GENERAL

SPECIFICATION
Construction of three (3) Storey
Residential building located at Lot,
3 & 5 Block, 21, Oakland Estate
Subdivision, Mexico, Pampanga

Mark roger II Huberit

 GENERAL BUILDING WORKS

The works under this specification in conjunction with the plans call for construction of three (3) Storey
Residential building located at Lot, 3 & 5 Block, 21, Oakland Estate Subdivision, Mexico, Pampanga. This
application shall apply to every trade involved and shall be carfully read and complied with by all parties
furnishing materials and executing works.

MATERIALS

MATERIAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS

1. All materials shall bear the seal or mark of the agency that verified the suitability or compliance of
said materials to the specific standard.
2. Shop drawings and samples of materials to be used shall be submitted for e n g i n e e r / client
approval.
3. After the Contract has been awarded, the Contractor shall submit to Engineer / Architect /
Client for approval a list of his proposed suppliers and sources of materials required for the
execution of the work.
4. The materials subsequently supplied shall conform to the quality of samples, which have been
approved by Engineer / Architect / Client.
5. Names of additional suppliers and sources of materials may be submitted by the Contractor during
the execution of the Contract, but no supplier and source shall be changed without the approval of
Engineer / Architect / Client.
6. The contractor may submit for Engineer / Architect / Client approval an equivalent or better alternative
materials than those specified in this specification.
7. All standards referred to herein shall mean the latest edition of that standard at the time of the
issuance of the document.
8. Product and substance, which may come in contact with raw water to be treated or potable water,
shall not be used unless they have prior approval of Engineer / Architect / Client.
Aggregates for Concrete
1. Fine and coarse aggregates for concrete shall comply with the relevant provisions of
ASTM C33.
2. Fine aggregates shall be washed natural sand conforming to ASTM C33.
3. Coarse aggregates shall be well graded and shall conform to ASTM C33, size 67 unless otherwise
directed.
Cement
1. Portland cement shall be factory-produced by the cement manufacturer and shall comply with the
provisions of ASTM C150.
2. Blended hydraulic cements shall comply with the provisions of ASTM C595.
3. Masonry cement shall comply with the provisions of ASTM C91.
4. Cementitious component of concrete used for the reservoir shall be Portland cement
Type II (MH) conforming to ASTM C150 with fly ash conforming to ASTM C618.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BRICKWORK AND BLOCKWORK

1. Brickwork and blockwork shall comply with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Standard
Specifications, Part I. Stonework shall comply with relevant provisions of ASTM C 503-89 and
ASTM C 568-89.

