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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

INDEX
Specification
No.

Name of Work

Page

1.

Clearing sites

2.

Dismentling of Building and other Structures

3.

Foundations

4.

Well Foundations

5.

Cement

6.

Lime

7.

Sand

8.

Surkhi

9.

Brick Ballast

10.

Coarse Aggregate for concrete

10

11.

Bricks

11

12.

Lime Mortar

12

13.

Lime Concrete

13

14.

Composite or Lime Cement Mortar

14

15.

Cement Mortar

14

16.

Cement Concrete

14

17.

Reinforced Concrete

19

18.

Precast Concrete

31

19.

Coursed Rubble Masonry

31

20.

Dry Rubble Masonry or Dry Stone Walling

34

21.

Dry Stone Pitching or Revetments or Embankments

35

22.

Brick Work, First Class

36

23.

Brick Work in Arches

38

24.

Brick-Nogging

40

25.

Reinforced Brick-work Walls

42

26.

Reinforced Brick-work Lintels

44

27.

Lime Plastering

44

28.

Cement Plastering

46

29.

Composite Plastering

46

30.

Pointing

46
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

31.

Brick on Edge Flooring

47

32.

Barquet (Wooden Block) Flooring

49

33.

Tile Flooring

50

34.

Concrete Floor with cement concrete Surface

51

35.

Coloured Concrete Floor Finish

53

36.

Timber Flooring, Butt-Jointed

54

37.

Timber Flooring, Tongued and Grooved

54

38.

Carpentry and Joinery

55

39.

Square and Round Posts and Timber Piles

57

40.

Doors & Windows

60

41.

Doors & Windows Frames

65

42.

Glaziers Work

66

43.

Timber Walling, Butt-Jointed and Splined

67

44.

Timber Walling, Tongued and Grooved

68

45.

Weather Board Walling

69

46.

Corrugated Iron Walling

69

47.

Mat Walling

70

48.

Mat Walling Mud Plastered

70

49.

Trellis Work

71

50.

Teak Shingle Roofing

71

51.

Mangalore Tiled Roof

73

52.

Corrugated Iron Roof

74

53.

Corrugated Asbestoe-Cement Sheet Roofing

76

54.

Thatch-Roofing

77

55.

Wagat-Roofing

78

56.

Valley Guttering

79

57.

Lead and Zinc Flashing

79

58.

Asbestos-Cement Sheet Ceiling

80

59.

Tongued and Grooved Plunk Ceiling

80

60.

Iron Work-General

81

61.

Painting

84

62.

Varnishing

89
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

63.

Painting with Solignum or creasote

89

64.

Voal-tarring

90

65.

Painting with Collins mixture

90

66.

White Washing

91

67.

Buff Colour washing

92

68.

Distempering

92

69.

Linseed-oiling

93

70.

Earth-oiling

94

71.

Wax-Finish to Woor Work

94

72.

Plastic Emulsion Paint

95

73.

Cement Based Paints

97

74.

Earth Works for Roads and Aerodromes

99

75.

Irrigation Earth Work

106

76.

River Embankment Earth Work

111

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
SPECIFICATION FOR GENERAL WORK
No.1 CLEARING SITES
1. Clearing Rubbish and Trees, The site shall be cleared of all obstruction, loose stones and
materials, rubbish of all kinds, as well as weeds and brush-wood the roots being entirely grubbed up.
No trees shall be cut down and removed without the permission of the Executive Engineer. But those
which are cut shall be grub bed up and the roots entirely removed.
2. Disposal of cleared materials.
The products of the clearing shall be stacked in such place and
manner as may be directed by the Executive Engineer, and all these products shall be the property of
Government and shall be disposed of as the Executive Engineer may direct.
3. Filling Holes. All holes or hollows, whether originally existing or produced by digging up
the roots shall be filled with earth and leveled off, or may be filled with the products of the clearing
and covered with earth, if so directed.
4. White-ants. - In the case of buildings, in order to clear out white-ants, the whole area proposed th be
occupied by the building, together with an extra width of 10 feet all round shall be excavated to a
depth of 6 inches and soaked with water.
Spreading wet straw over the area brings the ants to the surface. If a white-ants nest exist on the site,
its presence will be come evident in a few days, whereupon the nest should be completely dug out ,
the queen and destroyed, and the nest flooded with boiling hot water containing a solution of arsenic.
The area where from the top loose soil has been removed shall be refilled with earth from a source
approved by the Executive Engineer and properly levelled. It should be observed that no earth-filling
is to be done in cases where the holes dug to remove the white ants nest go below the bottom of
foundation level. Concrete filling will in such cases be done under the orders of the Executive
Engineer and the contractor will be paid for the extra quantity of concrete, at his agreement rate for
same.

No,2. DISMANTLING OF BUILDING AND OTHER STRUCTURES


1. Extent of dismantling - The buildings or other structures defined in the schedule and handed
over shall be dismantled down to ground level or to bottom of foundations, or the posts, iron
works, etc. which are specified shall, be dug up if below ground level all as may be specified in
the schedule item wording.
2. Avoiding accidents. The method of dismantlement shall be in accordance with the
Executive Engineers written instructions regarding the precautions to be taken to avoid accidents
the contractor being liable for all the consequences that may ensure through disregard of such
instructions or other necessary precaution to ensure safety.

3. Damage to materials. - Special care shall be taken that the materials are damaged as little as
possible in the process of dismantling. The value of materials broken or damaged through
carelessness shall be recovered from the contractor.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

4. Disposal of serviceable materials. All serviceable materials shall be removed and stacked
or disposal of as may be directed by the terms of the contract or by the Executive Engineer.

5. Disposal of Rubbish. - All mere rubbish shall be collected in heaps for disposal as may be
directed by the Executive Engineer.

No,3

FOUNDATIONS

The excavation of foundations shall be in strict


1. Excavation to be according to drawings. accordance with the drawings of the work with the exception of such deviations as the Executive
Engineer may direct, in writing. Any extra work caused by unauthorized excess excavation shall
be rectified as directed and executed free of cost by the contractor.
2. Sides of Excavation. The sides of the excavation shall be vertical where the soil admits of it;
where the soil is likely to fall in, the sides should be shored up with timber or stopped of sloped
back as the Executive Engineer directs.

3. Bottom of foundations. - Where practicable, foundation trenches shall be taken out level
throughout, and where the ground necessities it, the trenches shall be stepped longitudinally, each
step being horizontal. The contractor shall bring to notice all holes, soft places or other defects in
the foundation trench, which defects shall be made good by digging out and filling with concrete,
or by such other method as may be directed by the Executive Engineer.
4. Finish. - The bottom of the foundation pits if in each shall be dressed level in all directions and
on completion shall be slightly watered and well rammed. No earth filling will be allowed in
leveling. If in rock, the rock shall be dressed as level as possible, inequalities being filled in with
concrete or other filling as may be directed.

5. Measurement. - The contractor, before commencing the concrete, shall be responsible that the
earthwork in the foundation pits is measured and that the measurements are passed by competent
authority and that the necessary endorsement is made in the measurement book. Should he fail to
do so, he shall be liable to be paid in accordance with the directions of the Executive Engineer or
to have his work dismantled and re-done at his own expense.
6. Filling in trench. - As soon as a building is finished to plinth level, and for other works as may
be directed by the Executive Engineer, the space between the masonry of brickwork and the
sides of the foundation trenches shall be filled in with earth or other material as directed laid in 6
inch courses well watered and rammed.
When the superstructure of a building is 2 feet above ground level, the plinth shall be filled in
with earth or other material as directed, well watered and rammed in 6 inch layers; care being
taken that the surface of the material is sufficiently high so that no more filling is necessary at the
time of laying the floor concrete.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

7. Deposition of spoil. No material excavated from foundation trenches shall be placed within two
feet of the edges of excavation.
All spoil earth shall be dealt with as shown on the drawings or as directed by the terms of
the contract or by the Executive Engineer in writing.
8. Unwatering. Where water is met it shall be the duty of the contractor to obtain the orders of
the Executive Engineer or his representative before undertaking any unwatering.
9. Rate. - The contract rate for excavation of foundations will include all incidental charges
such as shoring, sheeting, planking, strutting, pumping baling, etc., unless otherwise specified.
Where there are to be any departures from this inclusive method of payment, the conditions will be
defined in the tender notice and arrangements sanctioned in writing by the Executive Engineer
before any charges apart from the unit rate for excavation are incurred.
10. Bad Ground. - When bad ground or unsuitable soil is met during excavation, the authority
according technical sanction should be intimated and its instruction a waited.

No,4

WELL FOUNDATIONS

Unless otherwise specified, open excavation shall be carried down to water


1. Excavation. level, before the well curb is laid.]
2. Sinking in water. Sinking in water consists of
(a) Dry island method and
(b) Specified method as directed by C.C. headquarters.
(a) Dry island method An island of earth shall first be formed having a diameter of at least ten
feet more than the outside diameter of the well to be sunk. The earth forming this island must be
free from all stones, brick or hard material which are liable to impede the sinking of the well.
The island shall be brought up at least twelve inches above water level, before the well curb is
laid.
(b) Specific method The method specified by the C.C. Headquarters with necessary
drawings depending on the nature of site.
3. No blasting. - Whether the steining be sunk, or constructed in open excavation by baling as
necessary blasting must never be resorted to without obtaining prior permission of the
Executive Engineer. If unauthorized blasting results in creaking or damaging the steining or
other structures the steining shall be completely removed and rebuilt at the contractors
expense and all other damage caused shall be the contractors liability.
4. Well Curbs. - The well curb should be made in conformity with the sanctioned plans
therefore and to the following specifications as regards construction and assembly.
5. Wood Curbs. - For wells of six-foot maximum inner dimension and under to be of two
thicknesses of timber and for wells above that size, of three thicknesses or more unless
another design is shown on the plans or ordered by the Executive Engineer.

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

The timber shall satisfy specification No.38 as regards quality. It shall be shown
accurately to sizes and shapes shown on drawings and no patching shall be allowed. When
curb rings cannot be made of one piece across the width of curb, the

concentric rings shall break joint; successive layers of the curb shall also break joint with the
rings above and below them. Segments of each ring shall be strongly dovetailed together and
successive rings held together with hard wood dowels and iron bolts as ordered by the
Executive Engineer. (Vide Sketch below)

6. Steel Curb. - Steel curbs shall be in a accordance with drawings supplied. Steining shall not
be commenced until the curb has been inspected and passed by the Engineer-in-charge.
7. Concrete Curb. Concrete curbs shall be in accordance with drawings supplied and in
general accordance with specification No.1 for Reinforced Concrete.

8. Tie Rods. -

Tie Rods shall be fixed in accordance with the drawings supplied.

9. Steining. Steining shall be of first class brickwork in cement mortar or cut stone
masonary in cement mortar or cement concrete blocks as specified and must be executed to
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

the relevant standard specification, for the masonry specified. If the well is circular the
masonry cross joints should radiate truly to the centre of well.
No. 7 SAND
1. Quality and source. The sand shall be hard, sharp and clean, gritty to the touch and free
from any admixture of clay, loam, salts, organic matter or other impurities. The source of
supply of the sand shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in-charge.
2. Cleanness. - The sand shall be screened before use and if dirty when brought to site, it must
be washed clean in water.
A useful test is to take a handful of sand and shake it in a glass of clear water. If after
standing for one hour the precipitation of mud on the sand exceeds 5 per cent the sand should
be washed.
3. Sea sand not to be used. Fine drift sand, sea sand, or sand containing saline impurities
shall on no account be used except with the express approval of the Engineer-in-charge, who
will instruct the contractor regarding the treatments to be given to the sand before use.
4. Grading for mortar. - For brickwork or masonary mortar and ordinary plaster, sand shall be
graded from 1/8 in, downwards so as to give a minimum of voids.

5. Grading for fine work. Sand for final coats of plastering, pointing and for fine work
shall pass through a sieve of 20 meshes to the linear inch.
6. Grading for concrete. For concrete, the sand or fine aggregate shall pass through a
sieve having meshes 1/16 inches square, measured in the clear and be graded to give a
minimum of voids.

7. Grading for Bituminous Concrete. - For bituminous concrete in road work the sand shall
pass through a sieve of 1/10 inches square mesh and be wholly retained on a sieve of 200
meshes to the lineal inch.
No. 8 SURKHI
1. Source and Manufacture. - Surkhi shall be made by pounding or grinding fully burnt
bricks, bats, delone free from earth or other matter.
2. Fineness. The material shall be pounded or ground fine enough to pass through a screen
of 20x20 meshes to the square inch, but not to pass one of 50x50 meshes per square inch.

3. Storage. After manufacture the surkhi shall be kept quite dry and free from dust, clay
and other foreign matter.
4. The Bulking of the fine aggregate or sand. - (Extract from building Research Station Degest
No.44 UNITED KINGDOM).
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

When the quantities of materials to be used in a mix are specified by volume, these
quantities refer to the dry materials.
The volume occupied by given quantity of course aggregates is about the same
whether it is dry or wet, but fine aggregate or sand occupies a much larger volume when it is
damp than when it is dry. This increase in volume is called BULKING.
The degree of bulking can readily be determined on the site, a suitable method is as
follows:
A paralled sided watertight container is partly fitted with the damp sand, leveled off
but not pressed down, and its depth measured. Water is then added and the sand is well
stirred and then allowed to settle. The volume occupied by the sand after settling is roughly
equal to that occupied by the same weight of sand where dry. The new depth of sand is
measured. The method may be illustrated as follows: Let D as shown in the figure below be the depth of the sand when damp and D1, the
depth after settling under water then the percentage bilking =

x100 and this additional

percentage of sand should be added to the mix to give the required proportions.

No.9 BRICK BALLAST

1. Source and gauge. Brick ballast or broken bricks for concrete, shall be from hard, well
burnt or over burnt bricks. No under burnt bricks shall be used for breaking up into ballast. They
shall be broken to 1 inch gauge, so that all must pass through a 1 inch diameter ring and not
more than 20 per cent shall be more than 2 inches in greater length. Not more than 15 per cent
should pass through screen of x inch mesh.
2. Cleanness. The ballast shall be free from dust, clay, loam, leaves and other foreign matter
and shall, if no directed by Engineer-in-charge, be washed and screened L75BGI.

3. Brick ballast from buildings. - Brick ballast shall not be obtained from the debris of old
masonry, unless with the approval of the Engineer-in-Charge. Any material containing old mortar
will be rejected.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 10
COARSE AGGREGATE FOR CONCRETE
1. Materials and Source. - The aggregate shall consist of good hard tough broken stone, gravel or
shingle of the gauge specified free from dirt, clay, leaves or any organic matter or any admixture
of soft or decayed stone.
If required by Engineer-in-charge a sample should be produced for approval before
commencement of supply.
2. Cleanness. If the aggregate is dirty it shall be well washed in clean water. When a handful
is shaken with clean water is in a glass and allowed to stand form an hour, the precipitate of mud
over the stone shall not exceed 5 per cent. If more than this the aggregate must be washed.
3. Screen. - Screens used for grading the aggregate shall be provided by the contractor and shall
be of the square mesh specified, screens shall be of about construction and shall not be made
from expanded metal or rabbit netting, screens shall not be set at a slope steeper than 45 to the
horizontal.
4. Grading. - The following table shows how different sized aggregates are to be graded and the
kinds of work on which each is normally used. Ballast of the gauge specified in Col. 1 shall be to
the specification given in col-2.
Gauge (1)

Description (2)

Used in (3)

To pass wholly through 1 x 1 mesh (1)Ordinary lime concrete, mass


cement concrete, or
and be all retained on x . To be (2) in reinforced work where
uniformly graded in between so that not minimum dimension of the member
more than 60% or less than 30% shall be exceeds 22.
retained on a square mesh screen.

To pass wholly through 1x1 mesh and


be all retained on x mesh. To be
uniformly graded in between so that not
more than 60% or less than 30% shall be
retained on a square mesh screen.

(i)Unreinforced cement concrete


over 4minimum dimension and
(2) reinforced cement concrete work
exceeding 10 but not exceeding
22 in the minimum dimension.

To pass wholly through x mesh and (1)Unreinforced cement concrete


between 2 and 4 minimum
be all retained on x mesh. To be dimension,
uniformly graded in between so that not (2)Concrete floors,
more than 60% and not less than 30% (3)reinforced cement concrete work
shall be retained on a square mesh exceeding 5 but not exceeding 10
minimum dimension.
screen.

To pass wholly through x mesh and All reinforced cement concrete


work under 5 minimum dimension.
x mesh. To be
all retained on
uniformly graded in between so that not
more than 60% and not less than 30% is
retained on a screen of mesh x .

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 11 BRICKS

3.

4.
5.

6.
7.

1. Type of Kilm and moulding. - Bricks shall be moulded and shall be burnt in a Bulls kiln
unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract.
2. Classification, shape, colour and ring. - Bricks shall be classified as follows:First Class. Bricks shall be table moulded with sand, thoroughly and equally burnt
throughout without being vitrified, good substance and shape, square and true and generally of a
deep red or colour, without flaws or cracks or other blemished and having a clear ring when
struck.
Second Class, - As for first class, but not so well or evenly burnt or of such a good shape.
Dimensions.- The dimensions of burnt bricks, unless otherwise specified, shall be 9 x 4-3/8 x 23/4 . The necessary allowance for shrinkage in drying and burning, which should generally be
determined by experiment, being allowed for in the moulds.
Stacking. Bricks shall be stacked in stacks of 1000, each stack being ten courses high and two
bricks thick. A space of 2 feet clear shall be allowed round each stack to facilitate inspection.
Sorting. In stacking, each class of brick shall be kept separate. There shall be a space of at
least 6 feet between stacks of different classes, which preferably should be stacked in different parts
of the brick-field.
Salts in Bricks. Bricks made from clay containing salt, saltpeter, or particles of limestone,
shall not be accepted.
Absorption Test. Bricks which absorb more water than one-fifth of their own weight when dry
shall be rejected.

No. 12 LIME MORTAR


1. Composition Test. - Unless otherwise specified the proportions of the ingredients of lime mortar
shall be as follows:Lime
Surkhi
Sand
For Lime Concrete and Masonry

For Plastering and Pointing

In the case of kunkar lime the mortar shall consist of pure kunkar lime or a mixture of
kunkar lime and surkhi in the proportion of one part kunkar lime to one part of surkhi by bulk as the
Engineer-in-charge may direct.
2. Mixing and Grinding. Lime, sand and surkhi shall be mixed three times dry on an approved
platform of wood or brick masonry, then thoroughly ground in a mortar-mill driven by bullocks or
power, just sufficient water being added from a sprinkler to make a thick paste. If a suitable concrete
mixer is available it may be used for mixing the ingredients. Mortar for plastering shall be ground a
second time, after storing in a damp condition for an interval of two days in the case of kunkar lime
and one week in the case of fat lime, so as to ensure thorough slaking. The mortar should then be
used at once.
3. Hand Mixing. For small unimportant works grinding of the mortar may be omitted if
permitted by the Engineer-in-charge.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

4. Freshness Essential. - Mortar shall be kept wet till it is used and shall be used within 12 hours after
being mixed.
Any mortar which has been allowed to become dry or which has been mixed for more than
12 hours shall be rejected and removed from the site of works.
No. 13 LIME CONCRETE
1. Matrix. The matrix shall be lime mortar prepared in accordance with specification No.12 for
Lime Mortar.
2. Aggregate. - The aggregate shall be stone or broken bricks as described in specification No.10 for
Coarse Aggregate for Concrete or in Specification No.9 for Brick Ballast.
3. Soaking of Aggregate. The aggregate shall be well soaked for at least two hours before mixing
with the lime mortar.
4. Proportion. - The proportion shall be three parts of aggregate to one part of lime mortar by measure
or such other proportions as specified by the Executive Engineer Depending on the type and grading
of the aggregate available.
5. Measuring and mixing. The aggregate shall be measured in the usual bottom less box on a
smooth level watertight platform made of bricks or planks. The ingredients of the mortar shall be
similarly measured and then thoroughly mixed in the dry. They shall then be added to the aggregate
and the whole turned over until a uniform mixture is obtained. Clean water should then be poured on
from a sprinkler and the concrete mixer is available, it should be used for mixing the lime concrete.
No more concrete should be mixed than can be laid on the same day.
6. Preparation of trenches. Before laying the concrete, the trenches shall be properly wetted,
tamed and prepared.
7. Removal of old concrete. - The concrete shall be laid as soon as possible after mixing. Any
concrete not laid and properly consolidated within 12 hours of mixing shall be rejected and removed
from the site of works.
8. Laying and ramming. The concrete shall be laid in layers not exceeding 6 inches in thickness,
and shall not be thrown from a height exceeding 1 foot. It shall then be thoroughly consolidated by
tamping or ramming before the next layer is laid. No water shall be added during ramming. No
ramming shall be done after the concrete has begun to set . When owing to delays the surface of a
layer has been left long enough for the mortar to set, this surface shall be roughened with a pick and
thoroughly cleaned and watered before the next is laid. Each layer must cover the whole of the
foundation before the next layer is added. If any layer is to be left unfinished it must be rake back as
specified in unfinished brickwork.
9. Finish. The concrete shall be finished off true and square in accordance with the drawings.
The concrete shall be kept wet after each days work and when each
10. Watering of Masonry. part of the concrete has been completed to its full height it shall be kept wet for 10 days or until
thoroughly set whichever period is the longer. The contractor shall not cease to wet the concrete
unless he gets permission to do so from the Engineer-in-charge. No masonry shall be built upon
concrete sooner than a week or until permission has been given by the Engineer-in-charge.
No. 14 COMPOSITE OR LIME CEMENT MORTAR
1. 1:1:6 Mortar. The specification for composite mortar shall be as for lime mortar with the
addition of cement in proportions to be fixed by the Executive Engineer.
2. Mortar to be used within 30 minutes. All mortar to which water has been added shall be used
within 30 minutes of gauging. Any mortar not used within that period shall be discarded.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 15 CEMENT MORTAR


1. Dry ingredients and proportions. - Cement mortar shall consist of (1) Cement, which shall be
supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract, and which shall
comply with the latest edition of British Standard Specification for normal setting Portland Cement
and (2) sand which shall comply with Specification No.7 for sand. The cement and sand shall be
mixed in the proportion of one part cement to three parts of sand or as directed in writing by the
Executive Engineer.
2. Storage of Cement. - Cement shall be stored in a building of weather tight construction, with a
sound dry floor of timber, concrete, brick or other suitable material raised at least a foot from the
ground to ensure that it is damp proof. It shall be used in the order in which consignments are
received and not stored for an unduly long period.
3. Measurement of Cement. - Cement shall be measured by weight (taking 90lbs. Cement 1curft.)
unless otherwise directed in writing by the Engineer-in-charge. If measurement by volume is, for any
reason, allowed, a box with clear inside dimensions of 12in x 12in x 14in loosely filled and leveled
shall be regarded as containing 90 Lbs cement.
Note - So long as the trade supplies cement in bags weighing 94 lbs. groos, the contents of one such
bag shall be considered to be 1 cu-ft of cement.
4. Measurement of sand and bulking of same. - If available dry sand should be used. If only wet sand is
available, the volume which this sand would occupy, if dry, should be ascertained, as much as 30 per
cent of its volume then dry. If available a Rapid Sand Tester. Should be used to determine what
actual quantity of dry sand is contained in a given quantity of damp material.
Only sand which complies with Specification No. should be used.
5. Mixing by hand. If ingredients are to be mixed by hand, the mixing should be done on an
approved brick, plank, or other clean hard platform, The quantity of cement and sand to be mixed dry
at one time should not be more than can be used up in an hour. They should be mixed together dry at
least three times over.
Water should be added in a fine spray to that quantity of the dry mix which can be used
up within ten minutes of final mixing. Hand mixing should be allowed only on unimportant works.
6. Machine mixing.- Except in the case of small and unimportant works a mixer should be used, if
available, for mixing the mortar. The ingredients should be filled into the mixer in the proportions
specified and the time from the charging of all the dry materials into the mixing drum to the
discharging of all the dry materials into the mixing drum to the discharging of all the mixed concrete
should not be less than 10minutes. When the mixer is to be closed down for more than an hour the
drum should be cleaned of all adhering concrete before the latter hardens.
7. Mixing water. The mixing water shall be fresh, clean and free from oil, acid, alkali, loamy,
vegetable or organic matter or other deleterious substances in suspension or solution due to pollution
from industrial waste, farmyard or similar drainage.
Only sufficient water to make the mortar workable should be added to the dry mixture of
cement and sand.
8. To be used before initial set. -Any mortar which has taken its initial set before being used in the
work shall be at once rejected and removed from site. Under no circumstances shall mortar which
has been wet mixed for more than half an hour be used in the work.
9. Curing.
Cement mortar should be kept damp for a period of at least 10days, from the time the
mixing water disappears and the mortar gets hard enough not to be marked. It should be kept covered
with sand, earth, sacks or other approval covering, which should be kept well wet. Cement mortar
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

should not be jarred, walked on or otherwise disturbed during setting. It should also be protected by
adequate covers from heavy rain or frost.

