surfaces shall not be brush coated with either cement or grout after
rubbing. The finished surfaces shall present a uniform and smooth appearance.
Protection : All concrete shall be protected against damage until approval and acceptance
by the Project Manager.
Formwork
General
Formwork shall consist of shores, bracings, sides of beams and columns, bottoms of
slabs, etc. including ties, anchors, hangers, inserts, etc. and shall be properly designed and
planned for the work by the Contractor. Formwork shall be so constructed that vertical
adjustments can be made to compensate for take up and settlements. Wedges may be
used at the top or bottom of timber shores, but not at both ends, to facilitate vertical
adjustment or dismantling of the formwork.
Good quality 'Acrow' or other equal and approved formwork shall be mobilised for the
provision of smooth surface finishes. The Contractor shall indicate in his Tender the
minimum quantity (Square Metres) of such formwork and associated materials he will
mobilise for the proposed work.
Fabricated structural steel staging and steel pipe scaffolding shall be used. The Contractor
shall indicate in his Tender the minimum quantity of staging and/or scaffolding materials
he proposes to mobilise for the proposed work. Wood or bamboo staging and/or
scaffolding will not be permitted on the Site.
Formwork may be of timber, plywood, metal, plastic or concrete. For special finishes the
formwork may be lined with plywood, steel sheets, oil tempered hardboard, etc. Sliding
forms and slip forms may only be used with the approval of the Project Manager.
Design Of Formwork
The design and engineering of the formwork and its construction and erection shall be the
sole responsibility of the Contractor.
If so instructed, the drawings and/or calculations for the design of the formwork shall be
submitted to the Project Manager for approval before proceeding with the work, at no
extra cost to Employer. The approval of the Project Manager shall not however relieve
the Contractor of the full responsibility for the design and construction of the formwork.
The design shall take into account all the loads, vertical as well as lateral, that the forms
will be carrying including live and vibration loadings.
Horizontal tubes will not be permitted to carry loads. Horizontal tubes will only be used
as bracings and only vertical tubes will be permitted to carry the load of concrete and
personnel.
Tolerances
Tolerance is the specified permissible variation from lines, grades or dimensions given in
drawings. No tolerances specified for horizontal or vertical building lines or footings
shall be construed to permit encroachment beyond the legal boundaries. Unless otherwise
specified, the following tolerances will be permitted :
Tolerances for Reinforced Concrete Buildings
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Variation from the plumb
In the lines and surfaces of columns, piers, walls and in arises - 5 mm per 2.5m or
25mm, whichever is less.
For exposed corner columns and other conspicuous lines :
in any bay or 5m maximum - 5mm
in 10m or more - 10mm
Variation from the level or from the grades indicated on the drawings.
In slab soffits, ceilings, beam soffits, and in arises
in 2.5m - 5 mm
in any bay or 5m maximum - 8mm
in 10m or more -15mm
For exposed lintels, sills, parapets, horizontal grooves and other conspicuous
lines.
in any bay or 5m maximum - 5mm
in 10m or more -10mm
Variation of the linear building lines from established position in plan and related
position of columns, wall and partitions.
in any bay or 5m maximum -10mm
in 10m or more - 20mm
Variation in the sizes and locations of sleeves, openings in walls and floors - 5mm
except for anchor bolts.
Variation in cross-sectional dimensions of columns and beams and in the thickness of
slabs and walls.
Minus - 5mm
Plus -10mm
Footings
Variation in dimension in plan
Minus - 5mm
Plus - 50mm
Misplacement or eccentricity
2% of footing width in the direction of misplacement but not more than
50mm
Reduction in thickness
Minus - 5% of specified thickness subject to a maximum of 50 mm
Variation in steps
In a flight of stairs
Rise - 3mm
Tread - 5mm
In consecutive steps
Rise - 1.5mm
Tread - 3mm
Tolerances in other Concrete Structures
All Structures
Variation of the constructed linear outline from established position in plan.
in 5m - 10mm
in 10m or more - 15mm
Variations of dimensions to individual structure features from established positions.
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in 20 m or more - 25mm
in buried construction - 50mm
Variation from plumb, from specified batter or from curved surfaces of all structures.
in 2.5m - 10mm
in 5m - 15mm
in 10m or more - 25mm
in buried construction - twice the above amounts.
Variation from level or grade indicated on drawings in slab, beams, soffits, horizontal
grooves and visible arises.
in 2.5m - 5mm
in 7.5m or more - 10mm
in buried construction - twice the above amounts.
Variation in cross-sectional dimensions of columns beams, buttresses, piers and
similar members.
Minus - 5mm
Plus - 10mm
Variation in the thickness of slabs, walls, arch sections and similar members
Minus - 5mm
Plus - 10mm
Footings for columns, piers, walls, buttresses and similar members
Variation of dimensions in plan
Minus - 10mm
Plus - 50mm
Misplacement or eccentricity
2% of footing width in the direction of misplacement but not more than
50 mm
Reduction in thickness
5% of specified thickness subject to a maximum. of 50mm
Tolerances in other types of structures shall in general conform to those given in ACI 347
Clause 2.4 of the “Recommended Practice for Concrete Formwork”.
Tolerances in fixing anchor bolts shall be as follows :
anchor bolts without sleeves ± 1.5mm in plan
anchor bolts with sleeves : ± 5.0mm in elevation
for bolts up to and including 28mm diameter ± 5 mm in all directions
for bolts 32mm diameter and above ± 3 mm in all directions
embedded parts - ± 5mm in all directions.
Formwork Requirements
Formwork shall conform to the shapes, lines, grades and dimensions including cambers
of the concrete as required by design. Ample struts, walers, braces, ties, straps, shores,
etc. shall be used to hold the formwork in proper position without any distortion
whatsoever until the concrete has set sufficiently to permit removal. Formwork shall be
strong enough to permit the use of immersion vibrators. In special cases form vibrators
may also be used. The formwork shall be close boarded. Timber shall be well seasoned,
free from sap, shakes, loose knots, worm holes, warps or other surface defects in contact
with concrete. Faces coming into contact with concrete shall be free from adhering grout,
plaster, paint, projecting nails, splits or other defects. Joints shall be sufficiently tight to
prevent loss of water and fine material from concrete.
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Plywood shall be used for exposed concrete surfaces where required. Sawn and wrought
timber may be used for unexposed surfaces. Inside faces of formwork for concrete
surfaces that are to be rubbed finished shall be planed to remove irregularities or
unevenness in the face. Formwork with linings will be permitted.
All new and used timber shall be maintained in a good condition with respect to shape,
strength, rigidity, water tightness, smoothness and cleanliness of surfaces. Timber
unsatisfactory in any respect shall not be used and, if rejected by the Project Manager,
shall be immediately removed from the Site.
Shores supporting successive storeys shall be placed directly over those below or be so
designed and placed that loads will be transmitted directly to them. Trussed supports
shall be provided for shores that cannot be secured on adequate foundations.
Formwork during any stage of construction showing signs of distortion or distorted to
such a degree that the intended concrete work will not conform to the exact contours
indicated on the drawings shall be repositioned and strengthened. Poured concrete
affected by faulty formwork shall be removed in its entirety and the formwork corrected
prior to pouring new concrete.
Excessive construction camber to compensate for shrinkage, settlement, etc. that may
impair the structural strength of members will not be permitted.
Formwork for substructure concrete may be omitted when, in the opinion of the Project
Manager, the open excavation is firm enough to act as the formwork. Such excavations
shall be slightly larger than required by the drawings to compensate for irregularities in
excavation and to ensure the design requirements.
Formwork shall be so designed and constructed that its removal will not damage the
concrete. Face formwork shall provide true vertical and horizontal joints, conform to the
architectural features of the structure as to location of joints and be as directed by the
Project Manager.
Where exposed smooth or rubbed concrete finishes are required the formwork shall be
constructed with special care so that the resulting concrete surfaces require a minimum
finish.
Bracings, Struts and Props
Formwork shall be braced, strutted, propped and so supported that it shall not deform
under weight and pressure of the concrete or due to the movement of men and materials.
Bamboo shall not be used as props or cross bearers. Formwork to beams and slabs shall
be so erected that the formwork on the sides of beams and under the soffits of slabs can
be removed without disturbing the beam bottoms. Re-propping of beams shall not be
done except when props have to be reinstated to bear construction loads anticipated to be
in excess of the design load. Vertical props shall be supported on wedges or other
measures shall be taken whereby props can be gently lowered vertically while striking the
formwork.
If formwork to columns is erected to the full height, one side shall be left open and built
up in sections as concrete pouring proceeds. Windows may be left for pouring concrete
from the sides to limit the drop of concrete to 1 (one) metre or as directed by the Project
Manager.
Mould Oil
Care shall be taken to see that the faces of formwork coming into contact with concrete
are perfectly cleaned and two coats of mould oil or other equal and approved material
applied before fixing reinforcement and pouring concrete. Such coating shall be insoluble
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in water, non-staining and not injurious to the concrete. It shall not become flaky or be
removed by rain or wash water. Reinforcement and/or other items to be cast in the
concrete shall not be placed until coating of the formwork is complete. Adjoining
concrete surfaces shall also be protected against contamination from the coating material.
Chamfers And Fillets
All corners and angles exposed in the finished structure shall be formed with mouldings
to form chamfers or fillets on the finished concrete. The standard dimensions of chamfers
and fillets, unless otherwise specified, shall be 20mm. x 20mm. Care shall be exercised
to ensure accurate mouldings. The diagonal face of mouldings shall be planed or surfaced
to the same texture as the forms to which they are attached.
Vertical Construction Joint Chamfers
Vertical construction joints on faces that will be exposed upon completion of the work
shall be chamfered as above, except where not permitted by the Project Manager for
structural or hydraulic reasons.
Wall Ties
Wire ties passing through walls will not be allowed, place bolts passing through sleeves
having to be used.
Reuse of Formwork
Before reuse, all formwork shall be thoroughly scraped, cleaned, nails removed, holes
that may leak suitably plugged and joints examined and, when necessary, repaired and
the inside retreated to prevent adhesion, all to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
Warped timber shall be resized. The Contractor shall equip himself with adequate and
sufficient formwork to complete the work within the stipulated time.
Removal Of Formwork
The Contractor shall record on drawings or in a special register the date upon which
concrete is poured in each part of the work and the date on which the formwork has been
removed therefrom.
In no circumstances shall formwork be struck until the concrete reaches strength of at
least twice the stress due to self weight and any construction and/or erection loading to
which the concrete may be subjected at the time of striking formwork.