2. The moisture content of the bricks shall be adjusted so that excessive suction is not exerted on the
mortar.
3. Bricks in each course shall be break joints correctly with the bricks underneath. The courses shall
be laid parallel with joints of uniform thickness and shall be kept straight or regular curved
as required. Vertical joints shall be in alignment as required by the bond and both vertical and
horizontal joints shall have an average thickness of
10mm. Bricks forming reveals and internal and external angles shall be selected for squareness
and built plumb.
4. Brickwork and blockwork shall rise uniformly; corners and other advanced work shall be raked
back and not raised above the general level more than 1.00 m. No brickwork or blockwork
shall be carried up higher than 1.50 m. in one day. No bats or broken bricks shall be
incorporated in the work unless essential for bond. Where cut blocks are required, all cutting shall
be carried out with a mechanical cutting disc.
5. Completed brickwork and blockwork shall be protected at all times from scaffold splash, mortar
droppings, grout leakage from suspended slabs and the harmful effects of weather.
Brickwork and blockwork shall be allowed to set thoroughly hard before cutting or chasing is
carried out.
 6. The required class of mortar and type of cement shall be described in the Contract or, shall
comply with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Standard Specifications, Item 705.
7. The required thickness and bond for brickwork and blockwork is indicated on the drawings.
BRICKWORK AND BLOCKWORK, JOINTING AND POINTING
1. Bricks and blocks shall be laid in mortar, properly bedded and jointed and all joints filled with
mortar at every course.
2. Where the surface of walling does not provided an adequate key, the joints on faces of walls to be
plastered shall be raked out 12 mm.
3. The type of jointing and pointing shall be described in the Contract.
4. Provision shall be made in the Contract for sample areas of different wall types and finishes.
CORBELLING
1. Oversail corbelling shall not exceed 30mm on each course.
BONDING TO CONCRETE
1. Where brickwork or blockwork is to be bonded to concrete, this shall be achieved by means of
metal ties evenly spaced at 600mm to vertical and 800mm to horizontal of the wall surface, and
brickwork and blockwork shall be brought up subsequent to the concrete.
2. Additional ties shall be provided near the sides of all openings such that there is one for each
300mm height of the opening.
UNDERPINNING
1. Underpinning in brickwork or blockwork shall be carried up to within one course of the
underside of the existing structure and allowed to set. The remaining course shall be bedded
in mortar and wedged with slate pieces tightly against the existing structure.
CENTERING AND LAGGING
1. Centering and lagging used for the construction of brickwork and blockwork shall remain in place
for such time as is necessary for the brickwork and blockwork to develop sufficient strength to
prevent sagging or cracking of joints.
PREPARATION FOR PLASTERING
1. The surface of in-situ concrete shall be cleaned of dust, loose particles and other matters.
Surfaces shall be wetted immediately before plastering is commenced.
CEMENT PLASTERING
1. Cement plastering shall normally be applied in one coat and batches shall be used as soon as
possible after water has been added. The total thickness of the coat shall be of the order of,
but shall not exceed, 20mm.
2. Where the finished thickness of the plaster is to be greater than 20mm, then 2 coats shall be used
and the thickness of the base coat shall not be less than 13mm.
3. Concrete masonry and hollow block surfaces shall be dampened by brushing or spraying with
clean water, mixed 1 part bonding agent to 5 parts water.
4. The plastering mortar shall be a mixture of Portland cement and washed sand by volume in the
proportions of 1 volume cement to 3 volumes of sand, together with 1 part of liquid bonding
additive to 3 parts of water. The dry cement and sand shall be thoroughly mixed before the
mixture of the liquid additive, with water of the proper proportions, is added to the dry mortar
mix. The complete mixture shall then be mixed into a workable mortar paste.
5. Before the base coat has hardened, it shall be evenly scored to assist in bonding the finish coat.
When the base coat has hardened enough to receive the finish coat, it shall be dampened and the
finish coat applied. The finish coat shall be finished to give the appearance of a rubbed
finish, or as otherwise required to match the surrounding surfaces.
6. Plastered surfaces shall be shielded from the direct rays of the sun for two (2) days and shall be
kept moist.
OTHER FLOOR WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
1. Other floor, wall and ceiling finishes are specified on.
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
1. Framing members shall not be spliced between bearing points, and shall be free from
pronounced defects. Joints and splices shall be bolted or spiked together, and shall occur over
bearings only.
2. Holes for bolts shall be of the same nominal diameter as the bolt. Plate washers shall be
installed under heads and nuts of all bolts in contact with wood. Nuts shall be drawn tight and
threads burred to prevent loosening.
3. Screws shall be screwed and not driven into place. Pilot holes may be drilled for screws the
same diameter as the shank.
4. The sizes shown for wood on the Drawings are the nominal sizes. All dressed lumber after
planing shall not vary from the indicated dimensions by more than ten percent (10%). Thickness
and width of lumber shall be uniform throughout its length. Lumber shall not be delivered to the
site in lengths shorter than 2.5 meters.
5. When wood frames are to be installed against concrete or masonry, the face of wood in contact
with masonry shall have two (2) coats of wood preservative compound or asphalt as approved by
MWC, applied and allowed to dry before fixing.
6. Generally, cutting and shaping of all timber shall be completed before preservative treatment is
carried out. When any cutting or shaping has to be carried out after treatment, the cut or worked
 surface shall be given 2 coats of the preservative. After treatment, timbers shall be thoroughly
dried out before use.
7. Where timber is to receive decorative finishes, then, after the application of any preservatives
and drying out, any knots or resinous areas shall have 2 coats of knotting applied before finishes.
STRUCTURAL STEELWORK
1. All steelwork shall comply with the relevant provisions of the DPWH Standard
Specification, Item 712 or, as described in the Contract.
2. All members shall be cut to length by cold sawing.
3. Where a structural member is supported on masonry or brickwork, the minimum length of bearing
shall be 100mm.
4. End connections, baseplates and other design requirements shall be shown on the plans or,
described in the Contract.
5. Where steelwork is to be galvanized, it shall be as described in the Contract.
6. No unplanned holes shall be cut on site in structural steelwork. Clamps shall be used for
supporting equipment from structural steelwork. Enlargement of bolt holes on site shall be carried out
(and their protective coating made good) to the approval of Client/Engineer.
ROOFS
1. Roof members shall be built in place or fabricated and erected and as shown in the design
drawings.
2. Flats and gutters shall be covered with Type WBP plywood or tongued and grooved rot boarding
laid diagonally, fir to falls of not less than 1 in 120 for lead and copper and 1 in 60 for bitumen felt
or, as described in the general construction notes.
TIMBER FLOORS
1. Floor joists shall be either built into brickwork or blockwork, or held in galvanized steel joist
hangers, and shall be trimmed as described in the Contract or as directed by MWC. Bridging shall
be spaced at every 1.80m apart and shall be 50mm thick to the full depth of the joists or 38mm by
50mm herringbone strutting.
2. Boarding shall be cramped up and nailed with cut flooring nails. Trimmed openings shall have
mitred boarders 75mm in width.
DOOR FRAMES
1. Door frames shall be fitted into prepared openings, drilled and plugged at 3 points per jamb
and shall have 100mm by 12mm diameter galvanized steel dowels to posts let into flooring and
bedded in non-shrink or epoxy grout.
2. The joint between external door frames and adjacent walls shall be continuously pointed with
gun-applied butyl or other approved non-setting mastic.
WINDOWS
1. Window frames shall be securely fixed to openings in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions or, as described in the Contract Specific Specifications and, shall be continuously
pointed with gun applied butyl or other approved non- setting mastic.
GLAZING
1. Glazing work for building shall be as described in the Contract Specific Specification and Drawings.
PAINTING
1. All painting shall be carried out by craftsmen who are qualified and skilled in the trade.
2. Manufacturer’s printed instructions shall be strictly followed in the application of proprietary
coatings.
3. Wood surfaces to be painted shall be first cleaned of dirt, oil or other foreign substances with
mineral spirits, scrapers, sandpaper or wire brush. Coatings shall be applied only on thoroughly
dry surfaces and during periods of favorable weather, not in extreme heat, nor in dust or smoke-
laden air, nor in damp or humid weather.
4. No consecutive coat of paint shall be of the same shade, with the exception of white.
Each coat shall be given a minimum drying time of 72 hours and shall be inspected by
Client/Engineer prior to application of the next coat. Areas found to contain runs, roughness,
or other signs of improper application shall be required to be recoated in accordance with the
instructions of Client.
5. Woodwork shall be sanded smooth where nail holes and minor imperfections shall be filled with
putty between first and second coat; color of putty shall match stain in the case of stained work.
6. Drop cloths shall be placed where required to protect floors and equipment from splatter and
droppings.