No. 16 CEMENT CONCRETE


1. Dry ingredients.The dry ingredients of cement concrete are (a) Cement, (b) fine aggregate
(sand), (c) coarse aggregate.
2. Cement.Cement shall be as specified in items 1,2 and 3. Specification No.15 for cement
mortar (90 lbs. cement to be taken as 1Cft.)
3. Fine aggregate (Sand).The fine aggregate shall be as specified in specification No.(7) for
sand.
4. Coarse aggregate. - Coarse aggregate shall be as specified in Specification No. (10) for coarse
aggregate, shall comply strictly with those prescribed in the contract.
5. Brick ballast. Brick ballast or broken bricks to be used should be as per specification for
Brick Ballast.
6. Water. The water used shall be clean water free from oils, acid, alkali, organic, matters or any
other deleterious substances and should be of the quality fit for drinking purposes. Sea water should
on no account be uses.
7. Proportions of cement: sand: coarse aggregate. The proportions of cement, sand and coarse
aggregate, shall comply strictly with those prescribed in the contract.
8. Hand Mixing . If mixing is to be done by hand, it should be done on a brick or plank platform
approved by the Engineer-in-charge. Measured quantities of the cement and fine aggregate should
first be thoroughly mixed together by turning over at least three times and then added to the coarse
aggregate. The whole mass should then be turned over again at least three times so that it becomes of
uniform consistency and colour. A quantity of water to be specified by the Engineer-in-charge
should then be added in a fine spray, so as not to wash away any cement, and the mixing continued
until a uniform concrete is obtained. Excess of water should on no account be used.
Hand mixing shall not be allowed for important or major reinforced concrete works, except in
the case of break down of concrete mixer, when hand mixing of concrete may be allowed to finish
the concreting up to the nearest authorized construction joint.
9. Mechanical Mixing.- On all but unimportant works a mechanical mixer of approved type should be
used. The coarse aggregate should first be placed in the mixer and then the sand and cement added,
all in the proportions specified. Then when the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed dry, the
correct quantity of water should be added and the mixing continued until a uniform concrete is
obtained. The time from the charging of the dry ingredients into the mixer. Until the discharging of
all the mixed concrete, should not be less than 2 minutes.
When the mixer is to be closed down for more than an hour, the drum should be cleaned of all
adhering concrete before the latter hardens.
10. Quantity of mixing water. - The quantity of water to be used shall be specified from time to time
by the Engineer-in-charge, allowance being made for the moisture content of aggregate. Periodical
slump tests should be carried out to ensure that the correct slump is maintained.
11. Slump Test. - The standard slump mould shall be a hollow truncated cone of 20 G. galvanized iron
sheet with a flush seam and two lifting handles at the sides. The cone shall be 12 inches high, 4
inches internal diameter top and 8 inches diameter bottom.
The slum test should be carried out as follow:15

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

The cone is placed, large and down, on a board and filled with concrete in 3-inches layers
each being punnd 15 times with a 5/8 inch diameter rod 2ft., long and bullet pointed at the lower end.
When the mould is filled, any surplus concrete should be struck off level at the top with the rod. The
mould should then be gently lifted vertically without tilting. When the cone is removed the concrete
is left on the board and any decrease in height is the measure of the slump.
The following amounts of slump, using the standard test cone are allowed:-

Hand Compaction

Mechanical Vibration

Concrete deposited under water

to 1

Mass concrete, e.g., foundations & footings

1 to 2

1 to 1

Ordinary floor work and R.C foundations

2 to 3

1 to 3

Reinforced concrete in columns

3 to 4

1 to 3

Reinforced concrete in beams and girders

3 to 5

1 to 3

Reinforced concrete in wall panels and floor 4 to 6


slabs

Depths upon conjection


of steel

12. Laying, Ramming and Laitance. The concrete shall be laid immediately after mixing, are being
taken to see that it is not tipped from a height greater than three feet. In mass work it shall be laid in
layers not exceeding 6 inches in thickness. After laying, the concrete shall be forth with rammed and
the ramming completed before it has taken its initial set. On no account shall the contractor attempt
to smooth the top surface by trowelling. Any laitance appearing on the surface should be skiamed off
before the concrete hardness and should be removed in such a manner that the concrete is not robbed
of cement.
13. Forms. For laying in forms see specification for reinforced concrete, No.(17) and for laying
floors see the specification for concrete floor with cement concrete surface, No. (34).
14. Preparation for placing concrete. - For foundation work, the trench shall be cleared of all debris
and all water in the trench shall be removed by pumping or bailing out. Continuous pumping or,
bailing, if necessary shall be employed to keep the trench clear of water during concreting.
No concreting shall be allowed unless the above conditions are fulfilled.
15. Avoid joints if possible.Work shall be continuous wherever possible but when stoppages are
necessary the work shall not be stopped except in the following positions:Slabs and Beams.At the centre of the span with a vertical plane at right angles to the direction of
the main reinforcements. Inclined feather joints in slabs shall be prohibited except where
concreting will be continued in a few minutes.
Columns and Piers. - Two inches below the junction of the column with the beam or haunch and
shall be perpendicular to the axis of the column.
Walls. Vertical joints in sections staggered 1 foot 6 inch over each other. Before
recommencing work the surface shall be thoroughly swilled with water and coated with neat cement
mortar. Joints of long standing shall be hacked to a clean surface, brushed with a wire brush, well
swilled and coated with neat cement mortar.
16. Location of Joints. - Construction and expansion joints shall be executed at the points shown in the
drawings or as directed in writing by the Executive Engineer.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

17. Curing. The concrete shall be cured in the same manner as or cement concrete described in
para.9 of specification No. 15
18. Finishes. (i) Imperfection and excessive honey combing of the concrete shall be rectified by dismantling
the portion affected. Slight honey combing and other imperfections not considered structurally
unsound shall be made good by patching up with (1:3) cement mortar.
(ii) The top faces of concrete not intended to be surfaced separately shall be leveled and floated
to a smooth finish to the levels or falls shown on the drawings.
(iii)The top face of concrete intended to be covered with screed or other surfacing shall be left
with a rough surface, or as otherwise specified.
No. 17 REINFORCED CONCRETE
1.

Specification for the concrete. The specification for materials, grading, mixing and laying of
concrete for R.C. concrete shall be as provided in specification No. (16) for cement concrete.
2. Proportions: - Unless where otherwise specified in the Bill of Quantities, the mix shall be 1:2:4 in
the ratio of one part cement: two parts sand: four parts coarse aggregate.
3. Mixing. As per item (8) and (9) specification No. (16).
4. Water-cement ratio : Unless where specified to the contrary, the water-cement ratio for
reinforced concrete works shall normally be from 45 to 6 and consistent with workability to produce
the desert concrete, the lower ratio to be used when mechanical vibration is employed.
5. Slump Test. - As per procedure for slump test specified in item (11) specification No. (16)
6. Concrete Cube Test. For all important reinforced concrete works, concrete tube tests shall
be performed regularly. For each day of concreting, six numbers 6 test cubes are to be taken, 3 for 7
days strength, and three for 28 days strength.
(a) Sampling of fresh concrete to prepare cube tests.
The sample shall be truly representative of the batch and shall not be less than 1 cu-ft. in volume; the
sample shall than be taken while a batch of concrete is being placed in position. The sample shall be
collected from not less than five wells distributed position, avoiding the edge of the mass where
segregation may have occured.
(b) The moulds for the cube tests shall be 6x6x6 steel moulds with machined internal faces, and shall
be in two halves bolted together. The base is a separate metal plate fastened to the mould by springs
or screws and also perfectly smooth. Tolerance shall be 6 0.01 inch between opposite faces, 90
0.5 for all adjacent faces.
(c) Mould oil shall be applied thinly to all internal faces and to the joints to prevent sticking of the cast
specimen.
(d) Tamping Bar
Shall be a steel bar weighting 4 lbs, 15 in. long and shall have a ramming face 1 inch square.
Note: - The tamping bar used for slump test is entirely different and shall not be used for the cube
test.
(e) Compaction : (i) Compacting by Hand
17

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

The concrete shall be filled in the mould in approximately 2 inches layers and each layer shall be
vibrated by mean of any electric or phaumatic hammer, or by means of a vibrating table, or by means of a
suitable vibrating table.
(f) Curing of Cube specimens.
The cube shall be kept in the moulds for 24 hours after casting, in a place free from vibration, under
damp matting sacks or similar materials. After the end of the initial 24 hours, the specimens shall be
remaned gently from the moulds, and shall be stored in clean water under shade until they are transported
to the testing laboratory.
7.

Preparation for placing concrete.


As per specification item (14) specification No. (16) for cement concrete.

8.

Laying and Consolidation. The concrete shall be transported from the mixer to the point of deposit
in suitable containers and shall not be thrown from a height exceeding 3 feet to prevent segregation
of the aggregates.
The time between completion of mixing and placing in position of the concrete shall be
as short as possible and shall not in any case exceed 30 minutes, unless specially approved retarding
agents are employed, in which case the time duration shall be as specified by the manufacturers.
All important or major reinforced concrete works should be consolidated by suitable
mechanical vibrators.
(a) Hand Compaction: - The sides of column boxes and beam shuttering and bottom shuttering of slabs
shall be knocked with wooden mallets in conjunction with the hand rodding or tamping to minimize
honey combing.
For reinforced concrete slabs, heavy timber baulks may be employed. (e.g., a 4x4
member, at least 6 0 long with cross piece handles on either side and employed by two workers
tamping the concrete simultaneously until water rises to the surface.)
For reinforced concrete beams, columns, walls etc., iron rods of sufficient weight and
length to give the required compaction shall be employed. Bamboo and timber rods shall not be used.
Rodding shall be continuous while concrete is being deposited to obtain the maximum compaction.
Roddy the tamping must be done throughout the entire surface of the member.
(b) Mechanical Compaction. - Suitable mechanical vibrators of approved make and manufacture and
giving a minimum 3600 vibrations per minute shall be employed for mechanical compaction of
reinforced concrete members.
(i) For reinforced foundation blocks and massive R.C. works, mass concrete vibrators not exceeding
4 in diameter shall be used.
(ii) For reinforced concrete beams, columns, walls etc., needlie vibrators not exceeding 1 1/2
diameter shall be used.
(iii ) For reinforced concrete slans: - suitable slab vibrator shall be used.
(iv) External or formwork vibrators: - shall be employed when immersion vibrators cannot be
inserted.

18

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

9. Mode of Vibration. The vibrator shall be inserted vertically and shall be with drawn in such a
manner to close up the hole made by it in the concrete. Only specially trained operators shall be
allowed to work the vibrator.
The vibrator shall be used in such a manner as to give the required compaction over the
entire area.
On no account is the concrete to be over vibrated, only sufficient vibration to allow full
consolidation shall be used. Vibration shall be stopped when air bubbles and water rises to the
surface.
The sides for column boxes and beam shuttering and bottom shuttering of slabs shall be
knocked with wooden mallets in conjunction with the mechanical vibration.
Formworks and reinforcement shall not be vibrated when immersion vibrators are used.
To ensure this the vibrator would be kept about 3 inches away from forms.
Any water accumulating on the surface of newly placed concrete shall be removed by
approved means, and no further concrete shall be placed there on until such water be removed.
10. Shuttering and formwork.
(a) Shuttering for foundations and other reinforced concrete works
The Shuttering may be of sound jungle wood. Side shuttering shall be employed for all the above
members.
(b) Shuttering for all superstructure reinforced concrete works.
The whole of the formwork is to be constructed with approved materials in an approved solid,
substantial and rigid manner, all properly braced and strutted to prevent bulging and sagging during
construction, and shall be fabricated to facilitate easy removal and ruse. The inner surface of all forms
shall be washed and all dirt, shavings and saw dust etc. removed and the whole thoroughly wetted
immediately prior to concreting.
When exposed face of concrete are required to be fair without plaster, the forms are to be prepared
or lined with approved material. The concrete to be thoroughly tamped to ensure a smooth and even
finish. All roughness, fins and board-makings etc., to be removed.
The shuttering shall be designed so that the soffits of slabs and the sides of beams, columns and
wall s may be removed first, leaving the shuttering to the soffits of beams and their supports in
position. Wedges or other suitable means shall be provided to allow accurate adjustment of the
shuttering and to allow it to be removed gradually without jarring the concrete.
(c) General for all shuttering .- Shuttering for concrete shall be rigidly constructed or approved
material and shall be true to shape and dimensions as per drawings. Faces in contact with concrete
shall be free from adhering grout, nails , splits or other defects. Joints shall be sufficiently
watertight to prevent the leakage of cement grout and to avoid forming fins or other blemishes,
and shall be caulked where necessary.
Unless described on the drawings or elsewhere to the contrary , 1x1 chamfers shall be
formed on the external corners of all concrete members.
Openings for the inspection of the inside shutterings and for the escape of water used for
washing out shall be formed so that they can be conveniently closed before placing the concrete.
Connections shall be constructed to permit easy removal of the shuttering and shall be either
nailed, screwed or otherwise secured strongly to retain the correct shape during concreting . Wire

19

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

ties passing through concrete shall not be allowed . Shuttering shall be provided for the top faces
of sloping work and anchored to prevent floatation, where the slope exceeds 1 in 2 .
Shuttering shall be true to line and braced and strutted to prevent deformation under the
weight and pressure of the wet concrete constructional loads, wind and other forces.
The deflection shall not exceed 1/8inch. Bottom of Beam boxes shall erected with an upward
camber of f1 inch for each 10 feet of span.
Repropping of beams shall not be done except with the approval of the Engineer-in-charge.
Vertical props shall be supported on wedges . Props for an upper storey shall be placed directly
over those in the storey immediately below, and the lowest prop shall bear upon work sufficiently
strong to carry the load.
The three sides of column boxes shall go up to the soft of the ceiling beams and the fourth
side shall be built up in sections not exceeding 3ft. in height as the concreting proceeds.
An approved moulds oil or other material shall be applied to fcaces of shuttering in contact
with wet concrete to pre vent adherence of the concrete. Such material shall not dis colour the
concrete and shall not be injurious to concrete or reinforcement and shall be kept from contact
with the reinforcement.
Removal of Formwork. - Formwork shall be removed by gradual easing without jarring. Before
and immediately after the removal of the shuttering the concrete shall be examined for defects.
Minimum time for removal of Formwork. (Normal weather and working conditions.)
For beam sides, walls and columns
(Unloaded)
Minimum 3 days
For slabs
Minimum 14 days
For soffits of beams
Minimum 28 days
The formwork shall not be removed earlier than the periods specified above.
Engineer-in-charge to be Responsible
The assessment of the period elapsing between placing the concrete and removing the
formwork, shall be the Engineer-in-Charges responsibility.
11. Reinforcement
(i) General. The reinforcement shall comprise mild steel rods or special steel fabric, as
directed in the contract and will be supplied by the Department unless other wise permitted by the
terms of the contract.
Reinforcement shall be free from pitting, loose rust mill, scale , paint , oil, grease, adhering
earth, or any material that may impair the bond between the concrete and the reinforcement or that
may cause corrosion of the reinforcement or disintegration of the concrete.
(ii)
Preparation and placing of reinforcement.All reinforcement shall be cleaned of
scale and loose rust with a wire brush. It shall also be free from oil or dirt and shall be
carefully placed in position as shown on the detail drawings and secured against
displacement by tying with tying wire between No.14 and 18 gauge and shall be supported
in position clear of the forms by small concrete blocks metal chains or spacers or by metal
hangers.
(iii)
Cover to main reinforcement (Minimum).
Unless otherwise specified the amount of Cover measured from the outer surface of
the steel must be as follow:For footing and ground tie
2 or diameter of bars
beams (in contact with earth)
which ever is greater
For Columns
20

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

(iv)

(v)
(vi)

(vii)
(viii)

(Unless otherwise mentioned)


11/2 - do
For Beams
do1 - do
For Slabs
do1/2 - do
For main stair do1/4 - do
For R.C works in contact with earth clear
Cover to main reinforcement do2 doEnd Cover to hooks
do2 or 2d, whichever is greater.
End cover to main reinforcement. All main bars shall have a minimum end cover
of 2 or twice the diameter of the bar, whichever is greater, from the outside of concrete to
the hooked ends.
Spacer Rods.1 diameter spacer rods shall be put between every tow lagers of main
reinforcement in beams at 5ft maximum centres.
Cover Blocks. (1:2) cement sand blocks shall be used as cover blocks for obtaining
the required bottom and side covers to main steel. These blocks are to be carefully made
and cured under water for at least 7 days before use.
Sufficient number of them shall be used to support the main reinforcement adequately.
Welding of Reinforcement.No Welding of reinforcement shall be allowed.
Bends and Hooks.
The reinforcement shall be bent by a bar bending machine or other approved means
producing a gradual and even motion.
Bar up to 1 inches shall be bent cold.
For bars exceeding 1 inches diameter bending hot and dull red heat may be
permitted, but shall be allowed to cool down naturally without quenching. Heating of
special reinforcement which depends on their strength being hard drawn or cold twisted
shall not be allowed since the strength will be reduced.
Bars in correctly bent shall be used only if the means used for straightening and
rebending be such as shall not injure the material. No, reinforcement shall be bent when in
position 9in the works without the approval of the Engineer-in-charge, whether or not it is
partially embedded in gardened concrete.
Bends shall comply strictly with the detail drawing. All bar shall be terminated by a
standard hook unless where indicated to the contrary.
The internal diameter of bends shall be not less than four diameters of the bar unless
described to the contrary. The internal radia of bends at corners of binders and stirrups
shall be shall the diameter of the bar embraced by the binders.

Standard U Hook

Standard L bend
21

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

H= Hook allowance = 9d (min)

B = Bend allowance = 5d (min)

Taken to the nearest 1/2

Taken to nearest over

Over or not less than 5 in.

Or not less than 3 in. to be added to

To be added to dimensional 1

Dimension 1

Hook Length (min) = M + 2d.

Bend length (min) = B + 3d.

Size of Bar
(in inches)

3/8

5/8

3/4

7/8

Hook allowance
(min) (in inches)

Bend allowance
(min) (in inches)

(ix)

10 11 12 13
6

Splice in bars.
Splice in bars shall be avoided wherever possible, but where unavoidable the overlap shall
be as follow.

SPECIAL NOTE A FOR STRAIGHT SPLICE!


1. Straight splice shall be used only in exceptional Circumstances were standard U Hooked splice or
bend splice L are physically impossible to be used.

22

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Number of splices in each layer of 3 or more rods shall not exceed of the rods in each layer. For
too rods in each layer only one rod at one layer shall be spliced, subject to a maximum of not more
than 40% of the total number of bars in any one section.
3. Since the strength of the splice depends entirely on bond every effort shall be made to ensure that
concrete is fully compacted around the splices and no honey combing occurs.

(X)
Angle of Bent-up bars.reinforcement in

Unless indicated to the contrary all oranking of main

beams and slabs shall be 45 degrees.

(XI) Mild steel chairs. Mild steel charis of approved shape and size shall be provided at such
intervals to support the top reinforcement in the correct position without sagging under working
conditions.
(XII) M.S. Wall ties for panel walls in R.C. framed structures.
3/8 M.S. Rods 15 long shall be embedded 6 into the R.C. columns and under side of
R.C . beams and projecting out 9 at the time of casting of concrete, at no more than 4-0 centres to
act as well ties for the panel brick walls. The location of such wall ties shall be so adjusted to
coincide as nearly as possible with the brick bonding.
(XIII) Spacing of reinforcement. The minimum clear distance between paralled bars shall be 1
times diameter of round bars one inchnor less than 1 1/2 times maximum size of the coarse aggregate
whichever is greater.
23

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

Maximum spacing of main reinforcement shall not in general exceed twice the effective depth but in
floor or bridge slabs shall not be more than 8 inches in the clear and transverse reinforcement not
more than 12 inch. Apart.
(XIV) Position and spacing of stirrups. Stirrups shall have their anchorage ends hooked and they
shall envelop to tensile reinforcement and be securely fastened there to. They should be spaced and
placed in positions exactly as shown in the drawings supplied.
12. Laying of Concrete. - The time between completion of mixing and placing in position of the
concrete should be as short as possible and should not in any case be more than 20 minutes.
Carriage from mixing place.During carriage from place of mixing to the forms, separation
or loss of the concrete should be avoided. Also during laying, dropping of the concrete from more
than a height of three feet should be avoided for the same reason. The concrete should be placed as
nearly as possible in its final position, so as to avoid rehandling and in such a way surface
approximately horizontal.
Compacting of concrete. During and within ten minutes after placing, the concrete should be
worked under and round the reinforcement and into the corners of the forms by means of light iron
or wooden rods and by tapping the outside of the forms with a hammer. This will make the concrete
free from voids, air bubbles and honey combing. Smoothing off the top by trowelling should be
avoided.

13.

14.

15.
16.

Concrete not to be disturbed while setting. After 30 minutes from the time of adding water to the
dry mix in question, concrete to which has been placed should not be disturbed or the work shaken or
jarred until after six hours from completion of laying and compacting.
Curing.
The work shall be kept wet for a fortnight after laying, preferably by means of a
covering of wet gunny bags as prescribed in the specification for cement concrete No.16. Constant
attention shall be paid to keeping the covering material always wet from the time concreting has been
completed.
Location of construction and expansion joints.
All construction joints for Beams, Slabs and
stairs generally shall be made near mid-span for R.C. Columns, construction joints shall be located
3 below soffits of intersecting Beams, Joints details are as shown in the sketches. All joints to be
made with vertical stop boards slotted to take main bars and with a keyed fillet to obtain a rebated
joint. Stop board must be in position before concreting starts. Before placing new concrete against
concrete that has hardened, the face of the old concrete shall be cleaned and roughened, and loose
aggregate removed there from, and immediately before placing new concrete, the face shall be
thoroughly wetted and a coating of cement mortar (1:2) applied there to . All Beam ribs shall be
cast monolithically with also and on no account shall it be cast separately.
Expansion joints shall be excuted at the points shown in the drawing or as directed in writing
by the executive Engineer.
Protection from external loading.
No structure should be subject to external loading until twentyone days after the removal of the centering.
Lean concrete Blinding Layer.
For reinforced concrete foundation, unless where otherwise
specified, 3 thick lean concrete blinding layer 1:3:6 with brick aggregate, should be provided.