In normal circumstances (generally where temperatures are above 20°C) formwork may
be struck after the expiry of the following periods:
Rapid
Description Ordinary
Hardening
Portland
Portland
cement
Cement
concrete
Concrete
24 to 48 hours as
Walls, Column & Vertical sides of beams directed by the 24 hours
Project Manager
Slabs (props left under) 3 days 2 days
Beam soffits (props left under) 7 days 4 days
Removal to props to slabs
Spanning up to 4.5m 7 days 4 days
Spanning above 4.5m 14 days 8 days
Removal of props to beams & arches
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Rapid
Description Ordinary
Hardening
Portland
Portland
cement
Cement
concrete
Concrete
Spanning up to 6 m. 14 days 8 days
Spanning over 6m. 21 days 12 days
Striking shall be done slowly with the utmost care, to avoid damage to arises and
projections and without shock or vibration, by gently easing the wedges. If after
removing the formwork it is found that timber has been embedded in the concrete it shall
be removed and made good as specified hereabove.
Reinforced temporary openings shall be provided, as directed by the Project Manager, to
facilitate the removal of formwork which otherwise may be inaccessible.
Tie rods, clamps, bolts, etc. which must be entirely removed from walls or similar
structures shall be loosened not sooner than 24 (twenty four) hours nor later than 40
(forty) hours after the concrete has been poured. Ties, except those required to hold
formwork in place, may be removed at the same time. Ties withdrawn from walls and
grade beams shall be pulled toward the inside face. Cutting ties back from the faces of
walls and grade beams will not be permitted.
For liquid retaining structures no sleeves for through bolts shall be used nor shall through
bolts be removed. Bolts, in this case, shall be cut at 25mm. depth from the surface and
the hole made good by sand and cement mortar of the same proportions as the concrete
just after striking the formwork.
Foundation Bedding, Bonding and Jointing
All surfaces upon or against which concrete will be placed shall be suitably prepared by
thoroughly cleaning, washing and dewatering, as may be indicated in the plans or as The
Project Manager, may direct, to meet the various situations encountered in the work.
Soft and spongy areas shall be cleaned out and back filled with either a soil-cement
mixture, lean concrete or clean sand fill compacted to a minimum density of 90%
Modified Proctor, unless otherwise mentioned in Schedule of Quantities.
Prior to construction of form work for any item where soil will act as bottom form,
approval shall be obtained from The Project Manager as to the suitability of the soil.
Preparation of Strata of Foundations
Rock
To provide tight bond with rock foundations rock surfaces shall be prepared and the
following general requirements shall be observed:
concrete shall not be deposited on large sloping rock surfaces. Where required by the
Project Manager or as indicated on the drawings rock shall be cut to form rough
steps or benches to provide roughness or a more suitable bearing surface
rock foundation strata shall be prepared by picking, barring, wedging and similar
methods that will leave the rock in an entirely sound and unshattered condition
shortly before concrete is poured rock surfaces shall be cleaned with high pressure water
and air jets even though it may have been previously cleaned in that manner,
prior to pouring concrete rock surfaces shall be kept wet for a period of 2 to 4 hours
unless otherwise directed by the Project Manager,
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before pouring concrete on to rock surfaces all water shall be removed from depressions
to permit a thorough inspection and proper bonding of the concrete to the rock.
Earth
All earth surfaces upon which or against which concrete is to be poured shall be well
compacted and free from standing water, mud or debris. The depth of excavation for
each footing for establishing a founding strata shall be approved by the Project Manager.
Soft, yielding soil shall be removed and replaced with suitable earth well compacted as
directed by the Project Manager. Where specified lean concrete shall be provided on the
earth stratum for receiving concrete. The surface of absorptive soils against which
concrete is to be placed shall be moistened thoroughly so that no moisture will be drawn
from the freshly placed concrete and later shall help to cure the concrete.
Concrete Surfaces
The preparation of concrete surfaces upon which additional concrete is to be placed later
shall be done by scarifying and cleaning while the concrete is between its initial and final
set. This method shall be used wherever practicable and shall consist of cutting the
surface with picks and stiff brooms and by use of an approved combination of air and
water jet as directed by the Project Manager. Great care shall be taken in performing this
work to avoid removal of too much mortar and the weakening of the surface by loosening
of aggregate.
When it is not practicable to follow the above method, it will be necessary to employ air
tools to remove laitance and roughen the surfaces.
The final required result shall be a pitted surface from which all dirt, unsound concrete,
laitance and glazed mortar have been removed.
Bonding Treatment (Mortar)
After rock or concrete surfaces upon which new concrete is to be placed have been
scarified, cleaned and wetted as specified herein, they shall receive a bonding treatment
immediately before pouring of the concrete.
The bonding medium shall be a coat of cement-sand mortar. The mortar shall have the
same cement-sand proportions as the concrete that shall be placed upon it. The
water/cement ratio shall be determined by placing conditions and as approved by the
Project Manager.
Bonding mortar shall be placed in sufficient quantity to completely cover the surface
about 10mm thick for rock and about 5mm thick for concrete. It shall be brushed or
broomed over the surface and worked thoroughly into all cracks, crevices and
depressions. Accumulations or puddles of mortar shall not be allowed to settle in
depressions and shall be brushed out to a satisfactory degree, as determined by the
Project Manager.
Mortar shall be placed at such a rate that it can be brushed over the surface just in
advance of pouring of concrete. Only as much of the area shall be covered with mortar as
can be covered with concrete before initial set in the mortar takes place. The amount of
mortar that will be permitted to be placed at any one time or the area that it is to cover
shall be in accordance with the Project Manager’s directions.
Cleaning and Bonding Formed Construction Joints
Vertical construction joints shall be cleaned as specified above or by other methods
approved by the Project Manager. In pouring concrete against formed construction joints
surfaces of joints, where accessible, shall be coated thoroughly with the specified bed-
joint bonding mortar immediately before they are covered with concrete or by scrubbing
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with wire brooms dipped into the fresh concrete. Where it is impracticable to apply such
a mortar coating special precautions shall be taken to ensure that the new concrete is
brought into intimate contact with the surface of the joint by careful puddling and spading
with aid of vibrators and suitable tools.
Expansion and Contraction Joints
Provision shall be made for expansion and contraction in concrete by use of special type
joints located as shown on the drawing. Contraction joints surfaces shall be treated as
directed by the specifications on the drawing or as directed by The Project Manager.
Hot Weather Requirements
All concrete work performed in hot weather shall be in accordance with IS 456, except as
herein modified.
Admixtures may be used only when approved by the Project Manager.
Adequate provisions shall be made to lower concrete temperature by cool ingredients,
eliminating excessive mixing, preventing exposure of mixers and conveyers to direct
sunlight and the use of reflective paints on mixers, etc. The temperature of the freshly
placed concrete shall not be permitted to exceed 38°C.
Consideration shall be given to shading aggregate stockpiles from the direct rays of the
sun and by spraying stockpiles with water, the use of cold water when available and by
burying, insulating, shading and/or painting pipe lines, water storage tanks and
conveyances white.
In order to reduce loss of mixing water aggregates, wooden forms, sub-grades, adjacent
concrete and other moisture absorbing surfaces shall be well wetted prior to concreting.
Pouring and finishing shall be done as quickly as possible.
Extra precautions shall be taken for the protection and curing of concrete. Consideration
shall be given to continuous water curing and protection against high temperatures and
drying hot winds for a period of at least 7 (seven) days immediately after concrete has set
and after which normal curing procedures may be resumed.
Placing Concrete Underwater
Under all ordinary conditions all foundations shall be completely dewatered and concrete
placed in the dry. However, when concrete pouring under water is necessary all work
shall conform to IS 456 and the procedure shall be as follows :
Method of Pouring
Concrete shall be deposited underwater by means of tremies or drop bottom buckets of
approved type.
Direction, Inspection and Approval
All work requiring placement of concrete underwater shall be designed, directed and
inspected with due regard to local circumstances and purposes. All underwater
concrete shall be placed according to the drawings and/or specifications and as
directed and approved by the Project Manager.
Pre-cast Concrete
General
Precast concrete shall comply with IS 456.
All precast units shall be cast on a suitable bed or platform with firm foundation and
free from wind. The Contractor shall be responsible for the accuracy of the level or
shape of the bed or platform. A suitable serial number and the date of casting shall be
impressed or painted on each and every unit.
Striking Formwork
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Side shutters shall not be struck in less than 24 (twenty four) hours after depositing
concrete and no precast unit shall be lifted until the concrete reaches a strength of at
least twice the stress to which the concrete may be subjected to at the time of lifting.
Transport of Precast Units
The lifting and removal of pre-cast units shall be undertaken without causing shocks,
vibration or undue bending stresses to or in the units. Before lifting and removal takes
place the Contractor shall satisfy the Project Manager that the methods he proposes to
adopt for these operations will not over-stress or otherwise effect seriously the strength
of the precast units. The reinforced side of the units shall be distinctly marked.
Curing
All precast work shall be protected from the direct rays of the sun for at least 7 (seven)
days after casting and during that period each unit shall be kept constantly watered or
preferably be completely immersed in water if the size of the unit so permits.
Otherwise curing practice as given hereabove shall be followed.
Slots, Opening, etc.
Slots, openings, holes, pockets, etc. shall be provided in the concrete work in the
positions indicated in the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager. Any
deviation from the approved drawings shall be made good by the Contractor at his own
cost without damaging any other work. Sleeves, bolts, inserts, etc. shall also be
provided in concrete work where so specified.
Grouting
Standard Grout
Grout shall be provided as specified on the drawings.
The proportions of grout shall be such as to produce a flowable mixture consistent
with minimum water content and shrinkage. The grout proportions shall be limited as
follows:
W/C
Use Thickness Mix Proportions Rati
o
a) Fluid One part Portland Cement to
Under 25mm 0.44
Mix one part sand.
25mm and over but less One part Portland Cement to 2
b) General 0.53
than 50mm parts of sand
One part of Portland Cement
c) Stiff Mix 50 mm and over 0.53
to 3 parts of sand.
Sand shall be such as to produce a flowable grout without any tendency to segregate.
Sand, for general grouting purposes, shall be graded within the following limits :
Passing IS 2.36 mm sieve 95 to 100%
Passing IS 1.18 mm sieve 65 to 95%
Passing IS 300 micron sieve 10 to 30%