ROOF COVERINGS
1. Roof coverings shall be as shown on the plans and described in the Contract
Specific Document.
PLUMBING
1. Installation of plumbing for domestic water supply and for sewer systems shall be described in the
Contract.
OPENING IN WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILINGS
1. The Contractor shall box out and/or cut openings through walls, floors and ceilings for the
passage of pipes and cables and, where described in the Contract, shall provide and fix in position
 approved tube sleeves cut off flush with the finished surface. All openings and ducts shall be sealed
on completion to prevent the passage of toxic or explosive gases.
TOLERANCES FOR BUILDING WORKS
1. Tolerances for building works, except where otherwise described in the Contract, shall not
exceed the permissible deviations from levels and dimensions for the corresponding types
of work given and described in the Contract.
NAILING
1. Nails shall not be driven closer together than ½ their length unless driven in drill holes, nor
closer to the edge of the member than ¼ its length. Holes drilled slightly smaller than nail
diameters shall be used when necessary to prevent splitting. The nails shall penetrate the second
or farther member to not less than ½ of the length of nail. Common nails shall be used unless
otherwise specified or shown.
STEEL CASEMENT AND AWNING WINDOWS
1. Frames shall be set plumb and square in a true plane. Steel shims shall be provided tight between
frame anchors and structure, and rigidly attached. Metal shall not be smaller than 6mm thick
angular bar. Frames shall be of the welded unit-type. Special frames, oversized frames,
and frames with transom shall be provided where shown.
2. All finished work shall be strong and rigid, neat in appearance, square, true, and free of defects,
warp, or buckle. Corner joints shall have all contact edges tightly closed, with trim faces mitered,
welded and finished smooth.
ILLUMINATION
1. Adequate illumination shall be provided while work is in progress. Whenever required by
Client, the Contractor shall provide additional illumination to cover all areas to be inspected.
CLEAN-UP
1. The Contractor shall, at all times, keep the premises free from accumulation of waste material and
rubbish caused by his employees or subcontractor’s personnel. At the completion of the painting,
all tools, scaffolding, surplus materials shall be removed from and around the building, and the
paint work area shall be left “broom clean”, unless more exactly specified.
2. Upon completion of the work, all staging, scaffolding and containers shall be removed from the
site or destroyed in a manner approved by MWC. Coating spots and oil or stain upon adjacent
surfaces shall be removed and the job site cleaned. All damage to adjacent surfaces resulting
from the work performed under the Contract shall be cleaned, repaired or refinished to the
satisfaction of MWC at no additional cost to the Contract.
WARRANTY INSPECTION ON 11TH MONTH
1. A warranty inspection shall be conducted during the eleventh month following completion of all
coating and painting work. The Contractor or his authorized representative shall attend this
inspection. All defective work shall be repaired in accordance with the specification and to the
satisfaction of MWC. MWC may, by written notice to the Contractor, re-schedule the warranty
inspection within the Contract guarantee period, or may cancel the warranty inspection altogether.
WELDING
1. All welding shall be done by experienced welders using the metal-arc method or gas shielded arc
method as described in the American Welding Society’s (AWS) “Welding Handbook” as
supplemented by other pertinent standards of AWS. Welding of parts shall be done only where
shown, specified or permitted by Client/Engineer.
2. In assembly or during welding, the component parts shall be adequately clamped, supported and
restrained to minimize distortion and for control of dimensions. Weld reinforcement shall be as
specified by the AWS Code. Upon completion of welding, all weld splatter, flux, slag, and burrs
left by attachment shall be removed. Welds shall be repaired to produce a workmanlike
appearance, with uniform weld contours and dimensions.
EXCAVATION

1. The Contractor shall carry out its operation in such a manner as to avoid damage to existing adjacent or
underground structures, or deterioration of the Final Surfaces of excavation.

2. If the Contractor encounters ground in the Final Surface which he considers unsuitable, or if the Final
Surface is damaged or allowed to deteriorate, Client/Engineer shall be promptly informed. The
unsuitable ground or damaged surfaces shall be excavated and then filled to formation level with the
material as indicated in the Contract Specific Specification or as approved by Client/Engineer. Any voids,
which result from over excavation, shall be refilled with the material as indicated in the Contract Specific
Specification or as approved by Client/Engineer.

3. The Contractor shall carry out its excavation work with all necessary precautions and put in place adequate
support at the side faces of excavation, or employ any appropriate measures to ensure the safety and
stability, and avoid the weakening or damage to the foundations of existing adjacent structures.

4. The sides of the excavation shall be vertical and shall be adequately supported at all times, except when
described elsewhere in the Bid Documents where battered sides will be permitted. A detail of the
cross-section for battered side excavation shall be submitted to Client/Engineer for acceptance prior to its
 implementation. Any slippage of faces of excavation, which causes the weakening of foundation or
support for existing or proposed pipelines, structures or roadways, shall be stabilized and made good.

5. The Contractor shall be responsible for the disposal of all unsuitable and surplus excavated material off the
Site but no excavated material suitable for re-use in the Work shall be removed from the Site except on
the direction, or with the permission, of Client/Engineer. The Contractor shall remove from the site and
dispose of all excess excavated material at its own expense. The location of the spoil disposal area shall
meet all legal requirements for such sites. Client/Engineer, at its discretion, may identify an area within the
project site, which may be used for spoil disposal. The Contractor may then use the on-site area for
disposal, but it shall trim and grade the on-site spoil area to meet the requirements of Client/Engineer at no
extra cost.

6. Excavation for structures shall progress in uniform horizontal layers, with extreme caution exercised as the
face of the excavation approaches the line and grade of the foundation base shown on the Drawings. MW
Client/Engineer C shall be notified promptly if rock is encountered or when the excavation is within 500mm
of the final cut surface or foundation elevation. Excavation equipment shall be of a size and type suitable
for carrying out the work as specified. During final excavation to subgrade level, the Contractor shall take
whatever precautions are necessary to prevent disturbance and remolding of the subgrade. In load
bearing soil (i.e. soil under structures, pipelines and roadways), final excavation to subgrade shall be by
hand or by using lightweight machines with smooth edge buckets.

7. Adverse Weather Condition. Client/Engineer reserves the right to suspend or limit earthwork operations during
periods of extended adverse weather conditions, and the Contractor shall have no basis for claiming such,
as a reason for delays or extra payments. It is expressly understood that the job site is located in an area
subject to yearly periods of heavy tropical rainfall. The Contractor shall schedule its earthwork taking
account of this wet season period of the year.