24

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 18 PRECAST CONCRETE


1. Material.
The mix for precast-concrete shall be the same used in Reinforced-concrete work in
the Concretor but with course aggregate grading from 3/16 to 3/8 only.
M.S. reinforcing rods as shown in drawings shall be bent with precision and tied with soft
annealed wire in correct position.
Forms and Patterns works shall be of approved material with true surfaces and shapes. All
formworks shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in-Charge before they are made use of .
2. Processing. All formworks and fabrication of M.S. reinforcement shall be inspected, before
casting is commenced; constant tapping of formworks and ramming is essential to obtain maximum
and uniform compaction, and avoiding honey-combing and cured for at least 7days, before it is
removed from the forms and inspected. Minor defects shall be rectified and surfaces rendered
smooth with 1:3 cement mortar. Works with major defects shall be rejected and destroyed at once.
Completed precast works shall be stored in damp atmosphere until use.
The method of handling precast units shall be such as to reduce handling stressed to a
minimum. The methods proposed for castling, lifting and handling must be submitted to the Engineer
for approval before concreting is commenced.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

8.

No. 19
COURSED RUBBLE MASONRY
Specification for stone and laying. The stone shall be according to sample deposited with and
approved of by the Executive Engineer and shall be free from all cracks, flames and imperfections. It
shall be laid if mortar as specified by the terms of the contract or as directed by the Engineer-incharge.
Size of face stones. No face stone shall be breadth than its height, nor shall tail into the work to a
length less than its height and at least 1/3 rd of the stones shall tail into the work at least twice their
height or, in walls thicker than 2 feet three times their height.
Dressing of face stones.
Face stones shall be squared by chisel on all joints, beds and faces. The
beds to be hammered and rough dressed true and square, for at least three inches from the face and
the joints for at least 1 . The face of the stones shall be dressed so that projections or hollows do
not exceed half an inch.
Bedding of stone.
All stones shall be dressed by chisel roughly level so as to rest evenly on the
mortar without any pronounced hollows or projections and shall be laid to a firm bearing without the
use of chips, pinners or levellers.
Thickness of courses. The stones shall be laid in horizontal courses, which may vary in thickness
from 6 in to 10 in. All stones in each course shall be of equal height and all courses of the same
height, unless otherwise specified, in which case no course shall be thicker than any course beneath
it. All stones shall be set in full mortar in all bed and vertical joints.
Thickness of joints. All side joints shall be vertical and bed horizontal. The joints shall not be less
than nor more than in thickness.
Headers and through bond stones. - At least one fourth of the stones in each course shall be
headers, evenly distributed along each course, and no header shall be less than one and a half feet in
length. In work not more than two feet wide through stones shall go through to the back of the wall
at 5 ft to 6 ft apart in each course. In work more than two feet thick, when the header in the face do
not go through the wall, there shall be as many headers of the same size in the back as in the face of
wall, so arranged that a header in the back comes between two headers in the face . If bond stones of
sufficient length are not available, precast (1:2:4) cement concrete blocks may be used in lieu.
Breaking of joints.
Stones shall break joint by at least half the height of the course.
25

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

9. Corners and angles. All corners and angles shall be laid with neatly hammer dressed selected stone
laid alternate along each face.
10. Stepping of masonry and bonding at junction.
Wherever practicable the masonry in a structure
must be carried up at a uniform level throughout. Where breaks are unavoidable the joints shall be
made gradual steps. Cross walls must be carefully bonded into the main walls and all junctions are to
be formed at each alternate course into each of the respective walls so as to unite the work
thoroughly.
11. Interior face. In the case of buildings the work on the interior face shall be the same as in
the exterior face unless the work is to be plastered in which case the side joints need not be vertical.
12. Interior of wall or backing. The portion of the wall between the back and front facing stones shall
consist of flat bedded stones carefully laid on their proper beds and solidly bedded in mortar, chips
and spalls of stones being wedged in wherever necessary so as to avoid thick beds or joints of
mortar, care being taken that no dry work or hollow spaces shall be left any where in the masonry.
The face work and backing shall be brought up evenly, but the backing should not be leveled up at
each course by the use of chips.
13. Underwater masonry. In bridges and other work where the lower part of the masonry will be
under water, the courses from the top of foundation concrete up to 1 foot above low water level
should be laid with specially selected large flat stones not less than 4 thick in cement mortar 1:2.
The cement mortar should be as specified in specification No. (15) for Cement Mortar.
14. Stone to be clean and soaked. All stones, chips, spalls, etc., shall be washed clean before use.
The contractor shall provide a soak pit and the stones for each course shall be sorted and kept in this
pit for at least tow hours before being used.
15. Protection and curing of Masonry. - Masonry shall be protected during construction from the effects
of sun, rain and frost, by suitable covering if necessary and shall be kept moist for a period of 3
weeks after being laid or such other length of time as is specified by the Engineering-in-charge. If the
contractor fails to do this to the satisfaction of the Engineer-in-charge departmental labour shall be
employed at once at the contractors expense.
16. Masonry to be kept wet. At the close of the days work or for other periods s or cessation of
work, the top of all unfinished masonry id to be kept flooded with one inch of water care being taken
not to disturb or wash out the mortar.
17. Masonry not to be disturbed after setting. Care should be taken not to disturb any of the masonry
already completed. If any stone is moved after being set and the joints the stone shall be removed,
and the mortar thoroughly cleansed from the bed and sides of adjacent stones. The stone which has
been removed shall then be reset tin fresh mortar.\
18. Plastering and painting. If plastering or pointing is to be done, the mortar joints shall be raked
out at the close of the days work, while the mortar is still green and kept moist.
If no plastering or pointing is to be done, the mortar joints at the surface shall be rubbed
smooth with a pointing tool. The mortar should be restricted to the width of the joint and finished
flush with the face of the wall.
19. Scaffolding.- Proper scaffolding having two sets of vertical supports shall be provided by the
contractor, who is responsible to see that this is sufficiently strong to carry the workmen and
materials.
20. Completion. - All masonry shall be washed down on completion and all stains lime or otherwise
removed from the face.

26

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 20 DRY RUBBLE MASONRY OR DRY STONE WALLING


1. General.
Dry rubble masonry, commonly called dry stone walling shall be used in construction
breast and retaining walls . The larges t stones available shall be used in such construction, the larger
stones being used in the lower courses.
2. Batter.
Unless otherwise specified, dry stone walling shall be built with a face batter of 1 in 4
and vertical back. The base as well as the courses must run at right angles to the face.
3. Beds. The stones will be roughly dressed to secure the maximum bedding surface without un duly
reducing the size of the stone. Each course shall be built through the entire thickness of the wall.
4. Bond Stones. Bond stones shall be provided in each course intervals of 5 feet. Bond stones will be
the full height of the course in which they are used at least as broad, and of the greatest length
procurable. No bond stone shall be less than 2 feet in length. When the length is less than the
thickness of with wall, two or more shall be used overlapping by at least 6 inches, to provide through
bond from front to back. If bond stone of sufficient length are not available, precast (1:2:4) cement
concrete blocks may be used in lieu.
All bond stones shall be separately stacked before use, and marked so that they can be
identified after having been built into the wall.
5. High walls. Dry stone walls exceeding 20 feet in height must be strengthened every ten feet by
building three consecutive courses in coursed rubble masonry in lime or cement mortar.
6. Weep holes. Weep holes shall be left in dry stone walling when built against a hill side where
springs are encountered.
7. Filling.
Filling immediately behind dry stone walls must wherever possible, be done with
stone refuse or chips. Earth is not to be used whe4ere stone refuse is available.
No. 21

DRY STONE PITCHING FOR REVENTMENTS OR EMBANKMENTS

1. Description. Dry stone pitching shall consist of a layer of one heavy stone of specified size, laid on
al layer of backing 6 in to 1 ft thick and composed of gravel, stone sprawls, broken stone or broken
bricks as may be specified.
2. Earth bed under stone pitching.
The bed or slope on which the backing is to be laid should be
dressed to the correct level and grade as shown on the drawings and free from all roots and
vegetation. If the bed is of made up earth, it should, if circumstances permit, be allowed to settle
before pitching laid.
3. Size and quality of stone.
The stones shall be perfectly sound ands as regular in shape as
possible, with their lengths equal to the thickness of the required apron on revetment and each stone
shall not be less than cubic foot in size unless otherwise specified by the Engineer-in charge
having regard to the nature of the stone available. All large projections shall be removed by hammer
dressing so that joints between stones may be as small as possible.
4. Laying of backing. Wooden pegs shall be drawn into the earth slope, at right angles and the length
of ped projecting shall be the same as thickness of backing specified. Starting from the bottom of the
slope, backing shall be laid to the tops of the pegs. The laying shall , be done in strips of a few feet in
width. When each strip is completed, pitching stone shall be laid on it and when this strip of pitching
is completed, the laying of the backing shall be completed for another few feet in width before any
more pitching stone sis laid.
Strings should be stretched between tops of pegs as a guide in laying the backing.
5. Laying of pitching. Starting form the bottom of a slope the pitching stone shall be laid closely in
position on the backing, care being taken that the specified thickness of the latter is maintained and
27

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

that none is displaced. The broad ends of the stones shall be downwards, or against the backing so
that they may meet all around their bases, and the tops shall be as nearly as possible in the same
plane as shown on the drawings . The stones shall be malleted so securely against each other and on
to their beds that no stone can be dislodged. Stones shall be laid perpendicular to the finished surface
and so that they break joint as far as possible in the direction of the flow of water. String profiles
should be sent up to ensure that the finished surface is as per plan.
6. Packing between pitching stones.
Simultaneously with the placing in position of the pitching
stones, suitable wedge shaped chips shall be driven into the interstices with hammer to ensure tight
packing of the stones. The final wedging shall be done only after obtaining the orders of he
Engineer-in-charge. The largest sized chips practicable shall be used for this and they shall be driven
home so that they cannot be removed by hand.
No. 22 BRICKWORK, FIRST CLASS.
1. Specification for Bricks
The bricks shall be first class according to specification No. (1) for
bricks.
2. Soaking of Bricks.
The bricks shall be thoroughly wet when laid, and to ensure this, shall be
soaked in water until all bubbling ceases, and in no case shall the immersion in water be less then
two hours.
3. Mortar.
The mortar shall be prepared is specified in Specifications No. (12) for lime mortar
No. (15) for cement mortar o0r as directed by terms of the contract.
4. Thickness of Joints. The joints in the brick work shall not exceed three-eight of an inch in
thickness.
5. Bond Unless otherwise specified English Bond shall be used with the frogs of the bricks upwards,
and shall be carried throughout the wall. No bats shall be used except as closers or where necessary
to complete the bond.
6. Color. For all face work, bricks shall be selected for uniformity of colour, and no colouring shall be
done to the face work without the express permission of the Executive Engineer in writing.
7. Mortar-Joints.
Each brick shall be laid in full mortar-joint and shall be worked and rubbed
into position . All vertical joints shall be filled solid with mortar.
8. Courses to be level. The starting course shall be truly level, and all courses shall be laid with a lime
to ensure their being level.
9. Watering of brickwork.
All brickwork shall be kept damp till the mortar has set, and in no case
for less than ten days.
10. Raking out of joints. If the face of the work is not to be plastered every joint should be neatly struck
at the close of eh days work and before the mortar has set.
If the face of the work is to be plastered the joints should be well raked out while the mortar
is still fresh and kept moist.
11. Raking back of unfinished work.
All walls, including returns, buttresses, centre pillars, etc.,
shall be carried up as level as possible along their entire length. Where the work cannot be carried up
level,, it shall be raked back in regular steps to one course each, and where work ion the lower part is
recommended the portion raked back must be well wetted for at least four hours before the junction
is made.
12. Fixing of Iron Work. All iron work, holdfasts, etc. shall be built in as the work proceeds and the
contractor shall give every assistance and facilities for fixing, if being fixed by a different agency.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

13. Thickness to be measured by bricks. The thickness of brickwork shall be measured by bricks and not
by actual measurement. Thus a brick wall be taken as 4 , a one-brick wall as 9 inches, a 1 1/2
brick wall as 13 , a two-brick wall as 18 inches, and so on.
14. Faces of brickwork. All faces of brickwork shall be turned with a straight edge and plum bob.
15. Scaffolding. During construction the staging shall have a double row of uprights. Care shall be
taken when leaving out a brick for the horizontal scaffolding pole, that such brick is always a header,
and that it is properly replaced in sufficient mortar after thee removal of tee pole.
16. Brick on edge coping. etc.
Unless otherwise specified the top course of all parapets, plinths, steps
, etc., shall be built in brick on edge with extra fine joints not exceeding 18 in thickness. Care shall
be taken that he bricks forming the corners of all such courses are properly radiated and keyed into
position as shown in sketch.
17. Brick Piers. All brick piers shall be constructed from selected bricks and laid in 1:3 cement mortar
unless otherwise specified, to the best possible workmanship.
18. Cut and Pin-ends, etc.,
Cut and pin or butt in ends of all sills, lintels, timber, steel angles and
the like into brickwork .Carry out all rough and fair cutting required. From holes , mortices ,
openings etc. fro fittings , pipes etc. in the brick work which shall be made good in cement and sand
(1:3) mortar. Bed all plates, lintels, templates, beam pads etc. in 1:3 cement mortar.
19. Damp-proof course. Damp-proof course shall be laid over all brick walls at the plinth level unless
where otherwise shown in the drawings, consisting of 1 thick 1:2:4 cement concrete with stone
aggregate to 3/16 graded as specified in Concretor ,mixed with 5% Pudlo or 2%
Impermo by weight of cement, unless where otherwise specified.
The damp-proof course shall have laid continuously and no construction joints will be
permitted. The concrete floor slab should connect as far as possible with the D.P.C. to form a
continuous protective course against rising dampness.
SKETCH FOR CUTTING CORNERS OF BRICK ON EDGE COURSES IN PLINTHS AND
STEPS!

No.

23

BRICK WORK IN ARCHES

1. Execution.
The work shall be executed generally in accordance with specification No.(22) for
first Class Brick Work.
2. Bond Unless otherwise directed by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings, all arches
having a radius of curvature, greater than 2-6 shall be constructed in English Bond, the arch rings
being bonded together. In smaller arches the work may be executed in concentric half brick rings, but
header bricks to bond the rings together shall be inserted where directed by the Executive Engineer
or his representative.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Gauged arches or arches laid in header and stretcher bond shall be used of face work
which is to be pointed and or all flat arches and where so indicated in the drawings.
Shaping of bricks and specials.
All bricks for arch work shall be regularly and carefully shaped
by cutting and grinding. When practicable, special bricks shall be moulded and burnt for arches, and
this shall be done where so directed by the terms of the contract.
Skewbacks. Before the building of an arch is started, the abutments and skewbacks shall be
completed up to the same level and the mortar in the brickwork must be fully set. Skewbacks shall be
formed of specially moulded or cut bricks correctly shaped to radiate truly from the centre of
curvature and shall on no account be packed up with mortar or chips to effect this.
Arch work to be carried up evenly. The work shall be carried up evenly from both abutments and,
as soon as the arch is completed, the adjacent masonry shall be carried up to the height of the crown
in order to load the haunches.
Voussoir joints.All voussoir shall be truly radial. The bricks shall be laid in full beds of mortar
and well rubbed and pressed into their beds so as to squeeze out surplus mortar and leave the joints
as thin as possible. No joint in arch work shall exceed in thickness at any point, provided that
radial joints in gauged arches (English bond) shall not exceed 1/8 in thickness.
Centering.
Centering shall be strong enough to bear the weight of the without deflection and shall
be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in Charge. In all centre the upper bearing surface shall
rest on double wedges in order that it can be eased (lowered) gently.

Centering for spands of 20 feet and over.


Arches over 20 feet span shall only be erected on
centering resting on special sand boxes or on jacks.
8. Easing and striking of centering.
When using lime mortar, centre will ordinarily be slackened
within 24 hours after completion of the arch, while the mortar is still moist, so as to allow the arch to
compress itself and bring all the joints to fair bearing , but not so soon that the mortar in the last
finished joints is still so soft that it will be squeezed out. The centres shall be struck on the next day.
For arch work in cement mortar, the centering shall be eased off immediately after the arch is
finished and shall be strick the next day. In all centers, the arrangements shall be such that the
slackening can be effected without any vibration being transmitted to the arch and in the case of a
series of arches, that the centres can be slackened simultaneously.
9. Flat and reveling arches.
Flat arches shall be used for pointed face work requiring a horizontal
soffit and shall be built the same as gauged arches but with all voussior joints covering on the apex
of an equilateral triangle described on the soffit of the arch and the cross joints and extrados
horizontal. The arch must be built with a member of one-eight of an inch per foot of span.
Reliving arches shall be built over flat arches and at such other places as shown in the
drawings. Unless otherwise ordered by the Exceptive Engineer the space between a relieving arch
and a flat arch or lintel must not be filled up until the wall has been completed, when it must be filled
with brickwork or concrete leaving no hollows of any sort.
No. 24
BRICKNOGGING
1. Posts The timber for the main posts and frames shall be as specified in the contract. The size of the
timbers shall be as shown in the drawings, generally 6 x 6 for the main posts and 6 in x 3 in for the
frames. Diagonal frames shall not be used unless specially directed. Where other consideration
justified., 6x2 frames may be used in lien for brick noggin with both sides plastered and 5 x 2
frame may be used for brick noggin with one side pointed and one side plastered. Where frames act
as door and window frames, the thickness shall be 3 inches. Where the frame bridges across an
30

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

opening wider than 4 feet, precaution shall be taken that the deflection does not exceed one eight
inch.
Framework. The workmanship for the timber shall be in accordance with the specification for
carpentry, No. (38). The upright and horizontals of the intermediate frames shall be fixed strictly in
accordance with the drawings.
The uprights shall run right through the height of the wall at each floor. The horizontals shall
be notched into the verticals between them. The intermediate vertical frames shall be secured at
plinth level to 1 x 3/8 mild steel straps.
No horizontal frame shall be fixed at plinth level, and the brick work shall start on the plinth
as indicated in paragraph 4 . Every horizontal frame shall have a tenon at one end housed in a well
fitting mortice not tee side of he vertical against which the end will butt. The other end shall have a
motch which must fit well on a hard wood needle of 1 x 1 section, protruding will butt5, the
needle being firmly plugged into the died of the vertical against which the end will butt. The other
end shall have a notch which must fit well on a hard wood needle of 1 1/25 x 1 section, protruding
about form the side of the vertical against which this end will butt, the needle being formly
plugged into the side of the vertical. Both ends should also be further secured by skew nailing to the
verticals using 2 x 2 wire nail at each end. No panel shall exceed eight feet in its longest
dimension nor thirty-two square feet in area.
On no account shall the sides of posts and frames be recessed to form a key for the brick
panels. The panels shall be finished of as indicated in paragraph 6 below.
Timber faces in contact with brickwork to be coal tarred.
All faces of timbers which will be in contact with brickwork shall be coated with two coats of
hot coal-tar. The first shall be dry before the second coat is started and the latter shall be dry before
brickwork is started. Care must be taken not to smear any coal-tar on any faces of timber which will
be visible in the completed work.
Brickwork and reinforcement.
The bricks in the panels shall break joint and be laid in a mortar
as specified in the contract; the work shall be in accordance with the specification for brick work,
No. (22). The first row of bricks at plinth level shall have laid in cement mortar consisting of one
part of cement to three parts of sand. At every fourth course, reinforcing band of Exmet or Bricktor
shall be laid, the ends being turned up and secured to the timbers by staples. The joints containing
this reinforcement shall be laid in cement mortar of one part of cement to three parts of sand.
Plastering and pointing.
The internal faces of the brickwork panels shall be covered with lime
plaster in accordance with the specification for lime plaster, No. (27), unless otherwise specified in
the contract or shown in the drawings. The external faces shall be cement pointed unless otherwise
specified in the contract or drawings.
Beading Stripes.
On completion of the brickwork and plaster the edges of the panels shall be
covered with beading stripe screwed, not nailed, to the timber posts and frames. These beadings shall
be of the size specified in the contract or drawings and shall be fixed on all faces both internal and
external.
Measurement.
The brickwork shall be paid for separately from the framing and shall be
measured by superficial measurement for the full height and width between posts without deducting
the framing but deduction doors, windows and other openings. Pointing and Plastering shall be paid
for as separate items.

No.25 REINFORCED BRICKWORK WALLS


1. Composition of reinforced brick walls.
Reinforced brick wall shall be either (1) Brick nogging
walls, or (2) ordinary brick walls without any timber framing and in either case one-half brick in
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

thickness of brick on edge. The brickwork shall be reinforced every fourth course or as otherwise
specified with Ex-met B.R.C fabric, hoop iron or round steel rods laid in ce4ment mortar. All other
courses being in lime mortar.
2. Bricks.
Bricks shall be in accordance with specification No.(11) Brick.
3. Lime Mortar. Mortar shall consist of equal parts by measurement of lime, sand and surkhi and shall
comply with Specification No.(12) Lime Mortar
4. Cement Mortar.
Cement mortar shall consist of one part of cement to two or three parts of sand
as directed and shall comply with specification No.(15) Cement Mortar . The cement and sand
shall comply with their respective specifications.
5. Width of Reinforcement.
For a 4 1/2 wall, the reinforcement if Ex met, hoop iron or B.R.C.
fabric should not be more than 3 inches wide and if steel rods the outer edges of he rods should not
be more than 3 wide and if steel rods the outer edges of the rods should not be more than 3 apart.
For 3 walls the reinforcement should not exceed 1 in width.
6. Joints in reinforcement to be avoided as much as possible and brick nogging walls.
Joints in reinforcement should be avoided as much as possible. In brick nogging walls, the
reinforcement should be continuous form joint of the brickwork as far as the available length of
reinforcement will permit, and the vertical length between the joints should be firmly nailed up along
the side of the timber upright which abuts against the end of the brickwork panel.
7. Ordinary brick walls and overlap in reinforcement. In reinforced brick walls without timber frames
the reinforcement should run from end to end of the wall without any joint, if the available lengths of
the reinforcement permit of this. When joints in reinforcement are unavoidable the lap should not be
less than three inches.
8. Joints containing reinforcement.
Joints containing reinforcement should be thick and should
be well filled with cement mortar so that the reinforcement gets good cover.
9. Jointing R.B partition to ordinary brick walls.
Two slots at least 4 deep should be cut in the
walls between which the partition has to be built and the partition shall be built into these slots, the
slots being flushed full joint with 1:3 cement mortar as the work proceeds.
10. Partition walls carried upon a floor with no foundation wall, beam or other additional support
beneath them should have the bottom course reinforced and be built in cement mortar to act as a
reinforced brick beam to carry the partition.
11. At junctions of ordinary brick walls and 4 reinforced brick walls cross bonding shall be done as
far as practicable.
When the main wall has to be built first due to unavoidable reasons footing shall be left every
other course and the brick reinforcement shall be embedded on the walls every fourth course and the
brick reinforcement shall be embedded on the walls every fourth course starting from the bottom
most course and projecting at least 9 to which the main reinforcement shall be fully lapped.
12. For connection of R.B walls to R.C . Columns and R.C. Walls.
One diameter M.S. Rod shall be left embedded at least 4 with a hook inside the cast
concrete and projecting out at least 12 and shall be tied securely to the brick reinforcement every
fourth course, lapping at least 9.
No.26 REINFORCED BRICKWORK LINTEL
1. Execution:
The brickwork shall be according to the specification for First Class
Brickwork in Cement Mortar. Bond requirements may only be relaxed in the bottom course where it
is necessary to have a continuous joint to contain the reinforcement. The brick shall be specially
selected for well burnt and soundness. Cement mortar shall be 1:3.
32

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Centering:
Centering shall be strong enough to bear the weight of the finished lintel as well as
extra load which may be composed by materials or workmen. It shall not be removed earlier than 10
days after completion on the lintel. Care must be taken not to jar the work when removing centering.
3. Reinforcement:
Reinforcing bars as shown in the drawings shall be laid in the centre of joints
and so supported as to remain in position with the bottom of the bars ., above the centering. As far
as possible, joints in reinforcing bars should be avoided, but if unavoidable a lap of 40 diameters
should be given with standard hooks. The ends of bars at the supports of the lintel must also be
terminated with a standard hook.
4. Joints for Reinforcement.
Joints in which reinforcement is to be laid shall be of a thickness equal
to the =diameter of the reinforcing bar plus on e inch, the joints swell filled with cement mortar.
5. Curing and Protection.
After the Reinforced Brick lintel has been laid the work shall be kept
moist for 24 hours by sprinkling water upon it. After that period it shall be covered with sand and
kept well flushed with water for two weeks. It shall be protected from extremes of temperature and
from uneven drying a period of one month after laying.