Passing IS 150 micron sieve 3 to 10%
Sand for fluid grouts shall have the fine material passing the 300 and 150 micron sieves
at the upper limits specified above.
Sand for stiff grouts shall meet the usual grading specifications for concrete.
Surfaces to be grouted shall be thoroughly roughened and cleaned of all foreign
matter and laitance.
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Anchor bolts, anchor bolt holes and the bottom of equipment and column base plates
shall be cleaned of all oil, grease, dirt and loose material. The use of hot, strong
caustic solution for this purpose will be permitted.
Prior to grouting, the hardened concrete surfaces to be grouted shall be saturated
with water.
Water in anchor bolt holes shall be removed before grouting is started.
Formwork around base plates shall be reasonably tight to prevent leakage of the grout.
Adequate clearance shall be provided between formwork and base plates to permit
grout to be worked properly into place.
Grouting, once started, shall be done quickly and continuously to prevent segregation,
blending and breakdown of initial set. Grout shall be worked from one side of one end
to the other to prevent entrapment of air. To distribute the grout and to ensure more
complete contact between base plates and foundations and to help release entrapped
air, link chains can be used to work the grout into place.
Grouting through holes in base plates shall be by pressure grouting.
Variations in grout mixes and procedures shall only be permitted if approved by the
Project Manager.
Special Grout
Special grout, where specified on the drawings, shall be provided in strict accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and/or the Specifications on the drawings.
Inspection
All materials, workmanship and finished construction shall be subject to the continuous
inspection and approval of the Project Manager.
All materials supplied by the Contractor and all work or construction performed by the
Contractor rejected as not in conformity with the specifications and drawings shall be
immediately replaced at no additional expense to the Employer.
Approvals of any preliminary materials or phase of work shall in no way relieve the
Contractor from the responsibility of supplying concrete and or producing finished
concrete in accordance with the specifications and drawings.
All concrete shall be protected against damage until Virtual Completion.
Clean-Up
Upon the completion of concrete work, all formwork, equipment, construction tools,
protective coverings and any debris resulting from the work shall be removed from the
Site.
All debris, including empty containers, scrap, timber, etc. shall be removed as directed by
the Project Manager.
Finished concrete surfaces shall be left in a clean condition and to the satisfaction of the
Project Manager.
Payment
Quoted rates for concrete work under various categories shall be all inclusive and no
claims for extra payment on account of such items as leaving holes, embedding inserts,
etc. shall be entertained unless separately provided for in the Bill of Quantities. Neither
will extra claims be entertained due to changes in the number, position and/or dimensions
of holes, slots or openings, sleeves, inserts or on account of any increased lift or
scaffolding, etc. All these factors shall be deemed to have been included in the unit rates.
Unless provided for in the Bill of Quantities the rates shall also include for fixing inserts
in all concrete work whenever and wherever required.
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Payments for concrete work will be made on the basis of unit rates quoted for the
respective items in the Bill of Quantities. No deductions in the concrete quantity will be
made for reinforcement, inserts, etc. and openings less than 1/20 of a square metre in area
where concrete is measured in square metres and 1/150 cubic metre where concrete is
measured in cubic metres. Where no such deduction for concrete is made, payment for
formwork provided for such holes, pockets, etc. will not be made. Similarly the unit rates
for concrete work shall be inclusive or exclusive of formwork as provided for in the Bill
of Quantities. Where formwork is to be paid separately it shall be very clearly understood
that payment for formwork is inclusive of formwork, shuttering, shoring, propping,
scaffolding, etc. Where formwork is measured and paid separately the area considered for
payment shall be the surface in contact with the concrete.
Payment for odd shapes of formwork will also be made under the item of formwork in
the Bill of Quantities.
All slab staging and formwork will be paid for in the common item for slab formwork
and the same rate will apply for slabs at all elevations and for any slab to slab difference
in elevation.
Payment for beams will be made for the quantity based on depth being reckoned from the
underside of the slab and length measured as the clear distance between supports.
Payment for columns shall be made for the quantity based on height reckoned up to the
underside of slabs.
Unit rates for precast concrete members shall include formwork, mouldings, finishing,
hoisting and setting in position including setting mortar, provision of lifting arrangement,
etc. Only where reinforcement is used shall it be measured and paid separately.
Expansion Joints, Water Stops And Premoulded Joint Fillers
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints shall be provided with 20 gauge copper or mild steel hot dip galvanised
strips 250mm wide at locations shown on drawings or as directed by the Project
Manager. Strips shall be bent to the shape indicated on the drawings and embedded
properly in masonry. Joint widths shall be uniform throughout and special care shall be
taken to ensure proper bonding at expansion joints. Expansion joints shall be continuous
and where two or more strips meet they shall be lapped to the extent of 75mm and joints
properly soldered. Expansion joints shall be filled with premoulded joint fillers and
sealed with mastic compound. For the purpose of measurement laps provided will be
ignored. Wherever expansion joints between new and existing parts are proposed the rate
quoted shall be inclusive of making necessary connections with the existing part.
Water Stops
Water stops shall be of rubber or PVC bars of approved make. These shall be provided at
locations indicated on drawings. Water stops shall be lapped 100mm and heat sealed to
obtain continuity. Water stops shall be cleaned thoroughly of all concrete and mortar
coating as directed before resuming concrete work. Water stops shall be in long lengths
to avoid joints as far as possible.
Joint Fillers
Premoulded joint fillers shall be the non-deteriorating and resilient type. A sample of
material shall be approved by the Project Manager before being brought to Site.
Installation shall be carried out properly and as directed.
Waterproofing
Floors and Walls of Bathrooms and Toilets
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Surfaces to receive waterproofing treatment shall be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, scale,
lichen, etc. and the walls left un-plastered.
All chasing or cutting in floors and/or walls shall be done by the plumbing contractor.
Layers of waterproof plaster approximately shall be laid to floors and on walls to floor
level approximately 35mm and 25mm thick respectively. Waterproof plaster
approximately 18 to 20mm thick shall then be applied on walls above the proposed
finished floor level up to a height of 600mm in toilet areas and to the full height the walls
in shower and bathroom areas. Surfaces shall be suitably finished to receive tiles.
The plumbing contractor shall then finish the plumbing and sanitary work, i.e. laying and
fixing pans, installing pipes, traps, etc. without damaging and/or disturbing the
waterproofing treatment.
On receiving clearance from the Project Manager the Contractor shall fill in any
depressions in floor areas with waterproof brick bat coba and the leave surfaces even and
suitable to receive tiles.
Basements and Lift Pits
Prior to "Box type "/external waterproofing treatment being executed, the entire surface
of plain cement concrete levelling courses, mud mats for raft slabs or for reinforced
concrete walls shall be thoroughly inspected for crevices, joints, fissures and the like.
Surfaces shall then be prepared to receive waterproofing treatment.
Subsoil water, if any, shall be continuously drained off or pumped out to keep the water
table below the raft level.
Sub-bases of plain cement concrete (1:3:6 or 1:4:8) shall project outside the reinforced
concrete wall or raft by at least 150mm on all sides. After the preparation of sub-bases or
levelling courses one layer of rough shahabad or other equal and approved stone slabs
approximately 20mm thick shall be laid with staggered joints on a bed of waterproof
cement mortar and the joints grouted with waterproof cement mortar or slurry.
Waterproofing treatment approximately 75mm thick shall be laid over stone slab bases
and finished smooth with waterproof cement mortar. Raft slabs shall only be laid after
the curing of the waterproofing treatment for a minimum of 7 (seven) days.
Waterproofing treatment to external wall faces shall consist of 20 mm thick shahabad or
other equal and approved stone slabs fixed against walls with a 15mm gap which shall be
grouted with cement slurry with waterproofing compound after sealing the joints.
Prepared surfaces shall then be covered with a 20 mm thick waterproof layer.
Waterproofing treatment 60mm thick shall be applied to the external surfaces of walls to
a height of 300 mm above the finished ground or pavement level.
The Contractor shall carry out tests at his own cost for watertightness. Tests shall be
deemed to be satisfactory if the internal surfaces, including floors do not show any signs
of leaks or wet or damp patches and remain in a dry condition to the satisfaction of the
Project Manager after the backfilling has been completed and the subsoil water level is at
the highest point.
Should the inner surfaces of basement floors and walls show any signs of leaks or wet or
damp patches the same shall be rectified by injection treatment or grouting with
waterproof plaster as necessary to the entire satisfaction of the Project Manager.
Rectification of such defects shall be done by the Contractor entirely at his own cost.
Reinforced Concrete Water Storage Tanks/Box Type Treatment
Upon completion and acceptance of the plumbing work waterproofing treatment shall be
carried out from inside the structure by the "injection" and "surface" methods.
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Injection treatment shall be carried out to floors and walls as and where required and
thereafter a layer of waterproof plaster applied to the floor and continued along the inner
sides of the end walls and both sides of partition walls up to their full height.
Treatment to floors shall be approximately 65mm thick and 25mm thick to walls and
surfaces shall be given a smooth, cement coloured, trowelled finish.
Reinforced Concrete Overhead Water Storage Tanks and Planters
Waterproofing treatment shall be applied to the insides of tanks and planters.
Waterproofing treatment to floors shall be approximately 50mm thick and 20mm thick to
walls.
Mode of Measurement
For terraces, underground and overhead water tanks, basements, lift pits, AHU Rooms,
kitchens and pantries and the like the area covered between the insides of parapet walls
(unfinished) shall be measured in square metres.
Vertical surface treatment shall be calculated in square metres by taking the inside
perimeter of the parapet and the height of the treatment over parapet walls measured from
the finished horizontal treatment. Where the treatment is continued over horizontal
portions of parapets the same shall be added to the areas calculated as above.
For bathrooms and WC areas treatment carried out in the areas of the sunken floors shall
be measured separately in square metres.
Treatment to walls in bathrooms and WC areas shall be measured in square metres taking
the height of the waterproof treatment above the finished level of the treatment to the
sunken floors.
Brick bat coba treated with waterproofing compound will be measured in cubic metres.
No deductions shall be made in the floor and wall treatment for sanitary and other fittings
and fixtures.