BACKFILLING

1. Backfilling shall, whenever practicable, be undertaken immediately the specified operations preceding it
have been completed. Backfilling shall not, however, be commenced until the work to be covered have
achieved strength sufficient to withstand all loading imposed thereon.
2. Backfilling around Permanent Work shall be undertaken in such manner as to avoid uneven loading or
damage.
3. Filling material to excavations not situated in highways or prospective highways shall be of the same
excavated material available on site suitable for backfilling and shall be deposited in layers not exceeding
250 mm unconsolidated thickness and compacted to form a stable backfill.
4. Where the excavations have been supported and the supports are to be removed, these, where practicable,
shall be withdrawn progressively as backfilling proceeds in such a manner as to minimize the danger of
collapse, and voids formed behind the support shall be carefully filled and compacted.

5. All backfilling material shall be inert and non-toxic.

6. The Contractor shall, in accordance with the requirements of appropriate affected bodies, carry out
reinstatement around all structures or apparatus encountered and affected during the Work. Existing
surrounds shall be reinstated over the full width of the excavation. Particular attention shall be given to
the replacement or provision of any protective slabs or identification tapes.
CONCRETE AND FORMWORK
CONCRETE QUALITY

1. Concrete shall be designed for a minimum allowable compressive strength of 24 MPa at fourteen (14) days
for Class A Concrete and17 MPa at twenty-eight (28) days for Class B Concrete. The mix design shall be
submitted to client/engineer for approval at least fifteen (15) days prior to placing concrete. Unless
otherwise shown on the drawings, all concrete shall be Class A except for concrete cradles and
concrete thrust blocks which shall be Class B. Slump shall be between 50 mm and 100 mm.
2. Water shall be kept to a minimum to obtain a dense and watertight concrete. In general, the quantity of
cement to be used will be the minimum necessary to produce the required design strengths, but shall not
less than 310 kg per cubic meter for Class A concrete.

Minimum Compression
Type of Mix Strength @ 28 days
Concrete Usage Concrete Designation (MPa)
II (MH) with
Water Retaining Concrete Fly Ash WR 35
II (MH) with
Sewer Application Concrete Fly Ash SAC 35

High Strength Structural I HSS 28

General Structural I A 24

Mass Concrete I B 17
 Porous No-Fines
Concrete – See Clause 4.6 I No-Fines 2.75

SMALL CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE

1. In miscellaneous work involving small quantities of concrete, and where permitted by client/engineer, a small
mixer may be used. Any concrete placed under such conditions, however, shall be mixed for not less
than 1-1/2 minutes after all the materials are in the mixer drum.
2. The Contractor shall not be relieved from its responsibility of ensuring that the required strength is
attained.
READY MIXED CONCRETE
1. Where concrete is to be obtained from a ready mix supplier, the Contractor shall obtain MWC‟s approval
of the source and production methods and facilities, and shall conform to ASTM C94, and the
requirements herein.
2. Batch deliveries shall not exceed the rated capacity specified for the mixer by the manufacturer of
that equipment. The Contractor shall submit affidavits (for the approval of engineer) from the ready-mix
concrete supplier, certifying that the proposed mix to be supplied will satisfy the requirements of these
specifications.
3. Concrete shall be mixed until there is a uniform distribution of materials. Each batch shall be completely
discharged and the mixer thoroughly cleaned and washed before reloading. The mixer shall be rotated at
a speed recommended by the mixer manufacturer, and mixing shall be continued for at least one and one
half minutes after all the materials are in the mixer.
4. Concrete shall be mixed only in such quantities as are required for immediate use, and shall be placed in
forms as soon as practicable after mixing. Concrete that has been mixed and re- tempered by adding water
or other materials or to which an excess amount of water has been added, shall be rejected.
5. The Contractor shall also inform engineer what alternative suppliers are available to him if the approval of
the source referred to above has to be withdrawn by engineer during the currency of the Contract.
6. The delivery ticket required for each load of ready-mixed concrete shall, in addition to the information
prescribed under ASTM C33, detail:
a) the type and nominal maximum size of aggregate, b)
the type or name and proportion of any admixture, c) the
actual cementitious content,
d) the position of the concrete in the Work.
e) the time when water was introduced into the mixed concrete. f) the
time when the concrete mix was deposited.
7. All delivery tickets shall be kept at the Site and shall be made available for inspection by
engineer.
CONCRETE MIXES
1. Ready mixed concrete mixes shall conform to ASTM C94. The mix design shall be submitted to MWC for
codifying at least fifteen (15) days prior to placing concrete or before the start of concrete production.
Concrete design mix shall be done by weight. Contractor shall submit test certificates of aggregates.
2. Further information specified in the procedures to be used in producing and transporting concrete shall be
given to engineer at appropriate times.
3. The use of site produced concrete shall, in general, be allowable. The tenderer shall submit details of any
proposals he may have, together with his tender.
4. Unless otherwise described in the Contract, the cementitious content of concrete shall not exceed 300
3
kg/m . In any structural member, the maximum water/cement ratio 0.55. Concrete in members of
structures that are to retain an aqueous liquid shall have a maximum free water/cement ratio of 0.40 or as
specified in clause 5.5.4 of the National Structural Code
of the Philippines.
5. The maximum size of aggregate in any structural member shall not exceed 25% of the minimum
thickness of the member with an upper limit of 20 mm, unless described otherwise in the supplementary
document.

6. The frequency of sampling shall, except otherwise described in the Contract, be as follows:
Type of Structure Sample to represent
3
A Volume of (m )

Critical Structures 10
Intermediate Structures 50
Heavy Concrete Construction 100
MORTAR MIXES
1. Mortar shall be mixed only as and when required in the relevant proportions indicated in the following table,
until its color and consistency are uniform. The constituent materials shall be accurately gauged, allowance
being made for bulking of sand.