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

7.

8.

1.

No. 27
LIME PLASTERING
Mortar
Unless otherwise specified the mortar should be prepared in accordance with
specification No. (12) for Lime Mortar.
Raking out of joints Before application of the plaster, the joints of the masonry or brickwork shall
be raked out of a depth of at least half an inch, and this raking out shall be done while the mortar is
still green. No plastering shall be commenced until the surface, thus prepared, has been passed by the
Executive Engineer or his representative; otherwise the contractor may be ordered to dismantle and
do the work again at his won expense.
Wetting of masonry and finished plaster.
The surface shall be well wetted before plastering is
commenced and the mortar dust obtained from raking the joints shall be thoroughly washed off and
the work kept thoroughly damp while the plaster is being applied.
After completion the plaster shall be kept wet for ten days, or until thoroughly se t whichever
period is the longer and shall be protected for that period form extrems of temperature and weather.
Screeds.
Wooden screeds 3 inches wide and of the thickness of the plaster shall be fixed
vertically 8 ft. to 10 ft apart to act as gauges in applying the plaster.
Application of plaster.
The mortar shall be laid on the surface between screeds and the mortar
well pressed so that the raked joints are properly filled. The plaster shall then be evened off by
working a wooden straight edge across the screed. Finally the surface shall be finished off with fine
mortar, using a hand float and water to give a perfectly smooth surface.
Thickness of plaster. Brickwork shall not normally receive more than one coat of plaster and no
singe coat of plaster, for either brickwork or masonry, shall be allowed to exceed half an inch in
thickness.
Two Coats Work.
Where more than one coat off plaster is specified, The first coat shall be
allowed to set completely before the second coat is applied and the surface of the previous coat shall
be left rough and freely secred in all directions to secure good bonding with the subsequent coat.
Finishing of mouldings, cornices, angles, etc.
All mouldings, cornices, etc., shall be worked
true to template, all exposed angles shall be carefully finished truly horizontal or vertical as the case
may be.
No.
28
CEMENT PLASTERING
Mortar.
Unless otherwise specified, the mortar shall be prepared and used in accordance with
specification No.(15) for Cement Mortar.
33

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Application, etc.
Lime Plastering.

The work shall be carried out in accordance with specification No (27) for

No. 29
COMPOSITE PLASTERING
1. Specification. Unless otherwise specified, the mortar should be prepared in accordance with
specification No. of Composite Mortar, The work shall be carried out in accordance with specification
No (27) for Lime Plastering.
No.
30
POINTING
1. Preparation of New Work
When new brickwork or masonry is to be pointed, the joints shall be
raked out to a depth of at least inch. While the mortar is still green and the whole surface
thoroughly washed.
2. Preparation of Old Work.
When old brickwork or masonry is to be pointed the joints shall be
raked out with a hook (not a hammer), care being taken not to damage the bricks or stones. The
whole surface should be thoroughly washed clean and kept wet for at least 6 hours before pointing is
started.
3. Mortar.
Unless otherwise specified, the mortar for cement pointing shall consist of 1 part of
cement to 3parts of sand and shall be pareparsed in accordance with specification No. (15) for
Cement Mortar.
The mortar for lime pointing should be of the proportions given in para 1 of specification No.(12)
for Lime Mortar.
4. Colour fo Pointing. Unless otherwise specified, the colour of the pointing shall , in the case of lime
pointing, be as nearly as possible the same as that of the bricks and colouring matter shall be added
to secure this effect. In the case of cement pointing, the colour of the pointing shall be the natural
colour of the cement mortar unless otherwise ordered in writing by the Executive Engineer.
5. Mortar to be pressed well into joints.
The mortar shall be strongly pressed and worked into
the joints with a pointing trowel and proper pointing tools. When finished, the mortar pointing shall
be restricted to the width of the joints and all superfluous mortar shall be removed with a trowel.
6. Finish.
Unless otherwise specified all horizontal joints shall be weather-struck with a trowel
and straight edge as shown in the sketch below.

All vertical joints shall be finished flush with the surface or V-notched with a triangular tool
as shown in the sketch below.

34

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

7.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

The mortar shall be confined to the width of the joint and shall not project beyond the surface. All
surplus mortar shall be removed with a trowel but no washing must be done before the mortar has
set.
Watering.
Lime pointed work shall be kept wet for five days and cement pointed work for ten
days after completing.
No.
31
BRICK ON EDGE FLOORING
Composition. Brick on edge flooring shall consist of well brunt, hard , specially selected first-class
bricks true in shape and with clean sharp arises laid in lime mortar on al bed of 4 of lime concrete
and pointed with 1:2 cement mortar. The materials used shall comply with their respective
specifications.
Preparation of earth sub-foundation.
The earth sub-foundation shall be thoroughly
consolidated and dressed off true to the levels and falls of the finished payment. Any slope, channel
on other form required for the surface of the floor as shown in the drawings shall be prepared in the
earth sub-foundation on which the floor is t be laid.
Laying of lime concrete on earth sub-foundation. On the earth sub-foundation shall be laid 4 of
freshly mixed lime concrete thoroughly rammed and consolidated with the surface true and even and
laid to the levels, falls or other forms as shown in the drawings.
Preparation of lime concrete.
Up to the time of laying of ricks, the lime concrete shall not be
walked on or disturbed in any way, but it shall be kept constantly damp by spraying it with water. No
bricks should be laid on the concrete until it has been passed by the Engineer-in-charge.
Laying and jointing of bricks
The bricks shall be laid on edge in a uniform thick bed of lime
mortar on the lime concrete base when the latter has finally set or has become hard enough to walk
on .Before laying, the bricks shall be thoroughly soaked in clean water, care being taken in handling
them not to chip the edges. They shall then be rubbed into place, so as to flush up , and completely
fill the vertical joints with lime mortar. Surplus mortar flushed up to the top shall be removed
immediately, so as not to stain the surface of the bricks.
Levels grades and pattern of joints. The bricks shall be laid so that the surface is true to levels and
falls either in parallel rows; breaking joint or herring bone pattern as may be ordered by the
Executive Engineer of his representative.
Thickness of joints and pointing.
The joints between brick shall be true and paralled and not
exceeding 1/8 thick. They shall be raked out to a depth of . Whilst the mortar is still green and be
flush pointed with mortar composed of 90 lbs. Portland cement to 2cuft. Clean sharp sand. The
pointing shall be neatly executed and no mortar shall be allowed to spread over the surface of the
bricks.
Curing of work.
After completion, the floor shall not be walked on or used for any purpose for
ten days until thoroughly set, and during this period it shall be kept constantly camp by sprinkling
with water.
No.

32 PARGUET (WOODEN BLOCK)

FLOORING

1. Composition The floor shall be laid with thoroughly dry and well seasoned wooden blocks of teak
or other approved woods. 9in x 3in x 1 thick, or of a thickness otherwise specified in the contract
or shown on the drawings, with dovetail grooves in the bed and sides. The blocks shall be regular in
shape with clean sharp edges and true faces.
Note.
Wooden blocks cut to size should be brought on to the site of work well in advance of
time of laying so as to ensure proper seasoning.
35

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Composition of base.
The floor shall be laid on a previously prepared base of lime-concrete
or cement concrete 4 in thick finished off smooth and true to levels and falls as shown on the
drawings. The base shall rest on a foundation of 3in of sand well watered and rammed or on a 5in.
layer of broken brick or gravel which has been thoroughly compacted.
3. Preparation of base. The base, which must be thoroughly dried out and set, shall be thoroughly
cleaned and floated over with a 1 in coat of fine cement-concrete finished with a wooden float to
give a sand paper finish perfectly true to the level of the finished floor and at the depth of the floor
blocks below the finished level.
This concrete shall be kept constantly moist by sprinkling with water and undisturbed in
any way for ten days until thoroughly set.
4. Cement concrete base to be dry before Blocks laid.
Before further work is done this concrete must be absolutely dry. This is of the almost important
and no laying of blocks shall be permitted until the concrete is passed by the executive Engineer or
his representative as thoroughly dry. For this reason parquet flooring should not ordinarily be laid in
the reins and the operation should be delayed until the building is practically completed and dried
out.
5. Fitting wood blocks. The wood blocks shall first be laid dry to the margin and pattern as shown in
the drawings. The blocks must fit closely and the sides and ends shall be planned true if necessary to
get close even joints.
6. Sealing concrete surface.
After they have been carefully fitted and matched, the blocks shall be
removed and stacked in the same order. The concrete sub-base shall then be thoroughly cleaned and
a small area of the surface shall be coated with a thin coat of hot mastic composed of one gallon of
coal tar to 28 lbs of Stockholm Pitch heated together or other approved hard bitumen.
7. Laying blocks.
The wood blocks shall then be taken in turn and be dipped in the same hot
mastic for about half their depth so as to coat thoroughly the bottom and part of the sides and be
quickly set and pressed into place on the previously coated surface .
8. Removing surplus mastic and leveling surface.
When all the blocks have been set, the surface
shall be freed of all surplus mastic and be planed or machined dead level and smooth.
9. Finish.
The floor shall then be given a final finish by rubbing down with heavy coarse and
fine grained level stones or with sand paper and be brought to a fine polish by well-rubbing with a
thin mixture of pure bees wax and turpentine.

1.

2.
3.

4.

5.

No.
33
TILE FLOORING
Composition. Tile flooring shall consist of tiles bedded in cement mortar of on a 4 foundation of
lime concrete. The foundation of lime concrete shall rest or sub-foundation of 3, of sand well
watered and rammed or of 5 of broken brick or gravel well compacted.
Specification for tiles.
The tiles shall be well burnt, hard, of a uniform size and colour, and
supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract.
Preparation of sub-foundations.
The sub-foundation shall be thoroughly consolidated and
dressed true to the levels and falls of the finished pavement. Any slope, channel, or other form
required for the surface of he floor as shown in the drawing shall be prepared in the sub-foundation
on which the floor is to be laid.
Lime concrete foundation. On the sub-foundation shall be laid 4 of freshly mixed lime
concrete, thoroughly rammed and consolidated with the surface true and even and laid to the levels,
falls or other forms as shown in the drawings.
Protecting concrete foundation.
The concrete shall not be walked on or used for other purpose
within a period of ten days, or until it is thoroughly set, and during its period it shall be kept
36

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

constantly damp by sprinkling water on it from the rose of a watering can. No tiles shall be laid on
the concrete until it has been passed by the Executive Engineer or his representative.
6. Laying Tiles. Before laying the tiles, the concrete shall be washed clean and well wetted. The titles
shall be soaked in clean water, care taken in handling them not to chip the edges. They shall be set in
a uniform bed of cement mortar, as specified in the contract, rubbing them into place so as to flush
up and fill completely the vertical joints. These joints shall not exceed 1/16 of an inch in thickness.
Surplus mortar rubbed up to the top shall be removed immediately so as not to stain the surface of
the tiles.
7. Finish.
The tiles shall be laid so that the surface is true to the levels and falls , either in row
parallel to the walls of the rooms, or diagonally as may be ordered by the Executive Engineer.
8. Curing .
After completion, the floor shall not be walked on or used for any purpose for ten
days or until thoroughly set, and during this period it shall be kept constantly damp by sprinkling
with water.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

No.
34
CONCRETE FLOOR WITH CEMENT CONCRETE SURFACE
Composition. The floor finish shall consist of fine cement concrete on a previously prepared base of
lime or cement concrete. Unless otherwise specified, the thickness of the finish shall be 1 and
shall never be less than 1 in.
Foundation. Unless otherwise specified the floor shall rest on a foundation of 3in of sand well
watered and rammed, or on a 5 in layer of broken brick or gravel which has been thoroughly
compacted.
Base. If the base is of lime concrete it shall be 4 in thick and prepared in accordance with
specification No. (13) for Lime concrete. If of cement concrete it shall be of such thickness that the
total thickness of the floor will be not less than 4 in and shall be prepared in accordance with
specification No. (16) for Cement Concrete. The surface of the base shall be Constructed true to
level and falls at correct depth below finish surface and shall have thoroughly set and hardened
before laying the finish.
Preparation of Base Surface.
Immediately before Placing the finishing coat the base be
roughened by lightly picking it all over and then be thoroughly cleaned by scrubbing with clean
water and a stiff brush. If any foreign matter has been deposited on the floor that cannot be removed
by scrubbing the affected area shall be chipped away and properly roughened. The base will then be
thoroughly wetted.
Aggregate.
The coarse aggregate shall comply with the specification No.(19) for coarse
Aggregate the grading being as for aggregate the grading being as for inch aggregate as
provided therein. The fine aggregate shall comply with specification No (7) for Sand.
Finishing Concrete. Unless otherwise specified the finishing concrete shall be in the proportions of
1 Cu-ft. cement (90 Lbs) 1 Cu-ft fine and 2 cu-ft coarse aggregate prepared in according with
specification No. (16) for Cement concrete. The quantity of water used shall not exceed 40 gals per
90 Lbs cement for dry aggregates and shall be reduced when using wet aggregates. The consistency
should be such as to give a slump of 2 in to 3 in. Changes in consistency shall be adjusted by slight
alteration of aggregate and cement proportions never by addition of extra water.
Laying Finishing Concrete. The finishing coat shall be laid in sections. Battens of convenient
length and width of the depth of thickness of concrete to be laid shall be placed securely on the base
to form the sections required, with their tops accurately leveled to the finished surface of the floor.
As the finishing coat is being laid a thin coat of neat cement grout should be broomed into the
surface of the base slab. A shot distance ahead of the finishing coat so as to give a good bond.
37

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

The concrete shall be deposited in the space between the screeds where it shall be beaten with
rammers and quickly struck off with a wooden board set on edge and worked with a sawing motion
and resting on the screeds so as to produce a dense concrete free from air bubbles and voids with a
true level surface.
8. Surface Finishing
The surface shall then be floated by rubbing with a long wooden float to fill up
any hollows and to iron out any humps left after screeding. During this process the surface shall be
tested for irregularities with a straight edge. Under no circumstances shall any dry cement and sand
be added to make up irregularities or to absorb surplus moisture. If the work has been badly done and
the surface is not satisfactory, the concrete must be removed and replaced by fresh concrete.
9. Expansion Joints.
In suspended floors, where expansion joints are provided, the joints in the
floor finish shall correspond with the joints in the base and thin well-oiled metal screeds shall be
inserted before concreting the adjacent sections so as too leave a neat joint which shall be
subsequently filled as directed by the Executive Engineer. Ground Floors shall also be laid with
joints in this manner if directed by the Executive Engineer.
10. Surface Pattern.
Unless otherwise specified the surface shall be left plain without any surface
pattern.
11. Curing.
When it has set, the surface shall be covered with and inch of wet sand or clean gunny
bags and kept continuously wet by sprinkling with water from the rose of a watering can for at least
ten days.
No. 35 COLOURED CONCRETE FLOOR FINISH
1. General
Except as specified hereafter, the work shall be carried out in accordance with
specification No. (34) for Concrete floor with cement Concrete Surface.
2. Colouring matter
The nature of the colouring matter and the quantity to be used to give the
correct shade shall be as specified by the Engineer-in-Charge.
3. Colouring matter.
The nature of the colouring matter and the quantity to be used to give the
correct shade shall be as specified by the Engineer-in-Charge. It shall be mixed intimately with the
cement before mixing the concrete.
4. Consistency. The concrete shall be mixed as dry as possible consistant with workability; otherwise
the colour finish will be spoiled by efflorescence.
5. Finish The surface should be thread lined in squares diagonal to the sides of the room and of as size
as ordered by the Engineer-in-Charge. The squares should be of equal size and finished off regularly
at the edge or border around the room either at a corner or midline of the square. The surface should
be brought to a fine polished finish by the use of polishing stones.
No. 36 TIMBER FLOORING, BUTT-JOINTED
1. Timber quality and size .The planks shall be of teak unless otherwise specified by the terms of the
contract or shown in the drawings. They shall be of first class timber, thoroughly seasoned, straightgrained, and free from knots or other defets. They shall be of the full width of four inches when
delivered at the site of work, and of the thickness specified by the terms of the contract. No piece
shall be less than 6 feet in length.
2. Fixing planks.
The planks shall be planned on both sides sufficiently to remove saw marks.
They shall then be cramped into position and secured to the joints with 2 wire nails using two
nails at each end and at sufficient intermediate joists to ensure that they are firmly fixed down.
3. End Joints.
End joints in the planks shall be arranged to occur in the centre of the floor joists and
no two adjoining planks shall made a joint on the same joist.
4. Protection during construction.
The planking shall be covered with bags or saw dust until the
building is completed after which it shall be cleaned and the top planed smooth.
38

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 37 TIMBER FLOORING, TONGUED AND GROOVED


1. Specification
The timber shall be teak unless otherwise specified by the terms of the
contract or shown in the drawings. It shall be of first class quality, thoroughly well seasoned,
straight-grained and free from knots or other defects. It shall be machine-cut, planed, tongued and
grooved, of full size when delivered at the site of work, and no pieve shall be less than 6 feet in
length. The planks shall be four inches wide exclusive of the width of the tongue and one inch thick
or such other thickness as may be specified by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings.
All pieces with damaged tongues or grooves shall be rejected.
2. Fixing Planks.
The planks shall be cramped tightly into position and sourced to the joists with
2 wire nails, blind driven.
3. End joints.
End joints in the planks shall be arranged to occur in the centre of the floor joists, and
no two adjoining planks shall make joint on the same joist.
4. Protection during construction.
The flooring shall be covered with bags or saw dust until the
building is completed, when it shall be cleaned and the top planed smooth.
No.
38
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
1. Description. This work shall include all woodwork in roofs, floors, posts, frames and walling,
outside staircases, gates and fences and all woodwork generally.
2. Material.
The timber shall be teak, unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract or
shown in drawings, and shall be of the best quality obtainable, free from knots, cracks, sapwood,
worm-holes and twists.
Pyinkado may be used unseasoned but any timber showing warps or cracks within three
months of construction shall be made good at contractors expense.
Teak and all other varieties of timber specified shall be thoroughly seasoned.
3. Sized.
Timber shall be cut to full scantlings true and square. Undersized scantling shall be
rejected.
4. Scantlings to be planed
Unless otherwise specified all scantlings shall be planed on all faces to
an extent sufficient to remove saw marks.
All allowance of 1/16 tk. inch shall be allowed on scantling sizes for each face planed but any
timber varying from the sizes specified in the drawings by more than this amount shall either be
accepted and paid for at a reduced rate, or rejected at the discretion of the Executive Engineer.
5. Workman ship.
The workmanship throughout shall be of the best. The whole of the
carpenters work in walls, floors, roofs and ceilings to be sawn, framed or trussed , fitted with all
necessary iron shoes, plates, ties , straps, bolts, or screws as shown on the drawings or as ordered by
the Executive Engineer.
All joints shall fit well and truly without wedging, packing, or filling and shall be executed in
accordance with the following principles:(1)
To cut the joints and arrange the fastenings so as to weaken the pieces of timber
connected as little as possible.
(2)
To place each abutting surface in a joint as nearly as possible perpendicular to the
pressure it has to transmit.
(3)
To form and fit accurately every pair of surfaces that are to come into contact.
6. Frames.
The Executive Engineer may order any truss or framed structure to be assembled on
the ground and subjected to suitable tests before being erected in position.

39

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

7. Treatment of Joints. All joints in framed or trussed structures shall be given a coat of white lead or
cool tar before final assembly and erection, but no timber work shall be oiled, coal-tarred or painted
until passed by the Executive Engineer or his representative.
8. Timber set in Masonry.
All timber set in masonry shall have an air space left around it, or
where this is not possible, shall be give two coats of boiling tar and sanded.
9. Ironwork.
All mild steel straps, ties and bolts shown on the drawings or necessary for execution
of work shall be coal tarred and properly fixed. Iron straps, bolts and ties and any other special fittings
shall be paid for separately but he rate for woodwork shall include the supply by the contractor of all
nails, screws, and spikes. The heads of bolts in accessible positions such as on bridges, within jailsm
police Lock-ups and in Treasury Vaults shall be riveted over to prevent removal.
10. Rate
Unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract, the rate for woodwork shall include
all scaffolding staging and false work required for its erection. Timber fixed on masonry of brickwork
shall be fixed without damage of any kind. If any damage is done to the masonry or timber it shall be
mad e good at contractors expense.
11. Measurement. All carpenters work shall be paid for by nett measurement, no allowance being made
for wastage or for sizes supplied beyond those specified but the length of each piece shall be
measured over all to cover projections for scarfs and tenons. For curved pieces cut out of the solid the
full measurements of the original scantling shall be allowed.
No.

1.

2.

3.
4.

1.
2.
3.

4.

39

SQUARE AND ROUND POSTS AND TIMBER PILES

(1) SQUARE POSTS


Quality of timber in post.
Posts shall be of the best quality timber obtainable of the kind
specified by the terms of the contract or in the drawings, straight grained and free from knots,
sapwood, cracks and worm holes and planned to remove all saw marks.
Dimension to be as per drawings.
The dimensions specified in the contract or in the drawings,
shall be the dimensions of finished work after planning subject to an allowance of 1/6 for each
surface planned.
Workmanship.
The post shall be truly square in section and the base shall be truly square and
bear evenly on its bed.
Payment for ironwork, erection, etc. The contract rate shall include erection, tackle for erection, and
fixing of iron work but iron in straps, bolts, etc., shall be measured and paid for separately.
(2) ROUND POSTS
Quality of timber.
Posts shall be of the best quality of timber obtainable of the kind specified by
the terms of the contract or in the drawings.
Freedom from defects.
Posts shall be straight, free from cracks, twists or wormholes, scraped
and cleaned of all bark and sapwood.
Diameter of Posts.
Posts of varying diameters may be accepted, but the minimum diameter
thorough out the length f the post should not be less than the diameter specified in the contract or
shown in the drawings. No extra payment shall be made for oversized posts.
Payment for treatment of buried ends of posts.
The whole length of post buried in the ground
shall be coal tarred and the bottom charred, and for this work and for execution, tackle for erection,
spikes and nails, the rate shall be regarded as inclusive.
NOTE.
A4 to 6 layer of aggregate premixed with bitumen or tar at the bottom of the post
hole will help to preserve the post underground. Also the rest of the post hole up to ground level can
best be filled up with similar premixed aggregate after the post is in position.
40

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

(3) TIMBER PILES


1. Timber piles shall be of the same quality as specified for specified for square and round posts.
2. Timber piles shall be handled ansad stored as specified. Timber piles shall not contain unsound
knots. Sound knots will be permitted provided the diameter of the knot does not exceed 4 or 1/3 of
the diameter of the files at the point where the knot occurs. A lime drain form the centre of the tip to
the centre of the butt shall not fall outside the body of the pile. In short bends, the distance from the
centre of the pile above the bend to the centre of the pile below the bend shall not exceed 4% of the
length of the bend or a maximum of 2 . All knots shall be trimmed close to the body of the pile.
3. Timber piles shall not be loaded to more than 20 tons each pile and shall be carefully driven. The set
should not be two exacting predetermined and the pile shall never be driven to refusal.
4. Splices for timber piles.
Splices shall be located within the limits which shall be indicated in the
drawings. Splices shall be avoided within the middle portion of long unsupported pile unless allowed
in drawings. Such splices with the middle portion shall be designed to develop the full bending
strength of the timber section. Splices laying outside the centre third of the unsported length shall be
designed for 50% of the bending strength of the timber section. Only butt splices shall be used . The
entering tip and the butt shall be carefully trimmed to a tight fit. Wedges shall not be used. Contact
and of the piles must be carefully squared.
5. Finishing of timber piles.
The top of the pile shall be saved to a true plane and at the elevation
shown on the drawing or as fixed by competent authority. A pile driven to very nearly the cut off
elevation shall be carefully adjusted or shall otherwise be free from all broomed, splintered or other
injured materials.
6. Vertical of inclined driving.- Contractors responsibility for damage to piles.
Unless otherwise specified piles shall be driven vertically and not more than 6 inches from the
position marked on the drawings or as directed by the Executive Engineer or his representative. If a
pile is cracked during driving, it must be extracted and rejected. If through the fault of the contractor
piles are driven out of plumb or out of place they shall be extracted and re-driven at the contractors
expense.
7. Payment for (1) Supply and (2) Driving.-Driving Payments for work done shall be based on two
measurements.
(a) For supply of piles complete with rings and shoes at a rate per foot of over- all length of the pile.
(b) For driving the piles at a rate per foot of depth to which the pile is driven into the ground.
8 . Marking in feet.- The piles shall be measured before driving, and the length marked off in feet from
the bottom either by coal tar or nicking.