MASONRY
RUBBLE MASONRY
Scope
This specification describes the general requirements of uncovered and covered rubble
masonry on projects.
Applicable Codes
The latest revision of the following Indian Standards and Codes, unless otherwise
specified, shall be applicable to rubble masonry:
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IS 1129 (1972) Stone; Dressing
Stone; slabs, stacking and packing for
IS 8348 (1977)
transportation
IS 1805 (1973) Glossary of terms: quarrying and dressing
Compressive, transverse and sheer strength
IS 1121 (1957)
determination
IS 8759 (1977) Maintenance and preservation of stone
IS 4348 (1973) Permeability determination
IS 1122 (1957) Specific gravity and porosity determination
Water transmission rate through natural building
IS 4121 (1967)
stone
IS 1706 (1972) Wear resistance, determination by abrasion method
Un-coursed Random Rubble in Foundations, Plinths and Superstructures
For work below ground level masonry shall be uncoursed random rubble with ordinary
quarry dressed stones for hearting and faced with selected quarry dressed stones.
For work above ground level and in superstructures masonry shall be coursed, well-
bonded random rubble faced with hammer dressed stones with squared quoins at joints
and corners.
Stones shall be of a type and from a single source approved by the Project Manager in
accordance with the samples provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide
evidence to the Project Manager that there are adequate supplies of the approved stones
available at the quarry.
Stones shall be hard, durable rock, close or fine grained and uniform in colour, free from
veins, flaws and other defects and shall conform to IS 1597 (Part I).
Sufficiently wetted stones shall be laid in the mortar specified for the particular type of
work and the thickness of the joints shall not exceed 12 mm.
No stone shall tail into the wall either with a point or to length less than 1.5 times the
height.
Spawls and pinnings shall not show on the face of the wall. Two bond stones each of a
minimum area of 500 square centimetres for every 1 square metre of each wall face shall
be provided. Bond stones shall be through stones in walls 600mm thick and below. In
walls thicker than 600mm the length of bond stones shall be 2/3 the thickness of walls.
Stones for hearting in the wall shall not be less than 150mm in any direction. Chips and
spawls shall be wedged in to avoid thick mortar beds and joints. Wall faces, corners and
joints of openings shall be truly vertical. Quoins shall be of selected stones neatly dressed
with chisels to form the required angles and laid header and stretcher alternately.
Exposed faces of work shall be carefully and neatly pointed with mortar in all joints. On
the other side joints shall be neatly struck with trowel while the mortar is fresh.
Coursed Rubble (First Sort) in Superstructures
For work above ground level and in superstructures masonry shall be coursed, well-
bonded random rubble faced with hammer dressed stones with squared quoins at joints
and corners.
Stones shall be of a type and from a single source approved by the Project Manager in
accordance with the samples provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide
evidence to the Project Manager that there are adequate supplies of the approved stones
available at the quarry.
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Stones shall be hard, durable rock, free from veins, flaws and other defects and shall
conform to IS 1597 (Part I).
Course heights shall not be less than 150mm. Stones in each course shall be of equal
height and all courses shall be of the same height unless otherwise specified.
Sufficiently wetted stones shall be laid in cement mortar specified for the respective type
work. Bed joints shall be horizontal and side joints vertical and no joint shall be more
than 10mm thick.
Face stones shall be squared on all joints and beds, beds being hammer or chisel dressed
true and square for at least 75mm from the face and joints for at least 40mm. Face of
stones shall be hammer dressed so that bushings do not project more than 40mm.
Spawls or pinnings shall not show on the face of the wall. No face stone shall be less in
breadth than in height or shall tail into the work to a length less than the height and at
least 1/3rd the number of stones shall tail into the work to at least twice their height or 3
times their height in walls over 600mm thick.
Through stones shall be inserted every 1.5 metres to 1.8 metres apart in every course and
shall run right through when the wall is not more than 600mm thick. In walls more than
600mm thick a line of two or more headers shall be laid from face to face and shall
overlap each other by at least 150mm. Headers shall have lengths at least three times the
height.
Stones shall break joint at least half the height of the course. Quoins shall be formed of
stones at least 450mm long laid stretcher and header alternately, square in their beds and
which shall be fair dressed to a depth of at least 100mm. Corners shall be chisel dressed
for a width of 25mm.
Work on interior faces shall be precisely the same as on exterior faces unless the work is
to be plastered or rendered in which case side joints need not be truly vertical.
Hearting shall consist of flat bedded stones carefully laid on their proper beds and solidly
bedded in mortar, chips and spawls of stone being wedged in wherever necessary so as to
avoid thick beds or joints of mortar. Care shall be taken to ensure that no dry work or
hollow spaces are left anywhere in the masonry. Faces and backing shall be brought up
evenly but the backing shall not be levelled up at each course by the use of chips.
Protection and Curing
Green work shall be protected from rain by suitable covering. Masonry in cement or
composite mortar shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for a minimum period of 7
(seven) days. Tops of masonry shall be left flooded with water at the end of each working
day. Care shall be taken not to disturb or wash out green mortar.
Curing of masonry shall continue for a minimum of 10 (ten) days. In the case of masonry
in lime mortar curing shall commence two days after laying and shall continue for a
period of 7 (seven) days.
SIZE STONE MASONRY
Size stones shall be of hard granite, basalt or trap stone obtainable from approved quarry.
The stones shall be clean and wetted before they are used.
Height of course, shall not be less than 15cms. and all courses shall be of uniform height.
Unless otherwise instructed the depth of higher courses should not be more than the depth
of lower courses. Bed and sides shall be hammed or chisel dressed from the face 75mm
and 35mm respectively.
No face stone shall be less in depth than in height or shall tail into the work to a length
less than the height. Stones shall break joints at-least half the height of the course. Faces
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of stones shall be hammer dressed and bushing not be more than 25mm. Thickness of
joints shall not be more than 20mm. Edges of face stones of exposed faces shall be
chiseled true to both longitudinal and vertical lines. Exposed faces of corner stones to be
2 line dressed 50mm wide.
Bond or through stones shall be provided not exceeding 2.0mtr. apart in each course and
shall be staggered. Bond stone shall be from the front to the back of the walls. For wall
upto 60cms thick under, bond stones shall be in one piece and for walls over 60 cms.
thick they shall either be in one piece (if available locally) or be in the series of headers;
each header overlapping the adjoining one by not less than 150mm. Bond or through
stones shall be marked as directed to enable their being easily detected even after having
been built in position. The interior or filling shall be with flat bedded stones laid mortar.
Chips, spalls shall be used to avoid thick mortar joints and shall not exceed 10% of the
quantity of stone masonry. Care is to be taken that no dry work or hollow spaces shall be
left anywhere in the masonry.
MORTAR MIXING
Mixing of mortar shall be done in a mechanical mixer. Hand mixing shall be resorted to
only when specifically permitted by the architect. Cement and sand shall be mixed dry
thoroughly and then water shall be added gradually. Wet mixing shall be continued till
mortar of the consistency of a stiff paste and uniform colour is obtained. Only the
quantity of mortar which can be used within thirty minutes of its mixing shall be prepared
at a time.
Mortar shall be used as soon as possible after mixing and before it has begun to set and in
any case within thirty minutes after the water is added to the dry mixture. Mortar left
unused for more than thirty minutes after mixing shall be rejected and removed from the
site of work.
CURING
Green work shall be protected from rain by suitable covering. Masonry in cement or
composite mortar shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for a minimum period of 7
(seven) days. Tops of masonry shall be left flooded with water at the end of each working
day. Care shall be taken not to disturb or wash out green mortar.
Curing of masonry shall continue for a minimum of 10 (ten) days. In the case of masonry
in lime mortar curing shall commence two days after laying and shall continue for a
period of 7 (seven) days.
SCAFFOLDING
Unless otherwise instructed by the architect, double scaffolding having two sets of
vertical metal supports shall be provided for all building work. The supports shall be
sound, strong and tied together with horizontal pieces over which scaffolding planks shall
be fixed.
The contractor shall be responsible for providing and maintaining sufficiently strong
metal scaffolding so as to withstand all loads likely to come upon it. Wooden scaffolding
shall not be permitted.