Nominal Mix by Volume

Cement: lime Cement: Sand Class Masonry
Class Putty: Sand with Plasticizer Cement: Sand
1 1
1:0 to ¼:3 1:2- / to2 3 M5 1:2 to22- /
1 1 1 1
M1 1: / :42to 4- / 2 1:3 to 4 M6 2 1:2- 2/ to 3- /
M2 1:1:5 to 6 1:5 to 6 M7 1:4:5
1 1
M3 1:2:8 to 9 1:7 to 8 M8 1:5- /2 to 6- /2
M4
 2. All mortar shall be conveyed fresh to the work as required for use. Mortar which has begun to set or which
has been site-mixed for a period of more than one hour in the case of Classes M1, M2, M5 and M6, and two
hours in the case of Classes M3, M4, M7 and M8 shall not be used.
3. Mortar for making good holes cut through existing concrete walls shall be Class M2, with the addition of an
epoxy compound, mixed in accordance with the manufacturer‟s instructions. Alternatively, a proprietary
ready mixed epoxy mortar may be used. In either case, the Contractor shall provide full details of his
proposal to engineer for review.
4. Non-shrink grouts and mortars shall be a ready mixed proprietary brand, mixed and used entirely in
accordance with the manufacturer‟s instructions. Full details shall be provided by the Contractor for
engineer’s review.

CEMENT GROUT
1. Cement grout shall be mixed in the relevant proportions indicated in the following table, using the minimum
quantity of water to ensure the necessary fluidity and to render it capable of penetrating the works.

Class Nominal Mix by Mass

Cement Sand

1 -
G1

G2 1 3

G3 1 10

2. Cement grout shall be used within one hour of mixing except when containing retardant admixture.
TESTING
Compressive Strength Tests
1. Where trial mixes are required, three separate batches of concrete shall be made using materials typical of
the proposed source of supply and, where practicable, under full scale production conditions. The
suitability of the proposed mix proportions to meet the specified strength shall be determined in accordance
with ASTM C31 and C39.
2. The workability of each of the trial batches shall be determined and three cylinders made from each
batch for test at 28 days.
3. Additional sets of cylinders from each batch may be required for tests at an earlier age.
4. The suitability of the proposed mix proportions to meet the specified maximum free water/cementitious ratio
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C31 and C39.

Slump Test

5. Engineer will make a slump test from each batch of concrete at the time of its being placed in position, in
accordance with ASTM C143.
6. The Contractor shall provide the required labour, materials, and equipment to assist in making
slump tests.

POROUS NO-FINES CONCRETE

1. The proportions of aggregate, cement and water shall be determined by trial mixes, starting with a cement
aggregate ratio of 1:8 by volume and a water/cement ratio of 0.45 weight. The trial mix shall be
considered suitable when all the aggregate particles are coated with a shining film of cement grout.
The water content shall be just adequate to ensure that the cement paste completely coats the
aggregate. The concrete, when placed shall maintain large voids with no layers of laitance.
2. To prevent unsatisfactory mixing of the cement half the water is to be placed in the mixer first followed by the
aggregate and then the cement. The remainder of the water is to be added after the aggregate and
cement have been partly mixed. No-fines concrete shall not be mixed by hand. Vibration shall not be
used to compact the concrete. Three test cylinders of no-fines concrete shall be made of each trial mix
and a further three cylinders made of the
2
chosen mix. The minimum strength of the chosen mix shall be 2.75 N/mm at twenty eight days.
2
3. Following the successful testing of the trial mixes, a sample specimen, not less than 1.22 m in area and of
the thickness of the permanent work of no-fines concrete, shall be made and subjected to a porosity test.
The method of testing shall be to egnineer’s satisfaction and the test carried out in the presence of
engineer The test shall be considered satisfactory if the head loss through the specimen floor does not
exceed 0.03 m of water at a rate of flow of 200 liters per square metre per hour. If this head loss is
exceeded, the no-fines concrete mix shall be redesigned to engineer’s approval and further tests
performed.
4. No-fines concrete shall not be placed in the Work until the results of the trial mixes and of the porosity test,
have been approved by engineer.
5. The concrete shall be cured for fourteen days and, before further concrete is poured against the no-fines
concrete, 1000 gauge polythene sheeting shall be placed over the no-fines to prevent the sealing of the
voids by the cement paste of the newly poured concrete.
 6. When no-fines have been cast in position, the Contractor shall ensure that all surfaces are kept clean. Any
area that, in engineer’s opinion, has become so contaminated that it would not perform its function as a
drainage layer shall be removed and replaced.
7. When the polythene sheeting is laid, the Contract shall take all precautions to prevent damage to
the sheeting by the movement of plant, equipment, labour, etc. Any damage shall be made good, to
engineer’s satisfaction.
8. Aggregates for no-fines‟ shall be rounded gravel. Limestone aggregates shall not be
permitted.
AIR-ENTRAINED CONCRETE
1. Where air-entrained concrete is required, it shall have an average air content by volume of the fresh
concrete at the time of placing in accordance with ASTM C260.