41

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

42

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

9. Splicing.- If splices are required they shall, unless other- wise ordered, be made by halving and
squaring the pieces and securing by mile steel straps and bolts. The abutting ends shall be truly
square and take the load uniformly.
10. Payment for splices.- Splices shall be measures and paid for separately at a rate per splice
-The necessary ironwork being included in this rate.
No. 40 DOORS AND WINDOWS
1. First class teak to be used.- The leaves of doors and windows shall be made from thoroughly
seasoned first class teak, free from knots, shakes, sapwood or other imperfections, and shall be
thoroughly dry.
2. Stiles, rails and panels.- The arrangements of the stiles, rails and panels shall be as shown in the
drawings or as directed by the terms of the contract.
3. Joints between stiles and rails.- The stiles and rails shall be finished to the thickness shown in the
drawings and shall be grooved to a depth of 5/8 in. to take the panels and shall be strongly mort iced
and tenured together. All rails shall be haunches to the depth of the Grooving and the tenors of the
rails shall be good and tight fit without and shall pass entirely through the stiles and shall be secured
with two hardwood pains at each joint.
Tenons.- Single tenons shall be in thickness equal to one-third of the thickness of the timber
morticed and in width one-half of the width available in the rail, but no single tenon shall exceed in
width six times its thickness.
Pair of Single Tenons.

Pair of Double Tenons.

All rails over seven inches in width shall be fixed with a pair of single tenons,each tenon being one
quarter of the width available for tenon in the rail.
Fixing of Mortice Lock.- If a mortice lock is to be fitted, the lock rail shall be fixed by a pair of
double tenons. The inner faces of the tenons shall coincide with the position of the lock and be a
distance apart equal to its thickness. The thickness of the tenons shall be one-half the remaining
timber on each side of the lock. A mortice lock shall not usually be fitted unless the rail is 2in. or
more in thickness.
4. Panels.- Panels shall be made in one piece unless they are wide and unless directed otherwise in the
contract or otherwise shown in the drawings, shall be raised, sunk and chamfered with a parallel
tongue all round to be a neat fit in the grooves in stiles and rails. The tongue at the sides shall not
extend to the bottoms of the grooves but there shall be a
clearance of 1/8in. per foot width of panel and the tongue shall project from the groove by a similar
distance to give a parallel margin all round the panel before the chamfer begins. (See sketch below)
43

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

5. Glazed doors and window.- In glazed doors and windows, the sash bars shall be of the dimensions
shown in the drawings, moulded and mitred on the outside, and rebated 3/8 x on the inside to
take the glass panes. They shall be neatly halved into each other and property jointed and pinned to
the frames. The glazing shall be in accordance with the Specification for Glazing, No. 42.
6. Venetained doors and windows.- In venetianed doors and windows the blades shall be 3- wide
and 7/16 inch. Thick, unless otherwise shown in the drawings. They shall
Overlap about half of their width, the ends being finished off to two pintles 3/4inch long and 3/8inch
diameter. One pair of pintles shall be at the axis of the blade and shall fit into holes in the frame, and
the other pair, near the back edge of the blade, shall fit into the
Movable uprights when the venetian blades are in the closed position. The blade shall be slightly
rounded off at the nose on the upper surface.
7. Framed, Ledged and battened doors and windows. Framed ledged and battened doors and windows
shall be made of the timber specified in the contract and framed as shown in the drawings. The
planks shall be planned, tongued and grooved and rebated in. into the stiles and screwed to the
ledges. The tops and bottoms of the planks shall be flush with the tops and bottoms of the upper and
lower ledges.
The stiles shall be of a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the ledges and planks and the
ledges shall be joined to the stiles by bar faced tenons tightly fitting and securely pinned. The dops of
the ledges shall be chamfered.

Braces. The braces shall be the same thickness as the ledges and shall be tight fitting and notched
into them one inch deep, with abutments square to the line of the brace, so that the shoulder of the
brace joint is 1in. clear of the angle formed by the stile and rail and does not butt into the angle
formed thereby. They shall be placed so that their lower ends are on the hanging side of the door.
44

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

8. Door and Window furniture. Doors and window shall be supplied hung complete with furniture as
detailed below unless otherwise directed in the contract or shown on the drawings. The door and
window furniture shall be of the best made and if it is included in the Schedule of Articles to be
supplied by Government it will be taken over by the contractor at the prices given in the said
schedule attached to the contract. It shall be fixed in place with screws of the same materials as the
furniture to be fixed.
9. Hinges. Doors shall ordinarily be hung on three five-inch hinges and windows on two four-inch
hinges. The hinges shall be best quality Cast Iron Butts or Parliament hinges of necessary projections
to enable the doors or windows when opened to lie parallel with the wall if required and sufficiently
far from it to allow clearance for the knob or other projections.
10. Bolts. All outer doors and two-leafed inner doors a hall ordinary be fitted with two best japanned
wrought Iron bolts on the side, one at the bottom and the other at the top fixed vertically to the stiles.
The bottom bolt to be 9in. Long and the top bolt of such a length that the knob shall not be more than
6ft. 3in. from the floor. The bolts shall be provided with sockets or staples of the same materials as
the bolt and shall be fixed so as to fully engage the shoot of the bolt. Inner single doors to bathrooms,
etc., and single connection doors between rooms shall be fitted with one 9in. bolt on either side.
Window shall ordinarily be fitted with two black japanned wrought
iron bolts, one at the bottom 6in. long, and another at the top of such a length that the knob is not
more than 6ft. 3in. from the floor.
LOOKS AND LATCHES
11. Locks for residential buildings.- In residential buildings there should be as few locks and latches as
possible. Ordinarily the main front door shall be fitted with a Yale or other suitable lock. The back
door should be fitted with bolts for securing from within and a safety hasp and stable from without.
Store, box or other rooms normally kept locked shall be fitted with safety hasps and staples. Interior
doors should normally be fitted with tower bolts.
Hasps and Staples for Cookhouses, etc.- A shout rolled steel safety hasp and staples shall be fitted to
doors of cookhouses, storerooms, menials quarters, etc. Padlock will not be provided.
Locking arrangements in public buildings. In hospitals or public buildings provision shall be made
for fitting a lock to one door in each room or group of rooms so that the room may be secured after
bolting the other doors and widows.

45

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

DOOR FURNITURE
12. Fitting of mortice and rim locks. All mortice and rim locks shall be fitted with furniture consisting
of two black finished brass knobs esoutcheons and key shields to match the knobs and with an iron
lock spindle.
Other doors in the main building as may be specified shall be fitted with a pair of black finished
brass knobs or wooden knobs to each leaf.
In main building door stops and spring of other catches shall be fitted to hold the leaves of double
doors in the open position or when the floor is the same level each side a floor stop shall be fitted and
a socket sunk in the floor to enable the bottom bolt when shot to hold the door in an open position.
Fitting for holding door in open position.- In other buildings strong G.I or black japanned cabin
hooks shall be fitted to hold the doors in the open position.
Swing half doors shall be hung on Blacks Patent door closers, or other door spring specified.
WINDOW FURNITURE
Casement Fasteners . All casement window in residential buildings and hospitals, other than those
of domestic offices, shall be fitted with black malleable iron casement fasteners and casement stays
of a design approved by the Executive Engineer.
Cabin Hooks. Other windows in such buildings and all windows in other public buildings and outhouses shall be fitted with G.I. or japanned iron cabin hooks fixed to hold them in the
Center hung Fanlights. Centre hung fanlights shall be hung on a pair of brass pivots. They shall be
fitted with a ring at top and bottom, and operating cord and a black malleable iron cleat fixed to the
window frame, or such other fanlight opener as may be specified in the contract or drawings.
Departmental supply of Door and Window Furniture. Unless specifically directed by the terms of
the contract, door and window furniture shall be supplied by the Department.
No. 41 DOOR AND WINDOW FRAMES
1. Timber.- Door and window frames shall be made from first class Teak or other timber as specified
by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings and the sizes specified therein, and shall be
executed in accordance with the Specification No. for Carpentry and Joinery.
2. Rebates. The frames shall be made with a rebate half an inch deep. , wide enough to accommodate
the thickness of the door or window. On the other side the frame shall be finished with a returned
bead or be chamfered as directed in the drawings. A dovetail groove shall be made in the back of the
frame where necessary to hold the plaster.
3. Holdfasts in Masonry. The frames shall be set truly plumb and in masonry buildings shall be
secured in place by mild steel holdfasts, two inches wide by a quarter of an inch thick projecting nine
inches into the masonry and fixed and not more than three feet apart to the vertical members with
two and a half inch wood screws. In smaller doors and windows, e. g, for Cook-house and
bathrooms, the holdfasts shall be one and a half inches wide by one quarters of an inch thick. The top
and bottom holdfasts shall point in the brickwork in opposite direction. The holdfasts shall be
executed in accordance with the Specification for-Iron work, No. (69) and shall be paid for
separately.
4. Fixing door and windows frames in timber frame buildings. In timber frame buildings the door and
window frames shall be secured to the posts and quartering as may be directed in the contract or
shown in the drawings.
46

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

5. Coal-tarring timber in contact with masonry. All faces of frames which will be in contact with
masonry shall b e coated with two coats of hot coal-tar. The tar shall not be applied unless and until
the wood is perfectly dry and the second coat shall not be applied until the first one has dried.
6. Fixing at door Sill. - Unless specifically directed in the contract or shown in the drawings, no frame
shall be fixed at the door shall.
7. Bracing during erection.
The workmen shall not be permitted to nail bracing to the faces of door
and window frames for the purpose of keeping them plumb during progress of work. Such bracing
shall be secured to the back of the frames.
No. 42 GLAZIERS WORK
The glass shall be 21 oz. sheet glass of approved manufacture, free
1. Specification for glass.
from flaws, specks or bubbles. Where plate glass is specified, it shall be polished plate glass of
approved manufacture, and of the thickness specified in the contract or shown in the drawings.
2. Preparation of Putty. Putty shall be prepared from pure raw linseed oil and best whiting,
specially dry and ground fine to pass a sieve of 45x45 meshes to the square inch. The two shall be
well mixed by hand and kneaded into a stiff paste. It shall then be left for 12 hours and worked up in
small pieces till quite smooth. If the putty becomes dry, it should be restored by heating and working
it up again while hot. Where the rebate is small a little white lead should be added in making the
putty. Putty required for glazing large panes or for beading plate glass shall be made with a mixture
of raw linseed oil and follow with shiting so as to make it pliable and capable of standing expansion
of the panes. Where required, putty shall be coloured to match the woodwork.
3. Rebates.
The rebates shall ordinary be on the outside, and shall not be less than 5/8in. deep and
in. wide. The dimensions of the glass panes shall be slightly smaller than the distances between the
rebates.
4. Fixing of glass in frames with putty.
The panes shall normally be fixed in position with
beading. Where putty is used, it shall be prepared as instructed in para. 2 above. The frame shall be
well painted with raw linseed oil before the panes are fixed in order that the wood shall not draw the
oil out of the putty. The glass shall be bedded flush in putty drawn along the inner rebate and fixed in
position by glazing springs, not less than one 4 in apart round the edges. The putty shall than be
properly finished off sloping from the inner to the outer edge of the rebate. Putty shall only be laid on
with proper putty knives.
5. Protection of putty in exposed work.
In exposed work, both the front and back putty shall be
covered with paint or a coat of oil to protect it from the air and prevent drying and shrinkage.
6. Fixing of glass in frames with beadings.
If the glass is to be secured with wooden beadings, the
panes shall first be bedded in putty drawn along the inner rebate, as indicated in paragraph 4. The
beading shall then be secured in place to the sash bars with brass screws or special nails.
7. Cleaning of work on completion.
All parts of the work shall be thoroughly cleaned on completion
of the glazing.
8. Fixing of plate Glass.
Plate glass, whether in wood or metal frames shall be fixed as specified
by the terms of the contract or as shown in the drawings.

No. 43 TIMBER WALLING, BUTT-JOINTED AND SPLINED


1. Timber and dimensions of planks.

The planks shall be of teak unless otherwise specified by the

terms of the contract or shown in the drawings. They shall be of first class timber, thoroughly
47

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

seasoned, straight-gained and free from knots or other defects. They shall be supplied of the full
width of four inches and of the thickness specified in the contract or shown in the drawings.
2. Preparation and fixing of planks.
The planks shall be planned on both sides sufficiently to remove saw
marks and fixed in accordance with the specification No.(34), Timber walling, Tongued and Grooved.
3. Frames.

The frames shall be executed in accordance with paragraph 4 of the specification for
timber walling tongued and grooved.

4. Fixing of Splines.

The vertical joints shall be covered with a 2 in x in. fillet or spline, straightgrained and machine cut and secured to the walling with 1in wire nails spaced one foot apart.

5. Junction of Wallings with floor and ceiling.

The junction of the walling with the floor and


ceiling shall be finished off with a wooden fillet, 1 x .

No. 44 TIMBER WALLING, TONGUED AND GROOVED


1. Timber Quality and Size.
The Planks shall be of teak unless otherwise specified by the terms of
the contract or shown in the drawings. They shall be of first class timber, Thoroughly seasoned,
straight-grained and free from knots or other defects. They shall be machine cut, planned, tongued
and grooved, and of full size when delivered at the site of work and no piece shall be less than six
feet in length. The planks shall be four inches wide, exclusive of the width of the tongue and half an
inch thick unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings. All
pieces with damaged tongues or grooves shall be rejected.
2. Fixing Planks.
The planks shall be cramped tightly into position and secured to the quartering
with two-inch wire nails. Two nails shall be used in each plank at each quartering.
3. End Joints.
The end joints in the planking shall be made at the centre of the quartering. Joints in
adjacent planks shall not be made at the same quartering.
4. Frames.
The frames shall be of 4in x 3in timbers unless otherwise specified by the terms of the
contract or shown in the drawings, and shall be spaced three feet apart. They shall be planned before
erection and executed generally in accordance with the specification No -38 for Carpentry and
Joinery. The horizontal and vertical frames of doors and windows shall be included as quartering.
5. Finish.
The junction of the walling with the floor and ceiling shall be finished off with a
wooden fillet, 1 x .
No. 45 WEATHERBOARD WALLING
1. TIMBER:
Specification for Planks: The planks shall be of first class teak, unless otherwise
specified by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings. The timber shall be thoroughly
seasoned, straight-grained and free from knots, sapwood or other defects. It shall be of the full
dimensions 8 x when delivered at site and no piece shall be less than six feet long.

48

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Preparation and fixing of Planks.


The planks shall be planned sufficiently on both sides to
remove saw marks and shall be secured to the vertical quarterings with 1 wire nails, two nails
being used in each planks at each quartering. The planks shall be fixed to overlap 1 .

3. End Joints in Planks. Joints in the planks shall only be at the centre of the quarterings and adjoining
planks shall make joint at the same quartering.
4. Wall Frames. The Framework shall be of 3 x3 timbers and executed in accordance with the
Specification laid down in paragraph 4 of the Specification No. 42 Timber Walling, tongued and
grooved.
No. 46 CORRUGATED IRON WALLING
1. Corrugated Iron.
The corrugated iron shall be supplied by the Department unless otherwise
permitted by the terms of the contract, in which case it shall be of such gauge and quality as specified
in the contract or shown in the drawings, and shall be clean, bright, and free from rust.
2. Framework:
The framework shall be of 3 x 3 timbers and executed in accordance with
the specification laid down to paragraph 4 of the specification on No.44, Timber Wallings, Tongued
and Grooved.
3. Fixing of C.I Sheets: The corrugated iron shall be fixed to the frames with two inch galvanised iron
wood screws, using three screws to each end of each sheet. A galvanized iron limpet washer shall be
provided under each screw head.
4. Horizontal overlap: The amount of side overlap shall be one full corrugation, and the sheets shall
be riveted or bolted together with rivets or bolts and washers two feet apart.
5. Vertical overlap:
The amount of vertical overlap shall be three inches.

1.

2.
3.

4.

No. 47 MAT WALLING


Framework: The framework shall be of 4x3 timbers and executed in accordance with the
specification laid down in paragraph 4 of the specification No.44, Timber walling, tongued and
grooved.
Fixing of bamboo matting: Bamboo mat walling of the best quality procurable shall be laid over
the frames and secured with 4 x cover planks nailed to the frames with 2 in wire nails.
Payment for mat walling:
Where double walling is specified an additional layer of finer quality
mat shall be fixed inside the ordinary matting. Payment shall be per 100 sq-ft and shall in clued all
framework and doors and windows where the latter are of bamboo mat construction. Posts and also
doors and windows when construction of other material than bamboo matting, shall be paid for
separately.
Earth Oiling: The outer surface of mat walling exposed to the weather should be given at least one
coat of earth oil, care being taken to see that the matting is perfectly dry before applying the oil.

NO. 48
MAT WALLING MUD PLASTERED
1. Frame Work: Frame work shall be made to specification No.47 for Mat walling.
2. Fixing of bamboo matting: The bamboo matting should be of a more open texture than best quality
close woven matting so than plaster can be pushed, through the interstices from one side to the other
.Alternatively bamboo laths may be used.
The matting to be fixed as in specification No. 47 .
49

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

3. Preparation of mud plaster: Well tempered clay or brick earth free from vegetable mould, gravel or
roots, should be used. The clay should be sifted, fine and thrown into a pit with chopped straw and
cow dung in such proportions as may be ordered. It should then be well mixed and flooded with
water and left for a week or two, after which it should be floated on to the matting as for lime plaster.
The coats of mud plaster should be thin and there should be at least two coats. If any extra thickness
is required, the number of coats but not the thickness of each should be increased.
4. Application: The first coat must allowed to set but not to become dry before the subsequent coats
are applied. The subsequent coats should be smoothed with a float and polished with a trowel.
The matting should be plastered on both sides and each side should get at least two coats of
white wash. The contract rate will be for the finished thickness required.
No. 49 TRELLIS WORK
1. Timber and size of battens: Trellis work shall be constructed of teak battens 1 by crossed
diagonally at an angle 60 degrees, the acute angle being in the vertical direction. The distance
between the adjacent edges of the battens shall be 1 .
2. Preparation and fixing battens:
The battens shall be planed to remove all saw marks before
erections, except in cases where unplanned work is permitted by the terms of the contract, as in the
case of latrines, tennis court, screens, etc. They shall be secured to the quartering with 1 wire
nails. The edges shall be cut off neatly and secured with a fillet of the dimensions specified by the
terms of the contract, or in the drawings.
3. Framework: The frames shall be of first class timber of the kind specified by the terms of the
contract or shown in the drawings. Unless otherwise shown in the drawings they shall be of 3 x 4
scantlings, planed, and executed generally in accordance with the Specification No. 34 for
Carpentry. They shall be spaced three feet apart, and there shall be a quartering at the bottom and at
the top of the trellis work. The quartering at the bottom shall be six inches from the ground.

1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

50
TEAK SHINGLE ROOFING
Component Parts of Shingle Roofing:
Shingle Roofing shall consists of common rafters,
battens, hip and ridge cover.
Timber in Rafters:
Common rafters shall be first quality, mill sawn timber generally pyingado or
ingyin, of the dimension shown on the drawings, unplanned unless otherwise directed and spaced
two feet apart centre to centre.
Batterns:
Batterns shall be of first quality teak or pyingado timber 2 by 1 or 1 by 2 as may
be specified, laid on the flat, unplanned and spaced 5 center to centre. They shall be nailed to the
common rafters with one 2 wire nail at each crossing.
Shingle:
Shingles shall be first quality teak shingles, measuring 15 by 5 and shall be taper
cut being thick at one end, and at the other. They shall be sound, truly cut and free from
cracks, flaws or sapwood. Shingles before use shall be quite dry and shall be completely immersed in
boiling earth oil. Shingles which are damp must be allowed to dry thoroughly before dipping. Each
shingle shall be nailed to its batten by the two 1 nails. The lap of shingles shall be 10 .The joints
between overlying shingles shall come truly over the centre of the shingle immediately below. Care
should be taken not to lay shingles too close or they will rise when swollen by damp.
Laying shingles at hips, valleys and eaves: Shingles shall be cut truly to lines of hips and valleys. A
double thickness of shingle shall be laid at ridges and eave the centre of the upper shingle being over
the joint of the lower shingle.
Removal of cracked shingles: Shingles which crack in the process of laying shall be removed and
replaced.
50

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

7. Hip and ridge covers:


Unless otherwise specified or shown on the drawings hip and ridge
covers shall be G.I. ridging of the gauge specified in the contract. They shall be laid with an overslap
of 9 and screwed down to the ridge pieces or hip rafters with 2 screws. They shall then be given
two coats of red roofing paint to match the colour of the red orchred shingle roofing.
8. Lead or Zinc Flashing and Guttering
The valleys and gutters shall be made in accordance
with Specification No.56 Valley Guttering. All junctions between shingles masonry, such as in the
walls and chimneys, shall be made water-tight in accordance with Specification No.57 Lead or
Zinc Flashing or as directed by the Engineer-in-charge.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

No.
51
MINGALORE TILED ROOF
Supply of tiles and Specification:
The tiles shall be of an approved make and pattern and shall be
sound, well burnt of regular shape and uniform size and colour and free from twist and other
imperfections. They must not absorb more than one sixth their own weight when soaked in water for
24 hours.
Timber in Rafters:
Common rafters shall be first quality, mill-sawn timber generally pyinkadoe or
ingyin, of the dimension shown on the drawings, unplanned unless otherwise directed and spaced 2
feet apart centre to centre.
Laying Tiles. The tiles shall be laid true and source and any tiles which are not true and fit badly
shall be rejected and removed from the site of works.
The tiles shall break joint, i.e., the left channel of the upper tile shall lie in the right of that
below, and shall fit properly one to the other, the catches resting fully against 2 x 1 or 1x1 teak,
pyinkado or ingyin battens fixed 13in to 13 centre to centre on the rafters and exactly parallel to
the eaves.
The lowest batten, that nearest to eaves shall be fixed 10 from the one immediately and
shall be 2in thickness.
Tiles shall be cut truly to lines of hips and valleys.
Laying Hip and Ridge Tiles: Hip and ridge tiles shall be set in mortar composed of 1 part of cement,
1 part of lime and 6 parts of sand, properly and neatly finished off and coloured to match the colour
of the tiles. All spaces under the ridge and hip tiles to be filled solid with mortar to prevent the
entrance of bats.
Lead and Zinc Flashings and Gutters:
The valleys and gutters shall be made in accordance
with Specification No(56) Valley Guttering. All junctions between Mangalore Tiles and Masonry,
such as in walls and chimneys, shall be made water-tight in accordance with Specification No.(57)
Lead or Zinc Flashing or as directed by the Engineer-in-charge.
Tying down of Tiles: All tiles shall be wired on to the battens with 22 gauge galvanized iron bidding
wire which shall pass through the holes provided for this purpose in the tiles be wound once round
the battens and secured in the manner in dicated in Fig. below or screwed down as may be specified.
Tile roofing to be finished before fixing ceiling:
Tiles, ridges, hips and valleys shall in all cases
be laid complete before a ceiling if any is fixed. It will then be possible by standing in the rooms
below to see where light comes through. A badly fitting tile should be adjusted by slightly moving it
and the adjacent tiles with long bamboo from below. A very badly fitting or cracked tile should be
replaced from below. Workmen going up on the roof to adjust tiles often do more harm than good.