BRICKWORK AND BLOCK WORK

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Scope
This specification describes the general requirements for brickwork and blockwork on
projects.
Applicable Codes
The latest revision of the following Indian Standards and Codes, unless otherwise
specified, shall be applicable to all brickwork and blockwork:
IS 1077 Specification for Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks
IS 2116 Specification for Sand for Masonry Mortar
IS 2212 Code of Practice for Brickwork
Code of Practice for Preparation and Use of Masonry
IS 2250
Mortar
Handbook of Method of Measurement for Building
SP 27
Works
Specifications for Mild Steel and Medium Tensile
IS 432
Bars
IS 2185 Specification for Cement Concrete Block
IS 2572 Code of practice for Construction of Concrete Walls
IS 9103 Specification for Admixture of Concrete
Brickwork
Bricks shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards and shall be sound, hard,
homogeneous in texture, well burnt without being vitrified, table moulded, deep red,
cherry or copper coloured, of regular shape and size and shall have sharp and square
edges and parallel faces.
Bricks shall be free from pores, chips, flaws or humps of any kind. Bricks containing
unground particles and/or which absorb more than 1/6th of their weight in water when
soaked for 24 (twenty four) hours shall be rejected. Over-burnt or under-burnt bricks
shall be rejected.
Bricks shall give a clear ring sound when struck and shall have a minimum crushing
strength of 50 Kg/sq.cm. unless otherwise specified on drawings. The classes and quality
requirements of bricks shall be as laid down in IS 3102.
Bricks shall be 23 x 11.5 x 7.5 cm, unless otherwise specified. Tolerances up to +/- 3mm
in each direction will be permitted and bricks conforming in size to IS 1077 may be used
with the approval of the Project Manager.
Bricks shall be provided with frogs. Only full size bricks shall be used for masonry work.
Brickbats may only be used with the permission of the Project Manager to make up
required wall lengths or for bonding. Sample bricks shall be submitted to the Project
Manager for approval and bricks supplied shall strictly conform to the approved samples.
If requested by the Project Manager brick samples shall be tested by the Contractor at his
own cost in accordance with IS 3495. Bricks rejected by the Project Manager for
whatever reason shall be removed from the Site within 24 (twenty four) hours.
Facing Brickwork
Facing bricks of the type, size and colour specified shall be laid in the positions indicated
on the drawings. Sample bricks shall be submitted to the Project Manager for approval
and bricks supplied shall strictly conform to the approved samples.
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Fair faced brickwork shall be well bonded to the backing brickwork and no fair faced
brickwork shall be at any time more than 600mm above the backing brickwork or raised
more than one metre per day.
Fair faced brickwork shall be pointed as the work proceeds and internal faces of the
brickwork shall be pointed with neat flush joint to give a fair face. Bricks shall be kept
constantly moist on all faces for a minimum period of 10 (ten) days.
Newly laid fair-faced brickwork shall be protected from rain by suitable covering until
the mortar has sufficiently set.
Fair-faced brickwork shall be kept clean and free from damage, defacing, discolouration
and the like at all times. The Contractor shall carefully fill all holes with bricks similar to
the surrounding brickwork and point as required to the satisfaction of the Project
Manager.
Double scaffolding shall not be used against fair-faced brickwork and no holes in fair-
faced brickwork shall be allowed for the erection of scaffolding.
The rates quoted by the Contractor are exclusive of transoms and mullions. The
Contractor shall provide the same as shown or indicated on the drawings. They shall be
generally provided only in half and one brick walls. Dimensions of the transoms and
mullions shall conform to wall thicknesses. Concrete work for transoms and mullions
shall conform to the Specifications for concrete and shall be of concrete Grade M200.
Concrete Blockwork
Hollow or solid concrete blocks shall conform to IS 2185 and shall be regular in size and
shape and of the specified strength.
Blocks shall be properly cured before being brought to Site and shall have a texture such
that plaster and/or render will readily adhere to it.
The Contractor shall supply samples for the approval of the Project Manager and all
blocks supplied shall conform strictly to the approved samples.
Half or three quarter size blocks may be used wherever required to make up lengths of
walls but broken blocks shall not be used
Pre-cast concrete screen or special blocks or `jali' work for decorative purposes shall be
as specified on the drawings or as directed by the Project Manager. Sample blocks shall
be submitted to the Project Manager for approval and blocks supplied shall strictly
conform to the approved samples.
Mortar for Brickwork and Blockwork
Mortar shall be prepared in accordance with IS 2250. Mixes for cement mortar shall be as
specified for the respective items of work.
Cement shall be ordinary Portland cement as described in Specification 8.2.
Sand shall be natural sand in accordance with IS 383, passing a 4.75mm size IS sieve,
and shall be free from clay, shale, loam, alkali, organic and other deleterious matter and
shall be of sound, hard, clean and durable particles. Sand shall be approved by the Project
Manager and, if so directed, shall be thoroughly washed until it is free of any contamina-
tion.
Gauge boxes for sand shall be of such dimensions that one complete 50kg bag of cement
forms one unit.
For the preparation of cement mortar the ingredients shall first be thoroughly mixed dry.
Water shall then be added and the mixing continued until a uniform mix of the required
consistency is achieved.
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Cement mortar shall preferably be machine mixed, though hand mixing in troughs may
be allowed with the approval of the Project Manager. Mortar so mixed shall be used
within 25 (twenty five) minutes of mixing. Mortar left unused within the specified period
shall be rejected and disposed of by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the Project
Manager. Re-tempering of mortar shall not be permitted.
The Contractor shall arrange at his own cost for tests on mortar samples, if so directed by
the Project Manager.
Workmanship for Brickwork
Workmanship shall conform strictly to IS 2212.
Bricks shall be thoroughly soaked in clean water for at least one hour immediately before
being laid. Cement mortar for brickwork shall be as specified in the respective item of
work.
Brickwork 230 mm thick and over shall be laid in English Bond unless otherwise
specified. Brickwork 115 mm thick shall be laid in Stretcher Bond.
A layer of mortar shall be spread over the full width of a suitable length of the lower
course and bricks pressed into the mortar and shoved into final position so as to embed
the brick fully in mortar. Bricks shall be laid with frogs uppermost.
Bricks shall be laid so that all joints are well filled with mortar. The thickness of joints
shall not be less than 6mm and not more than 10mm. Face joints shall be raked to a
minimum depth of 12mm by raking tools during the progress of work when the mortar is
still green so as to provide a proper key for pointing, plastering or rendering. When
pointing, plastering or rendering is not required joints shall be uniform in thickness,
struck flush and finished at the time of laying.
Brickwork shall be plumb, square and true to lines and the dimensions shown on
drawings. Vertical joints in alternate courses shall laid directly one over the other and be
in line. Horizontal courses shall be levelled.
The thickness of brick courses shall be kept uniform. For walls greater than 230 mm thick
both faces shall be kept in vertical planes. All interconnected brickwork shall be carried
out at one level (so that there is uniform distribution of pressure on the supporting
structure) and no portion of the work shall be left more than one course lower than the
adjacent work. Where this is not possible the work shall be raked back according to bond
(and not saw toothed) at an angle not exceeding 45 o but in no case shall the difference in
levels between adjoining walls be allowed to exceed 1.25 metres.
Faces of brickwork shall be cleaned daily and all mortar droppings cleaned off and
removed. Top surfaces of each course shall be thoroughly cleaned before other courses
are laid. If mortar in lower courses has begun to set joints shall be raked out to a depth of
12mm before laying is continued.
Brickwork shall be built tightly against columns, floor slabs or other structural members.
Where drawings indicate that structural steel columns are to be fireproofed with
brickwork, brickwork shall be built closely against all flanges and webs with all spaces
between the steel and brickwork filled solid with mortar. Steel members partly
embedded in brickwork and not described as fireproofed with concrete shall be covered
with a coat of mortar not less than 12 mm thick unless otherwise directed by the Project
Manager.
Miscellaneous inserts in brickwork, e.g. sleeves, wall ties, anchors, conduits, structural
steel, steel lintels and the like shall be installed by the Contractor and these items shall be
deemed to be included in the quoted rates for brickwork. The supply of such inserts by
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the Contractor will be paid separately in accordance with the relevant items of the Bill of
Quantities.
Openings, arches, chases, pockets and the like shall be provided as shown on the
drawings to receive windows, louvres, doors frames and the like.
Wall ties and flashings shall be built into brickwork in accordance with the drawings and
Specifications. It shall be clearly understood that the rates quoted by the Contractor shall
be deemed to include for leaving openings, forming arches, cutting chases, pockets and
the like in brickwork for various trades.
Workmanship for Blockwork
Blockwork shall be plumb, square and properly bonded with broken joints. The thickness
of the courses shall be uniform with courses horizontal. All connected work shall be
carried out at one level and no portion of the work shall be left more than one course
lower than the adjacent work.
Blocks shall be laid so that all joints are well filled with mortar. Joints shall not be less
than 6mm and not more than 8mm thick. Face joints shall be raked to a minimum depth
of 10mm by raking tools during the progress of work when the mortar is still green so as
to provide a proper key for pointing, plastering or rendering. When pointing, plastering or
rendering is not required joints shall be struck flush.
For pointed blockwork or blockwork without plaster or render approved, smooth textured
concrete blocks shall be used.
Faces of blockwork shall be cleaned daily and all mortar droppings cleaned off and
removed. Top surfaces of each course shall be thoroughly cleaned before other courses
are laid. If mortar in lower courses has begun to set joints shall be raked out to a depth of
12mm before laying is continued.
Where blocks are to be used for load bearing walls the uppermost course of blocks
supporting slabs or other structural members shall be solid or treated as directed by the
Project Manager.
Miscellaneous inserts in blockwork, e.g. sleeves, wall ties, anchors, conduits, structural
steel, steel lintels and the like shall be installed by the Contractor and these items shall be
deemed to be included in the quoted rates for blockwork. The supply of such inserts by
the Contractor will be paid separately in accordance with the relevant items of the Bill of
Quantities.
Openings, arches, chases, pockets and the like shall be provided as shown on the
drawings to receive windows, louvres, doors frames and the like.
Wall ties and flashings shall be built into blockwork in accordance with the drawings and
Specifications. It shall be clearly understood that the rates quoted by the Contractor shall
be deemed to include for leaving openings, forming arches, cutting chases, pockets and
the like in blockwork for various trades.
Measurement
Brickwork
Brickwork one brick thick, i.e. 230mm, and above shall, unless otherwise described in the
Bill of Quantities, be measured and paid for on the basis of rates quoted per cubic metre.
Brickwork less one brick thick, i.e. less than 230mm, shall be measured and paid for on
the basis of rates quoted per square metre.
Brickwork in steps and such other mass works and/or encasement work shall be
measured and paid for on the basis of rates quoted per cubic metre.
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Miscellaneous inserts, e.g. sleeves, ties, anchors, conduits, pipes and the like in or
through brickwork shall be installed by the Contractor and the cost shall be deemed to be
included in the quoted rates for brickwork. The supply of such items by the Contractor
will be paid separately in accordance with the relevant items of the Bill of Quantities.
Quantities measured and paid for shall be those actually executed after making all
necessary deductions for openings and the like.
Blockwork
Blockwork of specified thicknesses shall be measured and paid for on the basis of rates
quoted per square metre.
Where reinforcing bars are specified to be laid in horizontal courses they shall be
measured and paid for separately on the basis of quoted rates for reinforcement per tonne.
Miscellaneous inserts, e.g. sleeves, ties, anchors, conduits, pipes and the like in or
through blockwork shall be installed by the Contractor and the cost shall be deemed to be
included in the quoted rates for blockwork. The supply of such items by the Contractor
will be paid separately in accordance with the relevant items of the Bill of Quantities.
Quantities measured and paid for shall be those actually executed after making all
necessary deductions for openings and the like.