CHLORIDE CONTENT

1. Calcium chloride or admixtures containing calcium chloride shall not be used in the production of
concrete.
WORKABILITY
1. Workability of fresh concrete shall be such that the concrete can be handled and placed without
segregation and, after compaction, can completely fill the formwork and surround all reinforcement and
ducts.
2. The quantity of water used shall not exceed that required to produce a concrete with appropriate
workability to be placed and compacted in the required location.
TRANSPORTING, PLACING AND COMPACTING
1. Concrete shall be transported from the mixer and placed in the Work as rapidly as practicable by methods
which will prevent the segregation or loss of any of the ingredients and will maintain the required
workability. It shall be deposited as nearly as practicable in its final position and all equipment for
transporting concrete shall be kept clean. No concrete shall be placed until the depth and character of the
foundation, the adequacy of the forms and falsework and the placement of the steel reinforcement of
embedded items have been inspected and approved by engineer. Before depositing concrete, all debris,
foreign matter, dirt and water shall be removed from the forms and the surface of any concrete
previously placed, such as a manhole base or horizontal construction joint shall be cleaned and then
brushed with cement paste.
2. The Contractor shall give three working days notice to engineer of its intention to commence concreting.
3. Concrete shall be thoroughly compacted in its final position within 30 minutes of discharge from the mixer,
unless carried in purpose-made agitators operating continuously, when the time shall be within 2 hours of
the introduction of the cement to the mix and within 30 minutes of the discharge from the agitator.
4. The plant used for compaction shall be operated continuously during the placing of each batch of
concrete until the expulsion of air has virtually ceased, and in a manner which does not promote
segregation of the ingredients.
5. Whenever vibration has to be applied externally, the design of formwork and disposition of vibrators shall be
as such to ensure efficient compaction and to avoid blemishes.
6. Concrete shall be placed in a continuous operation and compacted in layers not exceeding
400mm thick, such that no concrete is deposited on concrete which has hardened sufficiently to cause the
formation of seams or planes of weakness within the section.
7. Concrete shall be placed during daytime as far as practicable except with the consent of engineer. If
permission has been obtained by the Contractor to carry-on working during nighttime, an adequate
lighting system must be provided. Fast flowing water shall not be permitted to flow over the surface of
fresh concrete within four days after placement.
8. When troughs and chutes are used in placing concrete, their angle of inclination with respect to the
horizontal should not exceed 30 degrees. When pipe is used, it shall be kept full of concrete with its
discharge end submerged.
9. Concrete shall not be allowed to drop into place from a height exceeding one-and-one-half
(1-1/2) meter inside forms for walls nor from a height exceeding two (2) meters on floor slabs.
10. The addition of water after batching to compensate for stiffening of the concrete before placing will
not be permitted.
11. Outdoors concreting shall not be started during rain. If concreting is already in progress, it shall be
suspended if the rain adversely affects the quality of the placed concrete.
Pumped Concrete
12. Positive displacement pumping or other approved methods may be used to place concrete in locations
approved by engineer. The type and arrangement of equipment shall be subject for approval by engineer,
and the equipment shall be operated only by experienced persons. Pneumatic placing shall not be allowed.
If in the opinion of engineer, the pumped concrete does not produce satisfactory end results, the Contractor
shall discontinue the pumping operation and proceed with placing of concrete using conventional methods.
13. The equipment and its method of operation shall allow the concrete to enter the forms at a low velocity.
14. Concrete pumps and auxiliary equipment shall be in good condition and shall be maintained as such
throughout. Thorough washing down of all parts that come in contact with concrete shall be performed
after each concreting operation.
15. Aluminum conduits for conveying the concrete shall not be permitted.
16. The minimum conduit size shall be 100mm diameter.

CONCRETE TEMPERATURE
1. The resultant temperature of the combined materials in any batch of concrete at the point and time of delivery
0 0
to the Work shall not exceed 6 C above the prevailing shade temperature, when the latter is over 21 C.
2. The Contractor shall not permit any cement to come into contact with water at a temperature greater than
0
60 C.
 0
3. Where the temperature of the fresh concrete is likely to exceed 32 C, concreting shall not be permitted
unless measures are taken to keep the temperature below the level.

PROTECTION AND CURING

1. Careful attention shall be given to the proper curing and protection of all new concrete. This work shall be
protected from the elements, fast flowing water and from defacement. Concrete shall be cured for a
period not less than that given in the following table by methods that shall ensure that cracking, distortion
and efflorescence are minimized:

Type of Structure Curing Time (Days)

Vertical Walls And Roof

Slabs/Beams And Column 14

Thrust Blocks 7

Bedding Concrete 3

Supporting for Existing Concrete 14

Other Minor Structures 7

Pavement Surfaces 14

NOTE: Thrust Blocks and Bedding Concrete may be backfilled after concrete has hardened
sufficiently to permit removal of forms, but pipes cannot be filled with water until 7 days have passed.
2. Components which are intended to have a similar exposed surface finish shall receive the same treatment.
3. Care shall be taken not to disturb the concrete by direct or indirect loading, striking of forms or otherwise,
until it has hardened sufficiently.
4. Construction loads shall not be allowed on beams, decks or slabs until the concrete has attained its
designed strength, nor shall the Contractor impose loading exceeding the design loading.
5. Defective concrete where it occurs shall be cut out to a minimum depth of 25mm, and brushed with
neat cement grout, then filled with mortar in the proportion of 1 part cement and
2-1/2 parts sand with a minimum of water.
6. Mortar in large patches shall be applied and allowed to assume partial set following which it shall be struck
off flush with the adjoining surface. Patches shall be made when the concrete is not exposed to direct
sunlight and kept moist for several days to ensure proper curing.
7. Mortar for filling form tie recesses shall be mixed to a slightly damp consistency, pressed into the recess,
and troweled smooth.
Water Curing
8. Concrete shall be moist cured by maintaining all surfaces wet continuously (not periodically) for the
duration of the entire curing period or until covered with fresh concrete. Wooden forms shall be wetted
immediately after concrete has been poured and shall be kept wet with water until removed. Water for
curing shall be free from any elements which will cause staining or discoloration of the concrete.
Curing With Moist Earth
9. Encasement concrete and thrust blocks may be cured by this method, in lieu of the burlap method. The
surface shall be covered with moist earth minimum 0.15 meter thick, for not less than four (4) hours and
not more than twenty four (24) hours after the concrete is placed.
RECORDS OF CONCRETE
1. The Contractor shall keep up to date records of the dates and times when concreting is carried and of
the water and temperatures at those times. The records shall be supplied to engineer every week.