No. 52 CORRUGATED IRON ROOF


1. Corrugated Iron:
The corrugated iron shall be supplied by the Department unless otherwise
permitted by the terms of the contract, in which case it shall be of the gauge and quality as specified
by the terms of the contract or shown in the drawings and shall be clean, bright and free from rust.
51

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Fixing of C.I Sheets: The purlins to which the sheets are fastened shall be of the dimensions shown
on the drawings and shall run in horizontal lines along the length of the roof. They shall be spaced so
as to come under the ends and middle of the sheets.

Each sheet shall be laid with a lap of 6 inches in its length and side laps of two
Lap:
complete corrugations.
The sheets shall be jointed to each other with bolts and nuts. They shall be fastened to
G.I:
the purlins by 2 Galvanized Iron screws or by hook bolts if steel purlins are used. Each sheet
must be fastened at the corners, at every third corrugation along the ends and evenly at the sides at
intervals of not more than 2 feet.
Holes:
Holes for nails, screws, rivets and other fastenings shall be made on the ground, the
side of the sheet intended t be uppermost on the roof shall be placed underneath on trestles or on soft
ground and the holes punched in the valleys of corrugations with every sharp punches. The sheet
should be turned upside down when placed on the roof and the holes will then be in the ridges of the
corrugations and the arises will be upward. Holes shall be of such a size as to be an easy fit to allow
for expansion and contraction. All the sheets with holes in the valleys of the corrugation when laid in
position shall be rejected.
3. Limpet Washers:
A lead limpet washer shall be proficed for every screw or bolt, which shall be
properly screwed down to ensure a water-tight joint.
4. Securing of roof against damage by wind: When a roof is exposed to the wind special care shall be
taken that the purlins shall be properly fixed to the rafters with bolts, if necessary and the rafters shall
be firely fixed down.
52

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

5. Wind ties:
Wind ties of 1 1/4 by galvanized bar iron shall be provided as may be directed.
The wind ties shall run over the corrugations and shall be bolted through the sheets to the purlins and
main rafters by dia bolts to be provided at each main rafter and at intervals of not less than 4 ft
between the main rafters.
6. Ridge and hip covering:
Ridges and hips shall be covered with G.I. ridging of 12 side lap,
supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract. These shall be
screwed down to the ridge pieces, purlins or hips in the manner directed for the fixing of the
corrugated iron sheets in paragraph 2 and 3. The amount of longitudinal overlap shall be nine inches.
7. Flashing:
Where the roof finished against a wall the sheets shall not be built into it but bent well
up and protected by flashing of the same materials.
No.53 CORRUGATED ASBESTOS-CEMENT SHEET ROOFING
1. Departmental Supply of Asbestos Sheets: The corrugated asbestos-cement sheets shall be supplied
by the Department or of a make and thickness approved by the Executive Engineer. A portion of
sheet be deposited as a sample at the time of tendering.
2. Laying of Sheets:
These sheets shall be laid starting at the eaves, working up wards, and form
that end of the roof opposite to the direction of the prevailing wind. The smooth side of the sheets
shall be exposed to weather. Each sheet shall be laid with a lap of six inches in its length exceeding
for slopes 22 and half a corrugation at the sides. With standard this side lap will be two inches.
Where special patterns of sheets are used, the instructions supplied by the makers should be
followed.
For the roof slopes of 10 - 22 1/2, 12 to 9 lap shall be provided.
3. Overlapping at corners:
In order the prevent quadruple thickness at corner where four sheets
meet diagonal corners must be mitred. The amount of mitre shall be six inches up the vertical edge of
the sheet and two inches along the horizontal edge.
4. Fixing:
The sheets shall be fastened along each side with one screw or bolt at each purlins.
The holes in the sheets must be drilled not punched, and shall be only the just large enough for the
screws to fit. On steel purlins the hook bolts obtainable from the markers of the sheets shall be used
and on wooden purlins 5 inches. 16 Galvanised Iron screws shall be used, as these are only designed
for use with the soft woods in used in European countries.
5. Washers:
Each bolt or screw shall be fitted with a galvanized iron limpet washer ever a
bituminous washer and screwed down sufficiently tight to make the bituminous washer fit the curve
of the corrugation. Car must be taken not to crack the sheets.
6. Ridging:
On the ridging the adjustable ridge pieces supplied by the makers shall be used. These
shall be set to fit closely into the corrugation of the top sheet and screwed to the top purlin.
7. For corrugated asbestos roof sheets special consideration should be given to purlin spacing in order
to avoid damage due to excessive stresses. Unless otherwise laid down by the manufactures, the
spacing should not be more than 3 0 centre to centre for small section sheets and 4 6 for large
section sheets. Additional trimmers or bridging should between purlins at points where roof traffic is
likely, e.g., adjoining valley or box gutters, ground ventilators, chimneys, etc., or at sky-lights. Cat
ladders or roof boards should always be used by men working on such roofs.
No. 54 THATCH-ROOFING
1. Rafters:
The rafters shall consist of whole bamboos spaced at 9 inch intervals.
2. Bamboo Purlins:
Purlins of whole bamboos shall be laid on the rafters at 18 inches intervals and
tied at each crossing of purlin and rafter with strong cane-ties or binding wire as specified.
53

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

3. Timber Purlins:
When timber purlins are used, whole bamboos shall be laid 2 feet apart, as
common rafters and secured to the purlins with cane-ties or binding wire over another layer of whole
bamboos should be laid horizontally at 18 inch intervals and secured to them by cane-ties or binding
wires and also at intervals, to the purlins.
4. Tying on Thatch:
The thatch shall be laid on the frame work thus made and secured to each
rafter with cane-ties.
5. Overlap:
The thatch shall be laid uniformly, six to the foot and each thatch shall overlap endways not less than 6.
6. Securing of Thatch by Lattice-work of Split Bamboo:
Lattice work of split bamboo of small
size shall be placed over the thatch and tied through it by a cane-ties or binding wire to the rafters to
prevent the thatch being blown off.
7. Ridges and Hips:
The work at the ridges and hips shall be done with the almost case to prevent
leakage. Hips and ridges are to be covered with a double layers of thatch and covered with a split
bamboo wing lattice frame 1 6 wings. Where specified G.I sheets should be used .
8. Valleys:
Valleys will be lined with plain G.I Sheet not less than 3 Ft wide which will be
secured to the roof framing.

1.

2.
3.

4.

No.55 WAGAT ROOFING


Size of Sheets and quality: Wagat sheets shall be 6 feet to 9 feet long and 1foot 6inches wide.
They shall not be inferior in standing to the sample deposited with the Executive Engineer. Each
sheet shall be treated on both sides with earth oil before fixing on the roof.
Timber Rafters:
Principal rafters of the timber and scantlings specified shall be provided at 2
centres. The principal rafters are not included in the rate for wagat roofing.
The wagat roofing shall comprise the following:
(a) Purlins: Bamboo purlins 1 to 2 diameter at 2 centres fixed to the wooden principal rafters
at each inter section by nails or knee.
(b) Common Rafters: Over the bamboo purlins common rafters o f bamboo 1 diameter shall be
fixed at 1 centres and secured at each intersection with nails or knee or binding wire.
(c) Laving Sheets:
The wagat shall be laid on the bamboo common rafters. Each piece shall
overlap the on e underneath by 15inches, i.e., 3 only shall be exposed. End joints in successive
rows shall be 1 0 breaking line with the corresponding joint in the row beneath.
(d) At the eaves two sheets shall be used.
(e) The wagat sheet shall be nailed or boudd with knee near its top and to the bamboo common
rafters at every alternative rafter.
(f) Wind Ties:Over the wagat wind ties of whole bamboo 1 diameter shall be fixed 1 1/2
diameter shall be fixed 1 apart in both directions.
Ridges, hips and Valleys:
For ridges, hips and valleys galvanized iron steels 3 ft wide are to be
provided and will be paid for separately.

No.
56
VALLEY GUTTERING
1. To be of sheet zinc or G.I:
Valley gutters shall ordinarily be laid with sheets of zinc or galvanized
iron unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract or in the drawings. The sheets shall be of
the gauge specified, generally 20 B.W.G for zinc and 22 S.W.G. galvanized Iron and shall be supplied
by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract.
2. The planks on which the valley is formed shall be of 1 teak of the full width of the side of valley and
shall be laid in accordance with the specification for Carpentry No (38).
54

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

3. Width and Overlap: The width of the sheets as laid shall be as specified in the contract or shown in
the drawings, generally not less than 3. The edges shall be turned over fillets formed form 2x1
battens secured to the valley boarding at the longitudinal joins. The sheets shall be laid with a
9overlap, for every slope exceeding 22 . The joints shall be fixed with tick riveting and the joins
spldered throughout. For slopes between 10 to 22 1/2, the sheets shall be laid with 12 overlap.
No. 57 LEAD AND FLASHING
1. Lead flashing:
Lead flashing shall be formed from sheets of 5 lbs. lead, supplied by the
Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract.
2. Zinc Flashing:
Zinc Flashing shall be formed form zinc sheets of 22 B.W.G supplied by the
department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract.
3. Turn up of gutter or other sheet protected: The gutter or others sheet which is to be protected, shall
be turned up against the wall and the edge left free. The flashing shall overlap this upturned edge to
an extent of at least 4.
4. Stamping at Masonry wall: If secured to a brick masonry wall the flashing shall be stepped to
follow the coursed and joints. The latter shall be raked out to a depth of at least 2, and the flashing
turned into it. It shall then be grouted in with a composite mortar of 1 part of cement, 1 part of lime,
6 parts of sand.
5. Flashing at stone masonry wall:
If the flashing is to be secured to a stone masonry wall a
grooved 3 deep, following the line of the roof or gutter, shall be out into the stone work and the
flashing grouted into this with a composite mortar of 1 part of cement, 1 part of lime, 5 parts of sand.
No. 58
ASBESTOS-CEMENT SHEET CEILING
1. Asbestos Sheets:
The asbestos-cement sheets shall be 4 square and thick, unless other-wise
specified by the contract or shown in the drawings. They shall be of approved manufacture and
supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the term s of the contract.
2. Ceiling Joists:
The ceiling joist s shall be of dirt teak unless otherwise shown in the drawings
or directed by the contract. They shall be executed in accordance with the specification for carpentry
No.38, with their lower faces true and level in order that the sheets shall not be warped then fixed.

3. Fixing Sheets to Joists:


The sheet shall be secured to the joist with 2 screws, not more than
one root apart long each edge. The holes shall be drilled slightly near than the screws.
4. Joints between sheets:
The joints between the sheets shall be covered with 1 x teak
beading, secured to the joists with 2 screws. The beading shall be treated with solignum or other
preservative as directed by the terms of the contract.
5. White-Washing:

The sheets shall be coated with tow coats of white wash.


55

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No. 59 TONGUED AND GROOVED PLANK CEILING


The plank shall be of teak unless otherwise specified by the terms of the contract or
1. Timber:
show in the drawings .The timber shall be of first class quality, thoroughly well seasoned straight
grained, sand free form knots or other defects. The planks shall be machine cut, planned , tongued
and grooved, of the full size 4 x 1/2 than delivered at the sites of work, and no piece shall be less
than 6 in length. The length of 4 shall be exclusive of the width of the tongue. All pieces with
damaged tongues or grooves shall be rejected and removed from the sits of work.
2. End joints of planks: Where it is necessary to the joins in the length of the planks, such joints shall
be at the centre of the ceiling joist brother roof timbers to which the planks may be secured. Joints in
adjacent planks shall not be made4 at the same joist or timber.
3. Nailing:
The planks shall be secured to the joins or roof timers with tow inch wire nails at each
intersection. Each plank shall be cramped tightly against the one laid previously before it is nailed
up.
4. Beading:

Fillets or beadings 1 x shall be fixed at all angles and intersections.

No. 60 IRONWORK GENERAL


1. Material:
All material must be of the approved quality manufacture. I f not supplied by the
Department they should be obtained from reputable or responsible dealers proved by the Command
Engineer.
2. Smith-work: All smith-work shall come clean and sound form the envil, not burned or injured in
any way. All bends shall be made cold wherever possible. Where, in order to bend tees, angles or
other rolled sections which will be subject to direct stress, it is necessary to use heat, they shall be
annealed subsequently in each case ( except that of girder web stiffeners). Any piece which has
become overheated strained, unsound , imperfect or reduced in section shall be replaced by a sound
one.

3. Finish:
All exposed edges shall be finished square and smooth by filling, milling or planning.
After fabrication, work shall be cleaned of all scale, rust and foreign or deleterious matter of every
sort and kinds with wire brushes if necessary, and oiled or printed sound where specified. All steel
work shall be inspected and passed by the command Engineer or his representative before being
printed or covered with any other preservative.
4. Punching and drilling of holes:
Holes of a diameter greater than 3/8 inch or in material of
thickness greater than 1/16 thk inch shall not be punched, except that , where proper machine
punching is carried out in a workshop, the limi8ts shall be , increased by the Executive Engineer
according to the plant available. All other holes shall be drilled. All burns left by punching or drilling
must be removed before assembly.

56

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

5. Bolts and Nuts:


All bolts and nuts shall be of whiter worths standard both as regards threads
and sizes of heads and nuts, the bolt heads and nuts being hexagonal unless otherwise specified The
head and shank of every bolt shall b forged form the solid, the shank must be truly cylindrical and
the head concentric. The screw s of bolts shall project one thread beyond the nut when screwed up.
The ends shall be rivetted over the nuts where so required by the Executive Engineer or his
representative.
6. Rivets:
Rivets shall fit fully and truly and the holes for them shall be of the sizes and in the
positions shown on the drawings. All rivets shall be tested by tapping with a hammer, and any which
are loose, cracked or defective in any way shall be cut out and replaced by new ones.

7. Ironwork embedded in Masonry:


All steel and iron work , with the exception of reinforcement
for cement concrete work and work to be embedded in brickwork or masonry, shall, on completion,
be scraped fr4ee from rust and scale with steel wire brushes, cleaned and thoroughly coated with
double boiled linseed oil, laid on hot. All structural steel work and such other steel or iron work as
may be specified shall be suppl8ied wit one heavy coat of best red oxide in best double boiled
linseed oil, such work being included in the rate.

(a) Steel Work


8. Source of Supply:
All steel not supplied by the Department shall be of approved or manufacture
and comply with the latest edition of British Standard and Specifications its equivalents.
9. Steel of R.C.C:
Requirements of steel for reinforced concrete are given in the standard
specification No(17) Reinforced Cement Concrete. Reinforcing bars shall be bent exactly to size as
shown in the drawings or otherwise directed by the Officer-in-charge with the correct curvature and
without damaging the bar in any way. Laps shall not be inserted without the express permission of
the Officer-in-charge in bars less than 14 in length.
10. Tie-rods to be set up :
Steel tie-rods shall not be set up or thickened. The diameter specified
in the contract or shown n the drawing shall be that measured over the root of the threads.

11. Use of Wrought Iron:


for blacksmiths work.

(b) Wrought Iron Work


Wrought iron should only be used, where mild steel is not available, or

12. Quality:
The wrought iron supplied shall be equal to the best stiffordshire make of fibrous
quality and shall stand such forge test s as shall prove its quality and fitness for the service required.
It shall be free from scales, blisters, laminations, cracked edges and defects of any sort.
13. Finished articles:
Where finished articles are to be supplied under the contract schedule, they
shall be forged clean from the anvil, neat, sound and properly worked.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

(C) Cast Iron Work


14. Specification: All cast iron used on the work shall be of the best tough, close grained, grey metal,
clean, sound, without admixture of deleterious matter, free from cracks , air holes, sand holes, flaws
or defects of any kind. It shall be sufficiently soft to admit of being easily cut by either chisel or drill.
15. To be accurate n form and dimensions:
Al l castings shall be made accurately to the forma and
dimensions shown on the drawings. There shall be no sudden changes of thickness or sharp angles.
Changes in thickness shall be mad e gradually and angles shall be rounded off.
16. Sudden change in thickness, and sharp angles to be avoided:
surface, perfectly true and with perfect edges.

All cast iron shall have smooth

17. Stopping of plugging with lead, putty or paint shall be prohibited. Castings shall not be painted until
they have been passed by the Executive Engineer.
18. Holes to be drilled or cast in the casting:
casting as may be directed in each case.

Holes for bolts, etc., shall be drilled out or cast in the

19. For counterweights: When cast iron is required only for counter weights, the Executive Engineer
will amend this specification to suit the particular requirements of the work.

No. 61

PAINTING

GENERAL
The paint shall be supplied by the Department unless otherwise
1. Department supply of paint:
permitted by the terms of the contract and , unless otherwise specified, it shall be supplied mixed
ready for use. On no account shall it be diluted with turpentine or by any other means without he
written approval of the Executive Engineer. If paint is not supplied Departmentally, only the best
available ready mixed paint in sealed containers and approved by the Executive Engineer shall be
used.
2. Preparation of surface:
The surface to be painted shall be perfectly dry, clean, smooth and free
from dust, scale , grease, dirt or any foreign matter. Before painting is commended the surface shall
be passed by the Engineer-in-charge. Where necessary old paint shall be remove d by burning or
rubbing or other specified method and this shall be paid for ads an extra.
3. First coat to be dry before application of second:
Where more than one coat is specified, the
subsequent coast or coats shall not be applied until the previous coat is thoroughly dry.
4. Paint to be kept well stirred: The paint shall be kept well stirred before application and while being
laid on so that no stiff sediment can be felt at the bottom of the can. If a skin has formed at the top,
all particles and traces there of shall be carefully removed before the paint is stirred or used.
5. Application of paint: Paint shall be laid on evenly and properly with suitable brushes and it shall be
well brushed out and worked in . The work shall show no hair marks or drops of paint.
Brushes:
The brushes used must be clean. Brushes shall be rubbed out at the close of the
work and kept with the bristles in water or raw linseed oil when not in use. Before being used two
water or oil must be rubbed out . brushes required to be used with another colour shall be rinsed out
with turpentine or washed out with washing soda and soft soap. Under no circumstance shall the
practice of applying paint with a rag or cotton waste be permitted.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

6. Clearing up after painting: All superfluous paint shall be removed by the contractor, and all
painters work shall be left clean and perfect at completion. The contractor shall clean off any
spotting or smudging which may have occurred during the progress of the work from the floor and
other unpainted parts.
7. Paint to be kept from air:
Paint, when not in use, shall be kept from the air. Kegs of ground and
mixed paint, which have been partly used, must have the surface of the paint covered with water.
(a) Painting of Wood work
8. Preparation of wood surface:
The surface shall be prepared as generally specified in
paragraph 2 above and , in addition, unless otherwise ordered all holes, cracks , joints of planks, etc.,
shall be made good with putty or otherwise as may be directed.
9. Repainting Old Works:
When removal of the old paint is found unnecessary, the old painted
surface should be rubbed down with sand paper if it is rough and then washed down with soap and
water.
If the old painted surface is blistered of flaked it will be necessary to completely remove the
old paint, before repainting.
Any of the following methods may be used for removing the old paint.
(a) By burning with an ordinary painters blow lamp before scraping off the paint. In this method is
used, care must be taken that the wood is not burnt any where.
(b) By covering the surface with kerosene or other paint remover and then burning to scrape the
paint off.
(c) By using a suitable chemical solvent of a proprietary brand, in which case the instructions of the
manufacturer must be carefully followed.
When the old paint has been thoroughly removed, the surface shall be washed, rubbed down and
holes etc. stopped, as specified for new wood work. All greasy places shall be rubbed over with
turpentine and then washed with soap and water.
10. Painting new wood work:
All projections as glue or whiting spots, all tool marks and other
irregularities shall be carefully removed with stopping knife and duster, and smoothed off, and all
heads of screws and nails set 1 below the surface.
Knotting:
This shall be done for all knots in new wood work before painting, by
application to the knots of two or more coats of white lead (or red lead) ground in oil, mixed with
size of glue and laid on hot; when dry, rub down with sand paper. After the surface has been
prepared as described above, the priming coat shall be applied with no turpentine therein , as the
turpentine merely sinks into the wood and leaves the wood in a nearly dry and friable condition. The
priming coat shall consist f one part white lead to sight of whiting, ground and mixed together with
four parts of twice boiled linseed oil.
Ready mixed primer may be used if available, care been taken that no turpentine both in the
ready mixed paint or in the paint prepared at site be added.
11. Measurement: Moulded work will be measured by running the tape into and over all elevations and
depressions, but doors and windows will be measured flat over all, i.e., to the outside of the frames
and the area calculated there from multiplied as given below for the various classes of work.
Panelled or batten doors or windows
2
times
Glassed or partly glazed doors or windows
2
times
Panelled and partly venetianed doors
3
times
Venetian doors and windows
3
times
Venetian doors and windows with glazed top
3
times
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

Wire gauge doors and windows


1
times
Trellis work
2
times
Grated doors and windows and grating

times
NOTE:
The multipliers are for work when both sides are pointed, if only side is painted half
the amounts should be taken.
( b ) Painting Iron and Steelwork
12. Preparation of Iron Surface:- Iron and steelwork shall be thoroughly freed from all rust and scale
before painting. If necessary, the iron or steel shall first be scraped by a hard steel scraper with a
chisel edge ( generally made from an old file ); it shall then be thoroughly brushed with a flat steel
wire brush until the bright surface of the metal appears. It shall be wiped dry waste and the first coat
of paint applied immediately as the surface may commence to rust again within a very short time.
Too much care cannot be given to the cleaning of an ironwork preparatory to painting as any
particles of rust left under the paint become centres of further corrosion. No chemical shall be used
for cleaning the surface.
13. Priming coat for iron work
The first or priming coat for iron or steel work shall ordinarily consists of red lead mixed
proportions of 1 cwt, red lead to 2 gallons of boiled linseed oil. Not more than sufficient red lead for
one days work shall be mixed as the mixture rapidly hardens and soon becomes unusable.
14. Second and subsequent coats
Second and subsequent coats shall be as specified for the particular work. They shall not be
applied until the previous coat is quite dry and hard.
15. Repainting old work
In repainting old work, all places where rust appears, or from which the paint can be scaled
off, shall be cleaned as specified in paragraphs 2 and12 above.
If there are no signs of rust, the work may, with the approval of the Executive Engineer or
his representative, be washed down to remove all dirt as the only preliminary to the application of
new paint. The new paint may be applied only the surface in thoroughly dry.
16. Removing old paint prior to repainting
If the iron or steel is covered with a thick layer of old paint in bad condition ( cracked of
scaling off) the surface shall be cleaned and prepared for the new paintwork as described paragraphs
2 and 12 above.
17. Preparation for painting of galvanized iron
Galvanized iron shall not be painted until it has been exposed to the weather for a year.
If necessary to paint sooner, a coat composed of eight ounces of copper acetate added to a gallon of
water shall first be given, this being paid for separately.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

( c ) Painting on Plaster
18. Laying of Plaster
Plaster to be paints shall be carefully laid and all blisters due to unsalted lime carefully
picked out and filled.
19. Plaster and Wall to be dry
Special care shall be taken that both the plaster and the wall are perfectly dry before
the point is applied.
20. Removal of dust
The surface of the plaster shall be thoroughly brushed to remove dust particles, care
being taken not to scratch the face of the plaster.
21. Stopping cracks
Stopping of cracks shall be executed with plaster of paris, unless otherwise ordered,
before the first cost of paint is applied.
22.

Filling new plaster


Holes and dents in walls shall be leveled up with white lead stopping, stained to match
the color of the paint after the second cost.

23.