WALL AND CEILING FINISHES

Scope
This Specification describes the general requirements for plaster finishes and rendering
on projects.
Applicable Codes

IS 383 Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates

IS 412 Specification for Expanded Metal Sheets for General Purposes
IS 1542 Specification for Sand for Plaster
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Code of Practice for Field Slaking of Building Lime and Preparation of
IS 1635
Putty
Code of Practice for the Application of C3ment and Cement-lime Plaster
IS 1661
Finishes
IS 2394 Code of Practice for the Application of Lime Plaster Finish
IS 2402 Code of Practice for External Rendered Finishes
IS 2645 Specification for Integral Cement Waterproofing Compound
Materials
Cement shall be ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS 269 for all purposes.
Lime shall conform to IS 712.
Sand shall conform to IS 1542. For white and/or coloured render only quartz or silica
sand shall be used.
For textured finishes and final or finishing coats sand used shall be screened through
3.35mm and 22.36mm IS sieves respectively. For torn texture a slightly larger proportion
of sand screened through a 4.75mm IS sieve shall be used.
Water used for mixing and curing shall be clean, clear and free from silt, oil, alkalis,
acids, salts and the like.
Coloured cement shall be either ready mixed material or may be obtained by mixing
pigments and cement on Site. Pigments mixed with cement shall conform to IS 2114.
Integral waterproofing compound shall conform to IS 2645.
Expanded metal backgrounds for plastering and/or rendering shall conform to IS 412.
Lime For Rendering
This wall be prepared out of best quality fat lime slaked at site with fresh water not less
than one week or more than two weeks before use. All impurities, ashes, improperly
burnt stuff shall be screened and picked out before slakening. Slaked lime shall be
screened through to remove all un-slaked materials, stones etc., so that only a fine creamy
paste is available for rendering. Slaking lime is diluted with just sufficient water to give
a thick consistent liquid suitable for effective covering of base surface. Before the base
coat sets the lime rendering is applied and finished smooth and the entire plastered
surface is truly plane.
Workmanship
Mortar mix shall be measured in volume using gauge boxes or by weight. Mixing shall
be done mechanically and each mortar batch shall be used within 30 (thirty) minutes.
Hand mixing shall only be allowed with the prior approval of the Project Manager and in
accordance with his directions.
Proportions for mortar shall be as specified under the respective items of work. Cement
and sand shall be mixed dry in the required proportion to obtain a uniform colour and
water added to produce the required consistency of plaster or render.
Joints in masonry shall be raked to a depth of 12 mm with a hooked tool made for the
purpose when the mortar is still green and in any case within 48 (forty eight) hours of
laying. Concrete surfaces shall be hacked or chipped. Excess bulges and uneven surfaces
must be removed and chipped properly to line and level and no additional payment shall
be made for this work.
Surfaces to be plastered or rendered shall be washed with fresh clean water to remove all
dirt, loose material, grease and the like and thoroughly wetted for 6 (six) hours before
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plasterwork or render is commenced. Concrete surfaces to be plastered or rendered shall,
however, be kept perfectly dry.
Walls shall not be too wet but only damp at the time of plastering. Damping shall be
uniform to obtain a uniform bond between the plaster and walls.
Curing of plaster or render shall be started as soon as the applied coats have hardened
enough so as not to be damaged to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Curing shall
be done by the continuous application of water in a fine spray and shall be carried out for
at least 7 (seven) days.
Where the specification or the item of work calls for waterproofing the Contractor shall
add the recommended percentage of waterproofing compound to the mortar mix.
Plaster or render to ceilings shall be carried out before plaster or render to walls and
plaster or render to walls shall commence at the top and proceed downwards.
Internal Plaster or Render
Plaster To Walls
Plaster to internal faces of walls shall be 15mm thick comprising of one part cement and
six parts of clean fine sand. The external surfaces of external wall shall have plaster of
10mm thickness comprising of one part of cement and 6 parts of clean fine sand to form
base for vapour barrier.
Applications
Plaster application shall be commenced only after the preparatory work is approved by
the architect/contractor/consultant. Correct thickness of plaster shall be obtained by
laying plaster screeds (gauges) at intervals of 1.5mtrs as directed.
Mortar shall be firmly applied, well pressed into the joints, rubbed, and finished as
approved by the architect/contractor/consultants to give a smooth and even surface.
Ceiling Plaster
Plaster to ceilings, soffits or stairs flight slabs and similar locations, where called for,
shall be 12mm thick and comprise of one part cement and four parts of clean fine sand.
Chicken Mesh To Walls
Galvanized chicken mesh or expanded metal (24 gauge, 12mm size) shall be provided at
junctions of brick masonry and concrete members, to be plastered and other locations
150mm on either sides of the junction in double fold or as called for, properly stretched
and nailed, ensuring equal thickness of plaster on both sides of the mesh.
External Plaster or Render
20mm two coat cement and sand mortar shall be applied to external surfaces as specified.
The first coat shall be 14mm thick and the second coat 6mm thick. The first layer shall be
dashed against prepared surfaces with a trowel to obtain an even surface. The second
layer shall then be applied and finished leaving a trowel finished even and uniform
surface.
External Sand Faced Plaster or Render
20mm two coat cement and sand mortar shall be applied to external surfaces. The first or
the scratch coat shall be approximately 14mm thick and shall be carried out continuously
without break to the full lengths of walls or natural breaking points, such as doors,
windows and the like. The scratch coat shall be applied to prepared surfaces with heavy
pressure to produce a true and even surface and then lightly roughened by cross scratch
lines to provide a bond for the finishing coat. The scratch coat shall be cured for at least 7
(seven) days and then allowed to dry.
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The second coat shall be 6 mm thick and shall not be applied until at least 10 (ten) days
after the application of the scratch coat. Before the application of the second coat the
scratch coat shall be uniformly dampened. This coat shall be applied from top to bottom
in one operation and without joints and the finish shall be straight, true and even. Only
approved white sand shall be used for the second coat and for finishing work. Sand for
finish shall be of even coarse size and shall be dashed on the surface and sponged.
Where 32mm thick plaster or render is specified for the purpose of providing beading,
bands and the like work shall be carried out in either two or three coats as directed by the
Project Manager.
For pebble face finished plaster or render pebbles of approved size and quality shall be
dashed against the final surface to obtain a uniform pattern to the satisfaction of the
Project Manager.
Waterproof Finishes
Where specified or directed by the Project Manager the Contractor shall incorporate
approved waterproofing admixtures obtained from reputed manufacturers into the mortar
for plasterwork and render.
Quantities to be used and the method of incorporation shall be strictly in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions subject to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
Admixtures shall not contain calcium chloride unless specifically approved by the Project
Manager and shall conform to IS 2645.
Measurement
Work under this item shall be measured by taking the projected surface of the area
plastered or rendered less deductions for openings, doors, windows, fan openings and the
like. Plasterwork or render carried out on door and window jambs, around openings and
the like shall be measured and added to the general areas. Wherever wattas are required
they will not be measured separately but included in the surface areas as measured
hereabove.
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WATERPROOFING WORK
ALTERNATIVES
CEMENT BASED WATERPROOFING
MEMBRANE TYPE
CEMENT BASED WATERPROOFING
RELATED WORKS
Includes de-watering, soling, PCC 1:3:6, drains.
Concreting for retaining walls, slab casting at toilets, terraces.
sump tanks.
MATERIALS

a. Cement @ 5 bags/100 Sft

b. Sand Shall be clean river sand
c. Waterproofing Admixture By approved Manufacturer
d. Aggregates 20mm and downsize
e. Brick bats
EXECUTION
Sump and Toilets
RCC surface to be cleaned, brushed and watered
Toilets: Water proofing for floor shall be of 35mm thick, for walls shall be 25mm thick
with CM 1:4
For OH Tank and UG Sump thickness of plaster shall be 35mm in two layers
Waterproofing admixture shall be as per the manufacturer’s specification.
Grouting shall be done with cement slurry wherever required and honeycombing in
concrete is found.
Curing shall be done for a minimum period of 7 days.
MEMBRANE METHOD
RCC surface to be cleaned brushed and watered.
RCC surface shall be Coated with compatible Multiples primer / Cold sticker / Multiples
blown bitumen of grade 85/25 or 90/15
Waterproofing treatment with polymeric standard waterproofing membrane of 3kg/Sqm
of 4mm thick (Multiples standard) shall be provided as per the manufacturer's
specification approved by Project Manager with an over lap of 10cms.
Then membrane shall be bound by torch application with 10cms overlap where required.
Topping shall be done with laying of 10mm thick Thermo Cole sheet with necessary
adhesive / hot blown bitumen.
Over thermo Cole sheet brick coba /Grano concrete / Lightweight concrete shall be laid
to slope and curing shall be done

10. Roofing Tiles:

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The roofing tiles shall be of approved colour, design and size. The shape of the tiles may
be standard Mangalore pattern, curved tailor type of modern club or such other type as specified in
the item. It shall be of approval manufacturer and of uniform colour and size without any defects
such as cracks, flows etc.

The surface shall be completely cleaned of all dirt, dust etc. and made perfectly in one line
without any evenness by supplying a thin coat of plaster as required and made rough by wire brush.
The required water proofing treatment shall be applied before fixing the tiles. The water proofing
treatment shall be paid in the relevant item. The roofing tiles set in cement mortar 1:3. The tiles
shall be laid in perfect slope so that no water can seep under the tiles. The ridge and valleys shall be
provided in such a manner that the junctions are formed properly without disturbing the appearance
and permits easy flows of water. The joint shall be finished in the same colour as the tiles. The
bottom tile shall project about 5cm beyond the slab line. The junction with wall shall be made
carefully and the tile shall be fixed inside the wall by making Jhari about 25 to 50mm deep, so that
no water can percolate from the junction. Cement vata shall be provided on at the junction of the
tiles and the wall and shall be finished in the same colour.

10.1 Mode of Measurement and Payment:

The item includes all materials, including ridges, valley etc and labour complete. It shall be
paid on Smt basis visible work done. The water proofing treatment and cement vata shall be paid
for in the relevant items separately.

11. Chain Link Fencing

Materials;

i. Water shall conform to M-1.

ii. Cement shall conform to M-3.

iii. Sand shall conform to M-44.
iv. Bricks bats aggregate shall conform to M-14.
Oil paint shall conform to M-44.

Top and bottom G.I. tension wire shall be of best quality and of 8 gauge.

Workmanship:

The pits of the size 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5mm shall first be tension made either in brick work or excavated,
true to line and level to receive the post at 2.5 m. C/C specified by the Architect/Engineer-in-
charge.
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The pits shall be filled with a layer of 0.15 mm thick with lean concrete 1:5:10 (1 cement : 5
Sand :10 Graded brick bat aggregates 40mm nominal size). The M.S. angle 40mm x 40mm x 6mm
shall be then placed over the concrete in true line and plumb. The remaining portion of block shall
be filled in with cement concrete 1:2:4 and rammed properly so as to form total 0.5mm x 0.5mm
concrete block. The concrete shall be cured for 7 days to allow it to set.