CONSTRUCTION OF FORMWORK
1. Formwork shall be sufficiently rigid and tight to prevent loss of mortar from the concrete and to maintain the
correct position, shape and dimensions of the finished work. It shall be so constructed as to be removable
from the cast concrete without shock or damage.
2. The forms shall be capable of producing a consistent quality of surface as described in the
Contract.
3. Where holes are required in forms to accommodate projecting reinforcement, fixing devices or other built-
in items, precautions shall be taken to prevent loss of mortar matrix.
4. Formwork shall give access for the preparation of joint surfaces before the concrete has hardened.
5. For the purpose of compliance with the provision of Clause 4.14, the Contractor‟s method of constructing
formwork shall allow for props to soffit forms to remain in position continuously for the period described.
6. Unless described otherwise all exposed vertical and horizontal ariser shall be finished with a
25 mm x 25 mm chamber, with the exception of :- weir tops, sheer nosings, and horizontal arriser
abutting flooring, covers or stair heads.
CLEANING AND TREATMENT OF FORMS
1. The interiors of all forms shall be thoroughly cleaned before any concrete is placed. The faces of the
forms in contact with the concrete shall be clean and treated with a suitable release agent, where
applicable.
2. Where a concrete surface is to be permanently exposed, only one release agent shall be used
throughout the entire area. Release agent shall be applied evenly and contact with reinforcement and
other embedded items shall be avoided. Where the concrete surface is to receive an applied finish, care
shall be taken to ensure the compatibility of the release agent with the finish.
 STRIPPING OF FORMWORK
1. Formwork shall be removed without shock or disturbance of the concrete and shall be in accordance with
ACI-347.
2. Formwork to vertical surfaces or sloping formwork not supporting concrete in flexure shall not be removed
until, the concrete strength shall be sufficient to meet any wind loading upon the concrete likely to arise at
the time when the formwork is removed; and
a) the concrete strength (as confirmed by tests on cylinders cured under representative conditions) has
2
reached 5 N/mm or;
b) for concrete containing Portland cement only, in the absence of cylinder test results, a minimum period
0
shall have elapsed since the concrete was poured equivalent to 11 hours at 15 C for unsealed
0
plywood forms, or 8 hours at 15 C for impermeable forms.
3. Formwork supporting concrete in flexure shall not be removed until concrete strength (as confirmed by
tests on cylinders) has reached adequate strength to support its own weight plus any additional loads on
it.
4. The Contractor shall give adequate notice to engineer of his intention to strike formwork.

SLOPING FORMWORK
0
1. Top formwork shall be provided to surfaces with a slopes of 30 or more from the horizontal.

CUTTING AND BENDING OF REINFORCEMENT

1. Cutting and bending of reinforcement shall be in accordance with ASTM A615 and shall be done without
0
the application of heat and in a temperature of not less than 5 C. Bends shall have a substantially
constant curvature.
2. Reinforcement shall not be straightened or re-bent without the approval of engineer. If permission
is given to bend projecting reinforcement, care shall be taken not to damage the concrete and to ensure
that the radius is not less than the minimum specified in ASTM A615.

FIXING OF REINFORCEMENT
1. Reinforcement shall be firmly supported in position and secured against displacement.
2. Non-structural connections for the positioning of reinforcement shall be made with tying wire or other fixing
devices. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that projecting ends or ties or clips do not encroach into the
concrete cover.
3. The concrete cover shall be not less than the required cover minus 5 mm and where
reinforcement is located in relation to only one face of a member, not more than the required cover plus:
5 mm for bars up to and including 12 mm size
10 mm for bars over 12 mm up to and including 25 mm size
15 mm for bars over 25 mm size

SURFACE CONDITION OF REINFORCEMENT

1. Concrete shall not be placed until reinforcement is free from any substance, which might adversely affect
the steel or concrete chemically or reduce the bond.
2. Reinforcement which is to remain exposed for future extension of the work shall be coated with cement
grout.

LAPS AND JOINTS

1. Laps and joints in reinforcement shall be made only at the positions described in the Contract or as agreed
by engineer.

WELDING OR REINFORCEMENT
1. Reinforcement shall not be welded on site except where described in or permitted under the
Contract. All welding procedures shall be subject to the prior approval of MWC in writing.

BUILT-IN ITEMS
1. Where pipes, sleeves, water stops or other items are built into concrete, they shall be rigidly secured in
position to prevent movement and shall be free from external coatings which might reduce the bond. The
Contractor shall take precautions to prevent the formation of air pockets, voids or other defects while the
concrete is being placed.

CONSTRUCTION JOINTS
1. Except where construction joints in concrete are described in the contract, the Contractor shall obtain
engineer’s approval to the positions and details of such joints before any work is commence.
2. Joint lines shall be arranged to coincide wherever possible with features of the finished work.
3. Concreting shall be carried out continuously up to construction joints. No concrete shall be placed against
in-situ concrete that has been in position for more than 30 minutes, unless a construction joint is formed.

4. Concrete shall not be allowed to taper off to a thickness of less than 50 mm. Vertical joints shall be
formed against a stop board suitably notched to accommodate the reinforcement. The top surface of
each lift of concrete shall be straight and level unless described otherwise in the Contract.
5. Where kicker is used, it shall be at least 70 mm high and shall be incorporated with the previous concrete.
6. The surface of any concrete against which new concrete is to be cast shall be free from laitance and shall
be roughened to the extent that the large aggregate is exposed but not disturbed. The joint surface shall
be cleaned immediately before the fresh concrete is placed against it.
7. Where practicable, such preparation of joints shall be carried out when the concrete has set but not
hardened.
 8. Sample of water stops shall be submitted for approval.

SURFACE FINISHES PRODUCED WITHOUT FORMWORK

Screeded Finish
1. The concrete shall be leveled and screeded to produce a uniform plain or ridged surface as required. No
further work shall be applied to the surface unless it is a first stage for a Wood Float or Steel Trowel Finish
Wood Float Finish
2. The screeded finish shall be wood floated under light pressure to eliminate surface irregularities.
Steel Trowel Finish
3. When the moisture film has disappeared and the concrete has hardened sufficiently to prevent
laitance from being worked to the surface, the surface to the Wood Float Finish shall be steel-trowel under
firm pressure to produce a dense, smooth, uniform surface free from trowel marks.
4. Where the type of finish is not given it shall be Wood Float Finish.

SURFACE FINISHES PRODUCED WITH FORMWORK Rough Finish

1. This finish shall be obtained by the use of moulds or properly designed forms of closely jointed sawn
boards. The surface shall be free from substantial voids, honeycombing or other large blemishes.
Fair Finish
2. This finish shall be obtained from forms designed to produce a hard smooth surface with true, clean arises.
Only very minor surface blemishes shall be permitted and there shall be no staining or discoloration. Any
projections shall be removed and the surface made good.
Fair Worked Finish
3. This finish shall be obtained by first producing a Fair Finish and filing all surface blemishes with fresh,
specially prepared cement and fine aggregate paste while the concrete is still green. After the
concrete has been properly cured, the faces shall be rubbed down if required, to produce a smooth
and even surface. If the surface is to be exposed in the final work, every effort shall be made to match the
color of the concrete.