Painting new plaster


Painting of new plaster work should be down in the dry season and if possible not
before twelve months after the completion of the new plaster work. If new lime or cement plaster is
painted earlier than this, the paint is liable to be ruined by chemical action which taken place in the
plaster even after it has dried.
Special precaution must be taken against chemical re-action. Saponification with the
paint when the surface is concrete, cement rendering of plaster, asbestos cement sheeting, lime
plaster etc. Whether or not the chemical reaction is likely may be tested by applying moist litmus
paper to the surface. If the paper turns blue, there is a risk of chemical attach.

24.

Priming coat
The first or priming coat shall, unless otherwise ordered be in the proportion of 4 lbs.
White lead to 1 pint linseed oil, the remaining coats being as for new woodwork.

No.62 VARNISHING
1.

Supply of Varnish
The varnish shall be or the best quality available and shall be supplied by the
department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract. It should not be diluted by any
means whatever.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2.

Varnish brushed
The brushes shall be fine-haired and specially made for varnishing. Ordinary paint
brushes shall not be used.

3.

Preparation of surfaces
Before applying the varnish, surface of woodwork shall be thoroughly cleaned and the
pores stopped with size ( hot weak glue ). When the size has dried hard the surface shall be sand
papered ling the grain, using fine san paper.

4.

Application of Varnish
The varnish shall be applied in vary thin coats, so that it will not run. It shall be well
spread out but not worked enough to make it froth.

5.

Two coat work


Ordinary two coats shall be applied unless otherwise specified. The first coat shall be
allowed to dry thoroughly and then lightly sand papered before the second coat is applied.

No.63 PAINTING WITH SOLIGNUM OR CREOSOTE

1.

Departmental Supply
Quality and Colour Brown solignum or creosote, whichever has been specified shall
be supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract. If supplied
by the contractor, it shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer-in-charge.

2.

Wood to be dry
The wood to be painted must be clean and absolutely dry.

3.

Heating and Applying


Before applying, brown solignum of creosote must be heated to heated to just short of boiling. It
shall then be applied with a stiff flat brush, the solignum being occasionally stirred whilst being
applied. All ends of timbers must be liberally coated and where possible dipped in the hot solignum
or creosote.

4.

Second coats
Where more than one coat is to be applied, each coat must be thoroughly dry before
the next is applied.

5.

No painting over solignum


Solignum should not be used on surface which is afterwards to be whitewashed or
color- washed or painted with any light colored paint as it will penetrate these and present a very
unsightly appearance.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No.64 COAL-TARRING
1.

Departmental Supply
The coal-tar shall be supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the
terms of the contract. If supplied by the contractor, it shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer-in-charge.

2.

Preparing the surface


The surface to be coal-tarred shall be dry and well cleaned. Iron work must have
all rust and scale removed.

3.

Heating and preparing the tar


The tar, to every gallon of which 2 lbs, unslaked lime has been added shall be heated
not quite to the boiling point. If must then be taken off and away from the fire and kerosene oil
added in the proportion of one part of kerosene to sixteen parts of tar.

4.

Application
The tar shall be applied as not as possible with a brush. Rags shall on no account be
used to apply the tar. Where possible the article to be tarred must be dipped in the hot tar. Iron
articled which are to be buried should be sanded to absorb any excess of tar.

5.

Not less than 10 lbs of tar should be used for every 100 sq.ft of surface tarred.

No.65 PAINTING WITH COLLINS MIXTURE


1.

Composition
A paint which is cheap and satisfactory for preserving steel work, and known as Collins
Mixture is mad up as follows;-It consists of 8 parts of coal-tar, 1 part of cement and 1 part of
kerosene oil.

2.

Preparation
The cement is stirred into the kerosene oil to form a slurry. The tar is then heated in a
mortar pan of other vessel and the slurry stirred in. The mixture should be prepared in small
quantities as required.

3.

Application
The surface to be painted should be prepared in accordance with paragraph 12 of
Specification No.59 for Painting and the mixture applied with a coal-tar brush.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No.66 WHITE- WASHING


1.

Ingredients and preparation of whitewash


The whitewash shall be prepared from fresh well burnt lime brought to site in an
unslaked condition. The lime shall then be dissolved in a tub or tank of clean water, sufficient
water being used to bring the mixture to the consistency of thin cream. The mixture shall then be
allowed to sand for two days after which period it shall be strained through a coarse cloth into
another tub. To this shall be added a quantity of gum Arabic dissolved in not water in the
proportion 2 ounces gum Arabic to one cu.ft of lime. Some boiled rice water shall also be added
and the whole stirred up. The amount of rice water to be added will generally have to be found by
experiment, about 12 ounces of rice to 2 ounces of glue may be taken as a trial proportion. A small
quantity of blue in the proportion of 1/16 ounces to four gallons of the mixture shall also be added.

2. Preparation of surface
The surface to be whitewashed shall be thoroughly dry and shall be brushed before
applying the wash. In the case of new walls the plaster shall also be well smoothed down with sandpaper. On old work, the surface mist be thoroughly cleaned, old loose whitewash removed, the walls
being scrapped if necessary, and the plaster repaired. All nails shall be removed and nail holes and
other damaged parts made good with lime putty. All greasy spots shall be given a coat of rice water
before whitewash is applied. On old walls, any now plaster patches must be allowed to dry
thoroughly before work commences. Such patches shall receive a coat, of whitewash before the
regular coat is commenced.
3. Application of whitewash
The whitewash shall be applied with properly trimmed brushes each coat consisting
of four strokes of the brush one in each direction. If the contract is for more than one coat each coat
must be allowed to dry thoroughly before the next is applied.
If the surface to be white washed is too dry, it should be wetted first to ensure that the
work does not dry off two rapidly as flakes. Whether this wetting of surface is necessary should be
determined by test washing a few places.
4. Finish
The finished work shall be of a uniform white color, and the surface shall not be
powdery nor readily come off on the hand when rubbed.
5. Cleaning up after whitewashing
All splashing and drippings shall be cleaned from floors, windows etc., on
completion of work. Such sports can be avoided by the use of gunny or mate.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

No.67 BUFF COLOUR-WASHING


1. Ingredients and preparation of color-wash:
Buff color wash shall be prepared from the same materials and in the same manner as specified in
the Specification No.66 for Washing with the addition of the following ingredients unless
otherwise directed by the Executive Engineer in writing.
To every four gallons of the prepa red whitewash before dilution, i.e. when it is about the
consistency of cream add:12 oz. yellow ochre, best quality.
2lbs cement
The 1/10 oz of blue as specified in the Specification for whitewash shall be added to the yellow
ochre and the tow mixed up with water. The cement shall then be added and the mixture stirred into
the whitewash. This shall then be diluted to the requisite consistency for washing. This colour wash
gives a pale buff finish.
Not more than the amount required for the days work shall be prepared each day.
2. Preparation of surface:
The surface to be washed shall be prepared and the work executed as
specified in the specification for whitewash.
3. Finish:
When completed, the walls shall be of a uniform colour, free from blotches, lines or cut
shades and shall present a smooth surface much as will neither crack nor come off readily on the
fingers when rubbed.
4. Each coat to dry: If there is more than one coat the first shall be allowed to dry before the second
coat is applied.

1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

No. 68 DISTEMPERIN
Departmental Supply of Distemper: The distemper shall be supplied by the Department unless
otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract. If supplied by the contractor it shall be of the
manufacture specified by the term of the contract or as directed in writing by the Executive Engineer.
Preparation of surface:
No surface shall be distempered until it is thoroughly dry and until it
has been prepared in accordance with the instructions laid down in paragraph 2 of the Specification
for whitewashing No.66.
Old Plaster: Before distempering old plaster, the surface shall be thoroughly cleaned. If the
old surface has been white or colour washed, as such of this as will come away shall be taken of by
rubbing with sand paper or coconut fibre. After this the surface shall be stopped and then sized as for
new plaster.
Primary coat of size. On new walls, the surface shall first be covered with a priming coat of
ordinary size.
Distempering of new Plaster:
Distempering of new plaster work should be done in the dry
season and if possible not before twelve months after completion of the new plaster work.
If new lime or cement plaster is distempered earlier than this, the distemper is liable to be
ruined by chemical action which takes place in the plaster even after it has dried.
Application of Distemper:
The distemper shall be laid on with proper brushes, each coat
consisting of four strokes of the brush, one in each direction. If the contract is for more than one coat,
each coat must be allowed to dry thoroughly before the next is applied, brushes shall be washed hot
water after each days work and hung up to dry.
Cleaning up after distempering:
All splashing and drippings shall be cleaned form floors,
windows etc., on completion of work. Such spots can be avoided by the use of gunny or mats.
65

Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

1.
2.

3.

4.

No. 69 LINSEED OILING


Oil: The oil shall be double linseed oil supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by
the terms of the contract.
Preparation of surface:
The surface to be oiled shall be thoroughly dry and seasoned. If it has
an old coat of oil on it which is dirty or sticky the same shall be removed with methylated spirits and
the surface subsequently cleaned and sand papered after drying.
Application of Linseed Oil: The oil shall be applied very thinly with a pad of soft clean cloth. If
necessary, a little turpentine, up to 5 per cent shall be added to the oil to ensure that the completed
work when dry shall not have a sticky surface.
Cleaning up after linseed oiling:
On completed of the work any glass panes which have become
smeared with oil shall be thoroughly cleaned.
No. 70

EARTH OILING

1. Departmental supply of earth oil:


The earth oil shall be supplied by the Department unless
otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract.
2. Preparation of surface:
The surface to be treated must be thoroughly dry before the application
of the oil. If it is dirty it shall be brushed and cleaned.
3. Application of earth oil:
The oil shall be applied with a pad of clean cloth as evenly as possible
and in sufficient quantity of soak will into the wood work. Care shall be taken that the labourers do
not splash the oil about in a careless manner.
4. Red ochreing shingle roof: For oiling shingle roofs red ochre shall be added to the oil in the
portion of 2 1/2 Lbs to the gallon. All labourers working on the oiling of shingle roofs must tie
themselves to ropes fixed over the ridge.
5. Cleaning up after oiling:
On completion of the work the contractor shall clean thoroughly and
glass panes which may have been smeared with oil.
No. 71

WAX FINISH TO WOODWORK

1. Preparation of surface:
The surface to be treated shall be thoroughly dry and smooth. All
cracks and holes shall be filled with a mixture of beeswax and fine saw dust of the timber to be
treated and then the surface shall be fine sand papered.
2. Ingredients: A mixture of beeswax and turpentine in the proportion of 2 Lbs of beeswax to 1 pint
of turpentine shall be prepared by melting the wax and when melted, adding it to the turpentine and
mixing well.
No. 72

PLASTIC EMULSION PAINT

1. Supply of paint:
Plastic emulsion paint shall be of best quality and approved make as supplied
by the Department unless otherwise permitted by the terms of the contract and unless otherwise
specified.
2. Preparation of Surface:
General: The surface to be painted shall be thoroughly dry, clean,
smooth & free from dirt scale, grease, dirt or any foreign matter. Where necessary, old paint shall be
removed by burting or scraping or other approved method.
3. Preparation of surface on cement plaster:
(No Lime Content)
Special care shall be taken that both the plaster and the wall are thoroughly dry before the
paint is applied.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

The surface of the plaster shall be thoroughly brushed to remove dust particles, care being
taken not to scratch the face of the plaster. Holes and cracks in the plaster shall leveled up with
cement mortar allowed to dry out before commencement of painting.
Preparation of surface on composite plaster: (Lime Cement-Sand-Plaster)
Since the lime present in composite plaster will react adversely with the Plastic Emulsion
Paint. It is necessary to seal in the plaster surface by the application of aluminium primer (not
ordinary aluminium paint) or other sealing medium approved by the manufacturers specifications, in
order to prevent alkali salt formation deleterious to the paint work.
Such Sealing coat shall be applied only after following the procedure for preparation of
surface is outlined in paragraphs 2 & 3 above.
Preparation of surface on white washed plaster work:
Since the line present in white wash will
react adversely with the plastic emulsion paint, it will be necessary to remove all the white wash
thoroughly and the plaster work shall be thoroughly washed down with clean water. Afterwards, the
procedure for preparation of surface on composite plaster as indicated in paragraph 4 above shall be
strictly followed.
Preparation of surface on woodwork:
The surface to be painted shall be prepared generally as
specified in paragraph 2 above and in addition, all holes cracks, joints, etc., shall be made good with
putty or by other suitable means.
On Old Woodwork: Previously painted, in addition to the above procedure, the old paint
work shall be well cleaned from all greases and dirt by washing, and allowed to dry thoroughly
before the application of paint.
On New Woodwork: All holes creeks, joints, etc., shall be made good with putty or by other
suitable maens.
Seal Coat:
A seal coat of aluminium primer (not ordinary aluminium paint) or other
sealing medium approved by the manufacturers specifications shall be applied on all new woodwork
before the application of plastic emulsion paint old wood.
A similar seal coat shall be applied on all old woodwork previously painted with paint other
than plastic emulsion paint, to prevent deleterious effects.
Preparation of surface for Iron Steel Work: Iron & steel work shall thoroughly freed from all rust
and scale before painting. If necessary, the iron or steel shall first be scraped by a hard steel scraper
with a chisel edge (generally made from an old file) it shall than be thoroughly brushed with a flat
steel wire brush until the bright surface of the metal appears. It shall than be wiped with dry waste
and the priming coat applied immediately as the surface may commence to rust again within a very
short time.
Too much care cannot bag given to the cleaning of iron work preparatory to painting as any
particles of rist left under the paint becomes centres of further corrosion. No chemicals shall be used
for cleaning the surface.
The priming coat shall be aluminium primer ( not ordinary aluminium paint) or other sealing
medium approved by the manufacturers specifications.
In repainting old work, all places where rust appears or from which the paint can be sealed
off shall be cleaned as specified above as well as paragraph. If there are no signs of rust, the work
shall be washed down and allowed to dry as the only preliminary to the application of new paint.
NOTE:
Priming coat shall be applied on all old paintwork other than old plastic emulsion
paintwork, before the application of new plastic emulsion paint.
Brushes:
Best quality hair brushes shall be used. Brushes used shall be clean, and shall be
thoroughly cleaned at the end of the days work. No turpentine or linseed oil shall be used on the
brushes.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

9. Mixing of Plastic Emulsion Paint: Only the minium amount of water as specified by the
manufacturers shall be mixed thoroughly with the paint. No thinner or turpentine or linseed oil shall
be added under any circumstances.
10. Application of paint: Paint shall be laid on evenly and properly with suitable brushes and it shall be
well brushed out and worked in. The work shall show on hair marks or drops of paint.
For new work, at least two coats shall be applied, to provide a smooth, even textured surface.
Under Coat: The correct under coat of plastic emulsion paint as specified and made by the
manufacturers of the finishing coat shall be applied on the prepared surface (over the priming coat, if
required, under the specific conditions laid down in paras 4,5,6,7 and above). Plastic emulsion paint
for use in finishing coats shall not be used for the under coats.
Second coat: Plastic emulsion paint for use in finishing coats shall be applied to the under coat
when it has become dry.
Third or finishing coat:
If required, the third or finishing coat shall b applied as for the second
coat.
NOTE:
Care shall b taken to strictly follow all the manufacturers specifications in order to
obtain the best results.
No. 73 CEMENT BASED PAINTS
1. Supply of paint:
The cement based paint used all b a specially prepared for the purpose such as
snowcem, Permocen, etc., and shall b as supplied by the Department unless otherwise permitted by
the terms of the contract and, unless otherwise specified.
2. Preparation of Surface:
Generally , cement based paints are applied to external and exposed
cement plaster work or concrete work.
The surface t ob painted shall be well brushed to remove all loose particles and any cracks
and defects made good with 1:3 cement mortar.
New Work: In the case of new plaster work and concrete work, the surface shall also be well
smoothed down with sand paner.
Old Work (Painted with cement based paint) :
The surface shall be thoroughly cleaned, old
loose paints removed, the walls being scraped if necessary, and the plaster repaired. All nails shall be
removed and nail holes and other damaged parts made good with 1:3 cement mortar. All new plaster
patches shall b allowed to dry out before work commences. Such patches shall receive a coat of
cement based paint which shall be allowed to dry before the first regular cost is commenced.
Old Work ( Painted with distemper or white wash or colour wash)
When it is required to paint cement based paint on existing work which has been painted
previously with distemper ., white wash or colour wash, it is imperative that such old paint shall be
completely scraped off , other wise the cement based paint is liable to flake off since it cannot adhere
firmly to the plaster or concrete work.
The surface shall then be thoroughly washed out and rubbed to remove all the loose particles
. The surface shall than be prepared and repaired, if necessary, as outlined above for Old Work
(Painted with cement based paint).
3. Mixing of cement based paint:
The paint shall be mixed with water in strict accordance with
the manufactures specifications. Only sufficient quantity of paint shall be mixed at any one time
which can be used up within half an hour after mixing with water. Any six left over at the end of the
days work shall not be used again.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

4. Application of Paint: The surface to be painted shall be sprayed with water before the
commencement of each coat, to present a clean, damp surface. The cement based paint shall be
applied with properly trim broom brushes, as used in white washing or distemper. Such coat
consisting of four strokes of the brush, one in each direction. The mixed paint shall be stirred
frequently white the painting proceeds for obtaining even consistency.
5. Number of coats:
Unless otherwise specified, three coats shall be applied for new work. The first
coat shall be well brushed in to fill all the pores. Not more than one coat shall be applied in a days
work, to allow the paint to harden sufficiently before the next coat is applied.
6. The use of lime wash as priming coat is strictly prohibited, to prevent flaking off of the new paint.
7. Finish:
The finished work shall be of a uniform texture and shade, and the surface shall not be
powdery and shall not come off on the hand when rubbed.
8. Curing:
Since the paint contains cement, it is essential that at the end of the days work, the
entire surface that had been painted during the day shall be sprayed with water. Care shall be taken
not to use excessive volume or pressure of water such that the new paint work is damaged. Curing
with water spraying shall continue for 7 days after the finish of the final coat.

No. 74 EARTHWORKS FOR ROADS AND AERODROMES


Cuttings
1. Clearance of site:

Before the commencement of earthwork, the land to be occupied by the road

and such extra width as the Executive Engineer may instruct shall be cleared of all obstructions,
materials and rubbish of all kinds; and of all trees, shrubs, long grass and weeds. Roots and stumps
shall be entirely grubbed up from all land to be occupied by the work and removed to the road land
boundary.
2. Classification of soil: Soil shall be classified according to its hardness and will vary from soft sand to
hard rock. The general division into degree of hardness shall be:
Ordinary Soil : Material which can only be removed with pick-axes.
Soft Soil

: Material which can be removed with crow bars and jumpers.

Hard Rock

: Material which can only be removed with the assistance of explosive.

The respective quantities of ordinary soil, hard soil and soft rock shall be measured as indicated by
the cross witness (paragraph 9) and faces of the excavation. Hard rock shall be measured either in
situ before excavation as directed by the Executive Engineer or his representative, or paid for as is
prescribed in the contract. If by stacks the amount of bulking up shall be taken into account. The rate
for rock excavation shall include the cost of explosive unless otherwise specified. In either case the
rock so removed and paid for becomes the property of Government. The Contractor shall be paid
according to his contract for carting to the place directed, breaking if necessary and sticking any
material obtained from the cutting which he is directed to keep for future use.
3. To be dug to correct width: The centre line having been set out to the satisfaction of the Executive
Engineer or his representative, the Contractor shall be responsible for the width of digging both in
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

single or double cutting on the alignment. Any excess shall neither be recorded at the time of
measuring nor shall it be paid for.
4. Excavation to be to grade pegs: The Contractor shall be responsible that the excavation is correct to
grade pegs. Any excess shall neither be recorded at the time of measuring nor shall it be paid for.
5. Slopes to be truss planes: All slopes shall be true planes and to the better ordered. Hollow slopes in
side cutting are absolutely forbidden. Any digging beyond the correct better shall neither be recorded
nor shall it be paid for.
6. Cross fall: The surface of excavation both in side and double cutting shall be finished off to the cross
fall directed. The road surface of the portion of road on filling shall be finished with an inward slope.
7. Deposition of Soil: In side long ground no soil shall be deposited within 40 feet of the edge of the
cutting unless otherwise ordered.
8. Side-long Ground: In side-long or undulating ground no earth shall be dug below a plane sloping
away from the road at 1 in 30. Borrow pits shall not be made without written orders.
9. Witness: Earth witness showing the original profile and nature of the ground shall be left at fixed
intervals as directed. The witness shall be included in the measurement but payment in full shall
not be made till the witnesses have been removed. In double cutting, earth witnesses are usefully not
necessary. Isolated circular witnesses are forbidden. If the earth witnesses are unlikely to be removed
before the rains break the Contractor shall make a hole through them for the easy passage of drainage
water.
10. New pits: The Contractor shall, as directed, carry up to a point where the rate of carriage is equal to
the earthwork rate shown, in his contract, but, if he unnecessarily digs new pits, he shall only be paid
according to his rate for lead. At places where the cutting does not yield sufficient earth for filling
the cutting may be widened but the side of the excavation shall be kept as regular is possible and
shall not contravene paragraph 8 above.
11. Lead and Lift: The earthwork rate shall be deemed to include unless otherwise agreed, lead by
carriers up to 100 feet and lift up to 5 feet and by carts, Lorries, trolleys, etc., lead up to 1 mile and
all lift. The dressing at the sites of both excavation and filling, and the breaking up of all clods. The
term lift shall be include the depth of the borrow pit.

Borrow Pits( New Work)


12. Jungle Clearing: Before any earthwork is started the area concerned shall be cleared of jungle.
13. Size and Positions of Borrow Pits: The four concerns of each borrow pit shall be set out before
digging is started. One borrow pit shall be separated from the next by a narrow cross wall. In every
furlong a place of land 30wide shall be left undisturbed (see paragraph 16). The borrow pits shall be
on one side of the road only. The side chosen shall be the one on which the pits have the best
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

prospect of silting. The length and the breadth shall be set out in an exact number of feet and
payment shall be to the nearest foot, nine inches and below being disregarded. The depth shall be
measured to the nearest one-tenth of a foot by stretching taut a fine string cross the pit and measuring
the height with a leveling staff or other measure stand on it and keep their weight on the foot holding
down the string. The depth the pit shall usually not exceed 4 feet. Circular earth witnesses and those
at isolated pieces of high ground or kazin are prohibited.
14. Edge of pit to be away from toe of embankment: The space between the toe of embankment and the
edge of pit shall be at least 30 feet. The space between the side of the pit and the road side boundary
shall not be less than the depth of the pit.
15. Cross Walls: The cross walls shall not be including in the measurement and the Contractor shall not
remove them except so far as is necessary to make the connection drain vide paragraph 16.
16. Drainage of borrow pit: After the earthwork has been measured the borrow pits shall be connected by
making a drain through the 30 feet length of undisturbed each left at each furlong(see paragraph 13)
and by cutting outlets through the thin cross walls(see paragraph 13) and by cutting outlets through
the thin cross walls(see paragraph 13). These drains and holes shall be as far away from the road as
possible. These items of work shall be paid for separately.
17. Pits near the bridges: No earth shall be dug within 100 feet of a bridge except in the stream channel.
18. Pits not dug in accordance with specification: Any pits dug in contravention of this specification
shall not be paid for and the Contractor must refill them to the satisfaction of the Executive Engineer
at his own expense. Any earth deposited otherwise than where directed shall not be paid for.
19. No borrow pits in towns or villages: No borrow pits shall be dug in towns or villages without special
orders.
20. Rate: The earthwork rate shall be deemed to include, unless otherwise agreed, lead by carriers up to
100 feet and lift up to five feet; by carts, lorries, trolleys, etc., load up to 1mile and all lift. The
dressing at the sites of both excavation and filling, and also the breaking up of all clods. The term
lift shall not include the depth of the borrow pit.
21. Bank measurement: If owing to flooding or other causes, it is not possible to measure borrow pits the
contractor shall accept bank measurement loss settlement as defined in paragraph 28.