The chain link shall be stretched and fixed as per drawing. The bottom row shall be 1250 mm
above ground. The chain link shall be stretched between adjacent post from top wire of one post to
the bottom wire of second post. The wire shall be fixed to post by means of staples.

The M.S. angle posts shall be painted with 3 coats of oil paint of approved tint and shade over coat
of primer. Chain link shall be applied with silver paint if required.

11.3 Mode of Measurement and Payment:

The work shall be measured in Running meter. The rate is inclusive of all materials mentioned in
description of items including oil painting etc. complete.

12. PVC Hand Rail

12.1 Material:

PVC hand rail shall be of approved colour and make such as calaiplast or equivalent as
approved by the Architect and Engineer in charge.

12.2 Workmanship:

The railing shall be fixed as per the design, drawing with necessary hardware. Work shall
be carried out with best workmanship and specification laid down by the manufacturer.

12.3 Mode of Measurement and Payment:

The item shall be measured and paid in running meter. No hidden measurements shall be measured
and paid. Only actual visible measurement shall be measured and wastage shall not be permitted.

13. Asbestos Cement Sheet Rooting:

13.1 Materials:

Asbestos cement sheets shall conform to M-24.

13.2 Workmanship:
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The maximum spacing of purling shall be 1.6 meters in case of 7mm thick A.C. sheets and
1.4 meters for 6mm thick A.C. sheets.

13.2.2 Laying and Fixing of Sheets:

The sheets shall be laid on the purling and other roof members as per code of practice. The
top bearing surface of all purling and other roof members shall be in one plane so that the sheets
when being fixed shall not be required to be forced down to rest on the purling. The finished roof
shall present uniform slop and the line of corrugation shall be starlight and true. The sheets shall be
laid with smooth side upwards. Corrugated sheets shall be laid starting at the eaves either from left
to right or right to left depending upon the direction of wind. Before actual laying of the sheets in
started, the purlins spacing and the size of sheets shall be checked to ensure that the arrangements
shall provide the laps required and the specified overhang at the eaves. In case the sheets are laid
from tight to left, the first sheet shall be laid uncut but the remaining sheets in the bottom row shall
have the top left hand corners cut or mitered. The sheets in the second and other immediate rows
shall have bottom right hand corner of the first sheet cut. All other sheet shall have only top left
hand corner cut. The last of the top row sheets shall have the bottom right hand corner cut with
exception of the last sheet which shall be left uncut. If the sheets are laid from left to right, the first
sheet shall be laid and cut and the remaining procedure shall be reversed.

The free overhang of the sheets at the eaves shall not exceed 400mm. In case of 7mm thick
sheets and 300mm in case of 6mm thick sheets.

The miter described above is necessary to provide snug fit. Where 4 sheets meet at a lap
the length of meter shall be 150mm and the width of miter shall be equal the width of the side lap.
The cutting may be done with ordinary wood-saw at site.

13.2.3 Laps:

The sheets shall be laid with an end lap of 150mm minimum. In case of roof with a pitch
flatter than 1 vertical to 2.5 horizontal (Approx. 22 degree) or in the case of very exposed situations
appropriate larger laps may be provided. The sheets shall be laid with side lap of half a corrugation.

13.2.4 Fixing Accessories:

The Sheets shall be secured to purlins and other roof members by means of 8mm
galvanized iron bolts “J” type hook bolts in case of angle iron purlins and ‘L’ type bolts in case of
R.S. joist, pre-cast concrete, or timber purlins, and nuts bearing galvanized iron washers and
bitumen washers. The grip of ‘J’ or ‘L’ bolts on the side of purlins shall not be less than 25mm.
Each galvanized iron ‘J’ or ‘L’ hook bolts shall have a bitumen washer and galvanized iron washer
paced over the sheets before the nuts is screwed form above. On each purlins there shall be one
hook bolt on the crown adjacent to the side lap on either side bitumen washer shall be of approved
quality. The G.I. flat washer shall be 25mm in diameter and 1.60mm thick and bitumen washer
shall be 35mm in dia and 1.5mm thick with hole to suit the required size of fixing accessory. Each
nut shall be screwed lightly at first. After a dozen or more sheets are laid, the nuts shall be
tightened to ensure to a leak-proof joint and also nuts tightened only to extent so as to prevent
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damage to the sheets. The length of the ‘J’ bolts or crank bolts shall be 75mm more than the depth
of purlins for single sheet fixing and 90mm more where two sheets overlap or where ridges or other
accessories are to be fixed. The minimum length of cock screw for timber purlins shall be 110mm.

13.2.4 Holes:

The holes for fixing the sheet shall be drilled in the center of end lap of sheets to suit the
purlins i.e. on the center line of the purlins, if these are of timber and square head cock screws are
used, or as close as possible to the back of purlins if ‘J’ or ‘L’ bolts are used with steel angles or
pre-cast concrete or timber purlins. Holes for hook bolts etc. shall be 2mm more than the diameter
of the fixing bolts. No holes shall be nearer than 40mm to any edge of sheet or accessory.

13.3 Mode of Measurements and Payments:

The measurement of the Asbestos Cement sheet root shall be taken for finished work only.
The over lap of the corrugated sheets over valley gutters, roof lights, caves, filler pieces and
underlay of the corrugated sheets below ridges, hips, north light curves, flashing pieces, roof light
sheets and barge board shall be included in the measurement. No deduction shall be made for holes
cutting for extractors or cowl type ventilators. Deductions shall be made for roof light sheets.

T.W. Dasa

The wood shall be of best available Burma teak wood approved by the Architect/Engineer. The
cross sectional area of the dasa shall be up to 75 Sq.cm. It shall be given in the shape as per details
given in the drawings. The turnings shall be made from a single piece of wood joining the upper
and lower dasa in a smooth curve. It shall be properly fixed on the runner of the railing as shown
on the drawings. It shall be finished with warning or enamel painting, in the best workmanship.

Mode of Measurement and Payment :

The item includes all material, including turning, all labour, painting, varnishing, screws
etc. complete. It shall be paid on running meter basis of work done.

15 Epoxy Type Water Proofing Treatment :

15.1 Workmanship :

The Surface shall be cleaned fully and all dust, dirt or organic or inorganic substances shall
be removed from the surfaces with wire brush. Any major or minor cracks on the surface shall be
opened out to ‘V’ share and cleaned and all loose materials shall be removed by using compressed
air or water jet. The cracks shall be filled with chemical water proofing materials.

One coast of epoxy shall be applied with sufficient thickness to form rigid and water fight
membrane and allowed to dry over night. Second coat shall be applied similarly. After the second
coat is completely dry, the surface shall be tested by filling 15cm of water for 48 hours. No
dampness shall appear below the entire surface. If there is any dampness seen any where the whole
process shall be repeated until the surface below remains completely dry after 48 hours of testing.
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The contractor shall furnish a bond on stamp paper of Rs.40/- for a period of ten years as
per annexure No.1 no. 1. If there is any water leakage during the guarantee period the contractor
shall have to rectify the defect and any damage at his own lost.

Mode of measurement and Payment :

Item shall be paid on Sq.mt. basis of work done.

16 Water Proofing Work:

Treatment for Roof Surface:

The brick bats shall be form well-burnt bricks. The proprietary water proofing compound shall
conform to IS2645:1975. Before execution of work, waterproofing compound has to be brought
to site from which random sample would be got tested and certificate of its conforming to IS code
should be produced. The proprietary waterproofing compound shall be added at the rate
recommended by the specialist firm but not exceeding 3% by weight of cement.

16.1 The finished surface after water proofing treatment shall have minimum slope of 1 in 60.
At no point shall the thickness of water proofing treatment be less than 65mm.

While treatment of roof surface is done, it shall be ensured that the outlet drainpipes have been
fixed and mouth at the entrance have been eased and rounded off properly for easy flow of water.

The surface where the waterproofing is to be done shall be thoroughly cleaned with wire brushes.
All loose scales shall be removed and dusted off. The surface shall be treated with neat cement
slurry admixed with proprietary water proofing compound to penetrate interstices and fill up all
the porosities in the surface this cement slurry shall be applied to the junction of parapet and
terrace slab by injection process.

After the slurry coat is laid a layer of well burnt brick bat shall be laid in cement mortar of mix as
specified by the specialist firm but not leaner than 1:5 (1 cement: 5 coarse sand) admixed with
proprietary water proofing compound to required gradient and joints filled to half depth. The
brickbat layer shall be rounded at the junction with parapet and tapered towards top for a height
of 300mm. Curing of this layer shall be done for 3 days.

After curing, the surface shall be applied with a coat of cement slurry admixed with proprietary
water proofing compound.

Joints of brick bat layer shall be filled fully with cement mortar of mix as specified by the
specialist firm but not leaner than 1:4 (1 cement: 4 coarse sand) admixed with proprietary water
proofing compound and finally top finished with average 20mm thick layer of same mortar and
finished smooth with cement slurry admixed with proprietary water proofing compound. The
finished surface shall have marking of 300 x 300 mm false squares to gives the appearance of
tiles.
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Curing of water proofing treatment shall be done for a minimum period of 10 days.

Measurements: The measurement shall be taken along the finished surface of treatment including
the rounded and tapered portion at junction of parapet wall. Length and breadth shall be measured
correct to one centimeter and areas shall be worked out to nearest 0.01 sqm No. deduction in
measurement shall be made for either openings or recess for chimneys, stacks, roof lights and the
likes for areas up to 0.40 Sqm. nor anything shall be paid for forming such opening. For similar
areas exceeding 0.40 Sqm. deductions will be made in measurements for full openings and
nothing extra shall be paid for making such openings.
Rates: The rate shall include the cost of all labour and materials involved in all the operations
described above.

Treatments for Sunken Floor Slab:

Brickbat aggregate shall be form well with burnt bricks. The proprietary water proofing
compound and the quantity to be used shall be as per Para 15.1

The surface shall be thoroughly cleaned with wire brushes. All loose scales shall be removed and
dusted off. The surface (bottom as well as sides) shall be treated with cement slurry admixed with
proprietary water proofing compound to penetrate interstices and fill up all the porosity in the
surface.