TIE BOLTS FOR FORMWORK

1. Only tie bolts which avoid embedding any metal parts permanently within 50 mm of the concrete surface
shall be permitted. Voids remaining after the removal of all part of each tie bolt shall be filled flush with
the surrounding concrete using a freshly prepared cement and
fine aggregate paste. In the case of structures designed to retain an aqueous liquid, the Contractor
shall ensure that the measures adopted shall not impair the water tightness of the structure.
TOLERANCE FOR CONCRETE SURFACES
1. Concrete surfaces in the final work shall have no abrupt irregularities to an extent observable by eye.
Subject to retaining the required concrete cover to reinforcement, other deviations from the surfaces
described in the Contract shall be no more than the following possible amounts:

Type of Finish Deviation from Line, Level, Vertically Cross

Sectional Dimension or Length (mm)

Screeded or Rough 10

Any Other 5

MARKING OF PRECAST CONCRETE COMPONENTS

1. Where appropriate, indelible identification and orientation marks shall put on all precast concrete
components in such a position that the marks shall not show or exposed in the finished work.

CONCRETE CAST AGAINST ROCK

1. Rock surfaces against which concrete is to be placed shall be clean and free from oil, standing or
running water, mud, loose rock, objectionable coating, debris, and loose or unsound fragments.
2. Immediately before concrete is placed, all surfaces shall be cleaned thoroughly by the use of high velocity
air-water jets, brooming, wet sand blasting, bush-hammering, or other satisfactory means is including
combinations of the above.
3. Rock surfaces against which concrete is to be placed shall be kept wet for at least 12 hours during the 24
hour period prior to placing concrete and shall be in a damp condition at the time of placing, with all
pools of water removed.

CONCRETE CAST AGAINST PREVIOUSLY PLACED CONCRETE

1. Before any concrete is cast against previously placed concrete, the surface of the old concrete shall
be prepared as described in this Specification. When placing wall concrete on top of footings or other
horizontal joints, a 9.5mm maximum size gravel concrete mix with the same compressive strength as the
regular concrete mix shall be placed for a height of 0.15 meter from the footing or horizontal joint.

Repair of Defective Concrete

2. As soon as forms are removed, all surfaces shall be carefully examined and any irregularities shall be
immediately rubbed or ground in a satisfactory manner in order to secure smooth, uniform and continuous
surface. Plastering or coating of surfaces to produce a smooth surface will not be permitted. No repair
shall be made until after inspection by MWC, and then only in strict accordance with his directions.
 Concrete containing voids, holes, honeycombing, or similar depression defects, shall be completely
removed and replaced; provided that where required or approved by MWC, defects shall be repaired with
gunite or with cement mortar placed by an approved compressed air mortar gun. In no case will
extensive patching of honey-combed concrete be permitted. All repairs and replacements herein specified
shall be promptly executed by the Contractor at his own expense.
3. Defective surfaces to be repaired shall be cut back from true line a minimum depth of 15mm over the entire
area. Feathered edges shall be avoided. Where cutting and chipping is required to remove all laitance
or soft materials, the surface shall be wetted sufficiently in advance before shooting with gunite or with
cement mortar. While the repair material is being applied, the surface under repair will remain moist but not
so wet as to overcome the suction upon which a good bond depends. The material to be used for repair
purposes shall have the same sand, cement and air proportions as the mortar in the mix of the concrete to
be repaired.
4. Surfaces of repaired concrete shall receive the same kind and amount of curing treatment as required for
the surrounding concrete.
5. The use of a well-established brand of epoxy mortar for the repair of concrete will be allowed only with the
prior consent of engineer. The method of repair shall follow the manufacturer‟s instructions.

6. Stains and discoloration of exposed concrete surfaces shall be removed in a manner approved by
engineer.

Splicing
7. Steel reinforcement shall not be spliced at points other than those shown on the Drawings.
Lapping length requirements shall be as shown on the Drawings. When it becomes necessary to move
the position of such splices, the new position and the type of splice shall be subject to the approval of
engineer.
8. Welded splices, if acceptable to engineer, shall conform to the requirements of ACI 318 and all
welding shall be done in accordance with the “Reinforcing Steel Welding Code” (AWS D12.1).

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
1. Acceptance criteria is outlined in ASTM C-94 (Sections 16 and 17) and ACI Code of Practice
214. Concrete which achieves the required compressive strength will be accepted as satisfactory
for payment provided placement, finish and tolerance meet the specified requirements.
2. Concrete may be accepted if the average of the test results indicates a deficiency of not more than fifteen
percent (15%) provided further that no individual test is deficient by more than fifteen percent (15%) of the
required strength subject to cost reduction in accordance with the following schedule:
Percent (%) Deficiency Percent (%) of Unit
In Average Strength Price Reduction

Less than 3 0

3 to less than 5 15

5 to less than 10 30

10 to 15 40

more than 15 100

3. Concrete represented by test results wherein the average strength indicated a deficiency of not more than
fifteen percent (15%) but with an individual test that is deficient by more than fifteen percent (15%) will
not be eligible for payment but may be accepted or ordered replaced at the discretion of engineer.
4. Concrete represented by compressive strength tests which fail to achieve the required strength as
specified shall be liable to rejection and subsequent removal and replacement.
5. The Contractor may be given the opportunity by engineer to verify the strength of the concrete based on
tests results of diamond drill core samples cut from the suspect concrete.
6. Such core samples shall be taken and tested in accordance with ASTM C 42 except that they shall have an
L/D ratio of not less than 1.25 prior to capping for testing. All core samples so tested shall be water cured
for a minimum of 24 hours prior to testing and shall be tested in a saturated state.
7. Rebound Hammer Tests (ASTM C 805) may be carried out by the Contractor prior to drilling core samples
from suspect concrete but the results of such rebound tests will not be used as basis for acceptance or non-
acceptance of the concrete.
8. All cost associated with the cutting, preparing and testing of diamond drill core samples will be borne by
the Contractor. Acceptance of the suspect concrete and subsequent payment for the concrete be based
on the result of such tests.