Borrow Pits (Old work)


22. To be on one side of road only: Earth shall be dug from the road only.
23. New pits: The position of the new borrow pits and earth witness, shall be pegged out before the work
is started. Earth witness shall extend right cross the old pits and be made diagonally, exception drain
digging. If any part of a witness is missing it shall be deemed that there has been no digging at the
place. Circular witness and those giving false idea of depth are forbidden.
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

24. Witnesses: Earth witnesses shall be included in measurement and removed before payment is made
in full.
25. Distance of pits from toe: No earth shall be dug within 20feet of the toe. The excavation shall not be
made so deep that there is danger of the sides of the pit sliding into the hole. In such cases earth shall
be obtained from some other source to be decided by the Executive Engineer.
26. Reserve Earth: Earth required for backing to consolidation for filling ruts at a time when the borrow
pit are full of water shall be dug and stacked in the dry weather. If stacked on the shoulders, care
shall be taken to see that provision is made for the passage of the drainage water.
27. Rate: The earthwork rate shall be deemed to include, unless otherwise agreed, lead by carriers up to
100 feet and lift up to five feet; by carts, lorries, trolleys, etc., load up to 1mile and all lift. The
dressing at the sites of both excavation and filling, and also the breaking up of all clods. The term
lift shall not include the depth of the borrow pit.

Earthwork in Embankments
28. Profile: Before earthwork is started profiles of string and bamboo shall be erected at 100 feet
intervals and the toe of embankment shall be marked with a lock spit to the satisfaction of the
Executive Engineer or his representative. The profiles shall allow for a settlement of three inch per
foot or such allowance as may be directed by the Executive Engineer. The earthwork rate shall be
deemed to include the cost of making.
29. Bank to be built up in even layers: Earth shall be deposited in even layers not exceeding one foot in
depth. All clods shall be broken before being removed from any borrow pit.
30. Dressing: The sides of the embankment shall be dressed off the proper slope and the top shall be
finished as directed by the Executive Engineer (see paragraph 31).
31. Arrangement for assisting settlement during the rains: When a new embankment is intended to the
left for settlement, through a rainy season, adequate longitudinal and cross Kazin shall be erected on
its top surface for the purpose of impounding water to assist settlement and for the prevention of
excessive scouring of the shoulder and side slopes.
32. Top portion of embankment: The top portion of the embankment shall be made
of the best soil available, gravel and sand clay being preferable.
33. Turfing: Stripping turf from the berm read to lay on the side slopes is prohibited. Turf, when
required, shall be obtained from some other source to be decided by the Executive Engineer.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

Extensive Digging Operation as in Aerodrome Work


Cuttings
34. Setting out pits: The area from which the earth is to be obtained shall be pegged out either for grid
level measurement, or for borrows measurement, as may be directed by the Executive Engineer. The
earth shall be jumped and spread in layers not more than 1 foot thick.
Filling: Where the ground upon which the filling is to be laid is level the bottom layer of earth
shall cover the full area of filling, the next shall cover a slightly smaller area and the next a slightly
smaller area still, and so on, to conform to the side slopes of the embankment. In no case shall the
earthwork be carried out by dumping from the crest level of an embankment downwards the toe.
Where the ground is uneven hollow shall be first filled up layer by layer, care being taken to
maintain an inward slope of 1 in 50 until the area of filling rises, wholly above ground level, after
which the layers shall be kept level.

The vehicles employed to carry the earth shall each from new and separate tracks over filling
already carried out to reach the parts of the layer upon which earth is still to be dumped in order to
consolidate the new fillings as much as possible.
Rolling: When it is not desirable to wait for rain to consolidate new filling and the Executive
Engineer so direct, stream rollers, with 4 inches thick wooden blocks fitted to the back wheels in
order to raise the bottom of the fire box clear of obstructions, shall be employed to roll each layer as
filling proceed the cost of roller driver, firemen, water carts, fuel and oil being borne by the
Contractor.
Drainage: When earth filling on side long ground is being carried out during the rains, the
layers of filling with their inward slopes of 1 in 50 shall be sited to act as catch water drains with
gentle longitudinal slopes to divert the rain water from its natural steep course down the side long
ground to new courses along the layers of filling where its velocity will be much reduced and its
tendency to wash away new filling will be controlled and the chances of silting improved.

Earthwork by Trolley Lines


35. Operation: The area from which earth is to be obtained shall be pegged out for grid level
measurement. Earthwork shall be laid in layers not exceeding 8 inches thick; each trolley line shall
be allotted an area over which to work and shall be swung sideways from one side to the other side
of this area forming an 18 inches layers as it moves, the line shall then swing back rising a second
layer over the first layer, it shall then swing forward again forming a third layer over the second and
so on raising the ground 18 inches at each stage.
In side long ground, the line shall first be laid along a dak bal which marks the toe of
the embankment; then the line shall swing towards the hill forming a narrow level layer; thereafter
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

the line shall swing towards the toe forming a layer over the first, then towards the hill again forming
a third layer and so on.
The line shall be sited to act as basing in order to divert rain water along a gently sloping bed
and thus prevent the scouring out of new earth and encourage silting.
In dry weather rolling with stream roller shall be carried out as prescribed in
paragraph No.34.

Measurement Item included in Rate


36. Grid System of Measurement
At the option of the Executive Engineer measurements of earthwork in cutting or of
earthwork to be obtained from filling from excavation large areas shall be made on the grid system.
The Contractor, before starting excavation shall provide, and hammer flush into the ground level,
wooden pegs of not less than 3inches diameter at the intersections of the grid system, the size of
meshed or blocks of which shall vary from 10 feet to 50 feet, as directed by the Executive Engineer
in conformation with the shape of the ground surface. Levels shall be taken by the Executive
Engineer or his representative on the pegs of the grid and average depth of each block of the grid and
will be recorded on a plan of the grid. The length, breadth and average depth of each block of the
grid shall be entered for record in a measurement book. Excavation shall proceed the sanctioned
levels which will be checked by leveling instrument. Circular witnesses containing the grid pegs
shall be preserved until orders are received from the Executive Engineer to remove them. No other
witnesses are to be left without the specific orders of the Executive Engineer of his representative.
Unless otherwise agreed, the rate shall include all lead and lift and the supply and operation of carts
and lorries. Steam Rollers complete with blocks on the hand wheel, tractors, bull dozers, trolley lines
and track will be loaned in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall meet all
running expense including laying, moving and relaying the trolley track.

No.75 IRRIGATION EARTHWORK

1. Clearance of Site: Before the commencement of earthwork, the land to be occupied by the work and
such extra width as the Executive Engineer may instruct shall be cleared of 11 obstructions, materials
and rubbish of all kinds; and of all trees, shrubs, long grass and weeds. Roots and stumps shall be
entirely grubbed up from all land to be occupied by banks, but any at the discretion of the Executive
Engineer be left for removed simultaneously with excavation from cuttings and remain unclear under
spoil banks.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

2. Demarcation drains: The boundaries of land acquired by Government for the construction of the
work shall be demarcated by Grains measuring one foot wide by one foot deep. The earth
excavated there from if not required to form banks shall be disposed of as the Executive Engineer
directs.
A. GENERAL
3. Lock spitting: At the commencement of the work, the lines of the toes banks and the lines of the
edges of cutting shall be marked by a lock spit if such dimensions as the Executive Engineer or
his representative may direct.
4. Checking Profiles, etc.: No earthwork shall commence until the Executive Engineer or his
representative has tested the accuracy of the profiles and lock spits and has been that the site has
been thoroughly cleared and all roots grubbed up.
5. Rejection of Soil containing roots or grass: No soil from excavation of cutting containing roots or
grass shall be used to form banks in any circumstances. Such soil may be thrown into spoil banks
or otherwise disposed of as the Executive Engineer directs.
6. Lead and Lift: Unless otherwise agreed upon, the earth work rate shall be deemed to include, lead
by carriers up to 100 feet and lift up to 5 feet; and by carts, lorries, trolleys, etc., lead up to 1 mile
and lift up to 5 feet. The lead shall be measured from the centre of filling to the centre of the
borrow pits of excavation. The term lift shall not include the depth of the borrow pit or
excavation unless otherwise specified.
The rate for dressing shall include dressing at the sites of both excavation and filling.

B. IN EXCAVATION
7. Disposal of Soil: Spoil shall be deposited in such lines and levels as may be directed by the terms
of the contract or agreement or shown on the working drawings, or as directed by the Executive
Engineer in writing.
8. Witness: Witnesses for measurement shall be left at intervals of 100 feet, or closer in the
Executive Engineer or his representative so directs, and shall be removed by the Contractor or at
his expense immediately after final measurements have been recorded and checked, unless the
Executive Engineer issues special orders to the contrary.
9. Measuring cuttings: In measuring cutting the actual dimension as measured shall be recorded to
the nearest tenth of a foot save and except that when the dimensions are in excess of the correct
dimensions shall be recorded in lieu of the measurement observed.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

C. In EMBANKMENT
(1) Excavating borrow pits
10. No borrow pits shall be excavated until all the excavation in the channel, parallel drains and
dimensions drains in the vicinity has been completed.
11. Clearing site for borrow pits: Grass shall be removed and roots grubbed up from the ground
surface before borrow pits are excavated and the grass and roots shall be burnt or otherwise
disposed of the Executive Engineer or his representative may direct.
12. Drainage of borrow pit: To precost accumulation of stagnant water the Contractor shall take such
steps as may be practicable to connect borrow pits by drainage channels but no drain shall be
excavated outside the boundaries of Government Land without the prior, approval of the
Executive Engineer. Excavation of drains shall be paid for at borrow pit rates if the soil is
required for and deposited in banks and at rates to be settled by agreement before any drains are
excavated if the soil is to be disposed of in any other way.
13. Distance of pits from banks: Borrow pits shall not be excavated nearer than 15 feet, or such other
dimension as the Executive Engineer or his representative may direct, to the line of the toe of any
bank.
14. Dimensions of borrow pits: Borrow pits shall be excavated with vertical sides and as far as
practicable the length and breadth shall be in whole multiples of 5 feet.
15. New Pits-Pits dug in old pit sites: Where borrow pits are excavated on land from which no earth
has previously been removed witnesses for measurement shall be left in accordance. In ground
which has previously been used for borrow pit excavation diagonal witnesses shall be left
across the corner of each pit. All witnesses shall be completely removed by the Contractor or at
his expense immediately after final measurements have been recorded and checked.
16. Depth of Pits outside Government land: Borrow pits excavated outside the boundaries of
Government land shall not exceed 1 foot in depth unless the Executive Engineer otherwise
directs.
17. Measurement: In measuring borrow pits the actual dimensions of length and breadth as measured
shall be recorded when these whole feet they shall be recorded as the whole foot next lower to
the measurement actually observed. Depth shall be measured with a leveling staff or measuring
tape graduated in tenths of a foot, and the actual vertical dimension as measured shall be
recorded when it is a whole multiple of one-tenth of a foot. When the depth is not a whole
multiple of one-tenth of a foot, the tenth graduation next lower to the measurement actually
observed shall be recorded.

(2) Constructing Banks


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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

18. Scrapping base area: Before depositing any earth for banks and after the size has been cleared as
required by paragraph 1 all short grass or turf shall be scrapped off the area to be occupied by the
base of the bank.
19. Profiles: Before earthwork commences the Contractor shall at his own expense supply the
materials and labor for the erection of and under the instruction of the sub-divisional Officer or
his representative erect, substantial profiles of string and bamboo, at 100 feet intervals on straight
lengths and at closer intervals or curves as may be directed. The Contractor shall maintain the
profiles to the satisfaction of the Sub divisional Officer as long as they are required for the
construction of the work.
20. Allowance for settlement: Three inches per foot of height or such other proportion, as may be
ordered by the Executive Engineer, shall be allowed for settlement and the profiles shall be fixed
accordingly.
21. Construction of Banks: Banks shall be brought up in even layers not exceeding 12 feet in depth,
beginning at both slopes and working towards the centre. Before being placed in the bank all
clods shall be broken up to a size capable of being passed in any direction through a 6 inch
diameter circular ring, except when the bank is a spoil bank and breaking of clods shall not have
been specifically ordered.
22. Earthwork at profiles: The earth at the profiles shall be thrown up in advance of the earthwork in
between the profiles.
23. Bank Measurement: When for any reason, it is not possible to make measurement of borrow pits.
Bank measurement shall be made in full allowance for settlement shall be deducted from the
actual measured, volume of the bank.

(3)Repair Work
24. Earth from bed or berm: As for a possible earth for repairs should be taken from the bed or berms
of the channel if the material in the bed is too sand, it should be mixed with earth from outside
borrow pit. To facilitate silting, substantial bars should be left between pits in the bed. If
considerable spoil is required from the bed, the Subdivision Officer must decide the size and
depth of the pits and spacing of intermediate bars, but a general guide is as follows:
For small channels up to 50 cusecs, pit should not exceed 15 feet in length and bars
should not be less than 5 feet wide. For larger channels pit should not exceed 40 feet and bars
should not be less than 10 feet wide. The depth shall not ordinarily, exceed 2 feet in any channel.
25. Borrow pits in berms: Borrow pits should never be dug in the berms of a channel which has
difficulty in forming or maintaining bars or where the width of beam is less than 3 feet. Berm pits
must be dug right through to the edge of the channel and bars of at least two feet should be kept
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

at intervals of 10 feet to 20 feet depending on the size of the berms. Pits should not encroach on
the 1 to 1 gradient from the inside top edge of the bank.
26. Outside pits: When outside pits are dug, their nearest edge should not be less than 15 feet from
the toe of the bank and should generally, be outside the canal boundary unless it is necessary to
level down any high spots inside the canal boundary.

D.DRESSING
27. Slopes not to be hollowed or bellied: The slope of cuttings shall be dressed true with no hollow
or bellies and finished to accord with working drawings or to such instructions as the Executive
Engineer shall issue after excavation has exposed the strata.
28. Dressing bottom of cutting: The bottom of all cutting shall be dressed off the level specified.
29. Slopes of spoil banks: The slopes of spoil banks shall be dressed to the slopes specified and the
crests shall be dressed with a slight inclination, away from the canal.
30. Dressing of crests of banks: The crests of banks shall be dressed off slightly concave and the
slopes shall be neatly dressed, with no hollow or bellies, to conform to the profile slopes as set
out.
31. Measurement: The measurement of earthwork in dressing shall be based on the quantity of
earthwork in excavation or embankment and not on the superficial area of the surface dressed. In
cuttings the measurements shall only be recorded once and shall be deemed to cover both the
dressing of the sides and bottom of the cuttings and the dressing of the crest and slopes of the
spoil bank.

No. 76 RIVER EMBANKMENT EARTHWORK

1. Selection of site for river embankment: River embankment alignment in Myanmar weather for
new system or for retirements will be settled largely on consideration of the probable immunity
from attack, by river erosion of the side on which the embankment is to be built and also on
consideration of cost and the interests to be protected. It is very necessary to consider also the
kind of soil found along a proposed alignment as this will effect the design and cost of the work,
and also its safety. Pure sand or heavy clay or other solid which are unstable when saturated do
not from good materials for the embankment itself or for its foundations and should be avoided if
possible.
Before finally selecting and alignment, therefore, borings should be made along the centre
line and on both sides of it, over the base of the embankment and the borrow pit area. The
spacing and depth of borings will be decided on consideration of the configuration of the area,
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

the soil appearing on the surface from information obtained locally and by examination of
exposed strata in the adjacent exposed river bank.
2. Clearance of Site: Before commencement of earthwork the centre space of land to be covered by
the embankment and such extra width as the Executive Engineer may instruct shall be cleared of
all obstructions, materials and rubbish of all kinds, and of all trees, shrubs, long grass and weeds.
Roots and stumps shall be entirely grubbed up from the land to be covered by the embankment
but may the Executive Engineers discretion remain on other areas cleared.
3. Demarcation of Drains: The boundaries of land acquired by Government for the construction of
the work shall be demarcated by drains measuring 1 foot wide by 1 foot deep. The earth
excavated there from, if not required for the embankment, shall be disposed of as the Executive
Engineer directs.

(1)Earthwork
4. Preparation: After the site has been cleared the lines of the toes inner and outer slopes of the
embankment shall be marked out by a lockspit or otherwise as the Executive Engineer or his
representative may instruct.
5. Inspection of Lockspit and Profiles: No Earthwork shall commence until the Sub divisional
Officer has tested the accuracy of the profiles and lockspits and has been that the site has been
thoroughly cleared and all roots grubbed up.
6. Clearance of Base: The area to be covered by the base of the embankment shall be excavated to a
depth of 6 inches, leaving longitudinal strips 6 inches wide, from which the grass shall be
removed at intervals of 15 feet across the basin section. The earth from this excavation shall be
spread on the land side berm, with a slight slope away from the embankment to for a small
strengthening banquette.
7. Measurement of base clearance: In measurement base clearance the actual width of the base shall
be recorded to the nearest whole foot. If measured by superficial are the Officer measuring shall
satisfy himself that the clearance is to dequite depth.
If measured by cubic content the actual depth as measured shall be recorded to the nearest
tent, of feet save and expect that depths in excess of 6 inches shall be recorded is 6 inches, i.e. 0.5
foot.

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

(2)Borrow Pits
8. Clearance of Borrow Pit sites: Grass shall be removed and roots grabbed up from the ground
surface before borrow pits are excavated, and the grass and roots shall be burnt or otherwise
disposed of or as the Executive Engineer or his representative may direct.
9. Position of Borrow Pits on river side of a Bankment: If practicable, borrow pits shall be on the
river side of the embankment. They shall not be excavated on the land side without the written
commission of the Executive Engineer. When on the river side of embankment, pits shall be
excavated, not nearer than 40 feet, to the toe of the embankment slope and excavation of pits
shall commence from the edge of furthest away from the embankment.
10. Position of Borrow Pits on land side of embankment: Borrow pits on the land side of the
embankment when these are permitted shall not be excavated nearer than 100 feet to the toe of
the embankment slope.
Dimensions of Borrow Pits: Borrow pits shall be excavated with vertical sides and as far as
practicable they shall be 40 feet long in the direction, of the axis of the embankment with bars 10
feet
11. Wide normally and 60 feet wide where cart roads cross between adjacent pits:

The length and

breadth of borrow pits shall as far as practicable be in the whole multiples of 5 feet.
12. Depth of River Side Borrow Pit:

The depth of river side borrow pits shall not exceed 4 feet

measured from original ground level without the permission of the Executive Engineer in
writing.
13. Depth of Land Side Borrow Pits: The depth of land side borrow pits when these are permitted
shall not exceed 4 feet measured from original ground level and any excavation below 2 feet
depth shall be in steps measuring 50 feet horizontally in direction at right angles to and away
from the embankment alignment.
14. Exposure of Sand in Borrow Pits: As soon as a stratum of san is exposed in any borrow pit, the
Contractor shall cease the excavation there from and report the exposure to the Executive
Engineers representative on the work and shall not excavated from the pit until permitted to do
so by the Executive Engineer in writing.
15. Covering up exposed sand stratum: As soon as excavation from the pit has been completed any
stratum of sand exposed in borrow pit on either side of the embankment shall be covered with a
layer of good earth not less than 2 feet in depth. Payment shall be made at rates to be decided by
agreement before the excavation for earth for the covering layer is commenced.
16. Witnesses and cross walls: Where borrow pits are excavated on land from which no earth has
previously been removed witnesses of the Executive Engineer or his representative. In ground
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

which has previously been used for borrow pit excavation diagonal witnesses shall be left across
the corners of each pit. All witnesses shall be completely removed by the Contractor or at his
expense immediately after final measurements have been recorded and checked.
17. Measuring of Borrow Pits: In measuring borrow pits, the actual dimensions of length and breadth
as measured shall be recorded when these dimensions are in whole feet. When these dimensions
are not in whole feet they shall be recorded as the whole feet next lower to the measurement
actually observed. Depths shall be measured with leveling staff or measuring tape graduated in
tenths of a foot and the actual vertical dimension as measured shall be recorded when it is a
whole multiple of one-tenth of a foot. When the depth is not a whole multiple of one-tenth of a
tenth graduation next lower to the measurement actually observed shall be recorded.
18. Lead and Lift:

Unless otherwise agreed upon, the earthwork rate shall be deemed to

include lead by carriages up to 100 feet and lift up to 5 feet and by carts, lorries, trolleys, etc.,
lead up to 1 mile and lift up to 5 feet. The lead shall be measured from the centre of the filling at
right angles there to. If borrow pits cannot be placed opposite the embankment where their spoil
is deposited lead will be measured from the centre of the fill to the centre of the borrow pits.

Dressing:

The rate of dressing shall include dressing at the side of both excavations and

filling.

(3) Construction Embankment


19. Contractor responsible for maintenance of profiles:
Before earthwork commences the Contractor shall supply at his own expense, the
materials and labor for the erection of profiles. And under the instruction of the Engineer-incharge or his representative, he shall erect substantial profiles of string and bamboo at 100 feet
intervals on straight lengths and at closer intervals on curves is may be directed. The contractor
shall maintain the profiles to the satisfaction of the Engineer-in-charge as long as they required
for the construction of the work.
20. Fixing of profiles must allow or earth settlement:
The allowance for settlement shall ordinarily be 3 inches per foot of height and the
profiles shall be fixed so as to provide for this allowance or such other allowance as the
Executive Engineer may find it necessary to provide.
21. Earthwork to be done in one foot layers:
Pre King of Clods:

The embankment shall be thrown up in even layers not exceeding

12 inches in depth beginning at both slopes and working towards the centre. Before being
deposited in the bank all clods shall be broken up to a size of capable of being passed in any
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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

direction through a 6 inch diameter circular ring. The base of the embankment shall be made its
full width at first and the slopes shall be roughly dressed at every 2 feet in height so that no earth
shall be required to be added to the slopes when the embankment has been raised to its full
height.
22. Earthwork at Profiles: The earth at the profiles shall be thrown up in advance of the earthwork in
between the profiles.
23.

Use of sand in embankments: Sand shall not be placed in embankments, unless provided

for in the design, without the express permission of the Executive Engineer in writing. When
permitted, it shall be placed in the river side of the section and there shall be no through stratum
of sand.
24. River beds, tanks, fisheries, garden land or sand exposure on Alignment, to be reported by the
Contractor.
The Contractor shall bring to the notice of the Executive Engineers representative on the
work the existence of any river or stream beds, tanks, fisheries, garden land or sand exposure on
the embankment alignment not shown on the working drawings and shall deposit no earth where
any of these occur, until the Executive Engineer shall have ordered any alternation in design that
are necessary and shall have issued any special instruction that the conditions may require. The
Contractor shall then proceed with the work according to the altered designs and special
instructions and any new or revised rate for payment necessary shall be fixed by agreement
before the work is put in hand.

25. Measurement of earthwork in embankment: When for any reason, it is not possible to make
measurement of borrow pits, bank measurements shall be made and the full allowance for
settlement shall be deducted from the actual measured volume of the bank.

(4)Dressing
26. Dressing of crest and slopes of embankment
The crests of banks shall be dressed off slightly concave and the slopes shall be nestly
dressed, with no hollows or bellies to conform the profile slopes as set out. Then banquettes
formed from excavation for base clearance under paragraph 5 shall similarly be dressed and no
hollow shall be left at the junction with the main embankment.
27. Measurement of earthwork in dressing: The measurement of earthwork in dressing shall be based
on the quantity of earthwork in embankment and not on the superficial area of the surface
dressed. The quantities in the banquettes formed from excavation for base clearance shall not be

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Specifications for Civil Works by Public Work Department

included, in the measurements for dressing and it shall be deemed that the rates for base
clearance are inclusive of such dressing.

(5)Turfing
28. Turfing during rainy season: During the rainy season following construction, the slopes of the
embankment shall be neatly turfed with Dhoob or other suitable grass.
29. Measuring of Turfing: In measuring turfing, the actual length of slopes shall be recorded to the
nearest whole foot.

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