After the slurry coat in laid, a layer of well burnt brick bats/aggregates of about 40mm size shall
be laid in cement mortar of mix as specified by the specialist firm but not leaner than 1:5 (1
cement: 5 coarse sand) admixed with proprietary water proofing compound the mortar being
filled to half the depth of the aggregate. The brick bat/aggregates layer shall be rounded of at
junctions with the beam/wall etc. curing of this layer shall be done for 3days.

After curing, the surface shall be applied with a coat of cement slurry admixed with proprietary
water proofing compound.

Joints of brick bat/aggregate shall be filled fully with cement mortar of mix as specified by the
specialist firm but not leaner than 1:4 (1cement: 4 coarse sand) admixed with proprietary water
proofing compound and top finished with average 20mm thick layer of same mortar. This layer of
mortar shall be continued to the sides of beam/wall, etc. The height up to, which this treatment is
to be extended on the sides shall be as, directed by the Architects. The surface shall be finished
smooth with cement slurry admixed with proprietary water proofing compound.

While the water proofing treatment is done, it shall be ensured that the outlet pipes are properly
filled with brick/stone aggregate and cement mortar admixed with proprietary water proofing
compound and grouted with cement slurry admixed with proprietary water proofing compound
by injection process.

Water proofing treatment shall be cured for 10 days.

Measurements: Measurements for the floor treatment shall be taken on plan area of floor treated.
Nothing extra shall be paid for founding off at junctions and taking the treatment along the sides
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of beams and walls for about 100mm. Sides of beam / wall etc.. Where the treatment is only with
mortar shall be measured and paid separately, length and breadth shall be measured correct to one
centimeter and area calculated to 0.01 Sqm.

Rates: The rates shall include the cost of all labour and material involved in all the operations
described above. Base treatment and sides treatment will be paid separately under respective
items.

QUALITY CONTROL TEST

1. CEMENT:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Fineness
ii. Soundness
iii. Consistency
iv. Setting time
v. Compressive strength and
vi. Chemical analysis
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 4031-1988 Method of physical tests for Hydraulic cements
Part-2 - Determination of fitness by Blaine air Permeability method.
Part-3 - Determination of soundness.
Part-4 - Determination of consistency.
Part-5 - Determination of initial and final setting time.
Part-6 - Determination of compressive strength.
IS: 4032-1985 Chemical analysis of Hydraulic cement.
IS: 3535-1986 Method of sampling Hydraulic cements.
IS: 8112-1989 Specification for 43 grade ordinary Portland cement.
IS: 12269-1987 Specification for 53 grade ordinary Portland cement.
IS: 12330-1988 Specification for sulfate resisting Portland cement.
Concrete workers:
Guide-1992 By Research and Consultancy directorate, A.C.C. Ltd., Mumbai
2. FINE AGGREGATE:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Particle size and shape
ii. Estimation of deleterious materials and organic impurities
iii. Specific gravity and density
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
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c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 383-1990 Specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural sources
for concrete.
IS: 2430-1986 Methods of sampling of aggregates for concrete.
IS: 2386-1990 Methods of tests for aggregates for concrete.
Part-1 - Particle size and shape
Part-2 - Estimate of deleterious materials and organic impurities.
Part-3 - Specific gravity and density.
Part-6 - Mortar making properties of fine aggregate.
Concrete workers:
Guide-1992 By Research and Consultancy directorate, A.C.C. Ltd.,
Mumbai
3. COARSE AGGREGATE:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Sieve analysis
ii. Flakiness index
iii. Specific gravity and density
iv. Soundness
v. Alkali aggregate reaction
vi. Mechanical properties
vii. Petrographic examination
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 383-1990 Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources
for concrete.
IS: 2430-1986 Methods of sampling of aggregates for concrete.
IS: 2396-1990 Methods of tests for aggregates for concrete
Part-1: Particle size and shape.
Part-3: Specific gravity and density.
Part-4: Mechanical properties.
Part-5: Soundness.
Part-7: Alkali aggregate reactivity.
Part-8: Petrographic examination
Concrete workers
Guide-1992 By Research and Consultancy directorate, A.C.C. Ltd., Mumbai

4. WATER:
a) Recommended tests:
i. P-Alkalinity
ii. M-Alkalinity
iii. Inorganic solids
iv. Sulfates
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v. Chlorides
vi. Suspended solids
vii. Organic solids
viii. pH value
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references
IS: 456-1978 Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
IS: 3025-1986 Methods of sampling and tests (Physical and chemical) for water
and waste water.
Part-1 (1986): Sampling
Part-2 (1983): pH value
Part-15 (1989): Total residue (total solids dissolved and suspended
Part-16 (1989): Total dissolved solids
Part-17 (1989): Total suspended solids
Part-23 (1986): Alkalinity
Part-24 (1986): Sulfates
Part-32 (1988): Chlorides

5. ADMIXTURES:
(Accelerating, retarding, water reducing/workability improvement and air entraining
admixtures)
a) Recommended tests:
i. Water content of concrete with and without admixture
ii. Setting time of concrete with and without admixture
iii. Compressive strength of concrete with and without admixture
iv. Change in length of concrete with and without admixture
v. Bleeding of concrete with and without admixture
vi. Workability of concrete with and without admixture
vii. Aircontent of concrete with and without admixture
viii. Heat of hydration of concrete with and without admixture
ix. Chloride content
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references:
IS: 9103-1979 Specification for admixtures for concrete
IS: 516-1991 Methods of tests for strength of concrete
IS: 6925-1987 Methods of test for determination of water soluble
chlorides in concrete admixtures.

6. FRESH CONCRETE:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Slump/compaction factor/Vee Bee test
ii. Setting time of concrete by penetration method
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iii. Air content
iv. Analysis for constituents
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references:
IS: 1199-1991 Methods of sampling and analysis of concrete
IS: 8142-1987 Setting time of concrete by penetration resistance

7. HARDENED CONCRETE:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Compressive strength
ii. Accelerated curing
iii. Normal curing
iv. Permeability test
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references:
IS: 456-1978 Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
IS: 516-1991 Methods of tests for strength of concrete
IS: 9013-1987 Method of testing of accelerated cured concrete
IS: 3085-1990 Method of test for permeability of cement mortar and concrete.

8. REINFORCING STEEL:
a) Recommended tests:
i. Tensile test on bars welded or otherwise
ii. Bend and re-bend test
iii. Bond test
iv. Chemical analysis
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references:
IS: 1786-1990 Specification of high strength deformed steel bars for concrete
reinforcement.
IS: 1608-1991 Methods of tensile testing of steel products
IS: 228-1987 Methods of chemical analysis of steel
Part-1: Determination of carbon by volumetric method
Part-3: Determination of phosphorous by alkali metric method
Part-9: Determination of sulphur

9. SOLID CONCRETE BLOCKS:

a) Recommended tests:
i. Dimensional tolerances
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ii. Block density and compressive strength
iii. Water absorption
iv. Drying shrinkage
v. Moisture movement
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant references:
IS:2185-1987 Specification for concrete masonry units Part-1 (1987) solid
concrete blocks

10. AUTOCLAVED CELLULAR CONCRETE BLOCKS:

a) Recommended tests:
i. Dimensional tolerances
ii. Block density and compressive strength
iii. Water absorption
iv. Drying shrinkage
v. Moisture movement
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards.
d) Relevant References:
IS: 6072-1990 Specification for autoclaved reinforced cellular concrete wall
slabs
IS: 6441-1987 Methods of tests for autoclaved cellular concrete products
Part-1: Determination of unit wt. And moisture content
Part-2: Determination of drying shrinkage.
Part-4: Corrosion protection of steel reinforcement.
Part-5: Determination of compressive strength.
IS: 2185-1987 Specification for concrete masonry units
Part-3 (1990) Autoclaved cellular (aerated) concrete blocks.

11. TILES (CONCRETE):

a) Recommended tests:
i. Dimensional tolerance
ii. Flatness
iii. Perpendicularity
iv. Straightness
v. Water absorption
vi. Wet transverse strength
vii. Resistance to wear
b) Sampling and frequency of sampling:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
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IS: 1237-1990 Specification for cement concrete flooring tiles

12. NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETE:

a) Recommended tests:
i. Ultrasonic pulse Velocity test
ii. Rebound hammer test
b) Frequency of test:
About 5% of randomly selected reinforced concrete structural components (in-
situ of pre-cast)
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 13311-1997 Non-destructive testing of concrete
Part-1: Method of test for Ultrasonic pulse velocity
Part-2: Method of test for Rebound hammer
The testing of concrete in structures by J.H. Bungey, Surrey University Press,
1982.

13. CORE TEST ON CONCRETE:

a) Recommended tests:
i. Texture of concrete
ii. Compressive strength test
b) Frequency of test:
Core to be taken from walls, slabs and footings whenever in doubt.
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 516-1991 Method of tests for strength of concrete
IS: 456-1978 Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete.

14. LOAD TEST:

a) Recommended test:
i. Load testing of selected in-situ panels/pre-cast components (service load test)
b) Frequency of test:
On representative in-situ panels in each type of housing whenever in doubt about
0.5% of the total pre-cast floor roof components
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 456-1978: Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
IS: 6441 (Part - 7 & 8): Method of test for autoclaved cellular concrete products
subject to load test.

15. EARTH-FILLING IN BUILDING:

a) Recommended tests:
i. Grain size distribution for material selection
ii. Proctor compaction test
iii. Field density by core extraction
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b) Frequency of test:
i. One sample from each borrow pit
ii. Three cores for every 1000sqm. in compacted thickness of 30cm
c) Acceptance criteria:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
IS: 2720-1987 Method of test for soil
Part 2-1987 Determination of water content
Part 4-1990 Grain size analysis
Part 5-1990 Determination of liquid & plastic limit
Part 7-1987 Determination of water content-dry density relation using light
compaction.
Part 29-1988 Determination of dry density of soils in Place by core cutter
method.

16. MIX DESIGN:

a) Recommended method:
i. Method outlined in SP 23-1982 - Hand book on concrete mixes.
b) Frequency of design:
On every source or type of the following:-
i. Aggregates
ii. Cement
iii. Admixtures and for different grades of workability.
c) Acceptance criteria of Mix:
As per guidelines in relevant Indian Standards
d) Relevant references:
SP: 23-1982 Hand book on concrete mixes
SP: 10262-1982 Recommended guidelines for concrete mix design
SP: 456-2000 Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete